The Five Points of Calvinism

1. The Five Points of Calvinism …an introduction By Matt Slick

2. Why a course on Calvinism? We need a course on Calvinism because as Christians we need to be informed concerning the different aspects of theology held by different Christians. Though no man-made system of biblical theology is perfect, each offers insights into God’s word that have value to the Christian body as a whole. There are many denominations that differ in significant areas, but they all hold to the essentials of the Christian faith. Page 1 of manual, paragraphs 1-2

3. Essentials of the Faith What are the essentials of the Christian faith? They can be summarized here: Jesus is both God and man (John 1:1, 14; 8:24; Col. 2:9;1 John 4:1-4). Jesus rose from the dead physically (John 2:19-21; 1 Cor. 15:14). Salvation is by grace through faith (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 3:1-2; 5:1-4). The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus according to the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:8-9). There is only one God (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8) God is a Trinity of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (nature of incarnation) Jesus is the only way to God the Father (John 14:6). Page 1 of manual, paragraph 3

4. Essentials of the Faith To deviate from the above essentials is to deny the Christian faith. But, to deviate in the non-essentials, i.e., pre-tribulation rapture or post tribulation rapture, worship on Sunday or Saturday, etc., does not affect one’s salvation nor does it deny the Christian faith. Page 1 of manual, paragraph 4

5. Essentials of the Faith “Now accept the one who is weak in faith,but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions…5 One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind,” (Rom. 14:1,5). We are told by the Apostle Paul to accept fellow Christians and do not pass judgment on them on debatable issues. We are told that each person must be convinced in his own mind. Therefore, we are obligated to consider our brothers in Christ with high regard. Page 2of manual, paragraph 5

6. Essentials of the Faith So, as we look at the doctrines of the Christian Faith known as Calvinism, let’s do so with an open and non-judgmental attitude. It does notmean we are obligated to accept the tenets, but we are obligated to be loving when regarding those who hold to them (or don’t). Okay then, let’s weigh what is taught against Scripture. Calvinists hold to the essentials of the Christian faith but they also hold to more specific areas of theology that other Christians do not. These more specific areas are known as the Five Points of Page 2 of manual, paragraphs 6-7

7. Essentials of the Faith Calvinism, also known as Reformed Theology, is named after the French Theologian John Calvin who lived from 1509 to 1564. John Calvin was a second generation reformer continuing the work begun by Martin Luther who ignited the Reformation in Germany. Calvin was initially trained as a lawyer and used his skills to systematize biblical theology into what would later become known as Calvinism. He left the Catholic Church around 1533 and eventually fled to Geneva, Switzerland to avoid persecution. After a thorough study of the Bible, Calvin then published the monumental work known as The Institutes of the Christian Religion, one of the most influential books in Western Civilization. Pages 2-3 of manual, paragraphs 8-9

8. Essentials of the Faith After being published, the Institutes became a bestseller virtually overnight and pushed Calvin to the forefront of the Protestant Reformation. In the Institutes, Calvin examined the doctrines of Creator/creature distinctive, God and his sovereignty, man’s fallen condition, the doctrine of salvation, election, predestination, the security of the believer, government, private property, problems with the Catholic Church, and much more. In Geneva, Calvin preached, lectured, and continued to write. While there he gained considerable influence. John Calvin lived in Geneva, Switzerland until he died on May 27th, 1564. Page 3 of manual, paragraphs 10-13

9. The Five Points of Calvinism Summarized Calvinism is most famously associated with what is called “The Five Points of Calvinism” and are represented by the acronym TULIP. T = Total Depravity: A person is completely touched by sin in all that he is and cannot freely choose God because he is enslaved to sinful desires. U = Unconditional Election: God’s election to salvation is not based on what is in man, but what is in God. L = Limited Atonement: Jesus bore the sins of the elect alone and not every individual who ever lived. I = Irresistible Grace: God’s gracious calling to salvation cannot be resisted but will result in salvation. P = Perseverance of the Saints: The elect are secure in Christ and cannot lose their salvation. Page 4 of manual, paragraph 14

10. Hyper Calvinism is not Calvinism Before we examine those five points we need to clarify that Hyper Calvinism is sometimes mistaken for Calvinism. Hyper Calvinism is the teaching that rightly affirms God’s sovereignty, but erringly denies man’s responsibility. Generally, it states that God will save a person “no matter what” and that the means of that salvation (preaching, lecturing, teaching, missionary work, etc.) are inconsequential to a person becoming saved. It is like saying that a person will be saved when God wants him saved and our preaching the gospel doesn’t matter. It also denies the necessity of missionary work, evangelism, and prayer for the conversion of the lost. Calvinists consider Hyper Calvinism to be heretical and a violation of scripture. Now, let’s move on to what Calvinism actually teaches in the five points. Page 4 of manual, paragraphs 15-16

11. Total Depravity Total Depravity is the teaching that sin has affected all of the person. The body, heart, emotions, will, and mind are all touched by sin. As a result of this condition, the unbeliever is not capable of freely choosing to receive Christ. He must be enabled by God to do so. We clearly see that sin has affected our bodies because we get sick, grow old, and die. Page 5 of manual, paragraphs 17-18

12. Total Depravity “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness…” (Gen. 1:26). We are made in the image of God. The image is not a physical representation of God because God is spirit (John 4:24) and spirit does not have a body of flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). Instead, the image consists of qualities in us that reflect qualities in God such as our ability to reason, love, hate, be compassionate, merciful, etc. Nevertheless, the Image of God in us is affected by our sin. We are now fallen, sinful, and lost -- even though we can still reason, love, be compassionate, and merciful. Page 5 of manual, paragraph 19

13. Total Depravity But, this effect of sin upon all of what we are does not mean we are as sinful as we could be. We could be a lot worse. We don’t go around murdering, lying, stealing, etc., on a constant basis. For the most part, people are pretty decent and refrain from such grievous sins. But we are affected by our sinfulness at a very deep level. To repeat, Total Depravity means that we are completelyaffected by sin in all that we are. This affect is important especially when we examine the issue of a person’s free will. Page 5 of manual, paragraphs 20-21

14. Total Depravity Free will is the ability to make choices without external coercion. Furthermore, free will means that we act and choose in a manner that is consistent with what we are. Therefore, a choice is free if it is consistent with the person's desires. There are two main views of free will: Libertarian and Compatibilist. Page 6 of manual, paragraphs 22-23

15. Total Depravity Compatiblistfree will is the position that a person's free will is restricted by his sinful nature and as a result he can choose only what his sinful nature will allow him to choose. In other words, his will must be "compatible" with the condition of his depraved and sinful nature and that he will only choose sinful options. Libertarianfree will is the position that a person's free will is not restricted by his sinful nature. It states that the sinner is not enslaved by sin such that he only chooses sinful things. In other words, he is at "liberty" to freely choose what is right as well as what is wrong. Page 6 of manual, paragraphs 24-25

16. Total Depravity In light of Libertarian and Compatiblist free will, total depravity can now be more properly examined in regards to the ability of the unbeliever to come to Christ. But to do this, we need to examine what the Bible saysabout the unbeliever’s condition. The doctrine of Total Depravity is derived from scriptures that reveal human character: Man’s heart is evil (Mark 7:21-23) and sick (Jer. 17:9). Man is a slave of sin (Rom. 6:20). He does not seek for God (Rom. 3:10-12). He cannot understand spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:14). He is at enmity with God (Eph. 2:15). And, is by nature a child of wrath (Eph. 2:3). The Calvinist asks the question, "In light of the scriptures that declare man’s true nature as being utterly lost and incapable, how is it possible for anyone to choose or desire God?" The answer is, "He cannot. Therefore God must predestine." Page 6 of manual, paragraphs 26-27

17. Total Depravity Let’s take a look at these scriptures. Mark 7:21-23,“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.” Jer. 17:9, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick. Who can understand it?” Rom. 6:20, “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.” Rom. 3:10-12, “as it is written, ‘There is none righteous, not even one; 11 There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; 12 All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one.’” Page 7 of manual, paragraphs 28-32

18. Total Depravity 1 Cor. 2:14, “But a natural man does not accept the thingsof the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” Eph. 2:15, “by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,” Eph. 2:3, “Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” Page 7 of manual, paragraphs 33-35

19. Man Apart from God Apart from God, man is utterly hopeless. He cannot change what he is nor can undo the offense against God for his sins. Only God can do that. Jer. 13:23, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then you also can do good who are accustomed to doing evil." Rom. 5:10, "For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.“ Rom. 8:7, "because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so." Page 8of manual, paragraph 36

20. Man Apart from God The unbeliever CAN respond to God. His response will be in accordance with scripture that says he cannot do good, is a hater of God, is full of evil, etc., Therefore, we conclude that his free will response will be to reject God, according to the limits described by scripture itself. Page 8of manual, paragraph 37

21. God’s Work Because of man’s fallen condition it is God who appoints people to believe (Acts 13:48), chooses who is to be holy and blameless (Eph. 1:4), calls according to His purpose (2 Tim. 1:9), chooses us for salvation (2 Thess. 2:13-14), grants the act of believing (Phil. 1:29), grants repentance (2 Tim. 2:24-26), causes us to be born again (1 Pet. 1:3), draws people to Himself (John 6:44,65), predestines us to salvation (Rom. 8:29-30) and adoption (Eph. 1:5) according to His purpose (Eph. 1:11), makes us born again not by our will but by His will (John 1:12-13), and works faith in the believer (John 6:28-29). Page 8of manual, paragraph 38

22. God’s Work Acts 13:48, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” Eph. 1:4, “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him.” 2 Tim. 1:9, “who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,” 2 Thess. 2:13, “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” Page 9of manual, paragraphs 39-42

23. God’s Work Phil. 1:29, “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” 2 Tim. 2:25, “with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,” 1 Pet. 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” John 6:44,65, “No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day…65 And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me, unless it has been granted him from the Father.” Page 9of manual, paragraphs 43-46

24. God’s Work Rom. 8:29-30, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; 30 and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Eph. 1:5, “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,” Eph. 1:11, “also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,” Page 10 of manual, paragraphs 47-49

25. God’s Work John 1:12-13, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 6:28-29, “They said therefore to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” Page 10 of manual, paragraphs 50-51

26. UnconditionalElection What is election? Election is the act of God’s sovereign will where before the creation of the world he chooses an individual or group of people to accomplish a purpose. In the context of Reformed Theology and Unconditional Election, election is the teaching that God, before the creation of the world, elected some people to be saved and not others. His election was not based on any foreseen decision or quality in these people. Instead, it was based solely on the sovereign will of God. Election is based on what is in God, not what is in man. God chose us for salvation because he decided to bestow his love and grace upon us, not because we are worthy of being saved. Page 11 of manual, paragraphs 52-53

27. Unconditional Election 2 Thess. 2:13, “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” Acts 13:48, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region.” Matt. 24:22, “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” Page 11 of manual, paragraph 53

28. Unconditional Election Mark 13:27, “And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth, to the farthest end of heaven.” Rom. 8:32-33, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies.” Page 11 of manual, paragraph 53

29. Unconditional Election Does God elect and choose people and individuals? Yes he does. The Greek word “eklektos” (elect) occurs many times in the N.T. Matt. 24:22, for the sake of the elect, days will be cut short Matt. 24:24, “to mislead if possible, even the elect” Matt. 24:31, “God will gather his elect from the four winds Mark 13:20, for the sake of the elect, days are shortened Mark 13:22, “to lead astray, if possible the elect” Mark 13:27, God will gather his elect Luke 18:7, God will bring justice to the elect Rom. 8:33, who will bring a charge against God’s elect? 1 Tim. 5:21, elect angels, chosen angels Page 12 of manual, paragraph 54

30. Unconditional Election The Greek word “eklektos” is also translated as “chosen”. Matt. 22:14, many called, few are chosen Rom. 16:13, Rufus, chosen in the Lord Col. 3:12, those who have been chosen of God 2 Tim. 2:10, Paul endures all things for the sake of the chosen 1 Pet. 1:1, Peter writes to those who are chosen by God 1 Pet. 2:4, Jesus is chosen of God 2 John 1, “the elder to the chosen lady and her children” 2 John 13, “the children of the chosen sister greet you” Rev. 17:14, those with Jesus are the chosen ones Page 12 of manual, paragraph 55

31. Unconditional Election The Greek word “eklogay” means to “choose, select, elect.” Acts 9:15, Paul is a chosen vessel. Rom. 9:11, God chose to love Jacob and hate Esau Rom. 11:5, God has remnant of believers due to his choice. Rom. 11:7, Those who were chosen obtained salvation. Rom. 11:28, God chose Israel to love. 1 Thess. 1:4, God chose the brethren. Page 12 of manual, paragraph 56

32. …Predestination “also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,” (Eph. 1:11). Predestine in Greek isπροορίζω,“prooridzo”. It means to determine beforehand, to decide. Therefore, God has, from all eternity, determined whatsoever shall come to pass. Predestination and election are interconnected. God predestines events beforehand and he also elects people into salvation. Therefore, God predestines those who have been elected to infallibly obtain salvation. Page 13 of manual, paragraphs 57-58

33. …Predestination Acts 4:28, “to do whatever Your hand and Your purposepredestinedto occur.” Rom. 8:29, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren.” Rom. 8:30, “and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” 1 Cor. 2:7, “but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory.” Eph. 1:5, “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” Eph. 1:11, “also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” Page 13 of manual, paragraph 58

34. …Predestination Obviously, God predestines and elects individuals to salvation. He does this because he is the sovereign Lord who knows the end from the beginning and also because without his election and predestination, no one would ever be saved. Page 13 of manual, paragraph 59

35. Objections to Election Answered “For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?” (James 2:2). Doesn’t this mean that God is showing partiality?Partiality, according to the Bible is showing favoritismto a person based on money, status, etc. Answer: If God elected someone based on some quality in the person, then that would be showing partiality. It would mean that God was judging a person worthy of salvation because of some good quality in him. But God does not show such partiality. Page 14 of manual, paragraph 60

36. Objections to Election Answeredcontinued… There is no partiality with God (Rom. 2:11; Acts 10:34), so God does choose individuals for salvation “But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel,” (Acts 9:15). “Greet Rufus, a chosen man in the Lord, also his mother and mine,” (Rom. 16:13). Page 14 of manual, paragraph 61

37. Objections to Election Answered Does God’s election mean that we have no free will? Answer: Free will is the ability to make choices and people are still free to choose what they want. But, without God’s election and work, none will ever come to a saving relationship with Jesus. “And He was saying, ’For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father,’” (John 6:65). Page 15 of manual, paragraph 62

38. Objections to Election Answered God looked into the future to see who would pick him as it says in Romans 8:29 “those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son”? Answer: If God had to look into the future to see who would pick him, this would mean that God had to learn. But God knows all things (1 John 3:20). So, this cannot be the case. Page 15 of manual, paragraph 63

39. Objections to Election Answered (continued…) God looked into the future to see who would pick him as it says in Romans 8:29 “those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son”? Answer: When God says that he "knows" someone it means that person is saved. If he says he does not know anyone (Matthew 7:22-23) then it means the person is not saved. The word for "know” in Greek is “ginosko”. The word for "foreknow” in Greek is "proginosko”. Therefore, God is "knowing" those whom he also predestined. Notice that the text says "those whom he foreknew he also predestined.” In other words, the four known ones are also the predestined ones. Page 15 of manual, paragraph 63

40. Objections to Election Answered This means that God is not fair because he chooses one person and not another so that the person not chosen does not have a choice on whether not to be saved. Answer:The answer is found in Romans 9:9-23. Page 15 of manual, paragraph 64

41. Romans 9:9-23 Romans 9:9-23 is a critical area of scripture that demonstrates God’s sovereign act of election. Let’s take a look. Page 16 of manual, paragraph 65

42. Romans 9:9-23 (vv. 9-16) “For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come,and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; 11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, 12 it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 14 What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy…” (continued..) Page 16 of manual, paragraph 65

43. Romans 9:9-23 (vv. 17-23) “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.” 18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. 19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” 20 On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? 22 What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? 23 And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,” (Rom. 9:9-23). Page 16 of manual, paragraph 65

44. Romans 9:9-23 (vv. 17-23) If you read this text and do not raise the same objections that Paul did, then you do not understand what he said. Romans 9:9-23 clearly tells us that God is the sovereign Lord who does with his creation as he pleases. Our salvation, election, being chosen of God is by His choice not ours. That is why Paul says, “it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy,” (Rom. 9:16). Also, God “has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires,” (Rom. 9:18). Pages 16-17 of manual, paragraphs 66-68

45. Objections Answered The natural objection will be to ask "Why did you makeme like this?”(Rom. 9:20). God responds and says that he has the right over the clay to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use. The reason he does this is found in verse 23 where he says that "he did so to make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which you prepared beforehand for glory." Pages 17 of manual, paragraph 69

46. Objections Answered Doesn’t this then mean that God is unfair? Answer: No, God is not unfair. He always does w hat is right. All deserve to be damned sin all are by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:3). Answer: The answer to this objection is found in the text in verses 20-23, “who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use, and another for common use? 22 What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? 23 And He did so in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory.” Page 17 of manual, paragraph 70

47. Objections Answered 1 Thess. 4:4, “that each of you know how to possess his own vessel (context is wife) in sanctification and honor." 2 Tim. 2:21, “Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work." 1 Pet. 3:7, “You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel...” Objection: But isn’t Romans 9 really talking about nations and not individuals? Answer: The word "vessel" is never used when speaking of nations. In the context of predestination and election, is always used of individuals. Page 18 of manual, paragraph 71

48. Objections Answered (continued…)But isn’t Romans 9 really talking about nations and not individuals? Answer: The text does not speak of groups of people but of individuals.“I will have compassion on whom (singular) I have compassion,” (9:15). “it does not depend on the man who wills…” (9:16). “He has mercy on whom (singular) He desires,” (9:18). “The thing molded will not say to the molder…” (9:20). “one vessel for honorable use and another for common use,” (9:21). Page 18 of manual, paragraph 71

49. Unconditional Election Because of man’s sinful nature, no one would ever come to God. Remember, it is man who cannot understand spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:14); is full of evil (Mark 7:21-23); does not seek for God (Rom. 3:11); is lawless, rebellious, unholy, and profane (1 Tim. 1:9); and is by nature a child of wrath (Eph. 2:3). If it were left up to man, no one would ever be saved. God, in His loving predestination, assured to Himself His people, the ones who He called and predestined: “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,” (Eph. 1:4-5). By God’s own words, predestination is a loving doctrine. Page 18 of manual, paragraph 72

50. Limited Atonement Limited Atonement is the teaching that Jesus didnot pay for everyone’s sins. Instead, Jesus only bore the sins of the elect. This view is also called “Particular Redemption” because the Reformed position is that Jesus bore the sins of a particular group of people. The non-Reformed position is that Jesus bore the sins of everyone who ever lived. The extent of the atonement is debated among Protestants and we must be very careful not to pass judgment on our Christian brothers and sisters who do not share the same opinion in debatable issues. Page 19 of manual, paragraphs 73-74