Objections to Calvinism, Reformed Answers, and Our Responses || Understanding Reformed Theology || Part 5 of 5
This is Part 5 of a 5 Part series on the evaluation of Reformed Theology, also referred to as Calvinism. We hope you will join us for this complete series.The age-old theological tension between God's sovereignty and human choice takes center stage in this illuminating episode. We dive deep into the most common criticisms of Reformed Theology and examine how its defenders respond to these challenges.What happens when someone claims that Reformed Theology makes God unrighteous? How do Reformed thinkers answer the charge that their theology renders human responsibility meaningless? We examine these provocative questions through quotes from prominent Reformed theologians like R.C. Sproul and A.A. Hodge, while carefully evaluating both sides of each argument.At the heart of this theological divide lies a fundamental question: does regeneration precede faith, or does faith precede regeneration? This seemingly technical distinction dramatically shapes how we understand salvation, God's character, and human responsibility. We explore biblical examples like Cornelius, Rahab, and Ruth that challenge simplistic theological formulations on both sides.The debate isn't merely academic—it touches on our deepest understanding of God's nature. Is God's love conditional or unconditional? Does His sovereignty mean He chooses some for salvation while leaving others without hope? Or does Scripture reveal a God who genuinely desires all people to be saved while respecting their freedom to reject Him?Whether you're a committed Calvinist, a convinced Arminian, a consistent Biblicist or simply curious about these theological traditions, this episode offers thoughtful, balanced perspectives that will deepen your understanding of these vital spiritual questions. Listen now to sharpen your theological thinking and gain fresh insights into how we can faithfully reason through Scripture.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
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Examining Key Bible Passages || Understanding Reformed Theology || Part 4 of 5
This is Part 4 of a 5 Part series on the evaluation of Reformed Theology, also referred to as Calvinism. We hope you will join us for this complete series.The tension between divine sovereignty and human free will has challenged theologians for centuries. Nowhere is this more evident than in discussions around Reformed Theology (Calvinism), where seemingly contradictory biblical passages paint a complex picture of salvation.In this deeply engaging exploration, we move beyond theoretical frameworks to examine the actual Scripture passages that form the foundation of Reformed thought. Starting with 1 Corinthians 2:14, which describes the natural person's inability to understand spiritual things, we carefully consider whether context supports applying this to salvation or if it primarily addresses spiritual discernment for believers. The profound statements of Jesus in John 6—"no one can come to me unless the Father draws him"—receive particular attention, including analysis of the Greek term for "drawing" and how it appears elsewhere in Scripture.We tackle passages that strongly suggest divine election (Acts 13:48, 2 Thessalonians 2:13) alongside numerous Old Testament texts commanding people to "seek the Lord" (Deuteronomy 4:28-29, Isaiah 55:6-7). The dramatic moment when Joshua tells the Israelites "you have chosen for yourselves the Lord" presents a particularly compelling case for human volition in spiritual matters. Throughout this journey, we discover Scripture affirming both God's sovereign choice and meaningful human response.What emerges is not a simplistic either/or proposition but a beautiful theological understanding that respects both God's sovereignty and the reality of human choice. Rather than forcing Scripture into rigid systematic frameworks, perhaps we're invited to embrace how these truths coexist. For those struggling with questions of election, predestination, and free will, this episode offers balanced biblical examination that honors the full testimony of Scripture.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
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God's Choosing vs Our Believing || Understanding Reformed Theology || Part 3 of 5
This is Part 3 of a 5 Part series on the evaluation of Reformed Theology, also referred to as Calvinism. We hope you will join us for this complete series.Does God choose us, or do we choose Him? This age-old theological question lies at the heart of Reformed Theology (Calvinism), and in this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the biblical text to find answers.Moving beyond theoretical discussions, we examine the actual passages that form the foundation of Reformed thought. Starting with the Greek word "electos" (chosen), we explore what it means when applied to God's actions before the foundation of the world. Does God deliberate in His choices? Can an eternal God who knows all things actually "choose" in the way humans understand choice?Ephesians 1:3-4 becomes our central text: "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world." We carefully analyze what Paul means by being "in Christ" and whether God chooses specific individuals or establishes a mechanism for salvation. The subtle but crucial shift in Ephesians 1:12-13 from divine action ("He blessed, chose, predestined") to human response ("you listened, you believed") provides a fascinating window into the interplay between God's sovereignty and human responsibility.Throughout our examination, we maintain a commitment to letting the text speak for itself rather than imposing theological systems onto Scripture. This approach reveals nuances often missed in heated debates between Calvinists and Arminians, suggesting that perhaps both sides capture important truths about salvation.Whether you're a committed Calvinist, a strong proponent of free will, or simply seeking to understand what the Bible actually teaches, this episode offers fresh insights that will challenge your thinking and deepen your appreciation for God's redemptive work.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
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Issues and Disagreements || Understanding Reformed Theology || Part 2 of 5
This is Part 2 of a 5 Part series on the evaluation of Reformed Theology, also referred to as Calvinism. We hope you will join us for this complete series.The age-old theological tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility takes center stage as we evaluate Reformed theology and Calvinism. Building on our previous overview of Reformed doctrines, we now assess their biblical validity and practical implications for Christian faith.We tackle several problematic aspects of classical Reformed teaching, particularly the concept that regeneration must precede faith. This foundational Calvinist doctrine creates unnecessary contradictions with Scripture's clear pattern of "believe and be saved" rather than "be saved in order to believe." Biblical examples like Cornelius and Lydia demonstrate that unregenerated people can genuinely seek God before their salvation moment, challenging the Reformed understanding of total depravity.At the heart of our discussion lies the false dilemma Reformed theology creates between God's work and human response. Scripture consistently distinguishes between faith and works, showing that believing is not a "work" that earns salvation. By recognizing this distinction, we can affirm both God's sovereign election and genuine human responsibility without theological contradiction.Perhaps most troubling is how some Reformed teaching creates uncertainty about salvation when people wonder if they're among "the elect." This stands in stark contrast to 1 John 5:13, written "so that you may know that you have eternal life." We propose a more balanced approach that honors God's sovereignty through His "infinite persuasion" while maintaining that the gospel invitation remains genuinely open to all.Though we disagree on certain theological points, we demonstrate that Christians can engage these complex issues with mutual respect and without division on core gospel truths. Join us next time as we examine the specific Bible passages addressing election, predestination, and free will to determine what Scripture actually teaches.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
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What is Dead in Sin? || Understanding Reformed Theology || Part 1 of 5
This is Part 1 of a 5 Part series on the evaluation of Reformed Theology, also referred to as Calvinism. We hope you will join us for this complete series.Step into one of Christianity's most profound and divisive theological debates as we unpack Reformed theology and Calvinism with clarity and nuance. What exactly is "that election/free will thing" that's caused denominations to split, churches to divide, and Christians to engage in heated debates for centuries?At the heart of this theological exploration lies a crucial question: What does it mean to be "dead in trespasses and sins"? We carefully examine how Reformed theologians like William GT Shedd and Charles Hodge understand this concept, contrasting their view that spiritual death renders humans completely unable to respond to God with the perspective that Scripture describes lost people in multiple ways beyond just being "dead."Through direct quotes from Reformed confessions and theologians, we provide an authentic presentation of what Reformed theology actually teaches about God's sovereignty, human free will, election, and regeneration. You'll discover how Westminster Confession carefully balances God's decree that "whatsoever comes to pass" happens according to His will while maintaining He is not the author of sin nor does He violate human free choice.Despite theological differences, we highlight important common ground: God's sovereignty, His right to choose people for specific purposes, human inability to regenerate ourselves, and the eternal security of believers once saved. The real tension emerges around when regeneration occurs—does God regenerate people before they have faith, or does faith precede regeneration?Whether you're Reformed, Arminian, or somewhere in between, this thoughtful exploration will deepen your understanding of how Christians have wrestled with reconciling God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Join us for this first installment as we lay the groundwork for a more detailed examination in future episodes.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
Taking a cue from Paul, Reasoning Through the Bible is an expository style walk through the Scriptures that tells you what the Bible says. Reviewing both Old and New Testament books, as well as topical subjects, we methodically teach verse by verse, even phrase by phrase. We have completed many books of the Bible and offer free lesson plans for teachers. If you want to browse our entire library by book or topic, see our website www.ReasoningThroughTheBible.com. We primarily do expository teaching but also include a good bit of theology and apologetics. Just like Paul on Mars Hill, Christianity must address both the ancient truths and the questions of the people today. Join Glenn and Steve every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as they reason with you through the Bible.
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