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Musings from a Reformed (rfrmd) perspective.

The Christian doctrine of Irresistible Grace, also known as Effectual Calling or Effective Grace, is the Bible's teaching that when God sovereignly chooses to save someone, His grace will effectively accomplish its purpose. Because of our Total Depravity, our hearts are naturally resistant to God. Irresistible grace overcomes this resistance not by force, but by transforming our hearts from within. It renews our will so that we willingly and joyfully turn to Jesus in faith.

This grace is irresistible not because God drags people into heaven against their will, but because it is so powerful and beautiful that it changes the will itself, making the sinner want to come to God.

Analogy: Light in a Dark Room

When you flip a switch in a pitch-black room, the darkness doesn't fight back or argue. It is instantly and effectively replaced by light. The darkness isn't forced out; it is simply overcome. In the same way, God's grace doesn't coerce a sinner; it floods their heart with spiritual light, replacing the darkness of unbelief and enabling them to finally see and love the truth.

This doctrine is the guarantee that God’s plan of salvation will be perfectly applied by the Holy Spirit to all those for whom Christ died.

A Look at Irresistible Grace

Question 1: If we are naturally resistant to God, how can anyone ever choose Him?

The Bible teaches that, due to our sinful nature (often called total depravity), we are spiritually “dead” and hostile toward God. We don't have the natural ability or desire to seek Him on our own.

  • Analogy: You can't ask a person who is physically unconscious to get up and walk to a doctor. They need the doctor to come and revive them first. In the same way, a spiritually dead person needs God to first give them a new heart before they can respond to Him.

Scriptural Support:

  • John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”
  • Romans 8:7: “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.”
  • Ezekiel 36:26-27: God promises, “And I will give you a new heart... I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.”

The Bottom Line: If we are truly unable and unwilling to come to God, a simple invitation (like hearing a sermon) isn't enough. God's grace must work internally and irresistibly to change our hearts and enable us to say “yes” to Him.

Question 2: Does the Bible describe God's call to salvation as always effective?

Scripture shows a difference between a general call and an effectual (or effective) call. The general call goes out to everyone who hears the gospel, but it can be rejected. The effectual call is God's personal and powerful call to His chosen people (the elect), and it always results in salvation.

Scriptural Support:

  • John 6:37: “All that the Father gives me will come to me...” (This is a statement of certainty, not possibility).
  • Romans 8:30: “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
  • 1 Corinthians 1:24: “But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

The Bottom Line: Notice the unbreakable sequence in Romans 8—it's often called the “golden chain” of salvation. Everyone who is “called” is also “justified.” There are no dropouts. If the call could be resisted and fail, this chain would be broken. The Bible presents it as a guarantee.

Question 3: Does irresistible grace mean we don't have free will?

This is a common misunderstanding. Irresistible grace doesn't destroy our will; it liberates our will from its slavery to sin. It changes our desires so that we freely choose what we once rejected.

  • Analogy: Imagine a person who is deathly ill and, because of their sickness, despises food. You could offer them a feast, but they would refuse it. If a doctor gives them a cure that not only heals their body but also restores their appetite, they will then willingly and joyfully choose to eat. The cure didn't force them to eat, but it made them able and willing to do so. God's grace is that cure.

Scriptural Support:

  • Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (God works in us to produce the desire and the action).
  • Acts 16:14: Speaking of Lydia, it says, “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.”
  • 2 Timothy 2:25: Paul hopes that “God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.”

The Bottom Line: God renews our hearts so that our greatest desire becomes Him. We then choose Him according to our new, freed will. Our choice is genuine, but it was made possible only by God's irresistible work in us.

Question 4: What does this teaching mean for a Christian's confidence and our view of God?

Irresistible grace provides profound assurance and shows the beautiful, unified work of the Trinity in our salvation. The Father chooses us, the Son dies for us, and the Holy Spirit effectively calls and seals us.

Scriptural Support:

  • John 10:27-29: “My sheep hear my voice... I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
  • 1 Peter 1:2: Believers are chosen “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ...”
  • Ephesians 1:13-14: When we believe, we are “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance.”

The Bottom Line: If salvation depended on our ability to overcome our own resistance, we could never be sure. But because it rests on God's powerful, irresistible grace, we can be confident that He who started the work in us will see it to completion. The Trinity works in perfect harmony to save every person They intend to save.

Answering Common Objections

Objection 1: “This makes people sound like robots and violates free will.”

It only violates our “freedom” to remain in sin. As the analogy of the sick patient showed, grace liberates the will to desire what is good. True freedom is being set free from sin's bondage (John 8:34-36), not having complete autonomy from our Creator. God gives us a new nature, and we then act according to that new nature (Psalm 110:3).

Objection 2: “What about Bible verses where people resist the Holy Spirit?”

This goes back to the difference between the general and effectual call. People can (and do) resist the Holy Spirit's general call that comes through preaching (Acts 7:51) and the conviction of their conscience. However, the irresistible, internal, and regenerating call given only to the elect cannot be ultimately resisted, because it involves changing the heart itself (John 6:65).

Objection 3: “If grace is irresistible, why bother praying for the lost or evangelizing?”

Because prayer and evangelism are the very tools God has ordained to bring His elect to salvation!

Analogy: A surgeon uses a scalpel to perform a life-saving operation. The surgeon's skill makes the outcome certain, but the operation won't happen without the scalpel. Evangelism is God's “scalpel.” We share the gospel (Romans 10:14-15), and God uses that message to irresistibly call His people. Knowing this should motivate us, because it guarantees our efforts will not be in vain for those God is calling (2 Timothy 2:10).

Objection 4: “Doesn't this belief lead to spiritual laziness or fatalism?”

Just the opposite! A true understanding of this doctrine should fuel a life of gratitude and holiness. Grace doesn't just save us; it trains us to live godly lives (Titus 2:11-12). Knowing that God is powerfully at work in us encourages us to persevere, confident that He will finish what He started (Philippians 1:6). It leads to diligence as we seek to confirm our calling and election (2 Peter 1:10).

Conclusion: The Comfort of Irresistible Grace

This doctrine is not meant for philosophical debates but for the comfort and encouragement of the believer. It serves three beautiful pastoral purposes:

  1. It Promotes Humility: It reminds us that our faith is a gift, not our own achievement. We have no room to boast, only to thank God (1 Corinthians 4:7).

  2. It Gives Assurance: It secures our salvation in the hands of a powerful God, not our own wavering will. He who called us will keep us (John 10:28-29).

  3. It Inspires Worship: It magnifies God's incredible power and sovereign love that could conquer our stubborn hearts, leading us to praise Him for His amazing, transformative grace (Psalm 65:4).

back to Intro page

~ john

The Christian doctrine of perseverance of the saints teaches that anyone God saves will be kept by His power and will never permanently fall away from faith. In other words, if you are saved, you are eternally secure.

This doesn't mean our salvation depends on our own strength or ability to hold on to God. It's the other way around: God holds on to us.

Analogy: Think of it like a father holding his child's hand while crossing a busy street. The child might stumble or try to let go, but the father's grip is what guarantees they make it safely to the other side.

This doctrine is foundational because it shows that our eternal security rests not on our shaky grip on God, but on His unbreakable grip on us.

The Case for the Perseverance of the Saints

This idea can be understood by following a logical progression based on what the Bible teaches.

Question 1: If God starts our salvation, will He finish it?

Yes. The Bible teaches that God's plan of salvation is an unbreakable chain. If God chose you, called you, and saved you, He will absolutely see you through to the very end. His purpose cannot be defeated by our weakness.

  • Romans 8:29-30: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined... And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
  • Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
  • John 10:28-29: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand... no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”

The bottom line: Salvation is like a golden chain with five links: foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. The “golden chain” is a powerful metaphor for the unbreakable process of salvation described in Romans 8:29-30. The key idea is that every person who is part of the first link will inevitably be part of the last. God Himself forges every link, ensuring no one is ever lost along the way.

Let's look at the first and most foundational link: foreknowledge.

What Foreknowledge Doesn't Mean

When we hear “foreknowledge,” our modern minds often think it means God simply looked into the future, saw who would choose to have faith in Him, and then chose them based on their foreseen decision. In this view, God's choice is a reaction to ours.

What Foreknowledge Does Mean

However, in the Bible, the word “to know” (and by extension, “to foreknow”) often implies a much deeper, more intimate, and active relationship. It's not just about knowing about someone; it's about setting one's love and affection upon them in a special, covenantal way.

Think about how the Bible uses the word “know”:

  • God said to Israel, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth” (Amos 3:2). God obviously knew about the other nations, but He had a special, saving relationship only with Israel.
  • Jesus will say to false professors on judgment day, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23). He isn't saying He was unaware of their existence; He's saying, “We never had a relationship.”

So, when the Bible says God “foreknew” His people, it means that He set His saving love and affection on them from eternity past. It was an active choice of the heart, not a passive gathering of information about the future.

An analogy: It's less like a scientist observing a reaction from a distance and more like a groom choosing his bride before the wedding. His choice isn't based on merely observing what she will do; it's a proactive, loving decision to set his heart upon her.

With this understanding of foreknowledge as the anchor, the rest of the chain follows with perfect, logical security:

  1. Foreknowledge: Before time began, God set His saving love upon His people. This is the foundation of it all.

  2. Predestination: Because He chose to love them, He then predestined (or predetermined) their ultimate destiny: to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus.

  3. Calling: At the proper time in their lives, God effectively calls these chosen individuals to Himself through the gospel, drawing them out of spiritual death and into spiritual life.

  4. Justification: When they are called, God declares them righteous in His sight. He forgives their sins and credits them with Christ's perfect righteousness. This is a legal, once-for-all declaration.

  5. Glorification: Finally, this process will be completed in the future when God removes all sin from their lives and brings them into His presence in glorified, perfect bodies.

The power of this chain is that it is unbroken. Everyone God foreknew, He will glorify. His loving choice in eternity past guarantees our glorious state in eternity future.

Question 2: Are true believers truly secure?

Absolutely. Scripture says that true believers are “sealed” and “guarded” by God's power. This is God's guarantee that He will finish what He started in us.

  • Ephesians 1:13-14: “...you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance...”
  • 1 Peter 1:5: “[Believers] by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
  • Jude 24: “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.”

The bottom line: The Holy Spirit acts as a divine down payment on our salvation. Just like a down payment guarantees the final purchase of a house, the Spirit's presence guarantees our future inheritance in heaven. God isn't just our Savior; He's also our bodyguard.

Question 3: What about when we sin or stumble?

Perseverance doesn't mean perfection. True believers still sin, stumble, and require God's discipline. However, God's discipline is proof of our sonship, not a threat of disownment. He corrects us to bring us back, not to cast us out.

  • Hebrews 12:5-7: “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
  • 1 John 3:9: “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.”
  • Jeremiah 32:40: “...I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.”

The bottom line: When a true child of God wanders, their loving Father pursues and disciplines them to restore them. He changes our hearts so that, even when we fail, our deepest desire is to return to Him. Someone who leaves the faith permanently shows they were never truly part of the family to begin with.

Question 4: So, where does our confidence come from?

Our confidence comes from God's unchanging character and unbreakable promises, not our own performance. This doctrine anchors our hope in the faithfulness of God, who cannot fail.

  • Romans 8:38-39: “For I am sure that neither death nor life... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
  • 2 Timothy 4:18: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.”
  • Psalm 138:8: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.”

The bottom line: Our salvation is not a ship tossed about by the waves of our feelings and failures. It is held firm by an unbreakable anchor—the love and power of God Himself. He will bring us safely home.

Answering Common Objections

Objection 1: “Doesn't this give people a license to sin?”

This misunderstands the doctrine. Perseverance of the saints is not preservation in sin, but preservation from sin.

  • God doesn't just save us from hell; He saves us for holiness. Being “born of God” means we have a new nature that desires to please Him (1 John 3:9).
  • A genuine faith always produces good works, or “fruit” (James 2:17). Someone who feels free to live in sin shows that they likely haven't experienced true, saving faith.
  • God's grace doesn't make us lazy; it makes us grateful. The security we have in Christ motivates us to obey Him out of love, not fear.

Objection 2: “What about Bible verses that warn people about falling away?”

These warnings are one of the primary means God uses to keep His true children on the right path.

  • Think of them like “Guardrail” signs on a dangerous road. They aren't there because the engineer expects you to drive off the cliff; they are there to prevent you from doing so.
  • These warnings serve to test the faith of those in the church. Those who heed the warnings and persevere show they are true believers. Those who ignore them and fall away reveal they were never truly saved in the first place (1 John 2:19: “They went out from us, but they were not of us...”).

Objection 3: “If my salvation is secure, why do I need to try to live a holy life?”

This sets up a false choice. The Bible holds two truths together: God works, so we work.

  • Philippians 2:12-13 puts it perfectly: “...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
  • We don't work for our salvation; we work out our salvation. Our effort is the evidence and result of God's power working within us. It’s like a sailboat: the wind (God's Spirit) provides the power, but the sailor must still raise the sails (our effort) to move.

Objection 4: “But I've seen people who seemed to be Christians walk away from the faith.”

The Bible makes a distinction between those who merely profess faith and those who truly possess faith.

  • Jesus warned that many will say “Lord, Lord,” but He will say, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21-23). Their association was outward, not inward.
  • Temporary backsliding is different from final apostasy. A true believer, like Peter who denied Christ, will be brought to repentance and restoration. An apostate, like Judas, will not.
  • Perseverance is the ultimate test. Enduring to the end is the mark of a genuine believer (Hebrews 3:14).

Why This Doctrine Matters

Perseverance of the saints is not a technicality; it's a deeply pastoral truth that fuels the Christian life.

  • It Leads to Humility: It reminds us that our endurance depends entirely on God's grace, not our own strength. We can't boast about staying saved.
  • It Gives Real Assurance: In times of doubt, failure, or suffering, it gives us unshakable peace, knowing that our security rests in God's powerful, loving hands.
  • It Inspires True Worship: Understanding that God is committed to preserving us to the very end leads to profound gratitude and praise for His incredible, covenant-keeping faithfulness.

back to Intro page

~ john

  1. 1 Chronicles 16:34 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

  2. Psalm 7:17 I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

  3. Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

  4. Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.

  5. Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

  6. Psalm 106:1 Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

  7. Psalm 107:1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

  8. 1 Corinthians 1:4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.

  9. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

  10. Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  11. Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

  12. Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

  13. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

  14. Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

  15. Colossians 3:15–17 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

  16. Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

  17. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.

  18. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

  19. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

  20. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

~ john

The Trinity is a central concept in Christianity that describes God as one being existing in three co-equal and co-eternal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. While the term “Trinity” doesn't appear in the Bible, the doctrine is derived from various biblical passages that collectively reveal God's three-in-one nature.

What is the Trinity?

The Trinity can be understood through two key distinctions: the ontological Trinity and the economic Trinity. These two perspectives help explain both the divine essence of God and the distinct roles of the three persons.

Ontological Trinity: Also known as the immanent Trinity, this refers to God's internal nature and relationships. It asserts that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons who share one divine substance or essence. They are co-eternal (having no beginning or end) and co-equal (equal in power, glory, and divinity). This aspect of the Trinity focuses on who God is in his very being, independent of his work in creation or salvation. The relationship among the persons is described as a divine perichoresis, a dynamic, mutual indwelling or co-inhabitation.

Economic Trinity: This refers to the roles the three persons play in the work of creation and redemption. The Father is the source and sender, the Son is the redeemer who becomes incarnate to save humanity, and the Holy Spirit is the sanctifier who applies the work of Christ to believers' lives. While distinct in their roles and actions toward creation, they act in perfect unity and harmony, always working in concert to fulfill a single purpose.

Biblical Basis and Historical Context The concept of the Trinity is woven throughout Scripture. The Old Testament hints at the multiplicity of God (e.g., Genesis 1:26, “Let us make man in our image”). The New Testament provides clearer revelation, such as in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands his disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The Apostle Paul's writings also reflect this understanding, as he often refers to God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as distinct yet unified.

The doctrine of the Trinity was formally defined and defended against heresies in the early church councils. The First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) affirmed the divinity of the Son, stating he is “of one substance with the Father,” against Arianism, which taught that the Son was a created being. The First Council of Constantinople (381 AD) similarly affirmed the divinity of the Holy Spirit. These councils and their resulting creeds, such as the Nicene Creed, were crucial in establishing the orthodox Christian understanding of the Trinity.

Common Heresies and Misunderstandings

Throughout history, various theological errors have arisen regarding the Trinity. Understanding these heresies helps clarify the orthodox view.

Modalism: This heresy claims that God is a single person who reveals himself in three different “modes” or “masks” at different times (e.g., as the Father in the Old Testament, the Son in the Gospels, and the Holy Spirit after Jesus' ascension). This view denies the distinct personhood of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Arianism: As mentioned, Arianism taught that the Son was created by the Father and is therefore subordinate and not co-eternal or co-equal with him. This heresy denies the full divinity of Jesus Christ.

Tritheism: This error proposes that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate gods. This view contradicts the foundational Christian belief in monotheism (one God).

Why It Matters

Understanding the Trinity is fundamental to Christian theology. It not only reveals the nature of God but also provides the framework for understanding salvation. The Father plans salvation, the Son accomplishes it through his life, death, and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit applies it to the hearts of believers, uniting them with Christ. The Trinity ensures that Christian belief is neither a polytheistic worship of three gods nor a simplistic, impersonal monotheism. It maintains a paradoxical balance of both unity and distinction, reflecting the complexity and richness of God's being.

~ john

As a Christian, my preference for burial over cremation has been influenced by biblical narratives and theological principles that have shaped my faith. The preference is not merely a matter of tradition but is connected to my understanding of Scripture and the hope it offers for the future.

Scripture, while not prescribing a specific method for handling human remains, provides numerous examples and themes that guide the Christian practice of burial. In the book of Genesis, we read about Abraham and his wife Sarah. When Sarah dies, Abraham secures a burial place for her in the field of Machpelah. This act of securing a specific resting place for his beloved wife sets a precedent for respecting the deceased and maintaining a connection to our ancestral heritage. Similarly, the narrative of Jacob shows his sons bringing his body back to Canaan for burial in the cave of Machpelah alongside his forefathers. This emphasizes the importance of being buried in a place connected to one's lineage and spiritual legacy.

The New Testament also highlights the burial of Jesus. After His crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a follower of Jesus, obtains permission to lay His body in a new tomb. Jesus' burial fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, which speaks of His grave being assigned with the wicked and the rich in His death. This event underscores the dignity of His physical body and points towards the hope of resurrection. The burial of Jesus is not just a historical fact but a theological statement about the sanctity of the body and the promise of eternal life.

There are several scriptural examples that inform the Christian understanding of burial. For instance, in Deuteronomy 34:5-6, the death of Moses is recounted, stating, “Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor.” The act of God Himself burying Moses underscores the importance of honoring the body even in death. Ecclesiastes 12:7 reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death, saying, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” This verse suggests that the body should return to the earth, reinforcing the idea of burial as a natural and reverent way of handling the deceased.

In the early Christian community, the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:5-10 serves as a cautionary tale. After their deceit, the passage mentions, “the young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him.” This act of burial is done with solemnity and respect. Similarly, following Stephen's martyrdom, Acts 8:2 notes that “devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.” This shows the early Christian community’s desire to honor and grieve for the deceased through burial.

Burial is an integral part of the Christian faith, reflecting the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ burial and resurrection symbolize the hope of eternal life. Paul speaks of the body being sown perishable and raised imperishable, highlighting the significance of burial as a precursor to resurrection glory (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). This belief in the bodily resurrection is central to Christian doctrine. The act of burial aligns with this belief, treating the body with dignity and reverence, as it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Additionally, burial follows the biblical example set by the patriarchs and Jesus Himself. Throughout the Bible, God’s people have been buried with honor and respect. Abraham’s purchase of the field of Machpelah for Sarah’s burial and Jacob’s burial alongside his forefathers establish a tradition of honoring the deceased by laying them to rest in a specific place. Jesus' burial in a new tomb by Joseph of Arimathea underscores the sanctity of burial within the Christian faith. Christians believe in the resurrection of the dead, as professed in the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in the resurrection of the body.” Burial is an act of faith in this promise, symbolizing the believer's participation in Christ’s burial and resurrection. It aligns with the biblical narrative, honoring the physical body as God’s creation, and serves as a testament to the hope Christians hold in the resurrection of the dead.

Burial also allows the Christian community to bear witness to their faith. Funeral rites and burial ceremonies publicly affirm belief in the resurrection and eternal life. These ceremonies provide comfort and hope to the bereaved, strengthening communal bonds within the body of Christ (Romans 12:15). Christians are called to emulate Christ in all aspects of life and death. Jesus’ burial, marked by dignity and reverence, signifies the importance of treating the deceased with utmost respect. This act of burial points to the fulfillment of prophecy and God’s redemptive plan.

When talking about what cremation it is helpful to point out how it compares with the practices of other religions, where cremation is more common. In Hinduism, for example, believers in reincarnation view cremation as a way to release the soul from the physical body, allowing it to move on to the next life. The body is typically cremated on a pyre, and the ashes are often scattered in a sacred river, such as the Ganges, to purify the soul and ensure a better rebirth. Similarly, Buddhism sees cremation as a means to detach the soul from the physical body, aiding in the soul’s journey through the cycle of rebirth and karma. Cremation is common, with rituals varying by culture. The ashes may be enshrined in stupas or scattered in natural settings.

Sikhism practices cremation, reflecting the belief in the impermanence of the physical body and the eternal nature of the soul. The cremation ceremony is communal, emphasizing life’s transient nature and the importance of remembering the deceased’s virtues. Jainism, on the other hand, believes in non-attachment to the body and views cremation as a way to sever the soul’s connection to the physical form. Cremation is performed simply, often followed by rituals reflecting on the deceased’s life and contributions. In Japan, Shinto practices often include cremation, influenced by both Shinto and Buddhist beliefs about purity and the soul’s journey. Cremation is followed by rituals to honor ancestral spirits, believed to influence the living.

Choosing between burial and cremation should be influenced by your theological, cultural, and personal beliefs. My preference as a Christian for burial will allow my own expression of my faith in the resurrection, the sanctity of the body, and continuity with biblical practices to be used for discussion. For Christians, being able to articulate the reasons for preferring burial can provide a meaningful perspective that could lead to further discussions about our faith and core beliefs.

Ultimately, we never know when the Holy Spirit will change someone's heart, but we are called to explain why we have hope in the resurrection. What better starting place than why we believe burial is a good option for a Christian?

~ john

Water as a Symbol of Cleansing

Water holds profound symbolic significance throughout Scripture, representing both physical and spiritual purification. From Genesis to Revelation, water points to God's cleansing work — His work of washing away what separates His people from Himself.

In the Genesis account, the floodwaters purge the earth of its rampant corruption (Genesis 6-9). God uses the waters of judgment to cleanse a world that had become so steeped in wickedness that “every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Yet even in judgment, there is grace — Noah and his family are carried safely through the waters, preserved by God for a new beginning. The flood is not merely destruction; it is purification with a purpose.

This pattern continues throughout the Old Testament. The Israelites pass through the waters of the Red Sea, delivered from slavery in Egypt into freedom as God's covenant people (Exodus 14). The waters that save Israel are the same waters that destroy Pharaoh's army — a vivid picture of how God's saving acts are simultaneously acts of judgment against sin and evil. Later, the priests were required to wash with water before entering the tabernacle to minister before the Lord (Exodus 30:19-21), reinforcing that approach to a holy God requires cleansing.

In the New Testament, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about being “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5), connecting water to the Spirit's work of granting new life. The prophets had long anticipated this. Ezekiel records God's promise: “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you” (Ezekiel 36:25-26). What the Old Testament ceremonies pointed toward, the Spirit accomplishes in reality.

Jesus: The Living Water

One of Jesus' most profound statements about water occurs in His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. He declares, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14). Here, Jesus presents Himself as the source of “living water,” offering eternal satisfaction and life.

The context of this encounter matters. The Samaritan woman had come to the well at midday — likely to avoid the other women of the town, given the life she had been living. She came looking for ordinary water and found the One who could satisfy the thirst she did not know how to name. Jesus uses water as a metaphor to make clear that just as physical water quenches physical thirst, He as the Living Water satisfies our spiritual thirst. Believing in Him and embracing His teachings bestows eternal life and a fulfillment that the world cannot provide. The woman who came to the well avoiding her neighbors left and told her entire town about Jesus (John 4:28-29, 39).

During the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stands and proclaims, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'” (John 7:37-38). The timing is significant — the Feast of Tabernacles included a daily water-pouring ceremony commemorating God's provision of water from the rock in the wilderness. Into the middle of that ceremony, Jesus stands and declares that He Himself is the fulfillment of what the ritual has always pointed toward. This invitation underscores that true spiritual life and refreshment are found through faith in Christ alone.

Baptism: A Sign and Seal of the Covenant of Grace

Baptism, instituted by Christ, is a sacrament that signifies the believer's union with Christ, the regeneration wrought by the Spirit, remission of sins, and commitment to walk in newness of life. Administered with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, baptism is a means of grace — but its efficacy lies not in the water itself or in the mere act of being baptized. It is God's action through the sacrament, applied by the Holy Spirit and received by faith, that brings about these spiritual realities. In baptism, water symbolizes cleansing from sin and inclusion in God's covenant family, but it is not the water that accomplishes this — it is God working through the sacrament He ordained.

This distinction matters because it protects us from two errors. On one side, some treat baptism as though the water itself confers salvation — that the act alone, apart from faith, washes away sin. On the other side, some reduce baptism to a mere symbol — a public profession with no real spiritual substance. The Reformed understanding holds these together: baptism is a true means of grace through which God strengthens and confirms the faith of His people, while remaining clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.

In this way, baptism functions as a sign of God's covenant of grace — His promise to save His people through faith in Jesus Christ. Just as circumcision marked entrance into the covenant community in the Old Testament, baptism marks inclusion in the New Testament church and God's promise to be a God to us and to our children (Genesis 17:7; Acts 2:39). When infants are baptized, it reflects their inclusion in the covenant community and the commitment of their parents and the church to raise them in the faith. For those baptized as infants, this sign anticipates the faith they are expected to profess as they mature within the covenant community. Baptism does not guarantee salvation — but it marks the child as set apart within the community where the ordinary means of grace are at work.

Peter himself draws this connection when he writes that baptism “now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Peter affirms the real significance of baptism while making clear that it is not the water doing the saving — it is the resurrection of Christ and the believer's appeal to God in faith. Notably, Peter ties this to the flood narrative — the very waters that judged the world carried Noah safely through. In the same way, the waters of baptism point to the judgment Christ endured on our behalf and the deliverance God provides through Him.

Simply put: baptism without faith does not confer salvation. It is faith in Christ's finished work that justifies and saves (Ephesians 2:8-9). But baptism is not therefore empty. Along with the preaching of the Word and the Lord's Supper, it is a visible word — a tangible sign that reinforces the gospel message, strengthens the believer's faith, and provides assurance of God's promises. It is one of the ordinary means God uses to sustain and grow His people throughout the Christian life.

Water as an Act of Mercy

Water in Scripture carries profound sacramental meaning, but it also appears in the most ordinary acts of mercy — and God values both.

In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus describes the final judgment and reveals that acts of kindness to others are, in essence, acts of service to Him: “I was thirsty and you gave me drink... Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” The righteous in the parable are surprised — they did not realize that in serving the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, and the imprisoned, they were serving Christ Himself. Jesus teaches that simple acts of kindness — giving a cup of water to someone who is thirsty — are seen by God as significant and meaningful, because serving others in need is serving Him.

While giving a cup of water may seem like a small gesture, it reflects a heart transformed by God's grace. True faith in Christ leads to loving actions towards others. These acts of kindness are not what save us, but they are evidence of a living faith. James 2:17 states that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” The genuine faith that saves us also moves us to serve and love others. Scripture is clear that genuine faith produces genuine compassion — the two cannot be separated.

This teaching of Jesus calls believers to live out the gospel in practical ways. By meeting the physical needs of others, we demonstrate the love of Christ to a hurting world. Providing water to the thirsty, feeding the hungry, and caring for the sick are ways we can reflect God's love and compassion. When we engage in these acts of service, we participate in the mission of Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). By serving others, we show that we have understood and embraced the gospel message, witnessing to the transformative power of God's grace in our lives.

Believers are encouraged to look for opportunities to serve others, knowing that these acts are valued by God. Even the smallest act, like giving a cup of water, has eternal significance when done in Christ's name. This perspective helps us to see every act of kindness as a way to honor and serve our Lord. None of these acts add merit to our standing before God, but our actions visibly reinforce that we are His children and desire to glorify Him.

The next time you have a bottle of water and see someone who is thirsty, do not hesitate to offer it. A small act of mercy for the body may open a door to share the Living Water that satisfies the soul.

~ john

The Westminster Confession of Faith holds a significant place in Christian history and theology, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the Christian faith. In this short description, I will touch on several key teachings of the confession, examining its relevance and profound impact on believers today.

At the heart of the Westminster Confession of Faith lies a firm commitment to the authority of Scripture. It affirms the divine inspiration and infallibility of the Bible, regarding it as the ultimate source of truth and guidance for our lives. This emphasis encourages believers to approach the Scriptures with reverence and humility, seeking to align their beliefs and practices with its teachings.

The confession upholds the sovereignty of God, emphasizing His supreme authority over all creation. It acknowledges God as the sovereign ruler, the creator, and sustainer of the universe. This doctrine teaches us that everything exists and operates according to God's wise and loving plan, giving us a sense of purpose and assurance in His divine providence.

The Westminster Confession of Faith addresses the nature and role of the church. It recognizes the importance of the visible church as a community of believers, gathered for worship, fellowship, and the proclamation of God's Word. Additionally, the confession acknowledges the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper as sacred acts of obedience and grace, symbolizing our union with Christ and participation in His redemptive work.

Within the confession, there is an emphasis on the Christian life and the pursuit of holiness. It acknowledges the reality of our ongoing struggle with sin and highlights the need for repentance and faith. The confession encourages believers to cultivate a vibrant spiritual life through prayer, worship, diligent study of Scripture, and reliance on the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

The Westminster Confession of Faith offers believers a rich theological resource that can deepen their understanding of God, His Word, and the Christian life. By studying its teachings, we gain a robust framework for interpreting Scripture and a guide for living out our faith with integrity. While the confession is not a replacement for the Bible, it serves as a valuable summary of essential Christian doctrines. May our study of the confession enrich our faith, strengthen our relationship with God, and inspire us to live lives that bring glory to Him.

For more information Ligonier.org has the Confession as well as the Larger and Shorter catechisms.

~ john

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century was a massive change in Europe's cultural, religious and social world, and ultimately it has become a world event. In the beginnings it was about getting back to the basic teachings of the Bible in Christianity. The reformers saw that over time, traditions and habits had added hiding the true message of the faith. Later in the 20th century experts began to summarize the shift by categorizing them with five important Latin phrases ulimately becoming known as the “Five Solas.” The word “sola” means “alone” or “only” in Latin, and it stresses that these concepts stand by themselves in faith and being saved.

These phrases—Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Solus Christus (Christ Alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)— showed the main problems the reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli had with the Roman Catholic Church's ways and beliefs back then. The reformers felt the church had put too much importance on human rules, hard work, and go-betweens instead of what God provides. These solas weren't put together as one list right away in the 1500s, but they later became a short way to explain the Reformation's big beliefs. As a group, they make a strong set of ideas that still shape Protestant thinking today. They focus on depending on God's words and actions, and they guide people to live centered on true teachings from God.

Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone

Sola Scriptura establishes the Bible as the sole, infallible authority for Christian faith and practice. The Reformers, including Martin Luther and John Calvin, opposed the Roman Catholic Church’s reliance on Tradition and the Magisterium alongside Scripture, which they believed led to unbiblical practices. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

  • Sufficiency: Scripture contains all necessary truth for salvation and godly living (Psalm 119:105).
  • Clarity: The Bible’s core message of salvation is clear to all who seek it (Psalm 19:7).
  • Infallibility: As God’s Word, Scripture is trustworthy and true (John 17:17).

Sola Scriptura does not reject tradition outright but subjects it to biblical authority, ensuring that only Scripture binds the conscience.

Sola Fide: Faith Alone

Sola Fide asserts that justification—being declared righteous before God—comes through faith in Christ alone, apart from works. The medieval Church taught that justification required human cooperation through works and sacraments, creating uncertainty. Luther’s study of Romans 3:28—“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law”—clarified that God imputes Christ’s righteousness to believers through faith alone.

While good works are the fruit of genuine faith (James 2:17), they are not the basis of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforces this: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Sola Gratia: Grace Alone

Sola Gratia teaches that salvation is entirely God’s gift, unearned by human effort. Due to humanity’s sinful nature (Romans 3:23), no one can seek God without His initiative. Salvation, from calling to glorification, is by God’s grace alone. As Ephesians 2:8-9 states, faith itself is a gift, ensuring no one can boast in their salvation.

This doctrine opposes any view that humans contribute to their salvation, emphasizing God’s sovereign grace (Titus 3:5).

Solus Christus: Christ Alone

Solus Christus proclaims Jesus as the only mediator between God and humanity. The Reformers rejected the medieval Church’s reliance on priests, saints, and the Pope as mediators, pointing to 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Christ’s perfect life, death, and resurrection fully accomplished salvation (Hebrews 7:25).

This doctrine upholds the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9), affirming direct access to God through Christ, whose sacrifice is sufficient (John 19:30).

Soli Deo Gloria: Glory to God Alone

Soli Deo Gloria declares that God alone receives glory for salvation and all of life. The Reformers believed practices like venerating saints detracted from God’s glory. Romans 11:36 affirms, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”

This principle extends to daily life, where all vocations glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31), sanctifying ordinary work as worship.

When embraced collectively, the impact of these individual concepts or solas multiplies exponentially, creating a synergistic effect that transforms not just individual lives but entire communities and societies. Agreeing with them all establishes a robust, unshakeable foundation for faith: Scripture provides the unchanging standard, grace and faith supply the means, Christ offers the object, and God's glory ensures the end goal. This holistic adherence should lead to a vibrant, gospel-centered view of Christianity that will resists corruption, promotes reformation in every era, with missionary zeal, and cultural flourishing—as evidenced in the historical spread of Protestantism after these ideas were fully articulated.

Since the departure through liberalization or disagreement with these tenants we have seen a diminishing of the effectiveness of the missions showing that if you take the authority out of any of these concepts the truth is no longer being expressed and the witness to the hearer of the watered down or modified word is not affected. May we always cling to the tenants of the reformers and trust in the word of the Lord following the words in the 119th psalm “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” drawing near to Him and learning to love Him more daily.

You can read more at Ligonier.org regarding the five solas.

~ john

Reformed theology is a branch of Protestant Christianity that follows the theological tradition and forms of Christian practice set down by John Calvin and other Reformation-era theologians. At its core, it emphasizes God's sovereignty, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith for salvation. 

Reformed theology's main tenets are summarized in the TULIP acronym: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints. These affirm the doctrine of predestination and the belief that salvation is by God's choice, not by human effort or merit.

The sacraments, particularly baptism and the Lord's Supper, are viewed as means of grace within the community of faith. Reformed theology also affirms a particular form of church governance, often either presbyterian or congregational. 

A defining feature of Reformed theology is its emphasis on the glory and holiness of God, asserting that all aspects of life and thought must be oriented to the praise of His glory. It is a tradition deeply rooted in Scripture and committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ, maintaining a robust theology and a rich history of thought and practice.

~ john

There is no real truth? That seems to be the message the world and media are trying to get across with the release of so many “my truth” ideas floating around out there. That somehow there is one truth for an individual and another for someone else. I think we have begun to confuse perspective with reality. If you live in Europe or the middle east or the United States there is still one real truth. How you engage with it may be skewed by your situation or exposure to your local culture. But there are still real truths that exist no matter what an individuals desires are.

The equilibrium between subjective and objective truths is a cornerstone of not only scientific discourse but also theological understanding. In the context of religious faith, particularly Christianity, certain truths—or biblical truths—are considered absolute and unchanging, transcending personal interpretations or experiences.

The concept that God does not change is an essential, objective truth in many religious faiths, particularly in Christianity. This idea, often referred to as the immutability of God, signifies that God's character, will, and covenant promises remain constant throughout time.

A notable reference to this can be found in the Book of Malachi, 3:6, “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” In the New Testament, we see in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” These passages affirm that God's nature and His promises are unchanging.

When we regard this biblical truth—that God does not change—we can see how it acts as an anchor amid the ebb and flow of subjective experiences and interpretations. Even as our understanding of Him may shift and evolve with our personal journeys, the fundamental nature of God remains unaltered.

The objective truth of God's immutability also offers a standard against which all subjective interpretations can be weighed. If a personal truth contradicts this unchanging nature of God, it may be necessary to re-evaluate that interpretation.

Scripture provides us with other examples of objective truths that are foundational to Christian belief. For instance, John 14:6 declares, “Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” This passage presents an objective truth within the Christian faith—that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, regardless of individual interpretations or experiences.

Another core biblical truth is the concept of God's love, as expressed in passages such as John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This is an objective truth that remains steadfast, irrespective of personal perspectives.

The danger lies in when personal interpretations—”my truth” narratives—begin to encroach upon these objective biblical truths. This can lead to a form of relativism that distorts core doctrines and undermines the unity of the faith community.

Moreover, when biblical truths are conflated with subjective truths, it can result in the propagation of misconceptions or distortions about Christian faith. This is particularly concerning in an era of digital communication, where misinformation can spread rapidly and widely.

Accountability within the faith community is tied to adherence to these biblical truths. If subjective interpretations are allowed to supersede these truths, it can lead to a lack of accountability, where actions or beliefs that deviate from biblical teachings are justified as “my truth.”

While recognizing and validating individual experiences and perspectives is essential for fostering empathy and understanding within the faith community, it's crucial to uphold the primacy of biblical truths. These truths form the bedrock of Christian faith and facilitate unity, guidance, and accountability among believers. Upholding this delicate balance is vital to the integrity and cohesion of the faith community.

Ultimately when you hold an object in your hand anywhere on this planet and release it it will always fall toward the ground. Gravity is acting the same everywhere on this planet. When you take 4 identical objects and place 2 more of them in the same vacinity you now have six objects not five or seven. Math is blessedly the same despite language differences. Culturally we have differnet understandings of what is appropriate attire, and so that would be an example of what I would call an opinion or cultural norm, rather than a “my truth” statement.

In concluding, it's important to circle back to one of the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith: the infallibility of Scripture. The belief in Scripture's infallibility, its freedom from error in teaching faith and morals, serves as a core, objective truth for believers.

Scripture's infallibility implies that the teachings of the Bible, as the inspired Word of God, are unerring and constant, despite the passage of time or the changes in human culture and understanding. This understanding is crucial, especially in a time where “my truth” narratives can seem to cloud the waters of understanding.

While it's valuable and indeed essential to explore individual experiences, interpretations, and spiritual journeys – the “my truth” narratives – we must remain clear-eyed about the distinction between these personal insights and the infallibility of Scripture. This objective truth does not bend to subjective interpretation; instead, it provides a steady, unchanging guidepost for faith and conduct.

The Bible, viewed through the lens of infallibility, is not a collection of subjective truths varying with individual or cultural context. Instead, it serves as an anchor of objective truth in a sea of personal experiences and interpretations. It offers consistency and clarity, ensuring believers have a reliable, unwavering guide for their journey.

Upholding the infallibility of Scripture, therefore, is essential in ensuring the clear understanding and transmission of biblical teachings. It safeguards the core doctrines from becoming muddled with subjective perspectives and protects the unity and integrity of the faith community.

In essence, while individual perspectives enrich our understanding of faith, life, and God, they should never supersede the objective truths presented in the infallible Scripture. Recognizing and maintaining this balance is crucial for personal spiritual growth and the overall health of the community. The objective truth of Scripture remains a beacon of clarity and certainty in a world brimming with diverse and ever-changing subjective truths. Like gravity, I believe in the inerrancy of scripture.

~ john

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