ETCF VII.63 FREE WILL

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul(c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

VII.63. FREE WILL

Summary:

1. Every choice we make is for a reason.
2. We always choose according to our strongest inclination at the
moment of choice.
3. The will is the choosing faculty.
4. Fallen human beings have free will but lack liberty. We have natural
freedom but not moral freedom.
5. Freedom is self-determination.
6. In regeneration, God changes the disposition of our heart and plants a
desire for Himself within us.

Biblical passages for reflection:
Deuteronomy 30:19-20;
John 6:44, 65;
John 8:34-36;
Romans 8:5-8;
James 1:13-15;

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ETCF VII.61 ATONEMENT

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul(c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

VII.61 ATONEMENT

Summary:

1. Atonement involves a payment to make amends for a debt.
2. Human beings cannot atone for their own sins.
3. Jesus’ perfection qualified Him to make atonement.
4. Christ fulfilled the curse of the Old Covenant.
5. Christ’s atonement was both a work of substitution and satisfaction.
6. The Father and Son worked in harmony to effect our reconciliation.

Biblical passages for reflection:

Romans 3:21-28
Romans 5:17-19
Ephesians 1:7
Philippians 3:8-9
Titus 3:1-7

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...to be clear -- 'vicarious' is used in the 2nd definition:
vicarious
adj. 1 indirect, through another; 2 performed for or experienced by one person in place of another; substituted, delegated; happening in an unusual part of the body (Physiology)

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While the use of the word is technically correct -- more common usage is something we 'imagine' ourselves -- on behalf of another. 2ndary --older usage is 'substitutionary'.

Christ's death was real _it was experienced for us_ --we benefit from the atonement through his _vicarious_ sufferings.

ETCF VII.62. DEFINITE ATONEMENT

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul(c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

VII.62. DEFINITE ATONEMENT

Summary

1. Definite atonement replaces the term limited atonement in the acrostic
TULIP.
2. Definite atonement refers to the scope of God’s design for redemption
and the intent of the Cross.
3. All who are not universalists agree that Christ’s atonement is sufficient
for all, but effective only for those who believe.
4. Christ’s atonement was an actual propitiation for sin, not a potential or
conditional propitiation.
5. The Atonement in a broad sense is offered to all; in a narrow sense, it
is only offered to the elect.
6. John’s teaching that Christ died for the sins of the whole world means
that the elect are not limited to Israel but are found throughout the
world.

Biblical passages for reflection:

Matthew 1:21
John 3:16
John 10:27-30
John 17:9-12
Acts 20:28
Romans 8:30

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ETCF VII.60. REBIRTH

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul(c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

VII.60. REBIRTH

Summary:

1. All who are truly Christians are born again.
2. All who are truly born again are Christians.
3. Rebirth is a necessary precondition to entering the kingdom of God.
4. Regeneration is the sovereign, gracious work of the Holy Spirit.
5. Regeneration precedes faith. It is God’s divine initiative in salvation.

Biblical Passages For Reflection:

Deuteronomy 30:6
Ezekiel 36:26-27
Romans 8:30
Titus 3:4-7

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ETCF VII.58. PREDESTINATION AND REPROBATION

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul(c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

VII.58. PREDESTINATION AND REPROBATION

Summary

1. Predestination is double; it has two sides to it.

2. Some teach that God is equally responsible for election and reprobation. This is characteristic of hyper-Calvinism.

3. The Reformed view of double predestination reflects a positive- negative schema.

4. God passively, not actively, hardened Pharaoh’s heart.

5. God hated Esau in the sense of failing to give him a blessing of grace or in the sense of abhorring him as a vessel fit for destruction.

Biblical passages for reflection:

Exodus 7:1-5

Proverbs 16:4

Romans 9  text

Ephesians 1:3-6

Jude 1:4 

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