Theology / Basic Reformed Theology

  • What is Free Will?

    Romans 7:19

    Paul describes in today’s passage that even those regenerated by the Spirit face a conflict of desires. If we believe in God’s promises, we have a new disposition, but sometimes our old sinful nature raises its ugly head ...Read More

  • God’s Sovereignty

    Exodus 33:19B

    Arminians must admit that if God provides a mere offer for salvation, there is a chance no one would ever believe and be saved. But this contradicts Scripture, for the Bible says the Messiah will see the successful results of ...Read More

  • A Received Doctrine

    Romans 8:29–30

    Regardless of the position we take on election, Dr. R.C. Sproul reminds us that the debate between Augustinianism and semi-Pelagianism is an intramural debate between Christians. Therefore, we must treat with respect and charity all those holding to the ...Read More

  • Securing Our Faith, III

    Matthew 1:18–21

    Whenever we are faced with competing options in theology, it is helpful to consider which view gives more glory to God. Generally speaking, Arminian theology exalts the will of man, while Calvinism desires to elevate the glory and sovereignty of ...Read More

  • Securing Our Faith, II

    1 John 2:1–2

    One of the lessons we can learn from those who use passages like 1 Timothy 2:4 and 1 John 2:1–2 to deny particular redemption is the need to study passages in their context. If these texts are ...Read More

  • Securing Our Faith, I

    John 17:9

    God designed the atonement to pay only for the sins of the elect. This is an incredible proposition to many in the evangelical world. However, when we look at the Lord’s determination to save His people throughout the course ...Read More

  • Examples of Faith, Part II

    Hebrews 11:24–12:2

    Around the world, many worship in fear of the government killing them for their faith. If that is your situation, continue holding fast to God’s promises. In other places, standing for Jesus may mean befriending the social pariah, disciplining ...Read More

  • Now to Him

    Jude 24–25

    God’s ability to keep His people from falling away is a source of profound comfort to believers. However, we must not think we can be passive with respect to our salvation. Though our efforts do not merit God’s ...Read More

  • His Annointing

    1 John 2:26–27

    The apostle Paul tells us that there are many varieties of gifts but one Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4). While the Holy Spirit dwells in all Christians, His various gifts show that He does not manifest Himself the same way ...Read More

  • From the Beginning

    1 John 2:24–25

    As Christians we must ever be aware of the old, fleshly nature that is always trying to draw us away from life in the Spirit. One of the ways this happens is through doubts about Jesus and the authority of ...Read More

  • They Went Out From Us

    1 John 2:18–19

    Though verse 19 refers to the false teachers who left John’s audience, all those who permanently abandon the biblical Christ exhibit solidarity with false teaching and thus display that they also never had true faith. True believers will not ...Read More

  • The Lord is Patient

    2 Peter 3:9–10

    The call to repent before it is too late should never make us think that God’s election will fail to accomplish its purposes. However, the elect will never presume upon the grace and patience of God but will lead ...Read More

  • In Their Greed

    2 Peter 2:2–3

    Though fallen men will look for any excuse to malign the way of Christ, Christians must remember not to give extra cause for them to do this. And though most of us will probably never be guilty of intentionally spreading ...Read More

  • A Helpful Reminder

    2 Peter 1:12

    Scripture emphasizes both the importance of remembering basic Christian doctrines (1 Peter 2:2–3) as well as the need to build upon them (Heb. 6:1–2). We must continually seek to grow in our knowledge of the Savior ...Read More

  • Make Your Election Sure

    2 Peter 1:10–11

    John Calvin reminds us that “purity of life is not improperly called the evidence and proof of election, by which the faithful may not only testify to others that they are the children of God, but also confirm themselves in ...Read More