Bible Passages

"Thoughts on Original Sin" by Robert Hamilton

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Thoughts on Original Sin

Bob Hamilton, Copyright 2000

Introduction.

The traditional view of "original sin" includes two related ideas: 

On the Ordo Salutis and Colossians 2:13, As Presented by Brian N. Daniels

The following is taken from a larger essay, exegeting Colossians 2:13, by Brian N. Daniels1, a M.Div. student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a four-point Calvinist.

"Of the many issues that divide Arminians and Calvinists, one of the more interesting has to be the relationship between regeneration and faith. The question may be put like this: which comes first and grounds the other, new life given by the Spirit or belief in Christ? This question is important because of its connection to many other points of soteriology. One’s answer generally reveals much about what he believes regarding the nature of grace and depravity, as well as the more difficult issue of election and predestination.

Jack Cottrell, "PHARAOH AS A PARADIGM FOR ISRAEL IN ROMANS 9:18"

Please click on the attachment to view Jack Cottrell, "PHARAOH AS A PARADIGM FOR ISRAEL IN ROMANS 9:18".

Verses All Arminians Should Know

This list was compiled about a year ago by many members of The Society of Evangelical Arminians. I was asked to put it into blog form, and have finally sat down and gotten it done.

I hope for this to be a useful resource for any Arminian needing good scriptural texts that display his or her view. It should be cautioned that proof texting is far too easy for anyone to do, and with any of these verses the context should be considered. Far too often, context is ignored and erroneous interpretations are formed. So, use these verses, but corroborate their contexts. We strove to carefully consider the contexts and, in our minds, these verses and explanations faithfully represent the author's intent, showing Arminianism to have strong Biblical support.

Also, if you see any verses that you think should be added, comment on the post and let me know.

Verses that show election is conditional:

David Pawson - Audio Series on Romans 9-11

Here is a good audio series on Romans 9, 10, and 11 by historian / preacher David Pawson. The series is not specifically about Calvinism or Arminianism, however, the subject of the nature of election is addressed, and Pawson comes to a solidly Arminian conclusion.

Romans 9
Romans 10
Romans 11

Pawson argues that Paul wrote the epistle to the Romans in order to address the problem of antisemitism among the Gentile Christians in Rome.

Arminian Internet Resources on Romans 9

Reviewed Commentaries Ranked One to Eleven




Commentator

Review Linguistics Logic Clarity TOTAL

Beet

Review

4

3

4

ANSWERING COLIN MAXWELL, A FREE PRESBYTERIAN IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Colin Maxwell informed the Society of Evangelical Arminians, of which I, William Birch, am a member, that he had "robustly . . . answered Mr. Birch's satire," entitled "Reinterpreting Cain and Abel: A Disturbing Satire." The following is my response to his response, Answering an Evangelical Society of Arminians Satire of Calvinism."

Adoption - The Inheritance of a Son

Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. Galations 4:7

Adoption (huiothesia) is a term that the apostle Paul uses several times in his letters. The Greco-Roman concept of adoption is different than the English concept. In English adoption is an action. For example a father "adopts" a son. The Greco-Roman concept of adoption refers to something that sons receive. Sons are not adopted, rather, sons receive the adoption (Gal 4:1-7). This conceptual difference of what adoption is can contribute to a misunderstanding of certain Biblical passages. In the context of the Arminian / Calvinist debate, the meaning of adoption directly relates to our interpretation of Ephesians 1.

Another Middle Knowledge Passage

Middle knowledge is mostly an implication of the scriptural truths of God's providential governance of the world and man's choices. But there are some passages that do directly teach that God knows what we would do in various circumstances. I came across a passage supporting middle knowledge this week:

In Deuteronomy 28, Moses first tells of all the blessings the people will receive if the follow God's commands: 1 "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth."

James White and Turretinfan on 1 John 5:1

James White and company have used 1 John 5:1 to argue that regeneration comes before faith. (link) I actually called in to the Dividing Line (James White's webcast) to explain to him my take on the passage and why I do not think it teaches faith precedes regeneration. It's at the end of the hour long program. (link) James White objected to my approach on the air and Turretinfan has objected to it on his blog as well (link). I would like to briefly summarize the issue, explain the text and then respond to Turretinfan.

1 John 5:1 states: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.

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