The Arminian’s Difficulty
I came across this quote from Lewis Sperry Chafer. He contrasts the eternal salvation preached by Jesus with the “transient” salvation believed by Arminians: “The Arminian’s difficulty is initial. To him salvation is no more than a state of mind, a good intention, a resolution, or an outward manner of life. Such passing or transient […]
Old Testament Sacrifices Did Not Come as a Package Deal
In trying to rethink the debate between Calvinists and Arminians over the limited or unlimited nature of the atonement, I suggested we should rethink the assumption that the benefits of the cross come as a package deal. Maybe, just maybe, the cross has different benefits for different people, under different conditions. But is there any […]
Is Anyone Unreachable?
By Shawn Lazar We all have a ministry from God. In fact, you’re in full-time ministry right now. So…how are you doing? What are you doing? Whom are you reaching? One of the things I try to emphasize at church is that everyone should be self-consciously serving God in their lives. Not everyone has a […]
Eating at the King’s Table Forever (2 Samuel 9)
By Shawn Lazar What is grace? Here’s an illustration from the Old Testament, from 2 Samuel 9. Jonathan, son of Saul, was King David’s best friend. After Jonathan died, David wanted to show kindness to someone in Jonathan’s family: “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show […]
The Benefits of the Cross: Actual or Potential?
By Shawn Lazar I was talking to a friend about the different views of the atonement in Free Grace circles. We came around to the issue of potentiality versus actuality. What did the cross actually accomplish? What did it potentially accomplish? I came up with an illustration for the differences of opinion about the atonement […]
The Big Assumption Behind Limited and Unlimited Atonement Theories
Evangelical views of the atonement are broadly divided between two camps. Calvinists believe that Jesus died only for the elect. Hence, their view is popularly known as limited atonement, because the benefits of the atonement are limited to whomever God has predestined to be saved. Arminians believe that Jesus died for the world. Their view […]
Can You Jump Out? (John 10:28-29)
Question Most of our pastors say a believer can jump out of God’s hand, based on John 10:28. How can I refute such a claim? Answer I’m sorry to say your pastors are wrong (or, actually, I’m happy to say they’re wrong): 1.) John 10:28-29 does not say anyone can jump out of the […]
Fellowship with God and One Another
Fellowship with God depends, in part, on fellowship with other believers. Let me offer two short proofs for the claim, one positive and one negative. First, the positive proof is that John says that fellowship with the apostolic circle implies fellowship with God: “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that […]
Supporting Ministries Is Rewardable (2 John 8-11)
Be careful what ministries you support. I am sure you know the Bible teaches God will reward you based on the works you’ve done: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or […]
Grace vs Permissiveness
I was recently chatting with an Episcopal priest about grace. He was very nice, and it was a pleasure talking to him. I asked how the message of grace was received in the Episcopal church. He suggested that while the Episcopal church is not very theological—in that people are not talking about and debating theology—he […]