Soteriology 101 w/ Dr. Leighton Flowers

This is part two of two in our discussion with Dr. Adam Harwood over the doctrine of Original Guilt, the nature of man from birth.  We discuss Dr. Harwoods much needed work over the doctrine of man in relation to inherited guilt and the nature of sin. You do not want to miss both parts of this highly educational podcast.  Dr. Harwood drops a bomb, of sorts, so be sure to tune in... To join our discussion go to www.soteriology101.com   To read more from Dr. Adam Harwood please visit: www.adamharwood.com or to order his book on this subject go to:  http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Condition-Infants-Biblical-Historical-Systematic/dp/1608998444/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 Or for the shorter version referenced in the podcast go here: http://www.amazon.com/Born-Guilty-Southern-Baptist-Original/dp/1939283027  

Professor Flowers reads several positive and some no so positive comments about his podcast off Social Media and iTunes reviews.  In the last part of the podcast he interacts with one comment over the issue of exegesis.  A segment from Pastor Sean Cole's most recent podcast over the Romans 9 debate is played for a balanced approach. Let's dive in!   To join the conversation visit www.soteriology101.com

This is part one of two in our discussion with Dr. Adam Harwood over the doctrine of Original Guilt, the nature of man from birth.  We discuss Dr. Harwoods much needed work over the doctrine of man in relation to inherited guilt and the nature of sin. You do not want to miss both parts of this highly educational podcast.   To join our discussion go to www.soteriology101.com   To read more from Dr. Adam Harwood please visit: www.adamharwood.com or to order his book on this subject go to:  http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Condition-Infants-Biblical-Historical-Systematic/dp/1608998444/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 Or for the shorter version referenced in the podcast go here: http://www.amazon.com/Born-Guilty-Southern-Baptist-Original/dp/1939283027  

Dr. Brian Wagner Ph.D, Professor of Biblical Languages at Virgina Baptist College, joins the discussion today over the role of the Holy Spirit in Salvation. To join Professor Wagner and Professor Flowers in a discussion over this topic and much more please visit www.soteriology101.com

Professor Flowers was addressed on the "downgrade" segment of the Pulpit and Pen Podcast hosted by JD Hall.  Hall took issue with Flowers' definition of "Divine Sovereignty," in a recent article ran by SBC Today, yet Hall never really engaged Professor Flowers on their point of contention. Here is a copy of the article from www.soteriology101.com   The attribute of God’s Sovereignty is not an eternal attribute. Sovereignty means complete rule or dominion over others. For him to be in control over others there has to be others in which to control.  He can’t display His power over creatures unless the creatures exist.  Therefore, before creation the concept of sovereignty was not an attribute that could be used to describe God. An eternal attribute is something God possesses that is not contingent upon something else. The eternal attribute of God is His omnipotence, which refers to His eternally limitless power. Sovereignty is a temporal characteristic, not an eternal one, thus we can say God is all powerful, not because He is sovereign, but He is sovereign because He is all powerful, or at least He is as sovereign as He so chooses to be in relation to this temporal world.  As Dr. Ach put it, “Sovereignty is the expression of God’s power, not the source of it.”  If the all powerful One chooses to refrain from meticulously ruling over every aspect of that which He creates, that in no way denies His eternal attribute of omnipotence, but indeed affirms it. It is the Calvinist who denies the eternal attribute of omnipotence, by presuming the all powerful One cannot refrain from meticulous deterministic rule over His creation. In short, the Calvinist denies God’s eternal attribute in his effort to protect the temporal one.  Additionally, an argument could be made that the eternal attributes of God’s love and His holiness are likewise compromised by the well meaning efforts of our Calvinistic brethren to protect their concept of deterministic sovereignty over the temporal world. No one is denying that sovereignty is a current attribute of God, but only in part given that He has not yet taken full sovereign control over everything on earth as it is in heaven. Passages throughout the Bible teach that there are “authorities” and “powers” which are yet to be destroyed, and that have been given dominion over God’s creation. Isaiah 24:21A time is coming when the Lord will punish the powers above and the rulers of the earth. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Colossians 2:20You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world. 1 Corinthians 15:24Then the end will come; Christ will overcome all spiritual rulers, authorities, and powers, and will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father. Don’t misunderstand my point. I affirm that God is greater than these powers and authorities. He created them after all. Colossians 1:16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. And one day God will strip them of that authority: Colossians 2:15 God stripped the spiritual rulers and powers of their authority. With the cross, he won the victory and showed the world that they were powerless. But, if God has chosen to allow created beings to have dominion and power over something, even for a time, how is His “sovereignty” (as defined by some being “complete and total control/determination over every single thing” eternally) not compromised? God is certainly more powerful than any evil.  He could stifle it at any moment with a word. I don’t think anyone is denying that. And I think we all agree that there’s a sense in which it is proper even to say that “evil is part of His eternal decree.” (Permissively) He planned for it, obviously. It did not take Him by surprise. He declared the end from the beginning, and He is still working all things for His good pleasure (Isaiah 46:9-10), but isn’t there a difference in working evil out for good and unchangeably determining evil yourself? It’s one thing to help my child grow from being bullied, its another for me to hire the bully so as to make my child grow. Most say that God’s role with regard to evil is never as its “author,” but few define the distinction between “predetermining,” “ordaining,” “decreeing,” as contrasted with the concept of “authoring.”  Ask the next Calvinist you speak with to give example of God authoring evil and then an example of God decreeing evil and see if you can find a distinction with an actual difference. Only if he affirms the concept of bare permission (God allowing men to be free and make their own choices) can any real distinction be drawn between those terms. 1 Tim 6:15, Isa 48:11, Isa 42:8. Isa 44:24, Heb 1:3, Rev 19:6, 1 Cor 8:5

Another great "Sound of the Saints" episode where we hear from a faithful listener and patron of the podcast, Stephen Bowen. Practical theology is the primary topic of discussion as Leighton and Stephen discuss how theology affects every part of our lives.  Some time is also spent talking about the debate with James White and others over the doctrines of Calvinism.  Let's dive in.   To join Professor Leighton Flowers in discussion or to support the ministry please visit www.soteriology101.com

Professor Leighton Flowers has Pastor Sean Cole, a SBC Calvinist, on the show to discuss the different soteriological perspectives while modeling a Christlike attitude and graciousness that is all too rare today.  Let's dive in!   To join the discussion visit us at www.soteriology101.com   Song: Hey Brother by Aviccii

Reclaiming the Mind Ministries puts out a great podcast called "Theology Unplugged" that I highly recommend.  They are reformed brothers discussing theology and though I agree with them most of the time I do take issue with a few of their views regarding sovereignty, free will and the doctrines of salvation. This podcast tackles the question about God's infinite knowledge of the future and whether or not God can change His mind. Let's dive in!   To join the discussion or support the ministry visit: www.soteriology101.com

Pastor and Author Tim Keller preached a message over Romans 8:28-39 where he discussion Divine Foreknowledge and His sovereign control over every thing that comes to pass.  While I agree with many of his views there are a few apparent differences that have to be pointed out and rightly understood within the biblical context. Let's dive in.   To join the discussion visit us at www.soteriology101.com

Today we listen to the "sounds of the Saints" (Audio Adrenaline).  The podcast is dedicated to letting our listeners voices be heard. We often hear the critiques of the podcast, but rarely do we hear from those who stand in agreement.  Today we listen to Trinity Radio where two Ph.Ds provide a positive review of the debate on Romans 9.  We also read the reviews off iTunes and Amazon.  A big shout out and thanks to the Patreons of the podcast.    Join our discussion at www.soteriology101.com