Predestination – Short Version

Are all things predestined?  Are all things already predetermined?  Did God create some sort of cosmic “blueprint” that already has every minute detail planned out from beginning to end?

Or are some things able to be changed by the choices of free moral agents?  Are people really free to make choices that have any kind of effect on their lives, their surroundings, and their future?

In this post I want to examine what the Bible has to say about predestination. Read more

Chosen in Christ

What does it mean when the Bible tells us in Ephesians 1 that we were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world?  Does that mean that God picks people out for eternal life before they are even born?  Does it mean that God looks at all of the people that will eventually live, and choose to save some but not others?  If you have ever wondered about this, then hopefully this post will be helpful to you. Read more

New Covenant 4 – One Sacrifice for All Time

 

Title: The New Covenant 4 – One Sacrifice for All Time

Subject Matter:  This week we spent more time in the book of Hebrews exploring the ramifications of Jesus work on the cross in relation to the New Covenant.  We looked at how a proper understanding of the New Covenant will have a very positive, Read more

Church Definition

I believe that words are important.  If we all have different definitions of a word, confusion will undoubtedly enter into our conversations.  Unless both parties in a conversation have the same idea of the meaning of the words in that conversation, there is no chance at having full clarity.

Over the course of time, the meanings of words can change because of various reasons.  Every now and then, I add words to my “Christian Dictionary” category on this blog when I feel like there is some value to be had by Read more

Election

This is the second installment in a collection that I am tentatively calling “Christian Dictionary.”  I am hoping to give my thoughts on some theological words that, in my opinion, are often misunderstood because of various traditions that surround them.

This article is about the Greek word “eklektos” that is often translated as “chosen” or “elect.”  It would be difficult to overemphasize the importance of the definition of this word.  There are huge theological issues that rest on how this word is defined.  It affects how we see ourselves, and it affects our view of the character and nature of God. Read more

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