The doctrinal system known as Calvinism forms the foundation for much of the teachings of Protestant denominationalism. This system is named after the French theologian and reformer John Calvin who was born in 1509. A great deal of Calvin’s thoughts originated from and is an enlargement of the thoughts of Augustine (354-430 AD).

Calvinism has been popularized under the acrostic “T-U-L-I-P.” Let’s look at each point carefully.

1. T – Total Depravity: Calvin taught, like Augustine, that man by virtue of the Fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter 3 has a depraved and sinful nature from the point of conception. This doctrine holds that the entire human race has inherited the guilt of Adam’s sin, and this guilt is passed on to succeeding generations at birth. All are “born sinners” – “hereditarily, totally depraved.” Inherent in this doctrine is the idea of the total inability to do good toward their own salvation. Some » Continue reading “What Is Calvinism?”

The church of the New Testament assembled on the first day of the week (Sunday) to worship as Luke records, “And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul {began} talking to them, intending to depart the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7 NAS). The Lord’s church met for worship on Sundays for some very special reasons.

First, churches met on Sunday because some very important events happened on that day: » Continue reading “Why Did New Testament Churches Worship On Sunday?”

In prophesying of the establishment of the church, Isaiah said, “Now it will come about that in the last days, the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it” (Isa 2:2 NAS). The last statement in this verse indicates two very important things about membership in the church. First, citizenship in the kingdom would be available to all races and nationalities. This would be in obvious contrast to the exclusively nationalistic religion of the Jews of the Old Testament. Second, the statement implies that citizenship in the kingdom of God, which is the church (Matt. 16:13-18; Col. 1:13), would be greatly desired.

The very next verse in the second chapter of Isaiah reads: » Continue reading “How Does One Enter The Church?”

Christian unity is not achieved by accident. It is achieved with diligence, purpose and commitment. The inspired apostle declared, “Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3 NAS).

Often the question is asked, “How can unity of God’s people be obtained and secured?” The Bible is the answer. Never has God’s word caused division! People are not divided over what the Bible teaches. They are divided by what the Bible does not teach; or by ignoring, or violating what the Bible does teach.

There is a way for unity; a way so right that it cannot be wrong; that is God’s word and God’s way. This way that cannot be wrong is found in Ephesians. » Continue reading “Does God Have A Plan For Unity Among All Believers?”

The word “denomination” means “a collection of individuals classed together under the same name; a religious sect or body having a common faith and organization, and designated by a distinctive name.” A denomination is essentially any aggregation of congregations, the sum of which is less than all of the universal church of Christ.

Denominations are commonly recognized as religious bodies known by specific names (or, doctrines, organizations, etc.). As the word is used in most Protestant literature, a denomination is any “Christian” church that believes itself to be a part of the universal church (of Christ), but only one part among many (which may differ in doctrine or practice). » Continue reading “What Caused Denominations To Come Into Existence?”

This is essentially the same question that Nicodemus asked of Jesus after Jesus had told him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3 NAS). Nicodemus replied: “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” (vs 4). Jesus then explained, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Jesus explained that entering the kingdom of God one must be “born again.” Notice very carefully what was said in this conversation: (1) One must be born anew before he can enter the kingdom; (2) This new birth is not physical, but spiritual (because one cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born); and (3) This spiritual birth involves two elements – “water and the Spirit.” What is the significance of “water” and “the Spirit” in this connection? » Continue reading “What Does It Mean To Be Born Again?”