Comparitive Theology and Comparitive Theology and World View of Christianity World View of Christianity

and World Religionsand World Religions

Key Theological QuestionsKey Theological Questions

► What is the nature of God?What is the nature of God?► What is the nature of creation/the physical What is the nature of creation/the physical

universe?universe?► What is the nature of the relationship between man What is the nature of the relationship between man

and God?and God?► Where does Jesus fit into all this (Christology)Where does Jesus fit into all this (Christology)

One Point of View:

“Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” -Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 7:13-14)

I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus of Nazareth (John 14:6)

God

Islam

Buddhism

Mysticism

Ba’hai

Another Point of View: Different Paths to the Same Goal?

Jesus Christ: “I came to testify to the truth.”

Pontius Pilate: “What is truth?”

OutlineOutline

► Theology: ideas about GodTheology: ideas about God

► World View: What is man’s place in the World View: What is man’s place in the world?world?

DefinitionsDefinitions

► Animism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which Animism: Anima = spirit. A religious system which includes the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects includes the belief that spirits inhabit inanimate objects and phenomena.and phenomena.

► Polytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe is Polytheism: Poly = many. A belief that the universe is governed by many gods.governed by many gods.

► Pantheism (monism): Pan = all. A belief that a spirit Pantheism (monism): Pan = all. A belief that a spirit fills the universe. God is the universe, and we are part fills the universe. God is the universe, and we are part of God.of God. Panentheism: God is in everything (stoicism)Panentheism: God is in everything (stoicism)

► Dualism: A belief that the universe is governed by Dualism: A belief that the universe is governed by nearly equally matched forces of good and evil. nearly equally matched forces of good and evil. (Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, Taoism)(Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, Taoism)

Definitions (cont.)Definitions (cont.)

► Deism: A belief in a distant, uninvolved God who is Deism: A belief in a distant, uninvolved God who is creator, but does not interact with his creation. creator, but does not interact with his creation. (Epicureanism)(Epicureanism)

► Monotheism: A belief that the universe is Monotheism: A belief that the universe is created/governed by a single created/governed by a single omnipotent/omniscient/omnipresent spiritual being.omnipotent/omniscient/omnipresent spiritual being.

► Asceticism: A belief that enlightenment or a close Asceticism: A belief that enlightenment or a close relationship with deity is obtained by an extreme denial relationship with deity is obtained by an extreme denial of worldly pleasures and possessions. Associated with of worldly pleasures and possessions. Associated with monasteries, monks, nuns, etc..monasteries, monks, nuns, etc..

► Mysticism: A belief which sees enlightenment and Mysticism: A belief which sees enlightenment and spiritual power coming through meditation/direct spiritual power coming through meditation/direct personal experience of God. Mystical experience may be personal experience of God. Mystical experience may be gained through use of drugs, drumming, dance, etc. A gained through use of drugs, drumming, dance, etc. A highly individualized form of religion.highly individualized form of religion.

Are all religions simply “different paths to the Are all religions simply “different paths to the same goal?same goal?

► There is some similarity between most or all religions.There is some similarity between most or all religions.

► All man-made religions contain truth.All man-made religions contain truth.

► But…. On the most basic level of theology, all other But…. On the most basic level of theology, all other religions (except Judaism?) are incommensurate with religions (except Judaism?) are incommensurate with ChristianityChristianity

► If Hinduism is right, then Jesus Christ is a deceiver and If Hinduism is right, then Jesus Christ is a deceiver and an enemy of truth.an enemy of truth.

The Bible and Other World ViewsThe Bible and Other World Views

► If Genesis 1:1 is true, then animism, polytheism, If Genesis 1:1 is true, then animism, polytheism, pantheism, dualism, naturalism, deism, pantheism, dualism, naturalism, deism, postmodernism and every other ism is false.postmodernism and every other ism is false.

► Conflicting world views cannot be accommodated Conflicting world views cannot be accommodated with one another. Biblical theism is incompatible with one another. Biblical theism is incompatible with all these other world views.with all these other world views.

B. Christianity: The Christian World ViewB. Christianity: The Christian World View

► One's world view is the One's world view is the perspective one uses to perspective one uses to process and interpret process and interpret information received about information received about the world.  the world. 

► James W. Sire put it this way, James W. Sire put it this way, "A world view is a set of "A world view is a set of presuppositions (ie. presuppositions (ie. assumptions) which we hold assumptions) which we hold about the basic makeup of about the basic makeup of our world." our world." 

►James W. Sire, James W. Sire, The Universe Next The Universe Next Door Door (InterVarsity Press, 1997)(InterVarsity Press, 1997)

A Jain World View

A “Good” World View DefinedA “Good” World View Defined

A. It is true.A. It is true. It is consistent with reality. It is consistent with reality. It is consistent with what we know to be true from experience. It It is consistent with what we know to be true from experience. It

works.works.

B. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really want B. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really want answered.answered.What is prime reality/the ultimate cause/the nature of God?) What is prime reality/the ultimate cause/the nature of God?) What is the nature of external reality-the world around us?What is the nature of external reality-the world around us?What is a human being? What is a human being? What happens to a person at death? What happens to a person at death? Why is it possible for us to know anything at all? Why is it possible for us to know anything at all? How do we know what is right and wrong? How do we know what is right and wrong? What is the meaning of human history? What is the meaning of human history? What is my purpose? What is my purpose? What is the nature of my relationship, with the "prime reality?" What is the nature of my relationship, with the "prime reality?"

C. It causes those who hold to it to be better people than C. It causes those who hold to it to be better people than they would otherwise have been if they held to competing they would otherwise have been if they held to competing alternative world views.alternative world views.

The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View

1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing 1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing (ex nihilo) and c. essentially good.(ex nihilo) and c. essentially good.

2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited 2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited to or defined by the physical reality. Human beings have a to or defined by the physical reality. Human beings have a spiritual aspect to their nature.spiritual aspect to their nature.

3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the 3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the God who reveals himself in the Bible.God who reveals himself in the Bible.

4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, 4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, The spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.The spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.

5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by 5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by certain qualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, certain qualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, God is holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and God is holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.omnipresent.

The Christian World View (cont.)The Christian World View (cont.)

6. Although all God’s creation, including the physical 6. Although all God’s creation, including the physical world is good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result world is good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result of freedom of will given to created beings and their of freedom of will given to created beings and their subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to “sin” “sin”

7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who 7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who choose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged choose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged and separated from God for eternity.and separated from God for eternity.

8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal 8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal consequences is provided by God through the consequences is provided by God through the atoning substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ.atoning substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Biblical TheologyBiblical Theology

► In the beginning God created the heavens and the In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.earth.

Genesis 1:1Genesis 1:1

► By faith we understand that the universe was formed at By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son….son….

Hindu World ViewHindu World View

► Maya. The physical world is an illusion.Maya. The physical world is an illusion.

► Brahman. Universal soul.Brahman. Universal soul.

► The goal: Nirvana; oneness with the universal soul The goal: Nirvana; oneness with the universal soul which is within yourself.which is within yourself.

► The Hindu world view has man looking inward, not The Hindu world view has man looking inward, not outward.outward.

The Four Noble Truths of SiddharthaThe Four Noble Truths of Siddhartha

► Suffering is not getting what one wants.Suffering is not getting what one wants.

► The cause of suffering is desire which leads to rebirth.The cause of suffering is desire which leads to rebirth.

► The way to end suffering is to end desire.The way to end suffering is to end desire.

► The way to the end of desire and of suffering is the The way to the end of desire and of suffering is the eight-fold path.eight-fold path.

► Buddhism encourages dispassion, not compassion.Buddhism encourages dispassion, not compassion.

The eight-fold path to The eight-fold path to bodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack of sufferingbodhi/dharma/nirvana/lack of suffering

► Right viewpoint (the four noble truths).Right viewpoint (the four noble truths).► Right values.Right values.► Right speech.Right speech.► Right actions.Right actions.► Right livelihoodRight livelihood► Right effortRight effort► Right mindfulnessRight mindfulness► Right meditationRight meditation

So, What is New Age, Really?So, What is New Age, Really?

► You are God, I am God, the trees are God, we all are You are God, I am God, the trees are God, we all are God!God!

► New Age is Western pantheismNew Age is Western pantheism

► New Age is a syncretistic blend of Gnosticism, New Age is a syncretistic blend of Gnosticism, Hinduism, Spiritualism, Mysticism, Buddhism and Hinduism, Spiritualism, Mysticism, Buddhism and Paganism.Paganism.

► New Age is Monism! God is everything I am God!!!New Age is Monism! God is everything I am God!!!

“ “Once we begin to see that we are all God, then I think the Once we begin to see that we are all God, then I think the

whole purpose of life is to re-own the God-likeness within us.”whole purpose of life is to re-own the God-likeness within us.”

Islamic Worldview:

God is very distant from mankind

In Islam, Allah determines everything, even who will choose to follow him.

2:142, 6:39 6:125

Inshallah God willing. It is God’s will that people suffer..

Islamic TheologyIslamic Theology “ “Surely good deeds take away Surely good deeds take away

evil deeds” (11:114).evil deeds” (11:114).Salvation by own effort Salvation by own effort

(40:9, 39:61, 7:43)(40:9, 39:61, 7:43) Charity atones for sinsCharity atones for sins

(2:271,277)(2:271,277)

► Earn grace.Earn grace.► Earn favor of Allah.Earn favor of Allah.► Earn salvation.Earn salvation.► Earn paradise.Earn paradise.

Salvation by own effort Salvation by own effort (40:9, 39:61, 7:43)(40:9, 39:61, 7:43)

Charity atones for sinsCharity atones for sins (2:271,277)(2:271,277)

►Earn grace.Earn grace.►Earn favor of Allah.Earn favor of Allah.►Earn salvation.Earn salvation.►Earn paradise.Earn paradise.

Islam: Salvation is earned through the efforts of those who were pre-selected by Allah to inhabit a very sensual paradise.

Christianity: Salvation is granted by the grace of a loving God to those who, through faith and repentance and baptism accept that love.

A Question: Who reaches out to whom?

InitiativeInitiative

Human approachHuman approach Truth Truth

God God GodGod

Mankind Mankind Mankind Mankind

Works Salvation: Man reaches out to God.

Islam

Hinduism

Jaina

Sikkhism

Gnosticism

New Age

Buddhism?

Salvation by Grace: God reaches out to man.

Judaism

Christianity

The Biblical World ViewThe Biblical World View

► The physical world is real and it is good. Genesis The physical world is real and it is good. Genesis 1:311:31 Only Islam agrees with this conclusion.Only Islam agrees with this conclusion.

► This world is not our home.This world is not our home.

► But, compassion… James 1:27 Micah 6:8But, compassion… James 1:27 Micah 6:8

► Christian groups are responsible for virtually all the Christian groups are responsible for virtually all the world’s efforts to deal with poverty and human world’s efforts to deal with poverty and human suffering in general and to work for social justice.suffering in general and to work for social justice.

Christianity: The Inspiration of the Bible Christianity: The Inspiration of the Bible is Confirmed By:is Confirmed By:

► Historical AccuracyHistorical Accuracy► Fulfilled ProphecyFulfilled Prophecy► Scientific AccuracyScientific Accuracy► Internal Consistency. Many authors, one theology.Internal Consistency. Many authors, one theology.► Types, prefigures and foreshadows in the Old Types, prefigures and foreshadows in the Old

Testament which are fulfilled in Jesus ChristTestament which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ► The public miracles of Jesus which confirm his The public miracles of Jesus which confirm his

claimsclaims► The resurrection of Jesus from the deadThe resurrection of Jesus from the dead

According to the Old Testament, the Messiah must:According to the Old Testament, the Messiah must:

► Be born in BethlehemBe born in Bethlehem► Be raised in Galilee near NazarethBe raised in Galilee near Nazareth► Be despised and rejected by menBe despised and rejected by men► Be meek and silent before his accusersBe meek and silent before his accusers► Be “pierced”Be “pierced”► Be crucifiedBe crucified► Have his garments divided and gambled overHave his garments divided and gambled over► Be betrayed for 30 pieces of silverBe betrayed for 30 pieces of silver► Come to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in about AD 33Come to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in about AD 33► And many more….And many more….

Was all this an accident, or did God plan all along for the Was all this an accident, or did God plan all along for the Passion of the Christ for forgiveness of sins? What do you Passion of the Christ for forgiveness of sins? What do you think?think?

SummarySummary

► The theologies of world religions are fundamentally The theologies of world religions are fundamentally and diametrically opposed to one another. Many and diametrically opposed to one another. Many paths to the same God is a ludicrous philosophy.paths to the same God is a ludicrous philosophy.

► The world view of Christianity is radically different The world view of Christianity is radically different from any other religion. They cannot both be right!from any other religion. They cannot both be right!

► The truth of the Bible is confirmed byThe truth of the Bible is confirmed by Clear evidence of inspiration (fulfilled prophecy, types and Clear evidence of inspiration (fulfilled prophecy, types and

foreshadows, historical accuracy, scientific evidence, foreshadows, historical accuracy, scientific evidence, etc…) etc…)

Public miracles worked by Moses, Elijah and others, and Public miracles worked by Moses, Elijah and others, and especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:3,4).especially by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:3,4).

How, then, should we interact with members of How, then, should we interact with members of other religions?other religions?

► Find common ground.Find common ground.

► Give respect where respect is due.Give respect where respect is due.

► Acknowledge the good and do not make personal Acknowledge the good and do not make personal attacks—especially toward revered people.attacks—especially toward revered people.

► Highlight distinctions in world view/theology and Highlight distinctions in world view/theology and introduce them to Jesus Christ.introduce them to Jesus Christ.

► This is EXACTLY what Paul did in Acts 17:22-34This is EXACTLY what Paul did in Acts 17:22-34

The Bible and Other World Views (cont.)The Bible and Other World Views (cont.)

► Acts 17:16-34 Paul shares the gospel by Acts 17:16-34 Paul shares the gospel by arguing for the Christian World View.arguing for the Christian World View. v. 22-23 Paul finds common ground.v. 22-23 Paul finds common ground.

v. 24-28 Paul argues for the superiority and the v. 24-28 Paul argues for the superiority and the truth of the Christian world view as opposed to truth of the Christian world view as opposed to Epicureanism/pantheism and Stoicism/deismEpicureanism/pantheism and Stoicism/deism

v. 28 Paul quotes from Aretas a Stoic philosopher. “ v. 28 Paul quotes from Aretas a Stoic philosopher. “ For we are his offspring.”For we are his offspring.”

v. 29-31 Having laid the groundwork, Paul points v. 29-31 Having laid the groundwork, Paul points them to Jesus.them to Jesus.

v. 32-34 Some, but not all were converted.v. 32-34 Some, but not all were converted.

Acts 17:16-34 Paul confronts Greek World Acts 17:16-34 Paul confronts Greek World ViewsViews

► God is Creator. He exists outside creation.God is Creator. He exists outside creation. Disproves pantheism/Stoicism.Disproves pantheism/Stoicism.

► God is close to us.God is close to us. Disproves deism/Epicureanism.Disproves deism/Epicureanism.

► God is personal and has given us an individual God is personal and has given us an individual purpose.purpose.

► God will bring all of us to judgment. Evil will be God will bring all of us to judgment. Evil will be defeateddefeated Disproves dualism/Gnosticism.Disproves dualism/Gnosticism.

Greek Background to Christian TheologyGreek Background to Christian Theology

► Pythagoreanism/PlatonismPythagoreanism/Platonism

► GnosticismGnosticism

► StoicismStoicism

► EpicureanismEpicureanism

Epicurus

Intro to the History of Christian TheologyIntro to the History of Christian Theology

► Trinity and the nature of GodTrinity and the nature of God

► ChristologyChristology

► Nature of sin, grace and redemptionNature of sin, grace and redemption

Early Motivations to Christian TheologiansEarly Motivations to Christian Theologians

► Apologetics: Apologetics: Response to Response to Greek Greek philosophical philosophical criticismcriticism logoslogos

► Heresy: Orthodox Heresy: Orthodox response to response to heterodox heterodox theologytheology

Origen of Alexandria AD 185-254

HeresiesHeresies

► Adoptionism Adoptionism Ebionites, Theodotus, ArtemonEbionites, Theodotus, Artemon Modalism (Jesus and Holy Spirit modes of God)Modalism (Jesus and Holy Spirit modes of God)

► GnosticismGnosticism Cerinthus, ValentinusCerinthus, Valentinus

► DocetismDocetism

► ArianismArianism

The Orthodox ResponseThe Orthodox Response

► Use of Greek terms, modes of argumentUse of Greek terms, modes of argument► Polemical WritingsPolemical Writings

Against Heresies Against Heresies IrenaeusIrenaeus

► Appeal to apostolic (later church) authorityAppeal to apostolic (later church) authority

► CreedsCreeds

► CouncilsCouncils

Doctrine of the TrinityDoctrine of the Trinity

► Tertullian AD 160-Tertullian AD 160-220220

The Father and the The Father and the Son are different Son are different “not in condition, “not in condition, but in degree; not in but in degree; not in substance, but in substance, but in form; not in power, form; not in power, but in aspect”but in aspect”

CreedsCreeds

►A second century Roman creed (said A second century Roman creed (said at baptism)at baptism)

I believe in one God, the Father, the I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, and in Jesus Christ, his only Almighty, and in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord, and in the Holy begotten Son, our Lord, and in the Holy Ghost, the holy church and the Ghost, the holy church and the resurrection of the flesh.resurrection of the flesh.

Church CouncilsChurch Councils

► Nicaea AD 325Nicaea AD 325 Arianism Jesus Arianism Jesus homoousios homoousios With the Father With the Father

► Constantinople AD 381Constantinople AD 381 Nicene Creed Holy Spirit also Nicene Creed Holy Spirit also homoousioushomoousious

► Ephesus AD 431Ephesus AD 431 Nestorianism condemned, Pelagius anathematized.Nestorianism condemned, Pelagius anathematized.

► Calchedon AD 451Calchedon AD 451 Define the “two natures” of JesusDefine the “two natures” of Jesus

► Constantinople II AD 553Constantinople II AD 553 MonophysitismMonophysitism

► Constantinople III AD 680Constantinople III AD 680 MonothelitismMonothelitism

► Nicaea II AD 787Nicaea II AD 787

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance (homoousios, of the same substance, consubstantial as opposed to homoiousios) with the Father, by whom all things were made.Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Is this what we believe?

Chalcedon AD 451Chalcedon AD 451

““In In agreement with the holy fathersagreement with the holy fathers we all unanimously we all unanimously teach that we should confess that our Lord Jesus teach that we should confess that our Lord Jesus Christ is one and the same Son; the same perfect in Christ is one and the same Son; the same perfect in Godhead and the same perfect in manhood, truly Godhead and the same perfect in manhood, truly God and truly man, the same of a rational soul and God and truly man, the same of a rational soul and body; consubstantial with the Father in Godhead and body; consubstantial with the Father in Godhead and the same consubstantial with us in manhood; like us the same consubstantial with us in manhood; like us in all things except sin; begotten of the Father before in all things except sin; begotten of the Father before all ages as regards his Godhead and in the last days all ages as regards his Godhead and in the last days the same, for us and for our salvation, begotten of the same, for us and for our salvation, begotten of the Virgin Mary, the the Virgin Mary, the theotokostheotokos (as opposed to the (as opposed to the Christotokos of the Nestorians) (the God-bearer, the Christotokos of the Nestorians) (the God-bearer, the mother of God) as regards his manhood; one and the mother of God) as regards his manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, only-begotten, made known same Christ, Son, Lord, only-begotten, made known in two natures without confusion, without change, in two natures without confusion, without change, without division, without separation…without division, without separation…

Chalcedon (cont.)

“Without confusion and without change”

to oppose monophysitism/Coptic Christianity

Monophysite = one nature

“Without division, without separation”

to oppose Nestorianism

Q: Are we splitting hairs here?

► Constantinople AD 553Constantinople AD 553 Anathematized OriginAnathematized Origin

► Constantinople III AD 680Constantinople III AD 680 Opposed monothelitism “one will”Opposed monothelitism “one will”

► Nicaea II AD 787Nicaea II AD 787 Iconoclasm. It is heretical to say that one cannot Iconoclasm. It is heretical to say that one cannot

be aided in worship by using an icon.be aided in worship by using an icon.

Sin, Redemption, SalvationSin, Redemption, Salvation

► Augustine!!!!!Augustine!!!!! The City of GodThe City of God Total depravityTotal depravity MonoergismMonoergism PredestinationPredestination Original SinOriginal Sin Infant baptism required Infant baptism required

for salvationfor salvation SacramentalismSacramentalism TransubstantiationTransubstantiation City and StateCity and State Opposed DonatistsOpposed Donatists

Augustine of Hippo (from 6th century)

Pelagius AD c. 354-430

Works Salvation?

Thomas Aquinas

1225-1274

Aristotle

Revelation by reason

Scholasticism

Arguments for existence of God

Natural Theology

“Summa Theologica”

Thomas Aquinas:

“God, therefore, is the first cause, who moves causes both natural and voluntary. And just as by moving natural causes He does not prevent their actions from being natural, so by moving voluntary causes He does not deprive their actions of being voluntary; but rather is He the cause of this very thing in them, for He operates ineach thing according to his own nature.”

In other words, Aquinas believed in free will and not a strict monergism.

Question:

Do you believe in Predestination?

History of the Doctrine of PredestinationHistory of the Doctrine of Predestination

► Augustine of Hippo AD 354-430 “The City of Augustine of Hippo AD 354-430 “The City of God”God”

► Martin Luther (1483-1546): an Augustinian Martin Luther (1483-1546): an Augustinian monk.monk.

► Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) Reformed Theology.Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) Reformed Theology.► John Calvin (1509-1564) “Institutes of the John Calvin (1509-1564) “Institutes of the

Christian Religion”Christian Religion”► The key: A profound belief in the sovereignty of The key: A profound belief in the sovereignty of

GodGod► Double Predestination and TULIPDouble Predestination and TULIP

Martin Luther 1483-1541

Augustinian Monk

Faith Alone

Grace Alone

Scripture Alone

Predestination

Martin Luther:

“Away with James… His authority is not great enough to cause me to abandon the doctrine of faith [alone] and to deviate from the authority of the other apostles and the entire Scripture.” St. James’ epistle is really an epistle of straw, compared to these others (Romans, Galatians, John) for it has nothing of the nature of the gospel about it.”

Ulrich Zwingli

1484-1531

Opposed baptismal regeneration

Double Predestination

Reformed Theology

“Those individuals who end up damned forever in hell are also eternally determined by God for that fate.”

The Radical ReformationThe Radical Reformation

► Separation of Church and StateSeparation of Church and State► Opposed strict predestinationOpposed strict predestination► Opposed infant baptismOpposed infant baptism► Believed in baptismal Believed in baptismal

regenerationregeneration

Menno Simmons

John Calvin 1509-1564

Institutes of Christian Religion

His emphasis: the sovereignty of God

TULIP

TULIPTULIP

►TTotal depravityotal depravity►UUnconditional electionnconditional election►LLimited atonementimited atonement►IIrresistable gracerresistable grace►PPerseverence of the saint (once erseverence of the saint (once

saved, always saved)saved, always saved)

Jacob Arminius

(1560-1609)

Opposed Reformed idea of predestination.

Are we Arminians?

►Q: Scriptures which appear to Q: Scriptures which appear to support the doctrine of support the doctrine of predestination?predestination?

►Q: Scriptures which prove free will Q: Scriptures which prove free will and refute predestination? and refute predestination?

Jonathan Edwards

“A Sinner in the Hands of an Angry God.”

How do we know we are of the elect?

1800’s America: Predestination Light1800’s America: Predestination LightOnce Saved, Always SavedOnce Saved, Always Saved

► Preservation of the SaintsPreservation of the Saints

► Believer’s Prayer. Believer’s Prayer.

► Once God saves you, in is impossible to lose your Once God saves you, in is impossible to lose your salvation, no matter what.salvation, no matter what.

Hebrews and Falling AwayHebrews and Falling Away

► They shall never enter my rest 3:11, 4:5They shall never enter my rest 3:11, 4:5► We have come to share in Christ We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to if we hold firmly to

the end the confidence we had at first. the end the confidence we had at first. 3:143:14► They were not able to enter because of their unbelief They were not able to enter because of their unbelief

3:193:19► Be careful not to be found to have fallen short of it. 4:1Be careful not to be found to have fallen short of it. 4:1► Some… did not go in because of their obedience 4:6Some… did not go in because of their obedience 4:6► Let us make every effort to enter that rest Let us make every effort to enter that rest so that no so that no

one will fall by followingone will fall by following their example of their example of disobedience 4:11disobedience 4:11

► Do you get the point?Do you get the point?

Hebrews 6:4-6 Who is he talking to?Hebrews 6:4-6 Who is he talking to?

► a. been enlightened (NT church a. been enlightened (NT church “enlightened” = baptized)“enlightened” = baptized)

► b. tasted the heavenly gift (salvation?)b. tasted the heavenly gift (salvation?)► c. shared in the Holy Spiritc. shared in the Holy Spirit► d. tasted the goodness of the wordd. tasted the goodness of the word► e. tasted the coming age (saved)e. tasted the coming age (saved)

► Yes, you can fall away! Conclusion: You had Yes, you can fall away! Conclusion: You had better move on toward maturity in Christ.better move on toward maturity in Christ.

Hebrews 6:4-8Hebrews 6:4-8

► It is It is impossibleimpossible… if they fall away, to be brought … if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance.back to repentance.

► They are crucifying the Son of God all over again.They are crucifying the Son of God all over again.

► Land that produces thorns… will be burned.Land that produces thorns… will be burned.

Falling Away Hebrews 10:26-31Falling Away Hebrews 10:26-31

► Crucifying the Son of God all over again.Crucifying the Son of God all over again.► Subjecting Jesus to public disgraceSubjecting Jesus to public disgrace► Trampling the Son of God under foot. (Heb 10:29)Trampling the Son of God under foot. (Heb 10:29)► Insulted the Holy Spirit (Heb 10:29)Insulted the Holy Spirit (Heb 10:29)► Blasphemed (spoken against) the Holy Spirit Blasphemed (spoken against) the Holy Spirit

(Matt 12:32)(Matt 12:32)► Committed the unforgivable sin (1 John 5:16 )Committed the unforgivable sin (1 John 5:16 )

► What is the “unforgivable sin?” To willfully, What is the “unforgivable sin?” To willfully, deliberately continue in sin. (Hebrews 10:26)deliberately continue in sin. (Hebrews 10:26)

► Also; Hebrews 12:14-17, 12:25 you will not Also; Hebrews 12:14-17, 12:25 you will not escape… if you turn away…escape… if you turn away…

God’s Assurance: Hebrews 6:9-20

Two unchangeable things:

God’s Word

God’s Oath (Genesis 22:16-18)

Jesus, your anchor, is behind the veil with the Father

God’s Assurance: Hebrews 10:19-23

We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place

Let us draw near to God… in full assurance of faith.

For he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:35-36 Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded…. You will receive what he has promised.

SummarySummary

► Correct theology (God, Jesus, salvation) is harder to Correct theology (God, Jesus, salvation) is harder to find than you think.find than you think.

► Do not fall into the trap of relying on human reason Do not fall into the trap of relying on human reason too heavily.too heavily.

► Always protect the mystery.Always protect the mystery. TrinityTrinity JesusJesus Faith, Works and GraceFaith, Works and Grace