THE BIBLE TEACHES - Song of Solomon 2:1
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.”
FIVE POINTS OF BIBLE TEACHING = ‘R.O.S.E.S.’
Real Sinfulness
MANY CONTEMPORARY CHURCHES TEACH 'T.U.L.I.P.' The majority of Christian churches teach this or some adaptation of it, such as 'Once saved, always saved.'
The original sin of Adam and Eve has left its mark on all, and all humans are born with tendencies to sin. The image of God in mankind has been marred, but not totally destroyed. The prevenient grace (God's whisper in our hearts) of God is given to all persons everywhere, but God’s saving grace can be refused by a stubborn heart. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God." Romans 6:23; Galatians 3:22
Overcoming Grace
Grace is extended to everyone, in all ages, to all nations, languages, and peoples. The opportunity is there for anyone to repent, to accept and trust Christ and be saved. The grace of Christ is open to all humans everywhere and is limited only by our refusal to be saved. The sacrifice on the cross of Calvary is sufficient for all. Jesus came for and died for all sinners, and it is up to each individual to accept or reject this gift of forgiveness and mercy. Salvation is by grace through faith in this miraculous gift of Jesus. Matthew 28:18-20;
Ephesians 2:8, 9.
Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Complete atonement is available to all through the shed blood of Christ. His blood was shed for all men, women, boys and girls. Before the foundation of the world God elected all to salvation but many refuse His offer. Every person has the free will that God respects and has the privilege of refusing or accepting the offer of new life. John 3:16, 17; Romans 2:11-16; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Hebrews 3:15
Eternal Life
The Gospel of Christ is preached to all the world. The Word of God, the Church, Christian Missions, all are given as invitations to the whole World. God is neither a dictator nor man a victim. God did not predestine anyone arbitrarily unto salvation and others to destruction.
John 3:15; John 5:29; Jude 1:20, 21
The security of every believer rests with each individual to make sure that they remain in a state of grace by keeping up their faith; those who fail could fall away and are lost. Ecclesiastes 12:1; Luke 9:23; 1 Corinthians 9:27;
1 Corinthians 15:31
Security in Jesus Christ
Total Depravity
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistable Grace
Preservation of the Saints
MATTHEW 28: 19-20
“Jesus said, go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age.”
Original sin is a genetic defect that we all share. Each person inherits Adam’s real guilt. You are counted guilty at birth already. Fallen man in his natural state lacks all power to believe the Gospel, just as he lacks all power to believe the law, despite all external inducements that may be extended to him. As a result of this corruption, man is enslaved to sin, rebellious and hostile toward God, blind to truth, and unable to save himself or even prepare himself for salvation.
God’s election is a predetermined and unconditional choice of sinners, as sinners, to be redeemed by Christ, given faith, and brought to glory. Election means ‘choice.’ It is God's choice from eternity past whom He will bring to Himself. This is not based on any virtue, merit, or faith in the persons He chooses but rather is unconditionally grounded in God's own sovereign decision.
Christ as Redeemer came only to save His elect. Since in this system God knows precisely who the elect are and since only the elect will be saved, there is no requirement that Christ atone for sins in general, only for those of the elect. The atonement is limited in the sense that it is designed for some and not all.
The work of the Holy Spirit in bringing men to faith never fails to achieve its object. The Holy Spirit is able to overcome all resistance and make His influence irresistible and effective. Thus, when God sovereignly purposes to save someone, that individual cannot resist and will certainly be saved.
Believers are kept in faith and grace by the unconquerable power of God till they come to glory. Since God is sovereign and His will cannot be frustrated by human will or anything else, those whom God has called into communion with himself will continue in faith until the end. Those who apparently fall away either never had true faith to begin with or will turn again.
THE ABC OF THE GOSPEL
All have sinned and come short of the
glory of God - Romans 3:23
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away
the sin of the world - John 1:29
Come to Me, you who labor and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest – Matt. 11:28
GOD GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY AND FREEDOM TO MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICE!