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Frank Tate

I Just Preach Christ

Frank Tate 2 min read
#Soteriology #Grace #Predestination
14 Articles 1,990 Sermons
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Frank Tate
Frank Tate 2 min read
14 articles 1,990 sermons
What does the Bible say about total depravity?

The Bible teaches that all humans are totally depraved and unable to come to God without divine assistance, as seen in Job 42:5-6.

Total depravity is a foundational doctrine in Reformed theology that asserts that sin has affected every part of a person's being. This means that apart from God's grace, individuals are incapable of seeking God or doing anything truly good. Job 42:5-6 illustrates this when Job acknowledges his insignificance before God and repents for thinking he could understand God's ways. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, no one can come to faith in Christ, as our natural state is one of rebellion against God.

Job 42:5-6

How do we know God's sovereignty in election is true?

God's sovereignty in election is affirmed in Scripture, particularly in passages like 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

The doctrine of election teaches that God chooses individuals for salvation based solely on His will and purpose, not on any foreseen merit in them. This is evident in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, where Paul emphasizes that God chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, showcasing His grace and sovereignty. This gives God all the glory and humbles humanity, reminding us that we can do nothing to earn our salvation. God’s sovereign choice underlines the effectiveness of Christ’s atonement for those whom He has elected.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Why is preaching Christ essential for Christians?

Preaching Christ is essential as it is through Christ alone that salvation is received and understood.

The proclamation of Christ is central to Christian teaching and practice because it reveals the heart of the Gospel. The apostle Paul famously stated in 1 Corinthians 2:2 that he determined to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. This focus on Christ emphasizes that all doctrines, including those pertaining to grace, ultimately direct believers to Jesus as the source of their faith and salvation. When sinners believe on Christ, they automatically embrace the doctrines of grace as they understand their need for divine intervention and selection unto salvation.

1 Corinthians 2:2

What is the Reformed view of Christ's atonement?

The Reformed view of Christ's atonement teaches that Christ died specifically for God's elect, ensuring their salvation.

In Reformed theology, the atonement of Christ is not universal but specific, a concept known as 'particular redemption.' This means that Jesus' sacrifice was intended for God's elect, as indicated in John 17:9 where Jesus prays for those whom the Father has given Him. This view asserts that Christ's death was effective in securing the salvation of those chosen by God before the foundation of the world. Since Christ's atonement is limited in its intention, it guarantees that all for whom He died will certainly be saved, further emphasizing the grace of God and the assurance of salvation for believers.

John 17:9

    Whenever someone asks me if I am a Calvinist, I reply, “I believe the doctrines of grace that are commonly referred to as the five points of Calvinism, but I do not preach those doctrines. I just preach Christ.”

    God has commanded us to preach Christ. Sinners must believe on Christ not the doctrines of grace. However, I contend that if a sinner believes on Christ they will automatically believe the doctrines of grace.

    If a person believes on Christ they will believe that they are totally depraved. (Job 42:5-6) If a person believes on Christ they will believe that the Lord had to elect them unto salvation before the foundation of the world because they never could do anything to deserve salvation. God’s election of a people gives God all the glory and puts man in the dust where he belongs. (I Cor. 1:26-31) If a person believes on Christ they will believe that Christ died for God’s elect and only God’s elect and there is no way that any of those people can perish. (John 17:9) If a person believes on Christ they will believe that they need the Holy Spirit to call them to Christ, reveal Christ to them, and give them new life in the new birth through the preaching of the gospel. (I Peter 1:23-25)

    Therefore, “I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (I Cor. 2:2)

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