The Minister advises a young Christian on strengthening faith. He recommends exercising existing faith, praying for its increase, diligently hearing and reading the Bible, and receiving the sacrament regularly. He explains that while these means won’t independently generate or enhance faith, the Spirit of God works through them. The young Christian resolves to diligently use these means for greater faith.… Read More How To Strengthen Your Faith
The sovereignty of God is displayed in the diverse effects of the application of the gospel, showing His absolute freedom and control. The gospel’s impact varies, with some immediately responding, others taking longer, and still only hardening others. This demonstrates God’s dominion in guiding and determining the outcomes—highlighting the need for our humble acceptance, gratitude, and reliance on Christ for His sovereignty and grace.… Read More God’s Sovereignty & the Means of Grace
The holiness of God is not tarnished by His withdrawing of grace from sinful creatures, leading them to further sin. God’s withholding of grace is a negative act, leaving man to his natural inclination towards sin. God is not obligated to continue his grace after it has been repeatedly refused or abused.… Read More Theodicy & God’s Restraining Grace
God ordains all events freely and unchangeably, without authoring sin or impeding free will. God’s concurring power sustains and governs all actions without tainting His holiness. Actions are distinct from their sinfulness, and God’s concurrence with the substance of an action does not corrupt His nature. Actions have separate causes from their sinfulness, and God’s intention differs from man’s intention.… Read More Theodicy & The Concurrence of Primary & Secondary Causes
God’s holiness is not tainted by his permitting of sin. Although God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, he does not will or cause sin. God allows sin to occur for a greater purpose, namely the manifestation of his own glory through the triumph of grace over sin in Christ. God’s permission is not the cause of sin, but rather a means to demonstrate his wisdom and goodness.… Read More Theodicy & God’s Permission of Sin
Stephen Charnock discusses God’s holiness and reprobation, arguing that God’s decision to leave some in sin is not the cause of their wickedness. He emphasizes that God’s actions are in line with justice and are not repugnant to his holiness. Charnock also highlights God’s sovereignty and goodness in bestowing grace as a free gift.… Read More Theodicy & God’s Decree of Reprobation
God’s holiness is not blemished by enjoining man a law, which He knew he would not observe. Man was created with the ability to obey God’s law. God’s prescience is His prevision of things arising from their proper causes, and it does not take away Adam’s free choice. Man is responsible for his own sin.… Read More Theodicy & God’s Foreknowledge of Sin
The Intermediate State is a trending belief among Evangelicals, proposing that sheol/hades is a separate place for departed souls aside from Heaven and Hell. This problematic and unbiblical view lacks scriptural support, contradicts the destiny of Old Testament saints, and can lead to theological inconsistencies across doctrines like Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology. This erroneous understanding serves to reinforce additional errors and should be diligently corrected.… Read More Heaven or Hades? Old Testament Saints in the Intermediate State
Geerhardus Vos explores the meaning of Scripture’s use of the terms sheol and hades. Some argue these terms don’t refer to the place of suffering, but rather a subterranean dwelling place for all of the dead in common. Vos challenges this view, arguing that sheol/hades denotes either the place of destruction (i.e. Hell), or a general state (not place) of death. Believers find eternal blessing in Heaven, not sheol/hades. He emphasizes the need to consider context for accurate translation of these terms.… Read More What Are Sheol & Hades? | Geerhardus Vos
James Durham demonstrates that Christ acted as Intercessor before His incarnation. He outlines the differences between Christ’s intercession in the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the change in basis, relationship, manner, and impact. Old Testament saints had true consolation in Christ’s intercession for them in their life and death.… Read More Christ: The Intercessor of the Old Testament Church
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