Warren McGrew, a theology geek, joins Dr. Leighton Flowers to discuss 2 Thess 2:10 and a recent comment by Dr. James White on Twitter. The podcast explores the implications of Calvinism, challenges the belief in God's ordination of sin, and emphasizes God's desire for relationship. They critique Calvinism's explanation for God's judgement and discuss the misrepresentation of the provisionist perspective. The speakers express optimism for Dr. White's potential change and share love and appreciation for listeners.
Calvinism limits God's freedom and power by asserting that He is unable to create free creatures or choose not to determine their actions.
Dr. White misrepresents the provisionist view of total depravity by suggesting that provisionists believe we can overcome our slavery to sin and spiritual deadness on our own, which is false.
Dr. White fails to provide a rational basis for God's just judgment of those who suppress the truth, while provisionists argue that God's judgment is based on their rejection of the truth and their refusal to come to the light.
The speaker questions the basis for reprobation on what grounds God condemns people to hell before they are even born. The discussion highlights the controversy surrounding this issue among Calvinists and emphasizes the importance of addressing this theological point.
The speaker points out that Paul's letters often address the controversy of Jews claiming exclusive salvation and how Gentiles must become Jews to be chosen by God, challenging the Calvinistic view of individual, unconditional election.
Deep dives
Claiming Mystery as an Avoidance Strategy
Dr. White falls back on claiming mystery instead of addressing the contradictions in Calvinistic beliefs.
Flattening Out the Biblical Revelation
Dr. White accuses those who reject exhaustive divine determinism of simplifying the biblical revelation and ignoring its complexity.
Limiting God's Sovereignty and Power
Calvinism limits God's freedom and power by asserting that He is unable to create free creatures or choose not to determine their actions.
Misunderstanding the Interlocutor's Question
Dr. White fails to recognize the true objection raised by the interlocutor in Romans 9, which leads to misinterpretations of the scripture.
Misrepresenting the Doctrine of Total Depravity
Dr. White misrepresents the provisionist view of total depravity by suggesting that provisionists believe we can overcome our slavery to sin and spiritual deadness on our own, which is false.
Ignoring the Rational Basis for God's Judgment
Dr. White fails to provide a rational basis for God's just judgment of those who suppress the truth, while provisionists argue that God's judgment is based on their rejection of the truth and their refusal to come to the light.
Cherry-picking Texts to Support Calvinism
Dr. White selectively quotes passages like John 3:19-20 to argue that everyone loves darkness and takes pleasure in unrighteousness. However, he ignores that these passages contrast those who reject the truth with those who practice righteousness.
Understanding Chosen by God through Faith in the Truth
Dr. White misunderstands the provisionist view that faith in the truth is the result, not the grounds, of being chosen by God. Provisionists believe that faith in Christ is a condition for being granted entrance into salvation, chosen by God unto faith.
Understanding Conditional Reprobation
The podcast discusses the concept of conditional reprobation, which challenges the notion of God arbitrarily condemning individuals to hell. The speaker questions the basis for reprobation on what grounds God condemns people to hell before they are even born. The discussion highlights the controversy surrounding this issue among Calvinists and emphasizes the importance of addressing this theological point. The provisionist perspective argues that God's judgment is conditional and based on individuals' refusal to accept the truth, rather than an innate inability to believe.
Biblical Election and Gentile Inclusion
The podcast explores the theme of biblical election and the inclusion of Gentiles. The speaker points out that Paul's letters often address the controversy of Jews claiming exclusive salvation and how Gentiles must become Jews to be chosen by God. The emphasis is on God's plan to choose Gentiles for salvation and how this challenges the Calvinistic view of individual, unconditional election. The speaker argues that the language of Paul's letters supports the belief that God has chosen the Gentiles collectively as a blessing to all nations, rather than unilaterally selecting individuals for salvation.
Dr. Leighton Flowers welcomes back Warren McGrew to theology geek out on 2 Thess 2:10 as it relates to a recent comment made by Dr. James White on Twitter.
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