In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon speaks of the importance of wisdom and understanding, which are closely related to rationality. He writes, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). This fear is not a fear of punishment, but rather a reverence and awe for God’s power and wisdom.
Through this reverence, we are able to connect with the universe and understand its workings. The book of Psalms speaks of the heavens declaring the glory of God, and the firmament showing his handiwork (Psalm 19:1). By studying the rational principles that govern the universe, we are able to see the hand of God at work.
However, this understanding goes beyond mere practical applications. It is a spiritual path that allows us to transcend our own biases and assumptions. The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
Through the rationality that comes from a connection with the divine, we are able to see beyond the limitations of our own understanding and see the greater truths that lie beyond. This is the essence of spiritual rationality – a path that leads us to a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it.
As a human beings, it’s easy to get caught up in the opinions of others.
We want to be liked and accepted by everyone, but the truth is that Jesus warned us about the reality of rejection.
In Matthew 10:34-39, Jesus says,
“Think not that I come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword, for I come to set a man at variance against his father, the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”
This passage may seem harsh, but it reminds us that following Jesus requires sacrifice.
We can’t put our love for our family or friends above our love for God.
We must be willing to take our cross and follow Him, even if it means rejection by those closest to us.
Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy, but He did promise that it would be worth it.
So, the next time you feel discouraged by the opinions of others, remember that Jesus warned us about this. Don’t let the fear of rejection hold
In Acts 2:5-13, the nature of the tongues being spoken is made clear through the description of the events that occurred on the day of Pentecost:
“all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance”
Acts 2:4
The nature of the tongues being spoken is made clear in the following passage:
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
Acts 2:5-13
The passage describes how Jews from every nation under heaven were dwelling in Jerusalem, and they were amazed and astonished when they heard the disciples speaking in their languages.
The passage lists the various nations represented, including; Parthians, Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Rome, Cretans, and Arabians. The fact that the disciples spoke in the various languages of the people present indicates that the nature of the tongues being said was not a private prayer language or a heavenly language but actual human speech.
The people present could understand what was being said because the disciples spoke in their native tongues.
This event was significant because it demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit and the universality of the gospel message.
The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in languages they had not known, allowing them to communicate the gospel to people worldwide.
Fulfilled Prophecy
This event also fulfilled the prophecy in Joel 2:28-32, which states that God will pour out His Spirit on all people, and they will prophesy.
1 Corinthian 13
Some argue that 1 Corinthians 13:1 refers to speaking private prayer language.
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
1 Corinthians 13:1
In the context of this chapter, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church’s misuse of spiritual gifts.
He emphasizes that even if someone has the gift of speaking in tongues, it is meaningless without love.
Tongues Of Angels Is Hyperbole
The phrase “tongues of men and of angels” is a hyperbole, which means an exaggerated statement used to make a point.
Paul is saying that even if he could speak in all human languages and even the language of angels, it would be meaningless without love. He is not suggesting that there is a unique language spoken by angels that humans can learn to talk.
The key message of this verse is that love is more important than any spiritual gift, including the gift of tongues.
Paul says that if someone speaks in tongues but does not have love, they are just making noise. In other words, the gift of tongues is useless without love.
Paul goes on to explain that love is patient, kind, not jealous, not arrogant, not rude, not selfish, not easily angered and does not keep a record of wrongs. He concludes that love never fails and is more significant than faith and hope.
1 Corinthians 13:1 emphasizes the importance of love in exercising spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of speaking in tongues.
The hyperbole “tongues of men and angels” emphasizes that even the most impressive spiritual gift is meaningless without love.
1 Corinthians 14:27-28
This passage can be broken down into two main parts: the guidelines for speaking in tongues and the consequences of not following those guidelines.
Guidelines
In the first part, Paul sets out guidelines for speaking in tongues. He says that if anyone speaks in tongues, there should be no more than two or three people doing so, and they should take turns. This is likely because the Corinthian church had a problem with disorderly conduct during their gatherings, and Paul is trying to bring some order to the situation. By limiting the number of people who can speak in tongues and having them take turns, he ensures that everyone has a chance to participate and that there is no chaos or confusion.
Paul also says that if someone speaks in tongues, an interpreter must be present. This is because the purpose of speaking in tongues is to communicate a message from God to the church, and if no one can understand the news, it is of no use. The interpreter is necessary to ensure that everyone understands the message.
Consequences
In the second part of the passage, Paul explains the consequences of not following these guidelines. If there is no interpreter present, the person speaking in tongues should remain silent in the church and speak to themselves and to God. This is because speaking in tongues without an interpreter is not edifying to the church and can cause confusion.
In Conclusion
The Holy Spirit granted partial glimpses into God’s message through gifts like tongues, knowledge, and prophecy, which were only received to achieve a particular goal.
This text is a powerful reminder that the Bible is our source of truth and knowledge. It is the ultimate source of revelation from God, and it should be approached with reverence and respect. We must be willing to study and apply the teachings of Scripture in our lives. We should also be cautious about seeking spiritual gifts, recognizing that not all gifts are necessary or beneficial in the current age. Ultimately, we must never take for granted the privilege we have as believers to have access to the fullness of God’s revelation through the Word. May we always approach the Word with humility, reverence, and a deep desire to know and understand the heart of our Creator.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we are humbled by the promise of salvation through God’s grace alone. This promise is not something we can earn or achieve on our own, but rather a gift given freely out of love. This realization fills us with a deep sense of gratitude and awe.
THE POTTER & HIS CLAY
The metaphor of God as a potter and human beings as clay is a powerful image that speaks to the idea of divine providence. It suggests that God has a plan or purpose for each of our lives and that He is in complete control of how He shapes and constructs us. However, it also acknowledges the possibility of human agency, suggesting that we might be co-creators with God in some sense.
RECOGNIZING OUR OWN SIN
The recognition of human sinfulness and the need for a savior is a central belief in Christian theology. It acknowledges that we are all guilty of our sinful actions and that we fall short of the perfection of a Holy God. This is why a savior is necessary, and why Jesus Christ is seen as the one who offers redemption and salvation to believers.
PATTERNED ACCORDING TO HIS OWN THOUGHTS
The idea that God patterns us according to His own thoughts suggests a belief in divine sovereignty. It suggests that God is in control of all things and that there is a comprehensive and all-encompassing divine plan. This is reinforced by the assertion that there is nothing outside the Mind of God, which suggests that all of reality is ultimately shaped by God’s will.
The distinction between material reality and spiritual reality is an important one in Christian theology.
FULLY DEPENDENT
As vessels, we are entirely dependent on our Operator. We have no exceptional qualities that make us stand out from others. Our worth is neither greater nor lesser than anyone else’s. All praise and glory belong to God, and if our understanding deprives Him of even a speck of glory, it is a false doctrine designed to deprive Him of His glory.
ALL THINGS FOR HIS GLORY
God’s glory is through all things. When we think of the destiny of the damned, we give God glory, praising and honoring the strong power of His steady wrath that’s enforced with precise justice on vessels of wrath. The penalty of God’s wrath is what we all deserve because of the gravity and burden of sin’s depravity, which makes man’s heart corrupt.
He demonstrates His majestic grace’s ability in revealing God’s glory. It’s grace because it’s unearned, not a reward, and a pardon. If you earned any portion of your salvation and grace, it isn’t grace that saved you, and you’re not saved at all.
He lavishes His grace and mercy upon whomever He ordains. He is an impartial judge and not a respecter of persons. In all things, He is the essence and foundation, commanding His declaration to be respected by speaking that which is nothing into existence and making it something by His Word. His will is perfect, and a perfect will can’t be incomplete or unfinished, which means He fulfills His will, and His will was written before your first or last decision.
PERFECTION
To be perfect is to be exact, complete, accurate, and valid; a completed “will” lacks nothing, it is perfection. A perfect will achieves and fulfills itself without any missing aspects. His Spirit provides us with the capacity to discern His will. He is our illumination in the fog. The Spirit illuminates what materiality darkens.
VEIL LIFTED
He determines to lift the veil from the eyes of all that see in His Spirit. We are developed beyond the shadow, no longer limited to the diagram, but integrated with the substance. We are rescued from the death we deserve, saved from our flesh’s reward. We don’t deserve to be saved; we have no merit, not even a little bit. But thanks to God, we who see are completely free, only by the power of the Holy Spirit. Without Him, we’re just weeds, assuming we’re wheat, but we have no substance and die out like a flower.
CAUSE & EFFECT: THE INTERPLAY OF MATTER AND SPIRIT
This conviction finds strong resonance within spiritual and religious viewpoints that strive to fathom the core essence of reality and the interconnectedness of all cosmic elements. It unequivocally signals the existence of a divine master plan or purpose underlying the material realm, where each unfolding event is steadfastly guided by an all-encompassing transcendent spiritual power.
Just as every cause has its effect, every material entity is accompanied by a spiritual conductor. Devoid of the spirit, the workings of any matter would cease to exist entirely.
THIS MEANS THAT HUMAN WILL IS NOT FREE
This statement confidently asserts that every material aspect or occurrence in the world is underpinned by a profound spiritual force or consciousness. This force actively propels and harmonizes the operations of the material realm, aligning it flawlessly with its intrinsic design and purpose.
It firmly emphasizes that matter cannot exist or function autonomously without the presence of an accompanying spiritual force or energy. In essence, the physical world surpasses mere lifeless objects, as it pulsates with a spiritual essence that breathes vitality and animation into its very fabric.
This resolute statement asserts that the material world transcends the realm of mere physicality, being intricately interwoven with a vibrant spiritual energy that confers upon it profound significance and direction. Devoid of this spiritual orchestrator, the functioning and intended purpose of everything within the material realm would be rendered void.
From a christian perspective
BIBLICAL VERSES THAT SUPPORT THIS PERSPECTIVE INCLUDE:
Colossians 1:16-17 – “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
This verse suggests that everything in the universe, both visible and invisible, was created by and for God. It also implies that God is the force that holds everything together and gives it purpose.
Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”
This verse emphasizes the power of God’s word in sustaining all things in the universe. It suggests that without God’s ongoing involvement, the material world would cease to exist.
Psalm 104:30 – “When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.”
This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in creating and renewing the natural world. It suggests that the material world is constantly being sustained and renewed by a spiritual force.
I am convinced thatthere is a spiritual force behind the material world that gives it purpose and sustains its existence. Without this force, the universe would not function as intended, if at all.
Every event is anchored to a preceding event and will subsequently cause the next event.
This principle has been rigorously examined and confirmed through various scientific disciplines, ranging from physics, chemistry, biology, to even psychology. What’s more, these natural laws are deemed to be universal and applicable to all observable phenomena, irrespective of their location in the universe. Therefore, the theory of cause and effect represents a vital cornerstone of scientific research that has propelled humans to achieve a deeper comprehension of the natural world.
The consistent cause and effect concept implies that universal events follow predictable principles. We confirm this through observations within our galaxy. Empirical data supports this theory. These principles govern elements like earth, water, air, fire, and living organisms. They regulate oxygen production and more. Understanding these laws provides insights into the universe’s workings.
We are inherently limited as material beings.
From birth, indoctrinated parents shape our spiritual awareness, leading us to deny our essence while asserting autonomy. Society defines us by external traits and ego projections.
Assuming a causeless physical reality requires immense faith. Believing in physical “other universes” based on observable senses implies that matter can exist beyond established laws. Trusting in the possibility of an impossibility is faith—relying on something unseen, contrary to Real Science.
I firmly reject the notion that my belief in the Bible as the inherent Word of the Creator of the Universe stems from personal preferences, upbringing, or mere gratification. My connection to Scripture is rooted in the guidance of The Holy Spirit. Therefore, attempting to validate my worldview within your paradigm would not only be futile but also a betrayal of my devotion to God. Such an endeavor would yield no evidence and serve only to relegate spiritual truths to the realm of transience and mortality.
American Christianity has egregiously distorted His true essence, reducing Him to a foolish idol, a feeble old figure in the heavens, an adversary of scientific knowledge… Yet, in reality, He is the mastermind behind Mathematics, the very foundation of the entire observable universe.
Considering the existence of matter beyond the stablished law of cause and effect is faith in an impossible possibility, contradicting real science.
Have you ever felt like you’re hiding from your past traumas, pretending to be strong and invincible, but deep down you know you’re fragile?
Do you find yourself suppressing your emotions until they burst out uncontrollably, leaving you feeling embarrassed and ashamed?
It’s like a part of you is screaming to be heard, but you keep pushing it down, hoping it will disappear.
But it doesn’t. It lingers, waiting for the next trigger to set it off, causing you to react in ways that don’t make sense.
It’s time to face your inner demons and integrate your soul, so you can finally find peace and live a fulfilling life.
The Jungian Perspective on Trauma
According to Carl Jung, the unconscious mind holds repressed memories and emotions that can manifest in our conscious lives as psychological distress. Trauma can create a split between our conscious and unconscious selves, leading to feelings of fragmentation and disconnection.
To heal from trauma, Jungian psychology emphasizes the importance of integrating the unconscious and conscious aspects of the self. This involves bringing repressed memories and emotions to the surface and working through them with the help of a therapist or through self-reflection. By doing so, we can begin to understand the root causes of our pain and develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance. This process can be challenging and painful, but it is necessary for personal growth and healing.
Confronting Your Shadow Self
Jung also believed that the process of individuation, or becoming one’s true self, requires confronting and integrating our shadow selves – the parts of ourselves that we may be ashamed of or try to hide. This includes acknowledging and working through past traumas, which can be a difficult but necessary step towards personal growth and healing. By confronting our past traumas, we can begin to integrate all aspects of ourselves, including the parts that we may have disowned or rejected. This can lead to a greater sense of wholeness and authenticity, allowing us to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
The Journey to Healing
The journey to healing from trauma is not easy, but it is possible. With the help of a therapist or through self-reflection, you can begin to face your inner demons and integrate your soul. This process can be challenging and painful, but it is ultimately rewarding. By confronting your past traumas, you can begin to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Have you ever felt like you’re still carrying around the pain of your childhood?
Like you were never given the guidance and support you needed to heal from those wounds?
It’s like you’re stuck in this constant cycle of defending yourself, but it’s all rooted in the fear and hurt we experienced as children.
The unconscious, childlike aspects of the psyche that influence adult behavior can be seen as a metaphorical garden. Just as a garden needs nurturing and attention to thrive, our inner child needs care and attention to flourish. However, if we neglect our inner child, it can become overgrown with weeds and thorns, causing us pain and suffering.
Similarly, sin can be seen as the weeds and thorns that grow in our spiritual garden. When we act in ways that are harmful to ourselves or others, we allow these weeds to take root and spread, causing separation and disconnection from the divine.
But just as we can tend to our physical garden by pulling weeds and pruning overgrowth, we can tend to our spiritual garden by acknowledging and addressing our sinful behaviors. By doing so, we create space for our inner child to thrive and for our connection to God to deepen.
In this way, the concept of the inner child and the biblical concept of sin can be seen as complementary, both offering opportunities for growth and healing. By nurturing our inner child and tending to our spiritual garden, we can cultivate a sense of wholeness and connection that allows us to live more fully and authentically.
The experience of carrying unresolved childhood pain and the absence of adequate guidance and support to facilitate healing is a pervasive phenomenon. This phenomenon is characterized by a persistent cycle of self-defense rooted in the fear and hurt experienced during childhood. The inability to move beyond these traumas is a tragic reality, as the opportunity for genuine healing and growth is never fully realized.
Individuals who have experienced past traumas may find themselves engaging in behaviors that reflect a desire to suppress their emotions and present a facade of strength and invincibility. However, such individuals may ultimately recognize that they are in fact fragile and vulnerable, and may struggle with feelings of embarrassment and shame when their suppressed emotions inevitably burst forth uncontrollably. This internal conflict may manifest in a persistent sense of unease, as though a part of the individual is clamoring to be acknowledged and validated. Despite efforts to push these feelings down, they persist and may be triggered by seemingly unrelated events, leading to inexplicable reactions. To achieve a sense of inner peace and fulfillment, it is necessary to confront these inner demons and integrate the various aspects of the self.
Have you ever found yourself hiding from the truth, creating an imaginary image to protect yourself from your past?
I know I have. Those childhood coping skills that once helped me survive have now left me emotionally unregulated as an adult.
I used to claim that I was ‘over my childhood’, denying that there was a problem that needed to be dealt with. I thought that my age would shield me from the pain of my past. But the truth is, I am still controlled and governed by that shadow self, that inner child. It’s a constant battle to overcome the scars of my youth and move forward.
The phenomenon of individuals concealing the truth and constructing a fictitious persona to shield themselves from their past is a common occurrence.
Initially, I was in denial about the existence of any issues that required resolution. I believed that growing older would serve as a buffer against the residual effects of my childhood experiences. However, the reality is that my inner child, or shadow self, continues to exert a significant influence over my life. As such, I am perpetually engaged in a struggle to overcome the emotional scars of my youth and progress forward.
The sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden has corrupted the entire human race, and as a result, all people are incapable of doing any good works on their own.
THE DOCTRINE OF UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION:God has predetermined who will be saved and who will not be saved, without regard to any good or bad works that they have done.
THE DOCTRINE OF LIMITED ATONEMENT:
The atonement of Jesus Christ was only intended to save the elect, not all people.
THE DOCTRINE OF IRRESISTIBLE GRACE:
God’s grace is so powerful that it can draw those who are elect to salvation, despite any resistance on their part.
THE DOCTRINE OF PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS:
Those who have been chosen by God and have been drawn to salvation by His grace will persevere in their faith until the end.
† "By one man came death, & by 1 Man came the resurrection of the dead. in Adam all died, in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
Paul's statement "in Christ shall all be made alive" does not apply to every person who has ever lived, but only to those who have faith in Christ. The term "all" refers to people from all nations and tongues who believe in Christ, not to every individual. Paul emphasized that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, and his message was for all people. Those who have faith in Christ will be saved.
† "Sin entered the world through one man, & death through sin, so DEATH WAS PASSED ON TO ALL MEN... Death reigned even over those who did not sin in the way that Adam transgressed." Romans 5:12-14
† "THE NATURAL MAN DOES NOT ACCEPT THE THINGS that come FROM the Spirit of GOD. He cannot understand; they're spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14
† "...ALL OUR RIGHTEOUS DEEDS ARE FILTHY RAGS." Isaiah 64:6
† "YOU WERE... BY NATURE, CHILDREN OF WRATH, LIKE THE REST OF MANKIND..." Ephesians 2:1–5
† "... Jews & Gentiles are ALL UNDER THE POWER OF SIN.." Romans 3:9–12 † "...NOTHING GOOD DWELLS IN ME...." Romans 7:18
† "The mindset on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, IT CAN'T." Romans 8:7
Unconditional Election
AKA Sovereign Election
† “For the sake of the ELECT, WHOM HE CHOSE, He shortened the days.”
Mark 13:20 † “… HE CHOSE US in Him BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD… HE PREDESTINED US FOR ADOPTION to Himself as sons through Jesus, according to the PURPOSE OF HIS WILL…” Ephesians 1:4–5
† “In Him, we were CHOSEN as God’s own, PREDESTINED according to the plan of Him who works everything by the counsel of HIS WILL.” Ephesians 1:11
† “… all who dwell on the earth will worship it (the beast), everyone whose name has not been written BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD in the BOOK OF LIFE OF THE LAMB…” Revelation 13:8 † “God CHOSE what’s foolish to shame the wise; God CHOSE what’s weak to shame the strong; God CHOSE what’s low & despised, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are so that NO HUMAN BEING MIGHT BOAST.” 1 Corinthians 1:27–29
† “… Him who saved us & CALLED US TO A HOLY CALLING, not because of works, because of HIS PURPOSE & GRACE, which HE GAVE US IN CHRIST JESUS BEFORE THE AGES BEGAN…” 2 Timothy 1:9
† “… AS MANY AS WERE APPOINTED TO ETERNAL LIFE BELIEVED.” Acts 13:48
† “…They stumble because they disobey the word THEY WERE DESTINED TO DO.” 1 Peter 2:8 † “All the Father gives Me WILL COME TO ME..”John 6:37, 39† “Those who love God, all things work together for good, THOSE WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. Who He foreknew HE PREDESTINED… THOSE HE PREDESTINED, HE CALLED & THOSE HE CALLED, HE JUSTIFIED, & THOSE HE JUSTIFIED HE GLORIFIED.”ROMANS 8:28-29† “Put on as God’s CHOSEN ONES, compassionate hearts…”Colossians 3:12† “… He says to Moses: “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY & I will have COMPASSION ON WHO I HAVE.”IT DOESN’T DEPEND ON MAN’S DESIRE OR EFFORT, but God’s Mercy…… God HAS MERCY ON WHO HE WILLS, HE HARDENS WHOM HE WILLS…Does the Potter not have the right to make from the same lump of clay ONE VESSEL FOR HONORABLE USE & ANOTHER FOR DISHONORABLE USE? What if God, INTENDING TO SHOW HIS WRATH & MAKE His POWER KNOWN, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, PREPARED FOR DESTRUCTION? What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He PREPARED IN ADVANCE FOR GLORY.” Romans 9:10-16, 18-23
Limited Atonement
AKA Definite Redemption or Definite Atonement
† “She will bear a Son… He WILL SAVE HIS PEOPLE from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 † “The good shepherd LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS SHEEP.” John 10:11 † “I pray on their behalf. I DO NOT PRAY ON BEHALF OF THE WORLD, but on behalf OF THOSE YOU HAVE GIVEN ME; they are Yours.” John 17:9 † “Husbands, love your wives, as CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH..” Ephesians 5:25 † “ALL THE Father GIVES Me WILL COME TO Me… this is the Will of Him who sent Me, that I LOSE NOTHING OF ALL THAT HE HAS GIVEN ME.”. John 6:37–40 † ” BY GRACE you have been saved through faith, & NOT FROM YOURSELVES; it is the GIFT OF GOD, not by works so that NO ONE CAN BOAST. WE ARE God’s WORKMANSHIP… GOD PREPARED IN ADVANCE AS OUR WAY OF LIFE.” Ephesians 2:4-10 †Read ALL of Isaiah 53 – (Christ’s Atonement covered His people. His Atonement was utterly effectual. All He died for will be saved.) † “WHEN YOU WERE DEAD in your trespasses & the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ…” Colossians 2:13-14 ***How can a spiritually dead sinner who is hostile to God have faith in the atoning work of Christ on the cross? We can’t; it is by His Power & His Power ALONE.
Irresistible Grace
AKA Effectual Grace
† “Many are called, FEW ARE CHOSEN.” Matthew 22:14 † “Everyone the Father gives Me WILL COME TO ME (not might, will), the one who comes to Me I WILL NEVER DRIVE AWAY. “ John 6:37-38 † “..EVEN IF OUR GOSPEL IS VEILED, IT IS VEILED TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING…” 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 † “…ALL WHO WERE APPOINTED FOR ETERNAL LIFE BELIEVED.” Acts 13:48 † ” Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from Thyatira, a worshiper of God, The LORD OPENED HER HEART TO RESPOND TO PAUL’S MESSAGE.” Acts 16:14 † “Those God foreknew, HE PREDESTINED..& those He predestined, He called; those He called, He JUSTIFIED; those He justified, He glorified.” Romans 8:29-30 † “NO ONE CAN COME TO Me UNLESS THE Father DRAWS HIM, & I WILL raise him at the last day.” John 6:44 † “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in & THEY WILL LISTEN TO MY VOICE..” John 10:16 † “He saved us, NOT because of our works, but ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY, BY THE WASHING OF REGENERATION & RENEWAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT….” Titus 3:5 † “…work out your salvation with fear & trembling, IT IS GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU, TO WILL & TO WORK for His pleasure.” Philippines 2:13 † “Salvation belongs to the Lord…” Psalm 3:8 † “Our God is in the heavens; He does all He pleases.” Psalm 115:3
Perseverance of the Saints
Preservation of The Saints
† “You were SEALED WITH THE PROMISED Holy Spirit..” Ephesians 1:13-14 † “He who began a good work in you WILL CARRY IT ON TO COMPLETION..” Philippians 1:6 † “My sheep listen to My voice; I KNOW THEM, they follow Me. I give them eternal life. THEY WILL NEVER PERISH. NO ONE CAN SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND.” John 10:27-28 † “Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, & the one who comes to Me I WILL NEVER DRIVE AWAY.” John 6:37 † “If anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION. The old has passed away; the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 † “Jesus is THE AUTHOR & PERFECTOR (FINISHER) OF OUR FAITH” Hebrews 12:2
Total: An amount obtained by the addition of smaller amounts.The whole amount of something; the entirety
Depravity: Moral corruption or degradation
Total Depravity: Man’s nature is totally corrupt as a result of the Fall
Depth Of God’s Love
Total depravity teaches that as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are incapable of saving themselves from sin and death. While this concept can be difficult to accept, it ultimately leads us to a greater understanding of the depth of God’s love and the incredible gift of salvation that is available to us through faith in Jesus Christ.
Appreciation For God’s Gift
By recognizing our sinfulness and our need for a savior, we can fully appreciate the power of God’s grace and the hope of redemption that is offered to us through Christ. The Bible teaches that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and that “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Total depravity ultimately leads us to a greater understanding of the depth of God’s love and the incredible gift of salvation that is available to us through faith in Jesus Christ. By recognizing our sinfulness and our need for a savior, we can fully appreciate the power of God’s grace and the hope of redemption that is offered to us through Christ.
Without Christ, We Are Spiritually Blind
In John 9:39-41, Jesus says, “For judgment I have come into this world so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” The Pharisees, who were listening to Jesus, asked if they were blind, to which Jesus responded, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”
Those who do not recognize their spiritual blindness are more guilty than those who do. Why? Because they are claiming to have knowledge and understanding of spiritual things when in reality they are blind to them.
In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul writes, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Showing that Satan is actively working to blind people to the truth of the gospel.
Without Christ, We Are Spiritually Deaf
This is defended by several passages in the Bible, including Matthew 13:13-15, where Jesus says,
“This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’”
This indicates that those who do not have a relationship with Jesus are unable to hear or understand spiritual truths because their hearts have become calloused and they have closed their eyes and ears to the truth. In John 10:27, Jesus says,
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
This proves that those who belong to Jesus are able to hear his voice and follow him.
Without Christ, We Are Spiritually Dead
Without a relationship with Jesus Christ, we are spiritually dead and separated from God.
In Ephesians 2:1-5, Paul writes, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
This shows that before we come to faith in Christ, we are spiritually dead and separated from God because of our sin. We are under the influence of the devil and follow the ways of the world, gratifying our fleshly desires and deserving of God’s wrath. We are saved by Grace Alone!
In Colossians 2:13, Paul writes,
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.”
This passage reinforces the idea that without Christ, we are spiritually dead and unable to save ourselves. It is only through God’s grace and forgiveness that we can be made alive.
Apart From Christ, We Are: LIARS, SICK & PATHETIC
Apart from Christ, we are liars.
The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
Sin is not just a behavior, but it is a condition of the heart that separates us from God. In John 8:44, Jesus tells the religious leaders,
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
This passage teaches us that lying is a characteristic of the devil, and those who are not in Christ are under the force of the devil and are inclined to lying.
Apart from Christ, we are sick.
Sin has brought sickness and death into the world. In Romans 5:12, Paul writes,
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
This passage teaches us that sin has brought physical and spiritual sickness into the world. Apart from Christ, we are spiritually sick and in need of a Savior. In Matthew 9:12-13, Jesus says,
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Apart from Christ, we are pathetic.
Apart from Christ, we are lost, hopeless, and helpless. In Ephesians 2:12, Paul writes,
“Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.”
This passage teaches us that apart from Christ, we are without hope and without God in the world.
We are pathetic in our sin and in need of a Savior. Pathetic: A state of being without hope or purpose, or lacking a sense of fulfillment or meaning in life.
Without Christ, we are lost and disconnected from God.
We Are Either Slaves To Sin Or Slaves To Righteousness
In the New Testament book of Romans, chapter 6 it discusses being dead to sin and alive to God through Jesus Christ.
In verse 16, it says,
“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”
This verse emphasizes the assertion that we are all slaves to something.
The passage goes on to explain that before we became followers of Christ, we were slaves to sin.
However, through faith in Jesus, we have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. This means that we are no longer controlled by our sinful desires, but rather by the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God.
We Can’t Be Slaves Of Sin And Slaves Of Righteousness, We Can’t Sit At Two Tables
In Matthew, chapter 6, verse 24:
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
This verse proves that we cannot serve two opposing forces at the same time.
The term “Mammon” is derived from an Aramaic word that means “wealth” or “riches.” In the Bible, Mammon is associated with materialism and the love of money.
In the New Testament, Jesus warns against the dangers of serving Mammon instead of God.
This passage emphasizes that we must choose between serving God or serving material wealth and possessions, which leads to greed and selfishness.
We cannot serve both sin and righteousness at the same time.
The passage in Romans 6, which discusses being a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness, also emphasizes this idea. In verse 18, it says, “and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” This verse emphasizes that we have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. We cannot serve both sin and righteousness at the same time.
Regeneration By The Spirit Makes Our Soul Alive And Gives Us A New Nature, In The Spirit
“Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’” John 3:5-8 ESV
This passage is part of a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee who came to Jesus at night seeking answers to his questions. Jesus tells Nicodemus that in order to enter the kingdom of God, one must be born again, or born of the Spirit.
The phrase “born of the Spirit” refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration.
Regeneration is the act of God by which he makes our soul alive and gives us a new nature in the Spirit.
This new nature is necessary because our old nature, which is born of the flesh, is corrupted by sin and cannot enter the kingdom of God.
The passage also emphasizes the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit in regeneration.
Jesus compares the work of the Spirit to the wind, which blows where it wishes and cannot be controlled by human beings. In the same way, the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of believers to bring about regeneration and new life.
Regeneration Proceeds Faith
John 3:3-6, where Jesus tells Nicodemus,
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
This statement emphasizes the need for regeneration, or being born again, in order to enter into the kingdom of God.
Another passage that supports the idea of regeneration as the first step in salvation is found in Ephesians 2:4-5, which states,
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”
This passage emphasizes that salvation is a work of God, and that it is through his mercy and love that we are made alive in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 states,
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
This passage emphasizes the transformative nature of regeneration, as it describes the believer as a new creation in Christ.
Regeneration is the first step in the process of salvation, followed by faith, justification, sanctification, and then glorification.
Faith is not something we contribute to salvation; faith is a part of God’s Free Gift of Salvation Salvation is God’s gift to the sinner, not the sinner’s gift to God.
Ephesians 2:8-9, which says,
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Salvation is not something that we can earn or contribute to through our own efforts or good works. It is a gift of God’s grace that is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
This means that faith itself is not something that we can boast about or take credit for, but is a part of God’s free gift of salvation.
Another key passage that supports this is Romans 3:21-24, which says,
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
All people are sinners and fall short of God’s glory, and that salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Faith itself is not something that we can contribute to our salvation, but is a part of God’s free gift of salvation.
Poem: Fell From Grace, Saved By The Light
Total depravity, a concept so grim, The Fall from Grace left no part of us unscathed within. It’s infiltrated every nook and cranny, Leaving us in corruption, body, soul, and spirit so uncanny. Death, the best example of its impact, Our moral compass still intact, But sin has corrupted us so deep, We cannot save ourselves, we need a Savior to keep. Total depravity doesn’t mean we’re completely evil, Or that we’re prone to every transgression upheaval. It means our sin has infiltrated our entire being, And we need Jesus Christ for redeeming. He’s the only one who can bridge the gap, Between God and humanity, and restore our relationship back. Total depravity may seem like a hopeless plight, But through Christ, we can be saved and brought into the light.
Camille Russo
Scriptures
Who Coined The Term?
The term “total depravity” was not coined by a single individual, but rather emerged as a theological concept within the Reformed tradition of Christianity, which includes Calvinism.
TOTAL DEPRAVITY’S ORIGINS
The concept of total depravity can be delineated back to the writings of early church fathers such as Augustine of Hippo, who emphasized the fallen nature of humanity and the need for divine grace to overcome sin.
Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo was a prominent Christian theologian and philosopher who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries AD. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the development of Christian theology and his teachings have had a profound impact on the beliefs and practices of many Christian denominations.
Augustine believed that this original sin had corrupted human nature to such an extent that people were incapable of achieving salvation on their own and required divine grace to overcome their sinful nature and be saved.
Popularized by 16th & 17th Century Theologians
However, the term “total depravity” itself was likely popularized by theologians in the 16th and 17th centuries who were part of the Reformed tradition, such as John Calvin and the Puritan theologian Jonathan Edwards.
John Calvin
John Calvin, who was a French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation, is often credited with developing the doctrine of total depravity in his influential work, “Institutes of the Christian Religion.”
Calvin taught that as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve, all human beings are born in a state of sin and are completely unable to do anything to save themselves.
He believed that salvation could only be achieved through God’s grace, which is given to those whom God has chosen for salvation.
Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards, who was a Puritan theologian and preacher in colonial America, also emphasized the doctrine of total depravity in his sermons and writings.
Edwards believed that human beings were completely corrupted by sin and that even their best efforts were tainted by their sinful nature. He taught that salvation could only be achieved through a direct experience of God’s grace, which he described as a “divine and supernatural light” that transforms the heart and mind of the believer.
In his sermon, Jonathan Edwards paints a vivid and terrifying picture of the fate of sinners who fail to repent, comparing them to spiders hanging by a thread over a fiery pit and warning that they could be cast into the flames of Hell at any moment. He stresses the importance of accepting God's grace and turning away from sin to avoid this terrible fate. Edwards' sermon is still widely studied as a classic example of Puritan preaching and as a reflection of the religious and cultural values of colonial America.
Here are a few excerpts from “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” that illustrate Edwards’ emphasis on the concept of total depravity:
- "The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked: his wrath towards you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire; he is of purer eyes than to bear to have you in his sight; you are ten thousand times more abominable in his eyes, than the most hateful venomous serpent is in ours."
- "The bow of God's wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart, and strains the bow, and it is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, and that of an angry God, without any promise or obligation at all, that keeps the arrow one moment from being made drunk with your blood."
- "The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked: his wrath towards you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire; he is of purer eyes than to bear to have you in his sight; you are ten thousand times more abominable in his eyes, than the most hateful venomous serpent is in ours."
- "Your wickedness makes you as it were heavy as lead, and to tend downwards with great weight and pressure towards hell; and if God should let you go, you would immediately sink and swiftly descend and plunge into the bottomless gulf, and your healthy constitution, and your own care and prudence, and best contrivance, and all your righteousness, would have no more influence to uphold you and keep you out of hell, than a spider's web would have to stop a falling rock."
No One Is Righteous
No one is righteous apart from God, and all deserve His judgment.
No amount of good works can earn salvation.
Only by being given the gift of salvation can one be saved.
Souls Need Redemption
Our souls need redemption and can only be saved by the grace of God. Without His grace, humans are doomed to an eternity of separation from Him and the joy of His presence.
Who Adheres to This Doctrine? What Denominations Believe In Total Depravity?
The doctrine of total depravity is primarily associated with the Reformed tradition of Christianity, which includes several denominations that hold to this belief.
These include: 1. Presbyterian Church (USA) 2. Christian Reformed Church in North America 3. United Reformed Churches in North America 4. Reformed Church in America 5. Free Reformed Churches of North America 6. Orthodox Presbyterian Church 7. Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 8. Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America 9. Cumberland Presbyterian Church 10. Dutch Reformed Church
Total Depravity means Original Sin/ Radical Corruption.
Since the Fall of Man, all people have been impacted by sin, compromising their ability to choose goodness over evil in spiritual matters. It is associated with the theory of Original Sin, in which it is believed that all people are born with a predisposition towards wickedness and that this tendency is inherited from one generation to the next. This doctrine holds that no portion of a person is spared from sin's influence, including the mind and the will, and that humans are entirely corrupted, not just partially. It does not suggest that humans are as bad as they can be, yet it does mean that they are enslaved to sin and unable to make beneficial spiritual decisions without God's grace.
It is rooted in the Bible and is a central tenant of Christianity.
Total Depravity is an essential part of our faith and an important reminder of our need for a savior.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
God is the standard; anything below that measure is putrid, in contrast.
“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately wicked; Who can understand it? “I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind…” – Jer. 17:9-10
The Hebrew phrase “desperately wicked” has a deep meaning, “n a’v.” It covers a range of emotions from weakness to hopelessness. In its ‘Qal’ form, it means incurable, and in its past participle form, it describes something as very sick or woeful. This word emphasizes human depravity and the need for redemption.
Paul says: “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh;” – Romans 7:18
“The wicked are estranged from the womb; These who speak lies go astray from birth.” – Psalm 58:3
“I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” – Psalm 51:5
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead. — Ecclesiastes 9:3
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God’s power and love for humanity. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering the gift of salvation to all who believe in him.
The vernal equinox, with its renewal of life and hope, serves as a powerful reminder of the new life that is possible through faith in Christ. As we celebrate this season of rebirth and renewal, let us remember the ultimate sacrifice that was made for us and the promise of eternal life that is available to all who believe.
Through faith in the risen Christ, we are given new life and the hope of eternal salvation. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” But because Christ did rise from the dead, we are able to have a personal relationship with God and experience the power of His resurrection in our own lives. This is the true meaning of Easter – not just a celebration of springtime and new beginnings, but a celebration of the ultimate victory over sin and death that was won by Jesus on the cross.
Romans 8:11 – “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Ephesians 1:19-20 – “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.”
Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
As believers, we are called into this power through The Holy Spirit guiding our prayer, worship, and obedience to God’s Word. We must also be willing to surrender our desires and agendas and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. This power is not something we can manufacture or control, but rather it is a gift from God that we must receive and walk in by faith. As we do, we will see lives transformed, chains broken, and the kingdom of God advanced in our world.
The Holy Spirit serves as the essential element in comprehending the enigmas of the resurrection and the bountiful existence that Jesus pledged to his adherents. By means of the Holy Spirit, we can grasp the profound verities of God’s teachings and encounter the entirety of his affection and benevolence.
As we commemorate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us also strive to enhance our connection with the Holy Spirit in accordance with sound doctrine.
May we embrace the doctrinally sound guidance and power of the Almighty, and permit Him to renew us from within. May we experience the blissful serenity that arises from our unification with Christ in His resurrection, and may we rest assured that His love for us is unbreakable.
