PHOENIXINSTITUTEforREFORMATIONPRINCIPLES

Understanding the Nature of God and the nature of man

Examining the basis of TULIP

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: … is NOT to convince you of Reformed Theology! But … man has questions!

Who IS God Who IS man?

Isaiah 55:8For My thoughts are not your thoughts,Neither are your ways, My ways.

Ezekiel 18:25“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is My way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?

TULIP Total Depravity/Inability Unconditional Election Limited/Definite Atonement Irresistible/Efficacious Grace Perseverance of the Saints

TULIP

It is NOT: compendium on Systematic Theology

(primarily focused on Soteriology)IS: An “LENS” by which we can effectively study the Nature of

God / man

EXAMPLE – WHAT IS GOOD?Genesis 1: Let their be light … God saw that it is GOOD. Land/Sea … God saw that it is GOOD. Plants/growing … God saw it was GOOD. Sun/Moon … God saw it was GOOD. Land / Man, etc … 1:31 – God saw everything He had created/made … and behold, it was VERY GOOD.Now go to Mark 10: 17-18; How is the Nature of

God and nature of man intertwined?

TULIPTotal Depravity/InabilityUnconditional ElectionLimited/Definite Atonement

Irresistible/Efficacious Grace

Perseverance of the Saints

TULIP

HISTORICAL BASIS FOR TULIP

Reformers (1100-1400)

Luther/Calvin/Reformation (1450-1750)

Calvin – Geneva Systematic Theology (7 confessions)

Spread to all Europe and America

For 900 years, Reformed Theology has been systemically expressing a set of doctrines focused on the Nature of God (Sovereignty) and nature of man (need).

TODAY

TENSION – ARMINIUS VS REFORMED CHURCH

1609•Jacobus Arminius dies•1610 – 5 Articles of of Faith•“Remonstrance” – protest•Change the doctrinal Position of the Church of Holland. (based on the Belgic Confession and Heidelberg Catechism)

2 Philosophical Principles

• Divine Sovereignty is NOT compatible with human freedom• Man’s ability to freely choose

limits God’s obligation2 Deductions• Faith cannot be caused by God;

exercised independently of Him• Faith is obligatory to all who

hear; therefore the ability to believe must be universal

1618: COUNCIL OF DORTArminius Positions

1. Man is never so completely corrupted that he cannot savingly believe.

2. Man is never so controlled by God that he cannot reject it.

3. Man’s election is only described in light of God’s ability to see (foreknowledge) man’s will.

4. Christ’s death created a possibility of salvation for everyone.

5. Man must keep himself in a state of grace by keeping up his/her faith; or he will be lost.

• 84 Dutch Delegates• 18 Secular Commissioners• 27 Delegates from other countries (England, Switzerland Germany, Scotland)• 154 Sessions• 7 months

NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN

Issues relating to

God’s Sovereignty and man’s

responsibility continue!

Worth studying! Worth struggling with it! Uncovers the Nature of God

It’s the greatest Question ever considered!

400 AD 1618

GREAT WORKS OF OLD:

Les Miserables Jean Valjean: “Am I forgiven?”

Common Theme: “God’s Nature impacts man’s nature.”

Saint Augustine; “City of God”He describes two cities: the earthly city and the city of god. The earthly city contains the damned, whom God has not chosen to save. The city of God contains those who have been 'repaired' by God's grace.

THE NATURE OF GOD AND MAN:

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Declaration of Independence, 1776

A PARADIGM FOR ALL OF LIFE:CONCLUSION # 1

Theological Issues

Christian Experience

The Nature of God

The nature of

man

ITS ALL ABOUT GOD’S GLORY!!CONCLUSION #2

God’s Glory: the summation of all of God’s perfect attributes … on display to mankind through His sovereign control.

Wisdom

Love

Grace

Mercy

Patience

Compassion

JusticeJealous

Wrath Righteous

Righteous

Holy

We easily embrace attributes like Love, Holiness, Mercy and Grace … but many question … how can our God be BOTH merciful and yet a judge that sends someone to hell?

How do we reconcile this

legitimate question?

FOUNDATIONS OF THOUGHT:

How Philosophy was viewed 1000 years ago Concept of “ENDS”

Chief End

U

S SSS

U

① Subordinate End (what an agent aims at)

② Ultimate End(end that is valued for its own sake)

③ Chief End(Universal End, of highest value)

SIMPLE EXAMPLE:

Chief End

U

S SSS

U

Go to Walgreen’s

Pick up Prescription

Wife needs Medication or her condition

worsens

EXAMPLE: CHIEF END (PURPOSE) OF CHRIST

Chief End

U

S SSS

U

Both Christ/man … Fully Glorify the Father (John 17:1; 1Pt 1:8)

Propitiation of Sins

Mediator

Comfort

Do the Father’s will and complete the work the Father gave to Him.

Display God’s attributes

TULIP’S PRACTICAL CHALLENGES

Challenging: forces us to face the nature of man and and face/reconcile/consider the

depth of God

Emotion!

FOR EXAMPLE: RECONCILING JUSTICE AND MERCY

Romans: 9:13 – Jacob I loved; Esau I hated!

Children of Promise

Children of Wrath

NO!vs. 11

(decision made before anything good/bad)

Based on God’s Mercy!vs 16

Ultimately, the question is one relating to God’s Nature … NOT …

mankind

vs. 15 In-

Justice

?

IMPORTANCE OF A CHIEF END!

How Philosophy was viewed 1000 years ago Concept of “ENDS”

① Subordinate End (what an agent aims at)

② Ultimate End(end that is valued for its own sake)

③ Chief End(Universal End, of highest value)

Chief End

U

S SSS

U

WHY STUDY TULIP … METHOD

Start with Descriptions / Definitions

Describe the KEY ISSUES

What does it say about the Nature of God?

What does it say about the nature of man?

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2

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Life-long pursuit of the Nature of God

John 16:14-15

TULIP 101 Seminar

TOTAL DEPRAVITYTOTAL INABILITY

Ephesians 2:1-3And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked … … carrying out the desires of the body and the mindand were by nature children of wrath …

IS MAN REALLY DEPRAVED?

Am I really “despicable?” Just another “minion”

serving an evil master?

DEFINING TOTAL DEPRAVITY

REFORMED POSITIONAs a consequence of the Fall of Man, every person born into the world is enslaved to the service of sin and, apart from the intervening grace of God, is utterly unable to understand and accept salvation as it is offered. (TOTAL INABILITY)

ARMINIAN / FREE-WILLSin does not completely control man’s will. Man is “sick and nearsighted” but still able to obey, believe and repent. His nature is not completely evil.

KEY QUESTION AND ISSUES

Deadness of man, spiritually Free will of man Spiritual Light

HOW FAR DID ADAM FALL?

Reformed View

Arminian View

(LINE OF INABILITY)

ISSUE: “DEADNESS”

How, and to what – is man “dead?”Total Depravity; focuses on the ultimate nature of man … resulting in inability

“Dead in ability to exercise saving faith” • Eph 2:1-5; dead in sins; by nature – children of wrath• Rom 7:9-11; sin came alive in me, I died.• Col 2:12-13; dead in trespass; made alive together w/Him• Rom 6:4,23 & Eph 1:19 - Buried WITH Him, raised with Him

ISSUE … HUMAN WILL Sovereignty of God … Man’s Responsibility Human responsibility (accountability) means

that humans are subject to God’s evaluation. Calvinists agree that man is responsible to:

Seek salvation (Rom 1:20) Receive Christ (John 1:12) Serve the Lord (Josh 24:15-24)

God chooses us before we choose Him – His choice enables … co-opted our choice.

ISSUE: NATURE OF MANS WILLWhose will controls us,

when?

3 Types of Freedom: Moral Freedom – freedom to do good Compatibilist freedom – to do what you want to do Libertarian Freedom – inherent power to choose with

equal ease between alternatives

Man’s Will

Sanctification

Man’s willGod’s Will

Point of Justification /

Rebirth

TOTAL DEPRAVITY/INABILITY

Chief End

U

S SSS

U

Man is able to make decisions

Man’s will subject to God’s

sovereignty

Justification of man must extraordinarily magnify God’s glory

Man is capable of

good

Man (spiritually) is raised from the dead as Christ’s body was raised

TOTAL DEPRAVITY – IMPLICATIONSImplication on the

Nature of God

1.Defines the chasm between nature’s

2.Magnifies His grace

3.Highlights His Love

4.Maintains His Justice

Implication on the Nature of Man

1.Adam’s fall impacted the nature of man

2.Regarding Justification, man’s will is UNABLE

3.Maintains man’s responsibility

(TOTAL INABILITY)

TULIP 101 Seminar

UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION

John 17:6I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave ME out of the world; they were Yours … and You gave them to Me.

DEFINING UNCONDITIONAL ELECTIONREFORMED POSITIONOur salvation does not have any conditions. God elects those who are unable to choose God due to their fallen nature. God elects them on the basis of His sovereign good pleasure alone.

ARMINIAN / FREE-WILLElection is conditional – on man. God chose the elect on the basis of their foreseen faith. God passed over no one, but gives everyone an equal chance to be saved. Man’s choice of Christ overrides the Father’s choice of the sinner.

ISSUE – CONDITIONAL ON WHO/WHATDebate… is not that election is Scriptural, but

the grounds on which some are elected

Election: Three viewsMerited Election: God elects those that

are goodConditional Election: God elects the depraved who He knows will exercise their free will to accept Him.Unconditional Election: depraved

people, where God overcomes their fallen will.

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3

ISSUE: GOD’S FOREKNOWLEDGEForeknowledge based upon God’s

decision, not subject to knowing man’s decision:1. Decretal Foreknowledge: we are not elected

either FOR our faith … or ACCORDING to our faith … but TO our faith. i.e. we are elected SO THAT we might believe.• Rom 8:29a – He also predestined to be conformed

…• Acts 2:23 – God’s foreknowledge is inseparable from His sovereign plan and purposes.

2. Affectionate Foreknowledge: we see God’s nature of affection in unconditional election• Deut 7:6-8; “treasured possession … God set His

love on you• Eph 1: 4-5; “in love, He predestined us to His purpose• Jn 17:22 – Christ glory, given by the Father – is given to us!

ISSUE: FOR GOD’S CHIEF END–HIS GLORY Cannot be conditional upon man, for

God always protects and maximizes His glory. He never puts His glory … “at risk.” Is 43: 1,7,25

1 Cor 1:26-31

Jn 17:1-3,6b-10,22

UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION– IMPLICATIONS

Implication on the Nature of God

1.Shows God’s great mercy

2.Active, not passive; He both decreed it, and affectionately made it happen.

3.Protects the Chief end – Glory of God

Implication on the Nature of Man

1.Man is undeserving and wholly dependant upon God.

2.Humbles us; gives us joy

3.Directs our focus away from man, to God

TULIP 101 SeminarLIMITED/DEFINITE ATONEMENT

John 5:21For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life; so also the Son gives life to whom he will.

DEFINING LIMITED ATONEMENT

REFORMED POSITIONDefinite Atonement; Christ’s atoning work, while efficacious for all of mankind’s sins … it is specifically applied (definitively applied) to the elect only.

ARMINIAN / FREE-WILLUniversal atonement – Christ died equally for all men, and paid a provisional price that made salvation possible for all but guaranteed it for none.

L – LIMITED ATONEMENT

Any definition of Christianity that does not have redemptive atonement at its core is fundamentally defective. Lev 1:4 – You are to lay your hand on the head of the

burnt offering, and it will be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you.

Mark 2:7 – “only God can forgive sins … blasphemy!” John 3:16 … “For God so loved the world that He gave

His only begotten son … Rom 5:8 – but God demonstrates His love toward us

that while we were yet sinners, Christ dies for us.

Centrality of the theme of Atonement (reconciliation)

Question: What is the extent/intent? Is it universal?

ISSUE: EXTENT OF ATONEMENT Was Jesus’ atonement able to save all?

Universalist – atonement will extend to all of mankind, eventually winning all. (No hell)

“World” – John 1:6-13; 3:16,17; (God’s love is pitted against His justice!)

“All” - Rom 5:18; 2 Cor 5:15; Heb 2:9

There is a QUALIFIER! 1Jn 2:2-3; Heb 2:8-12This Qualifier will show us that Christ’s death was able to save all –Christ’s death is efficacious enough for every single human, but will be limited!

Our grasp of God’s Nature will be tested!

ISSUE: INTENT OF ATONEMENT What was the INTENT of Jesus’ atonement?

He calls out specific, certain (definite) people Rom 5:12/3:19 – Death spread to all / world is accountable 1 Tim 4:10 – “Savior of all men … especially believers.” Jn 10:11-13; “My sheep hear my voice …” Matt 1:21 – He shall save His people (Jews?) Jn 17:6 – “Yours they were, and you gave them to me

Conclusion: While His atonement is not limited in it’s value/ability, it’s intent is for those the Father has called.

DEFINITE ATONEMENT

Chief End

U

S SSS

UINTEN

TGod called and chose certain

people

Definite Atonement magnifies God’s Sovereign

glory

Christ suffered for the world

Christ’s death – able to save

all

EXTENT

Christ’s death made all the

world accountable

Limited Atonement is a

function of Father/Son relationship

DEFINITE ATONEMENT– IMPLICATIONS

Implication on the Nature of God

1.Christ’s death/suffering sealed His efficacious atonement (Heb 2:10)

2.Intent of atonement depends on the Nature of God

3.Atonement is personal between Father/Son

Implication on the Nature of Man

1.Aim for His plan! (Believe and receive)

2.Trust His Nature

3.Strengthens our evangelistic zeal – definite number

TULIP 101 Seminar

IRRESISTIBLE/EFFECTUAL GRACEEphesians 4:30Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

DEFINING IRRESISTIBLE GRACE

REFORMED POSITIONThe doctrine which says that the Holy Spirit is invincible and intervenes in man’s will. In its purpose of the regeneration of the elect, He never fails to bring the elect to Justification.

ARMINIAN / FREE-WILLResistible Grace – Saving grace is resistible for God cannot interfere with man’s fee will. Man is born again after he believes, for faith and repentance are not gifts of God.

ISSUE: CALLING AND MANS WILL Two types of “calls?” Outward Call – to each and every person

Is 45:22 – turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth for I am God and there is no other.2 Peter 3:7-9; desires non to perish, all to repentance

Matt 22:2-14; Broad calling … and is rejected in 4 ways (intellectually, behaviorally, volitionally and affectionately)

Specific Call – to the elect; result is salvation Matt 22:14 – many are called, few are chosen Acts 2:39 – as many as the Lord calls to Himself! Hebrews 9:15 – those called receive promise (eternal

life)

ISSUE: WORK OF THE TRINITY Why is the call … Irresistible? Each Person of the Trinity participates in

and contributes to the work of salvation Before time began, the Father marked those that

would be saved. He then gave these people to His Son to be His people (John 17:6-7; 6:37)

At the right time, His Son redeemed them with His blood for the chief end/purpose of glorifying God. (Jn 17:1, 4)

Lastly is the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, by which redemption is applied to the elect. (Jn 16:7-8: 6:63)

2 Cor 3:6 and 4:3-6

IRRESISTIBLE? EXAMPLES Disciples: dramatic, effectual!!

Call of Simon, James, John (Luke 5) Call of Matthew The Twelve

Call of Saul/Paul

Early Church – see 1 Thess 1:4,5

How different from today’s mentality!

IRRESISTIBLE GRACE– IMPLICATIONSImplication on the

Nature of God

1.Goodness is revealed to all of mankind.

2.The very depth of the Trinity is involved

3.Effectual – will always accomplish it’s goal

Implication on the Nature of Man

1.Man is without excuse

2.We are not left to the powers of our fallen will

3.Our deadness is overcome by the Light.

TULIP 101 Seminar

PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

Phil. 1:6For I am confident of this, He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

DEFINING PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTSREFORMED POSITIONAll who partake of the grace and power of saving union with Christ by faith shall continue in that union to the end (preservation). Full assurance of faith is afforded as God enables the Christian to persevere to the end.

ARMINIAN / FREE-WILLMan is able to fall from grace with God by a sinful life. Only a few Christians continue on in their faith and obedience to the end. (undecided if one can actually loose their salvation)

ISSUE; PRESERVED BY GOD’S DECREE

God keeps believers in the faith, preserves them from straying, and ultimately perfects them John 17:11; 1Peter 1:4-5; Jude 24

We can be confident in this; God … Finishes the work started (Phil 1:6; Ps 138:8) Is the Author and Finisher of our Faith (Heb 12:2) Preserved through Christ’s purchase (Jn 17:15) Promises His perseverance (Jn 10:27-30; 2 Tim 1:12) Provides the provisions for perseverance (1Cor10:13)

ISSUE – WE THEN, PERSEVEREBelievers persevere in faith, building assurance:1 Giving themselves wholeheartedly to the

spiritual battle to keep themselves from sin 1 Jn 5:18

2 By Keeping the law of God and the love of God Jms 1:22-25Jude 21

3 Maintaining a good conscience before God an man

Acts 24:16

4 Showing love to one another 1 Jn 3:14Ps 133

5 Watching and praying that they may not be enter into temptation

Matt 26:41Eph 6:18

6 Making their calling and election sure 2 Pt 1:10

ISSUES WITH PERSEVERANCE

Danger in a false profession Do some profess, but aren’t truly born again by

the Spirit’s work? Examples: Saul(OT), Judas Iscariot, Hymenaeus,

Alexander (1 Tim 1:19-20, 2Pt 2:20, 1 Jn 2:19) Parable of Sower (Matt 13) Heb 6:1-12

Danger in claiming assurance without manifesting fruits of perseverance. Rom 6:1-2

Two DANGERS to be aware of:

PERSEVERANCE– IMPLICATIONSImplication on the

Nature of God

1.Who God has called, He preserves.

2.He provide us what is needed to persevere.

3.Maintains His Justice.

Implication on the Nature of Man

1.Without God preserving us, we are at peril.

2.Obedience, by God grace characterizes our walk with Him.

3.Obedience builds assurance via perseverance.

SUMMARY: ITS ALL ABOUT GOD’S GLORY!! TULIP is a group of doctrines that reflect the Chief

End of man, that is … to Glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

God’s Glory: the summation of all of God’s perfect attributes … on display to mankind through His sovereign control.

Wisdom

Love

Grace

Mercy

Patience

Compassion

JusticeJealous

Wrath Righteous

Righteous

Holy

1. A very worthy lifelong pursuit!

2. It makes it “your own.”

THANK YOU!!