Elmquist challenges four foundational assumptions of Arminian theology—that God loves all people universally, wills everyone's salvation, Christ died for all mankind, and the Holy Spirit draws both elect and reprobate equally—by demonstrating through Scripture that these doctrines render God's attributes and redemptive work meaningless. Drawing on passages such as Romans 9:13-18, John 10:11, Titus 2:14, and Ephesians 2:1, he argues for particular redemption and divine sovereignty in salvation, asserting that God's love is holy love exercised only toward the elect in Christ, that salvation accomplishes God's specific will rather than a universal offer, that Christ's death effectively secures the salvation of His chosen people, and that the Holy Spirit's regenerating work is decisive for the elect alone. The article presents a Reformed theological defense of unconditional election and particular atonement against what the author views as a false gospel that obscures the Lord's sovereignty in salvation.
What does the Bible say about God's love and salvation?
The Bible teaches that God's love is specifically for His elect, not universally for all people.
Romans 9:13, Ephesians 1:4-5
What does the Bible say about God's love for everyone?
God's love is a holy love directed specifically toward His elect, as evidenced in Romans 9:13.
Psalm 11:7, Romans 9:13
How do we know God's will for salvation is true?
The Bible affirms that salvation is predestined according to God's sovereign will.
Ephesians 1:5, Romans 9:15-18
How do we know God's will is for some to be saved?
God's will is revealed in Ephesians 1:5, showing He predestines individuals according to His good pleasure.
Ephesians 1:5, Romans 9:15-16
Why is the purpose of Jesus' death on the cross important for Christians?
Jesus' death is essential because it was specifically for His chosen people, securing their salvation.
John 10:11, Titus 2:14, Galatians 1:4
What do the Scriptures say about the purpose of Jesus' death?
Jesus died specifically for His sheep, as stated in John 10:11.
John 10:11, Titus 2:14, Galatians 1:4
What does the Bible say about the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation?
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in regenerating and giving life to the elect.
Ephesians 2:1, Titus 3:5, 2 Corinthians 3:6
What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit's role in salvation?
The Holy Spirit regenerates the dead in sin, as shown in Titus 3:5.
Ephesians 2:1, Titus 3:5, 2 Corinthians 3:6
There are four lies being told in Orlando today. Modern, man-centered, Christ dethroning religionist would have us believe; God loves everyone; it is God's will for everyone to be saved; Christ died for everyone; and the Holy Spirit draws the saved and condemned alike. These are well established suppositions, rarely questioned for their truthfulness. To call them into question is to unmask the faulty foundation of a false gospel and kindle the wrath of those desperate to protect their traditions.
1) "What sayeth the Scripture?" "The Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness" (Ps. 11:7). "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated" (Rom. 9:13). God's love is a holy love. He can no more love unrighteousness than He can cease to be holy. God's love is for Christ, in Christ, and through Christ. Everything outside of Christ is under the condemnation and wrath of God. He has loved His elect with an everlasting love, having chosen them in Him before the foundation of the world.
Question #1: If God loves all men, those who receive eternal life as well as those who suffer eternal damnation, what does the love of God have to do with anyone's salvation?
2) What does the Bible say about God's will and salvation? "Having predestined us according to the good pleasure of His Will" (Eph. 1:5). "Having made known to us the mystery of His Will according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself." "I will have mercy upon whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion upon whomever I will have compassion. So then it is not of him who wills, or of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. Therefore, He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens" (Rom 9:15-18). "For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wills" (Jn. 5:21).
Question #2: If God wills for all men to be saved, what does the will of God have to do with anyone's salvation?
3) What do the Scriptures say about the purpose of Jesus' death on the cross? Did He die for all men? "I am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep" (Jn. 10:11). "Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people" (Titus 2:14). "who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father" (Gal. 1:4). If Christ purposed to die for all men did He not have the power to accomplish His purpose? God forbid! Did He die to make men savable or did He die to accomplish the salvation of a chosen people?
Question #3: If Christ shed His precious blood for all men, what does the work of Christ on the cross have to do with anyone's salvation?
4) What does God say about the work of the Holy Spirit in redemption? Are sinners dead (Eph. 2:1) in need of regeneration, or just sick in need of a little reformation? "He saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). "The written code kills, but the Spirit gives life" (II Cor. 3:6).
Question #4: If the Holy Spirit draws the saved and the condemned alike, what does the Holy Spirit have to do with anyone's salvation?
The Truth: Salvation is of the Lord! Don't believe a lie, it will damn your soul.
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