Kapic Doctrine 2 Exam 2

Rom. 8:30

"And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

1 Peter 2:9

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (To be called is to be changed: As we hear God's voice and call, we must respond, and that response will inevitably bring with it change. For in response to the call we move from darkness to light.)

James Arminius - Arminianism

(Foreknowledge) God's election is based on God's foreknowledge of what you will do, so election rests upon human choice. Taught that salvation is dependent on human will and effort to choose God. You can lose your salvation. God gives everyone equal prevenient grace which enables them to choose him.

fides historica

(historical faith) some information/data with no spiritual effect. James 2:19 the demons believe God is one and tremble.

fides miraculosa

(miraculous faith) people have faith but it is directed only toward the supernatural/miracles. 1 Cor. 13:2 if I have prophetic power and faith to move mountains but no love I'm nothing.

fides salvifica: Discuss this one in more detail, noting the three key components of faith

(saving faith) 3 elements: 1) Notitia: knowledge 2) Assensus: assent 3) Fiducia: trust

fides temporaria

(temporary faith) accept historical data, temporary belief, no lasting faith, disappears. Matthew 13:20-21 sower, plant grows but withers under pressure.

Ezek. 18:23; 33:11

18:23, Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? 33:11, Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.'

Give examples of different biblical texts dealing with repentance, and how one should understand repentance.

2 Chron. 7:14 if my people would pray, seek my face, humble themselves, turn from their sin and call on my name I'll hear and respond. Neh. 1:6-7 people in the Bible repent of/take responsibility for things they didn't do Proverbs 28:13 the one who conceals sin doesn't prosper, he who confesses and forsakes sin will obtain mercy. James 4:6-8 come near to God and he will come near to you (promise), God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Is. 55:6-7 seek the Lord while he may be found, agency. Turn to the Lord that he may have compassion. Ez. 18:31-32 cast away your transgression and make yourselves a new heart. Ez. 11:19 I will give them a new heart. It's both, we're actively involved. Matt. 4:17 repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Luke 24:47-48 repentance and forgiveness proclaimed to all nations.

What key points does the Heidelberg Catechism (q. 21) highlight about true faith? Cf. to WSC Q. 86

21: what is true faith? "Not only a certain knowledge, but also an assured confidence in my heart." True faith is assurance of personal salvation.

"A serious and sincere offer"

Canons of Dort 3&4.8 all called to the gospel are called seriously. "Serio vocantur" serious calling, the gospel can be genuinely offered to everyone.

Outline for me the six final affirmations from a Reformed perspective on election and calling

DASPPA Dead ALL Some Paradox Pride Apathy

How does Horton understand effectual calling?

Effectual calling is an inward call, distinguished from the general outward gospel call, because only when "the Spirit inwardly and effectually draws sinners to Christ do they actually receive the gift announced to them in the gospel" (p. 257)

What does Calvin say about Ezek. 18:23

God wills not the death of a sinner, he calls all equally to repentance. No one who wants to come to God will be turned away.

Pistis

Greek word for faith or belief

Herman Ridderbos on Paul's approach to election

Ridderbos argues that Paul does not use the doctrine of election to speculate about God's secret will, rather it is about the primacy of sovereign, divine grace in the course of redemptive history. - We are tempted to say who the elect are, but when you look at the bible, who are the elect? Israel is the elect in the OT, the people of God. - In the NT the focus moves to the church being the elect. - Paul never undercuts human agency in talking about election. Paul doesn't make us robots. Paul makes it clear that actions and agency matter, that there are things people should and shouldn't do. - Paul's point about election is always that God's grace and love comes before our actions. - Divine action precedes human action, but it always calls for a human response.

Explain the path of what I called Biblical Paradox

Scripture holds two things up as true: eternal election and the well-meant call of the gospel to all. We won't find a rational superstructure whereby everything perfectly fits together, but rather we seek to uphold the truths of scripture, holding them in awe and wonder. Thus, we preach and evangelize with the assurance that not only do I want this person saved, but God does as well.

"My Beloved is mine, and I am his"

Song of Solomon 2:16, God lovingly wooing us.

Hyper-Calvinism

The call doesn't go out to all. Since only the elect are saved, and God knows them from the beginning, we can't talk about a universal offer. Don't evangelize because that's lying to them.

According to Horton, what is the basis of our election?

"Election is unconditional: that is, not dependent on anything that God foresaw in us (either willing or doing), but on his merciful purpose in his Son" (p. 251)

Matt. 23:37

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing." Jesus laments, for he knows the fate of those who will not respond to the Gospel call.

Memorize WSC Q 87 "What is repentance unto life?"

"Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with the full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience."

Prevenient grace as understood by Arminians

"The grace that comes before" Prevenient grace: "grace that is given by God to all persons indiscriminately.... Since God has given this grace to all, everyone is capable of accepting the offer of salvation; consequently, there is not need for any special application of God's grace to particular individuals." You are mostly dead and need medicine to respond. Because of God's grace, he allows you to respond to salvation.

What does Ferguson say the object of faith is? (pg. 63)

"The object of faith in the Old Testament is the promise of God which awaits its fulfilment in the coming of Christ."

Memorize Deuteronomy 29:29

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Hearing God's Call (John 10:2-5,14)

"The sheep hear the Sheperd and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he has brought out all of his own, the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.... I am the good shepherd." - His particular call, he knows them intimately. - Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father and we love each other so will you be with us, we are called out of that trinitarian love to enter into it. This is accomplished by Christ laying down his life for his sheep. He calls his sheep by name. We are made to be known. He knows your name, and your name represents everything about you.

Ferguson: difference between predestination and election (pg 116)

"To elect means to make a choice. To predestinate emphasizes the goal of the choice. Election reflects God's choice of his people, predestination their divinely ordained destiny."

WSC Q. 86

"What is faith in Jesus Christ? A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel."

six final affirmations from a Reformed perspective

1) Humanity, since the fall of Adam, is dead in sin, actually at enmity with God (Eph. 2:1-6). Salvation therefore requires a miracle of God's amazing grace to overcome this situation. 2) The Gospel call goes out to all humanity, calling all everywhere to repent and be saved. Preaching and evangelism are God's ordained means to bring people to faith (Rom. 10: 8-13).

Please outline for me the eight observations I made about the significance of our union with Christ.

1) We are initially united with Christ in regeneration (Eph. 2:4-5) 2) We appropriate and continue to live out of this union through faith (Gal. 2:20, Eph. 3:16-17) 3) We are justified in union with Christ (1 Cor. 5:21) 4) We are sanctified through union with Christ (John 15:4) 5) We persevere in the life of faith in union with Christ (John 10:27-28, Rom. 8:38-39) 6) We are said to die in Christ (Rom. 14:8) 7) We shall be raised with Christ (1 Cor. 15:22) 8) We shall be eternally glorified with Christ (Col. 3:4)

Ferguson: be familiar with some of the aspects of true Repentance on pg. 74 & 75 (you don't need to memorize them, but be familiar with them)

1. A sense of shame, 2. Humbling, 3. Sorrow and regret, 4. Distaste of sin for what it is.

John 6:37 and 6:44

6:37, All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 6:44, No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (Highlights the Father's loving call to his beloved, His love is what brings people to Christ)

Nachum

A Hebrew word for repentance in the OT, can be used of God, which "expresses a sense of sorrow sometimes including the consequence of a change of purpose or action" (Ferguson p. 71)

Shub,shuv

A Hebrew word for repentance in the OT, meaning to return, conveying the idea of leaving something behind, returning to God (Ferguson p. 71)

How might Ambrose's words summarize the Augustinian and Calvinist line of thought on these questions?

Ambrose (Augustinian view) "we are saved by mercy alone not by our will or effort." We can't will it, we can't cooperate, we are in need of resurrection. Babies don't come into existence by willing themselves to. You need to be born again. You need God to do it. You are born dead according to Augustine.

According to John Murray's comparison between the Arminians and the Calvinists different conceptions of salvation, who ultimately makes the difference for each position?

Arminian view, man makes the difference. Reformed/Calvinist view, God makes the difference.

Foreknowledge

Arminianism stressed the idea that election is based on God's foreknowledge: What God knows you will do, is what informs God's choosing. Those whom he knows will choose him, are the elect. Election then ultimately rests upon our choice.

What is the root source for much of the disagreement between the Calvinists and the Arminians? Think anthropology

Arminians see humans as basically good (sick), Calvinists see humans as basically sinful and unable to choose God on their own (dead).

Arminians and their objections to the Calvinists before Dort

Arminians were saying that Calvinists could not offer a serious call to salvation if they believed only certain elect would be saved.

To be called is to be called to something

As we hear God's voice and receive his call, we are being called to something, to change - God has work for us to do. (We elect a president to get things done).

The Call of freedom

Augustinian understanding of Christian freedom: biblically, we should think of freedom to rather than freedom from. There are both dimensions, but we have misunderstood freedom if not viewed in light of freedom to. And our call is a call of freedom, and that is a freedom to love and service. (John 8:36, Gal. 5:16)

Regeneration

Being born-again, humans are passive, God is wholly active in this bringing of life. Something that God has to do. You didn't choose to be born...

St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Calvin, and the Puritans on mystical union

Bernard of Clairvaux was captured by the idea of God as the heavenly, lover, tons of sermons on Song of Solomon. Calvin quotes him a lot. Despite the stereotypes, Puritans had very strong mystical elements that push worshipers to realize that God is their heavenly Lover who pursues them. God will not grow weary in his pursuit of us, and we are called to respond to his loving call. Intimate relationship with God - consummation.

Ephesians 2:4-5

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... (We are dead in sin and cannot save ourselves, we need God's grace and love to make us alive)

Unpack Calvin's definition of faith. How is it structured and what are some interesting things about what he emphasizes?

Faith is a firm and certain knowledge of God's benevolence toward us founded upon the truth of the freely given promise in Christ both revealed to our minds and sealed upon our hearts though the Holy Spirit. Benevolence: not just that he exists, believing God is good even when the evidence is against it, that is faith.

According to Horton, how is God's saving election tied to history in time as well as eternity past?

God chose his elect before the foundations of the world in a covenant within the Trinity, yet they also respond to him in faith in time. "Though united to Christ in history, through faith, within the covenant of grace, the elect were chosen in Christ from all eternity in the covenant of redemption" (p. 245)

Metanoeo

Greek word meaning to change one's mind, sometimes translated repent (Ferguson).

Thomas Goodwin

He was a leading Puritan scholar and pastor - wrote book "The Heart of Christ in Heaven Unto Sinners on Earth" says the heart of Christ displays the heart of God our heavenly lover. Goodwin encourages his readers "take your hands and lay them upon Christ's breast and feel how his heart beats for you even now when he is in glory." -when Christ thinks of you, his heart delights. We find it so hard to believe that God feels this way about us. We don't take it seriously that Jesus reflects the heart of God.

What are the dangers we should be aware of when people discuss predestination?

It can breed speculation about who is elect, arrogance over being elect, or passivity when people think they don't have to obey and seek God because they're saved no matter what.

Know the thrust of Jesus' teaching and Paul's teaching about election

Jesus "explained that his Father worked in men's lives on the basis of a plan and purpose... Jesus also insists that entry into a kingdom of God is by a call" (p. 118). Paul said that "God does everything in accordance with his good pleasure. God has universal rights over his sinful creatures and may use them as he wills for his own glory" (p. 120).

John 1:12-13; 3:3,7

John 1:12-13 the children of God were not born of the will of man but of God, John 3:3,7 you must be born again to see the kingdom of God

Faith: looking forward and backward

Look back to look forward and believe in the present faithfulness of God (Heb. 11).

Please discuss, by giving Biblical examples, some figurative expressions for faith that we find throughout scripture (e.g., looking to Jesus, etc.).

Looking to Jesus (John 3:14-15 Jesus was lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness), Hungering, thirsting, eating, and drinking (John 4:14 living water, John 6:50-58 bread of life, if you eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ you will live forever), Calling to Christ and receiving him (John 1:12 to all who received him he gave the right to be children. John 5:40 you refused to come to me to have life)

How did Martin Luther and John Calvin react to the semi-pelagianism of their day?

Luther and Calvin reacted against the semi-pelagianism of their day, which they saw as placing the burden of salvation on human shoulders.

Please give biblical evidence that the Call goes out to all

Matt. 22:1-14, Matt. 11:28, Acts. 17:30, Rev. 22:17

According to Horton, what is the difference between monergism and synergism and which one is true in regeneration?

Monergism means that God alone saves us and we do not contribute anything to our salvation. Synergism teaches that God provides the possibility of salvation, but our acceptance of the offer accomplishes it. "Our rebirth is monergistic (one work, namely God) rather than synergistic (cooperation). With respect to the doctrine of salvation (soteriology), it is this single point that most decisively distinguishes the churches of the Reformation from all other traditions" (p. 250).

The Trap of Rationalism: Explain the possible rationalists' solutions to the various biblical texts which relate to calling and election

Option 1: Arminianism: if God wants all to be saved, then it's possible for everyone to be saved, God does no more than make it possible (compromises God's sovereignty). Option 2: Hyper-Calvinism: if election is true, God must only desire the salvation of the elect and we can't offer salvation sincerely to all.

repentance and faith

Our response to the Spirit's regeneration is repentance and faith

Richard Sibbes

Puritan, said that pastors have the job of winning the heart of the church for God, the sermons are persuasive letters to draw people in by the allure of Christ, he is "delectable." Election is God passionately seeking our love, he chose you/seeks you out/pursues you.

Heb. 11

Reminds believers of stories that were super hard, these people had faith because God was faithful, not because things were easy. Seeing God's faithfulness to believers in the past encourages Christians to trust in God's promises for the future

2 Pet 3:9: Again, know how Calvin treats this passage

The Lord is patient with you, he wants all to come to repentance and no one to perish (then why do people perish?) Calvin says we can ask why not everyone, but we don't know: "no mention is made here of the secret decree of God by which the wicked are doomed to their own ruin, but only of His loving-kindness as it is made know to us in the Gospel. There God stretches out His hand to all alike, but He only grasps those (in such a way as to lead to Himself) whom He has chosen before the foundation of the world." Why do so many perish if God doesn't want them to? Isn't that a fair question? My reply is that no mention is made of the secret decree of God. God stretches out his hand to all, but only grasps those whom he has chosen. Just because something happens doesn't mean that it is good and God approves. You make God the author of evil when you start labeling everything that happens with divine sovereignty.

From a pastoral perspective, what are some of the reasons that Christians should discuss the doctrine of election?

The doctrine of election is meant to be comforting rather than exclusive because it grounds our salvation in the work of Christ rather than in our own merit. It is for the people of God to comfort and encourage.

Word and Spirit in terms of Calling

The external call is the universal call of the Word, which goes out to all. The internal call of the Spirit, is distinct from the external call and stirs particular hearts to respond to the call.

'The well-meant offer'

The offer is well-meant as an offer of salvation by both the preacher and God. This isn't just us being sincere and giving this offer, but this well meant offer is actually a reflection of God himself.

Discuss for me the biblical concept of union with Christ. In what diverse ways does scripture speak of union with Christ (i.e., we are in Christ, Christ is in us, etc)

The phrase union with Christ isn't explicitly in the Bible but the concept is found in "in Christ" and "Christ in us". 2 Cor. 5:17 in Christ you are a new creation, Gal. 3:28 we are all one in Christ, Phil. 3:8-9 be found in Him, Gal. 2:20 crucified with Christ he lives in us, Col. 1:27 Christ in you the hope of glory, John 6:56 abides in me and I in him, John 15:4 branch remains in vine, 1 John 4:13 we live in him and him in us

Know Ferguson's understanding of the "born again" metaphor

The point is that when we are born it is completely outside of our control, just as we are unable to do anything about our physical birth, our spiritual rebirth is wholly an act of God.

What is the principle cause of election?

The principle cause of election is the triune God. Election needs to be grounded in love (inter-trinitarian love of the Father, Son, and Spirit). Its not random election. The Father loves the Son. The Son is the beloved of God. The HS glorifies the father and the son.

'Gospel call'

The universal calling, the gospel call goes out to all. "The offering of salvation in Christ to people, together with an invitation to accept Christ in repentance and faith, in order that they may receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life."

Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:20

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

opera ad extra trinitatis indivisia sunt [the external works of the Trinity are undivided]

Therefore, when Jesus laments those who will not answer the call, this reflects the Father's heart as well because the will and desires of the Father and Son are the same.

What was Luther and Calvin's basic view of fallen humanity and of the radical nature of grace?

They emphasized the view that humans had no ability or desire to seek God on their own and therefore must be regenerated solely by the grace and power of God.

The Call of transformation

This call from God frees us and transforms us. Making us more into the image of Christ (1 Peter 5:10 the God of all grace who has called you will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you). God when he calls and works will see it through. When God calls, he has things for you to do. There's good work for you to do. He likes to give good gifts so that you can enjoy them.

How does Horton explain the different approaches to understanding union with Christ?

Union with Christ can be understood as mystical and organic, and also as forensic and legal, but the doctrine should not be reduced to one of these perspectives alone. Through the same act of faith, one receives the whole Christ, Lord and Savior, with all of his gifts, including justification and renewal (p. 275)

Universal calling

Vocatio externa - God's Call goes out to everybody by the Word. The offering of salvation in Christ to people inviting them to accept Christ in repentance and faith in order that they may receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. (Matt. 22:14, Many are called, but few are chosen, Matt. 28:19 go and make disciples of all nations). The call of repentance and faith goes out to all: all must respond to the reality of God in Christ.

Particular calling

Vocatio interna (internal calling) - goes out to some by the Spirit. Certain people are called effectually, only those people will enjoy the benefits of reconciliation to God. This particular call is a mystery to us, and we must affirm the mystery because it preserves God's freedom. For the external call goes out to all, but the 'internal' call which is necessary for salvation comes from God alone opening the heart.

The human desire to be 'chosen'

We all desire to be chosen and loved, and that desire is a gift from God, but therefore it can only be fulfilled by God as our heavenly lover. Being called by God is to be connected to God's love. He calls his sheep by name. God has chosen his people for his treasured possession

According to Horton, what does it mean that our union with Christ is organic?

While being in Christ is a fact that can never be improved, diminished, or withdrawn, nevertheless we grow experientially in this union as we come to know, communicate with, and respond to each other (p. 272)

Ferguson: be familiar with the different Categories of our union with Christ - How do we have a carnal union with Christ? What is the fruit of our union with Christ?

carnal union: "by his incarnation the Son of God became one with us, sharing our nature... we are united to him by divine covenant and also by divine incarnation" (p. 108). The fruit of our union with Christ is resurrection, dignity, confidence in prayer, protection from temptation, etc. (p. 113)

'true saving faith'

involves a commitment of the whole person to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in response to the free offer of salvation in the gospel.

'true repentance'

involves a frank acknowledgement of sin, sorrow for it, and a determination to forsake the sin.