2serve said:I almost totally agree.
1.) T - says that Man is totally depraved (I agree); so much so that he can't even make the decision to recieve salvation(I couldn't disagree more) "to as many as recieved him to them gave he power to become the sons of God."(awful lot of action verbs on the part of man.)
2.) U - I totally agree w/BR
3.) L - I totally agree w/BR
4.) I - I totally agree w/BR
5.) P- Perseverance of the saints ( I disagree) the saints don't persevere but rather the Bible says that we are kept by his power, not our own.
The bottom line is that the whole TULIP theory hinges on one doctrine and that is the doctrine of predestination to salvation and the Word of God says that nowhere, not one single time.
GE
Man is totally depraved especially since he cannot even make the decision to, or, receive salvation; it is God who enables Him to do everything impossible for himself, by himself, and in himself.
"To as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God." Not a single action of man he is able to do of himself, for it is expressly said, "To them / to as many GAVE, HE, power TO, become sons of God: the only verb of ability on the part of God; even 'become', is medial, because resultant of God's power and will and GIFT of love and grace -- particular Grace, that is!
Perseverance of the saints; the saints persevere man acts and freely and willingly act BECAUSE he is born of God and lives by Him and is kept by his power, not his own: that is the whole, secret of salvation - the Mystery of Godliness.
The bottom line is that the whole TULIP theory hinges on the ELECTING GRACE and LOVE of God that everywhere in Scripture is the grand theme.