SOME THINGS ARE NOT
DEBATABLE!
For the sake of unity with
other believers in other churches and denominations, I am willing to concede
that some things by which we are distinguished are debatable. Our peculiar
views of eschatology or ecclesiology, our ideas about Christian liberty, and
our convictions about church polity are things which we recognize may be
questioned by some. If someone disagrees with us in these areas, we will not be
greatly disturbed, and our fellowship with them will not be broken.
But many today are willing to forsake the very foundation truths of Holy Scripture for the sake of "unity". This we cannot do. There are some things, plainly revealed in the Word of God, vital to the faith of the gospel, and burned into our souls. Upon these things we must stand with unbending, absolute firmness, even if we have to stand totally alone. These things are not debatable!
1. The God of Heaven is
Absolutely Sovereign.
He does what he will, when he
will, with whom he will, in the way he will. He is sovereign in all things;
creation, providence, and salvation.
2. The Bible is the Word of
God.
"Holy men of God spake as
they were moved by the Holy Spirit." The Bible is, in its entirety,
inspired by the Holy Spirit. This Book alone has Divine authority. It is our
only rule of faith and practice.
3. All Men are by Nature Dead
in Sin.
The fall of Adam brought about
the total ruin of our race. By the imputation of his sin, all the race is
helplessly condemned and spiritually dead.
4. God has a People Whom He
Chose in Christ before the World Began.
Define election in whatever way
you will. But the fact that the Bible teaches a Divine, eternal, immutable
election cannot be denied.
5. Jesus Christ Redeemed All
His People.
The death of Christ left
nothing to chance, or to man's free-will. By one sacrifice he made a full,
perfect, complete, and effectual atonement for all his elect.
6. The Holy Spirit Effectually
Calls all of God's Elect To Faith in Christ.
Divine grace is not just an
offer of salvation. It is a Divine operation of grace on the soul which always
produces salvation, eternal life, and faith in Christ.
7. All of God's Elect will
Persevere unto Eternal Glory.
Not one of those who were chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and called by the Holy Spirit shall ever, by any possibility, perish!
Here I stand! I can do no more.
God help me never to be moved!