Category Archives: Theology

Election: “Those he called,” Part 2 (Paul)

Paul’s use of “called” So let’s take a fresh look at Paul’s use of “called,” which is surely informed by the prophetic use of the word. (Rom 1:5-6 NASB) through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about … Continue reading

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Available Light: Consideration of additional passages

We are considering a post by Al Maxey and another post by Leroy Garrett arguing that, for those who’ve never heard the gospel, their salvation will be determined based on their response to what they know of God from other … Continue reading

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Available Light: A note on Rom 2:8-13

As I mentioned earlier, among Protestants, it’s unnerving to be told we’ll be judged by our merits, as Paul plainly says in Rom 2:8-13, among many other passages. In his recent book Justification, N. T. Wright explains how this does … Continue reading

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Election: “Those he called”

Paul frequently refers to Christians as being “called.” What does it mean? “Called” sounds so much like “invited.” Is that the meaning? Well, many have been invited and not responded! I mean, how many have heard the gospel message and … Continue reading

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Available Light: Consideration of Romans 1 – 2

We are considering a post by Al Maxey and another post by Leroy Garrett arguing that, for those who’ve never heard the gospel, their salvation will be determined based on their response to what they know of God from other … Continue reading

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Available Light: The case from scripture

We are considering a post by Al Maxey from November 15, 2004, arguing for the doctrine of “available light” — the idea being that — all men, who ever have lived or ever will live, are amenable to whatever available … Continue reading

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Available Light: Will God Save Some Who’ve Never Heard the Gospel?

Al Maxey recently posted Reflection 413, in which he deals with the doctrine of “available light.” This is a fairly new teaching to me … intriguing for sure. I’ve never really studied it. So that’s what I intend to do … Continue reading

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Election: Further Conclusions

I keep thinking that I’m done with Election, but I never quite get there. I’ll try to keep this brief. To expand a bit on the previous post regarding Election, the Piper view of the perseverance of the saints, to … Continue reading

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Election: The Problem with Perseverance of the Saints, Part III

I just want to add this final note. If the Reformed/Calvinist view teaches, as Piper and many others teach, that someone who appears saved and later “falls away” was never really saved and if the Calvinist believes that those who … Continue reading

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Election: The Problem with Perseverance of the Saints, Part 2

Here’s how I’ve got it figured. I think Hebrews provides the solution. After all, Hebrews contains many of the great verses promising Christians confidence and security, but Hebrews also contains many of the direst warnings against falling away. Clearly, the … Continue reading

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