"Why Do You Believe Reformed Theology?"
Saturday, April 12, 2008
"Why Do You Believe Reformed Theology?" The short answer is that it's because I'm elect. I don't know how else to put it. If someone believes Reformed Theology sincerely, I'm not sure how they couldn't be. To say that it's not exactly the most entertaining, attractive "theology" to the carnal mind is an understatement. God's sovereign grace and His providence is the only explanation I can offer for that. I'm asked often if I know of a good, concise presentation not of the 5 points of Calvinism necessarily, but why I believe the doctrines of grace are what the Scriptures teach. Years ago, these mp3s were the two that turned me on to reformed theology. Before I was dilly-dallying around with KJVO and basically what was a mix of Arminianism and Pelagianism. (For those who believe the doctrines of grace and know what those two are, I'm sure you're saying "Amen" that God delivered me from that. The "as were some of you..." verse rings clear to me when I think back to those times.) God has used James White mightily in my life and in the lives of many. His uncompromising view of Scripture is welcomed by only those who believe that Scripture trumps tradition whether it be Roman Catholic, KJVO, or, as recent times has shown us, seeker-sensitive. These two mp3s will explain to you in a very large part why I believe Reformed Theology to be the true exposition of Scripture.
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2 comments:
Lane,
I will listen to these sermons but want to ask you to pray for me. I am up in years and find it hard in my mind to believe that God chose some and then chose not others? I always believed that God's grace enabled all sinners to be able to accept or reject the Son of God? I just can't conceive the thought that God is "Just" and yet the masses don't have a chance if they are not chosen? It actually makes me angry. I love my Lord and I want to know the truth but this is really a struggle for me.
I certainly will. I remember how hard I struggled with these concepts when I first learned of them, too. The thing about Reformed Theology is that it's pretty easy to understand the concepts, but it's hard to accept that it's reality. I listened to this by Phil Johnson the other day. He speaks about the struggles he had when he was first coming to Reformed Theology. It is really a blessing to hear.
As far as the notion that God may be unjust with this system, what convinced me that he wouldn't be is the fact that everyone has sinned against God. The thing that may really bring this home for you is answering this question: Does anyone deserve grace? Is grace from the one that we've all sinned against something that we deserve. If so, then it could put God in an unjust light since he's willfully withholding something that is rightfully everyone's. If not, then how would it be unjust to share undeserved, unmerited grace with those whom he chooses to have mercy upon? (Rom 9:15) The answer to that question may open up this for you, too. Again, you're in my prayers. Take care.
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