tit 01v09 Sound Doctrine

 

 

"SOUND DOCTRINE"

Titus 1: 9

 

What is sound doctrine? So far as I am concerned, more importantly, so far as the Word of God is concerned, there is but one form of sound doctrine. IT IS THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE (II Tim. 1:8-10). If you like, you can call it old fashioned "Calvinism". I am not ashamed to own the name. But before Calvin taught it Paul taught it, our Lord taught it, David taught it, Isaiah taught it, and Jonah taught it. It says, "Salvation is of the Lord'" (Jon. 2:9). This is the gospel we believe; and this is the gospel we preach. It proclaims that GOD ALMIGHTY IS ABSOLUTELY SOVEREIGN IN THE SALVATION OF SINNERS (Matt. 11:25-26), and that SALVATION, FROM START TO FINISH, IS ENTIRELY THE WORK OF GOD'S GRACE IN CHRIST (Eph. 2:8-9), and that MAN CONTRIBUTES NOTHING TO HIS OWN SALVATION (Gal. 2:16). Neither the works of men nor the will of man determine salvation, but God's will alone.

                Precisely because self-righteous men are so highly offended by the plain statement of gospel truth, I am very insistent about using the very terms to which men most object. I believe and preach Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and the Perseverance of Believers. This doctrine ascribes the whole of salvation to God alone and gives God alone all the glory for what he has done. This is sound doctrine, any doctrine contrary to these things is not sound doctrine, but heresy.

This is the doctrine I have preached for nineteen years. And, God helping me, this is the doctrine I will preach with my last breath. I never intend to bend or budge concerning these blessed truths. I have counted the cost. I have burned my bridges behind me. There is no turning back. I DENOUNCE AS FALSE PROPHETS THOSE WHO DARE TO LIFT THEIR VOICES TO SPUE OUT THE BLASPHEMY OF ARMINIANISM, FREE-WILLISM, AND WORKS OF SALVATION. I say with Paul, let them be damned! (Gal. 1:6-9). And, I warn you, if you embrace the damning doctrine of those deceivers, you will be damned with them. If this offends you, I am sorry for that. But I must speak plainly. YOUR SOUL IS AT STAKE!