The Doctrines of Grace by John
MacArthur, adapted. The doctrines of grace are the
very lifeblood of the full and free salvation promised in the
gospel. Scripture speaks with absolute,
unmistakable clarity on these vital issues. 1. Total depravity. Sinners are utterly helpless
to redeem themselves, or to contribute anything meritorious toward their
own salvation. Ephesians chapter 2, verses 1
to 3, And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which
you formerly walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prints of the power of the air, of the spirit
that is now working in the sons of disobedience, 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. 2. Unconditional Election. God is sovereign in the exercise
of His saving will. Ephesians 1.4-5 He chose us in
Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be
holy and without blame before Him. In love He predestined us
to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according
to the good pleasure of His will. limited atonement. Christ died
as a substitute who bore the full weight of God's wrath on
behalf of His people, and His atoning work is effectual for
their salvation. John 10.11 I am the good shepherd. The good
shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 4. Irresistible grace. God's saving purpose cannot be
thwarted. John 6.37 All whom my Father
gives to me will come to me. 5. The preservation and perseverance
of the elect. None of Christ's true sheep will
ever be lost. John 10 28-29 I give them eternal
life, and they shall never perish. No one can snatch them out of
my hand. My Father, who has given them
to me, is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of
my Father's hand. These are the five points of
Calvinism, and I believe them because that is what the Scripture
teaches. Jude, verses 24-25, Now to Him who is able to keep
you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of
His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion,
and authority, before all time, and now, and forever. Amen.