General Information - Important & Hot Topics

Question 1

The Five Points

Answer 1

• Total depravity
• Unconditional election
• Limited atonement
• Irresistible grace
• Perseverance of the Saints

Question 2

The Ordo Solutis

Answer 2

• The OS is the traditional sequence of systematically discussing of the different aspects of salvation.
• Birthed from William Perkins’ “Golden Chain” from Rom 8:29-30.
• The danger of the OS is overemphasizing one aspect of salvation over or against another!
• Election/Calling - Rom 8:29-30, those whom he foreknew he predestined to be called…
• Regeneration - Jn 3:3, must be born again to see the kingdom
• Conversion/F&R - Jn 1:12-13…to those who believe in his name, they are children of God
• Justification - 2 Cor 5:19-21; Rom 3:21-26…by grace you are saved, justified by faith
• Adoption - Rom 8:15ff; Eph 1:4ff…in love predestined to adoption as sons
• Sanctification - 2 Cor 3:17-18; Rom 6:22…being transformed into the image more and more
• Perseverance - Phil 1:6…he who began the good work will complete it
• Glorification - Jn 6:39-40…I will raise him up on the last day
• Union with Christ is the architectonic principle undergirding the entire discussion for these are all benefits of our union with him by the application of the Holy Spirit. (Calvin, Ferguson, et al.)
• WCF 3.6: As God has appointed the elect unto glory, so has He, by the eternal and most free purpose of His will, foreordained all the means thereunto. Wherefore, they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, are effectually called unto faith in Christ by His Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by His power, through faith, unto salvation. Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.

Question 3

Gospel Outline

Question 4

Creation

Answer 4

6 day literal 24 hour day view “In the space of 6 days” is argued as to definition All was very good! WSC: God making all things of nothing by the word of His power, in the space of six days, and all very good.

Question 5

Charismatic Gifts

Answer 5

In the modern sense (tongues and healings) they have ceased. The Spirit still works but by and through means of grace (healing through prayer James 5) ex Christ is final revelation until return Heb 1:1-4 Apostles and prophets are the foundation for the church do t need knew revelation and prophecy (Ephesians 2:19-21)

Question 6

Regulative Principle

Answer 6

Corporate worship of God is to be founded on and originate in the teachings and instructions of scripture Ex of tabernacle constructions “after the pattern shown you” EX 25:40 Paul’s instructions in 1corintuians 14 demonstrate that worship is to be regulated. Read the Bible 1 Tim 4:13 Preach the Bible 2Tim 4:2 Sing the Bible Ephesians 5:19 Col3:16 Prayer 21:13 Sacraments 1Cor 11, and Col 2:11-12 There is room for variation in style and liturgy where specific issues haven’t been addressed But all should be done decently and in order 1Cor 14:40

Question 7

Sabbath

Answer 7

The sabbath is a moral command set by Roth in scripture and given to the people of God in the law of God Exodus 20: 8-11 in which the people Of God are to rest 1 day in 7 and especially excersise the worship of God Under the old covenant this day was the last day of the week But since Christs resurrection the covenant community has practiced the Sabbath on the Lords day or first day as that was the day of Christs resurrection (John 20:1, Acts 20:6-7, 1Cor 16:1-2, Rev 1:10) “

Question 8

Role of Women in the Church

Answer 8

Galatians 3:28 gives women spiritual equality with men in Christ. The church has always been a place where women should enjoy freedom privilege rights and fair treatment because they like men have inerrant quality, value, and dignity. They are not permitted to hold office in the church But are to learn and grow in the faith 1Tim 2:11-12 Older women are instructed to teach younger women what is good and to encourage them in Their marriage and families in the church (Titus 2:3-4)

Question 9

Re-baptism

Answer 9

Should not re-baptize if baptized in Trinidadian formula

Question 10

Theonomy

Answer 10

I hold to WCF 19 on the view of the Law All Christian’s should be concerned to know and obey the moral law of God and have it influence every aspect of our lives The judicial and ceremonial laws of Israel are fulfilled in Christ and abrogated with the end of the Jewish nation We are not under the law as a covenant of works but as a means of convincing us of sin and leading us in righteousness

Question 11

Civil Disobedience

Answer 11

“We are to pray for, honor, pay tribute and obey the lawful commands of the magistrate. We are not freed from our due obedience to the magistrate to religious unfaithfulness or indifference WCF 23. 4 The magistrate however should not interfere with the policy of the church which is “the free and independent kingdom of the redeemer” WCF 23.3”

Question 12

Paedo-Communion

Answer 12

“While children are members of the covenant community and so set apart by baptism, they should not take part in the LS until they can discern the body and blood of Christ rightly (1Cor 11:29)”

Question 13

Divorce and Remarriage

Question 14

Confessional Subscription

Answer 14

All officers in Christs church should be willing to subscribe to a biblical confession (WCF) which rightly summarizes the teaching and counsel of scripture and the Xn faith. This is beneficial in providing a statement of faith a test of orthodoxy and in protecting the peace and purity of a xn church

Question 15

Fencing the Table

Answer 15

Scripture gives the example and requirement that the table be fenced or guarded in the LS. 1Cor 11-27-30. This is done to practice proper pastoral care over the flock and warn those who would partake unworthily. The fence both separates and protects