This can be a very pressing question that weighs on the hearts of those who have been introduced to the Reformed doctrines of grace, often known as Calvinism or “TULIP”. The reality of divine election (that God has chosen some unto salvation before the foundation of the world) can make us anxious. “Am I one of the elect? How can I know for certain?” The Answer Is Simpler...
I write this post not merely as a theological observer, but as someone who lived through the very errors I now aim to expose. For several years, I sat under a form of hyper-Calvinistic experiential preaching that, while well-intentioned, ultimately confused my soul and, I believe, hindered many from entering the Kingdom. It emphasized delay over decision, feeling over faith, and introspection...
For many years I believed the doctrines of grace and revered the authority of Scripture, and never understood the gospel. Even when I started to understand the Gospel, I still hadn’t come to Christ. Not with saving faith. I was stuck. Waiting for a deeper conviction of sin. Waiting to feel worthy of coming. Afraid of presumption. Afraid of being a false convert. Afraid of coming the wrong way...
Author Attribution: Wilhelmus à Brakel, The Christian’s Reasonable Service The Exceeding Wickedness of not Believing in Christ Sixthly, if you do not come and believe in Christ, you commit the most abominable of all sins, with the exception of the sin against the Holy Ghost and the express act of blasphemy towards God, for the following reasons: 1. You deem the true God to be a liar. “He...
by Peter Jeffery “I know I am a sinner and on several occasions I have asked God to forgive me and asked Jesus to be my saviour, but nothing happened.” Such an experience is not uncommon Such an experience is not uncommon, particularly among youngsters who have grown up in a Christian family. It causes bewilderment and frustration, and this is understandable. Sinners are told to confess their sin...
Many people wrestle with what it really means to be converted. Some say conversion is just a decision one makes, while others suggest that one must wait and hope God chooses them. And if you’ve grown up hearing about deep emotional experiences being part of conversion, you might wonder, “Have I really been converted? Did I do it right?” This is a common struggle, and it’s...
Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians is among the most compelling works on Christian assurance ever written. Many believers wrestle with doubt and uncertainty about their salvation, but Luther’s exposition of Paul’s letter provides a rock-solid foundation for those struggling with uncertainty. Why Is Luther’s Commentary So Valuable? Luther’s focus is unwavering: he directs us away from...
Tim Conway preached a series of messages in 2014, powerfully articulating a biblical and confessionally Reformed presentation of evangelical, Christ-exalting Calvinism in opposition to soul-destroying hyper-Calvinism. Click through to the “I’ll Be Honest” website to access all the transcripts. Pastor Tim Conway is a prominent preacher known for his fervent expository teaching...
This article is the first in a series of excerpts from a short free book [1]by the same title, written by Bill Tanis and Paul Greendyk. In future issues we will insert more selections on how the hypercalvinistic errors show up and their consequences. Download a copy to understand more about this topic, and to equip yourself to evangelize to people who are near the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13) but...
The following sermon is preached by Jim Osman, and shared by Justin Peters. Justin has a great worldwide expository preaching and teaching ministry. Many of his videos are about refuting various false beliefs, teachers and churches. This sermon has clear scriptural teaching on what baptism is, what it symbolizes, how it should be done, and who should be baptized. Maybe you? Some of the scripture...