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T
Total Depravity
Because of the fall in Adam, man is unable of himself to savingly believe the Gospel. The sinner is
spiritually dead, blind, and deaf to the things of God; his heart is deceitful and desperately corrupt. His will is not free
but is in bondage to his sinful nature. He is as spiritually dead and estranged from God as are the fallen angels. Therefore
he will not, indeed cannot, choose good over evil in the spiritual realm. Consequently it takes regeneration by which the
Spirit brings a sinner to Christ - it takes regeneration by which the Spirit brings a sinner from spiritual death to spiritual
life and gives him a new nature. Faith is not something man contributes to salvation but is itself a part of God's gift of
Salvation - it is God's gift to the sinner , not the sinner's gift to God.
Key Verses
- John 6:44
- Romans 5:6 and 8:7,8
- Ephesians 2:1,5
- Colossians 2:13
- Titus 3:3-5
U Unconditional Election
God's choice of certain individuals unto salvation, before the foundation of the world, rested soley
on His own Sovereign Will. His choice of particular sinners was not based on any foreseen response or obedience on their part,
such as faith, repentance, etc. On the contrary, God gives faith and repentance to each individual whom He selected. These
acts are the result, not the cause, of God's choice. Election therefore was not determined by or conditioned upon an virtuous
quality or act foreseen in man. Those whom God sovereignly elected He brings through the power of the Spirit to a willing
acceptance of Christ. Thus God's choice of Christ, is the ultimate cause of salvation.
Key Verses
- Romans 9:11 ; 11:5,7 ; 11:28 ; 8:38-39
- 1 Thessalonians 1:4
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 ; 14:2
- 2 Peter 1:10
- Ephesians 1:3-14
- 2 Timothy 1:9,10
L Limited Atonement
Christ's redeeming work was intended to save the elect only and actually secured salvation for them.
his death was a substitutionary endurance of the penalty of sin in the place of certain specified sinners. In addition to
putting away the sins of His people, Christ's redemption secured everything neccessary for their salvation, including faith
which unites them to Him. The gift of faith is infallibly applied by the Spirit to all for whom Christ died, thereby guaranteeing
their salvation.
Key Verses
- Matt. 1:21
- John 6:37-40 , 10:14-16,26-28 , 15:13-14
- Acts 20:28
- Heb. 10:14
- Rom. 8:31-34
- 1 Cor. 8:11
- Eph. 5:25-27
- 1 John 4:10-11
I Irresistible Grace
In addition to the outward general call to salvation which is made to everyone who hears the Gospel,
the Holy Spirit extends to the elect a special inward call that inevitably brings them to salvation. The external call (which
is made to all without distinction) can be, and often is, rejected, whereas the internal call (which is made only to the elect)
cannot be rejected; it always results in conversion. By means of this special call the Spirit irresistible draws sinners to
Christ. He is not limited in His work of applying salvation by man's will, nor is He dependent upon man's cooperation for
success. The Spirit graciously causes the elect sinner to cooperate, to believe, to repent, to come freely and willingly to
Christ. God's grace, therefore, is invincible; it never fails to result in the salvation of those to whom it is extended.
Key Verses
- Eph. 1:19, 20
- Ezek. 11:19
- I Cor. 4:7
- John 17:2
- John 5:21
- Acts 13:48
P Perserverance Of The Saints
All who were chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and given faith by the Spirit are eternally saved.
They are kept in faith by the power of Almighty God and thus persevere to the end.
Key Verses
- John 6:37-39
- Phil. 1:6
- 1 Thess. 5:23-24
- 2 Tim. 4:18
- 1 Peter 1:23
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