Soteriology 101 w/ Dr. Leighton Flowers

Professor Leighton Flowers has Pastor Sean Cole, a SBC Calvinist, on the show again. This time they specifically discuss Romans 9 and other common proof texts dealing with soteriology.  These two always model a Christlike attitude and graciousness that is all too rare today.  Let's dive in!  This program is also on Prof. Flowers' YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmxkt290BAE   To join the discussion visit us at www.soteriology101.com   Song: Hey Brother by Aviccii

Dr. James White, of Alpha and Omega Ministries, answered a caller on his most recent program about Prof. Flowers soteriological perspective and today he responds.  White's marginalization tactic is unveiled along with several false presumptions of the caller and Dr. White.  Let's dive in. For more go to www.soteriology101.com

Tony Miano recently apologized for his offensive comments regarding Michael Brown not being saved (kind of) and the Bible Thumping Wingnuts, Len, Andrew and Tim, address this on their show. In their discussion, the old ACCUSATION of MISREPRESENTATION (i.e "you are ignorant of my view") was leveled toward me. I unpack why this strawman fallacy and accusations of it will always continue in these types of discussions. I also agree with Tim and Len regarding Jeff Durbin's avoidance tactics...and give another example of Jeff's unwillingness to engage the real debate with those who disagree.   Remember brethren, we can disagree with each other and be respectful while doing it!  Let's dive in! For more go to www.soteriology101.com

During an interview between John Piper and Matt Chandler the topic of soteriology came up and today we respectfully confront the perspective that was presented.  We get into the Calvinistic view of God's two opposing wills. We discuss the biblical doctrine of judicial hardening as in contrast with the Calvinistic conclusions about God's two opposing wills. Let's dive in.   For more information please visit us at www.soteriology101.com

A great Sound of the Saints episode where we answers Calvinistic questions and hear from you, our listeners. We look at John 10, where Jesus says, "I lay down my life for the sheep," and other arguments over the atonement of Christ.  Let's dive in!   For more information or to join in the conversation go to www.soteriology101.com

Since coming to faith in 1971 as a 16 year-old, heroin-shooting Jewish rock drummer, Dr. Michael Brown has devoted his life to fostering awakening in the Church, sparking moral and cultural revolution in the society, raising up gospel laborers for the nations, and reaching out to his own Jewish people. He is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio broadcast, the president of FIRE School of Ministry, and a professor of Bible and Hebrew studies at several leading seminaries. He has preached in more than 25 nations and is the author of 25 books and numerous scholarly and popular articles. Dr. Brown has debated Jewish rabbis, agnostic professors, and gay activists on radio, TV, and college campuses, and he is widely considered to be the world’s foremost Messianic Jewish apologist. - See more at: https://askdrbrown.org Dr. Brown and Professor Flowers discuss the doctrine of election from the OT perspective along with many of the common Calvinistic objections to non-Calvinistic interpretation of the text. We also talk about the debate over Romans 9 with Dr. James White and several other doctrinal issues related to soteriology. Let's dive in! For more information go to www.soteriology101.com

Dr. Robert Morey of faithdefenders.com has put out a video on YouTube that has become pretty popular.  He answers the question, "Does God Love Everyone?" from a "Reformed" perspective...though it could be argued that many Calvinistic believers would oppose this view as much as I do.  Let's dive in. For more visit us at www.soteriology101.com   Here is the video from Dr. Morey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=3&v=LxZKJSNVgqM  

In a recent "Ask Pastor John" podcast, Dr. John Piper answers the question about the major difference between Arminians and Calvinists.  He speaks of the decisive factor in the salvation process and Professor Flowers responds to his answer.  Let's dive in. For more information go to www.soteriology101.com

Matt Slick, the founder and President of CARM ministries and an accomplished apologist, appears on the Bible Thumping Wingnut podcast to answer the question, "What must we do to be saved?" My contention is that Slick contradicts the clear biblical teaching of man's responsiblity to humble himself. Let's dive in. For more information please visit www.soteriology101.com   What also must be noted is that the decision to trust in Christ for our salvation is not a meritorious work.  Asking for forgiveness does not merit being forgiven.  Think of it this way.  Did the prodigal son earn, merit or in any way deserve the reception of his father on the basis that he humbly returned home?  Of course not. He deserve to be punished, not rewarded.  The acceptance of his father was a choice of the father alone and it was ALL OF GRACE.  The father did not have to forgive, restore and throw a party for his son on the basis that he chose to come home. That was the father’s doing. Humiliation and brokenness is not considered “better” or “praiseworthy” and it certainly is not inherently valuable.  The only thing that makes this quality “desirable” is that God has chosen to grace those who humble themselves, something He is in no way obligated to do.  God gives grace to the humble not because a humble response deserves salvation, but because He is gracious. Clearly scripture calls us to humility and there is nothing which suggests we cannot respond in humility when confronted by the powerful clear revelation of God’s convicting life-giving truth through the law and the gospel: 1 Peter 5:5-6:  “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Isaiah 66:2: “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” 2 Kings 22:19: “Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 12:7: When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: “Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak. 2 Chronicles 12:12: Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Psalm 18:27: You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. Psalm 25:9: He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. Psalm 147:6: The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. Proverbs 3:34: He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. Zephaniah 2:3: Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger. Matthew 18:4: Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3:  Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 23:12: For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 1:52: He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. Luke 14:11: For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14: “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” James 4:6: But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” If you will not humble yourselves, God will humble you in judgment. The lost man’s inability to seek God does not equal the inability to respond to a God who is actively seeking to save the lost. (Luke 19:10) The lost man’s inability to save himself does not equal the inability to respond to God’s gracious and powerful appeal for all the lost to repent and believe. (Col. 1:23) The lost man’s inability to attain righteousness by pursuing it through works does not equal the inability to attain righteousness by pursuing it through faith. (Rom. 9:30-32) What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal.  Why not?  Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works.  – The Apostle Paul

Dr. Brian Wagner Ph.D, Professor of Biblical Languages at Virgina Baptist College, joins the discussion again today over the biblical doctrine of Divine hardening and how that can help us better understand the the meaning of Romas 9 in its context. To join Professor Wagner and Professor Flowers in a discussion over this topic and much more please visit www.soteriology101.com