Untitled Sermon (3)

Predestination Vs. Free Will

T.U.L.I.P.

Total Depravity:

Humans, after Adam's fall, are entirely affected by sin and are therefore unable to save themselves or desire God without divine intervention.

(Genesis 6:5); (Jeremiah 17:9)

Unconditional Election:

God, in his sovereign will, chooses certain individuals for salvation based on his eternal decree, not on any foreseen merit or action by the individual.

(Romans 9:11); (Ephesians 1:4-6)

Limited Atonement:

Christ's death on the cross was intended to secure the salvation of the elect alone, not for all of humanity.

(John 10:11); (Acts 20:28); (Romans 8:32)

Irresistible Grace:

Those whom God has chosen are effectively called to salvation through the Holy Spirit, and their hearts are so moved by God that they cannot ultimately resist this saving grace.

(John 6:37); (John 6:44); (Romans 8:30)

Perseverance of the Saints:

The elect, or those chosen by God, are eternally preserved by God and will remain in faith until the end, not losing their salvation.

(John 10:28); (Philippians 1:6); (Ephesians 4:30); (John 6:39)

F.A.C.T.S.

Freed by Christ:

Humans have free will, enabling them to respond to God's call, though this freedom is restored by God's grace.

Atonement for All:

Jesus' atoning death was for the sins of the entire world, not just the elect.

(1 Timothy 2:4); (2 Peter 3:9); (John 12:32); (Titus 2:11)

Conditional Election (Election Based on Foreknowledge)

God elects individuals for salvation based on His foreknowledge of their belief, rather than predetermining it.

(Romans 8:29); (1 Peter 1:1-2); Describes election "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father". (Ephesians 1:4); Election is "in him, before the foundation of the world". Arminians interpret this to mean God's election is based on His foresight of who would believe "in Him".

Total Depravity:

All humans are fallen and tainted by sin, affecting every part of their being. However, God provides prevenient grace, which awakens the heart and makes it possible for individuals to choose to believe.

Prevenient grace is a theological concept meaning God's grace that comes "before" any human action toward God, preparing the human will to respond to Him. The term, from the Latin for "to come before," is considered a universal, unmerited grace that makes a faithful response to God possible. It does not guarantee salvation but gives the ability to cooperate with God's initiative.

(John 12:32); This statement does not imply a selective or exclusive attraction but signifies a universal outreach, indicative of God’s drawing and prevenient grace extended to every individual.

(Titus 2:11); "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people," highlighting the universality of prevenient grace. This scriptural narrative underscores the Wesleyan belief in a grace that precedes salvation, enabling individuals to freely respond to God's call. It is a grace that acts upon all hearts, gently drawing humanity back to its Creator and countering the effects of sin that have marred the human will and capacity to seek God.

Security in Christ:

Believers can fall away from salvation through a lack of continued faith and trust in Christ.

(Acts 7:51); The people were described as "always resisting the Holy Spirit".

(Hebrews 6:4-6); This passage is used to suggest that it is possible for a believer to turn away from faith, which is the basis for Arminianism's view that salvation is not eternally secure for those who fall away.