Soteriology 101: Former Calvinistic Professor Discusses Doctrines Of Salvation

Dr. Flowers responds to this podcast from Dr. Sean Cole: http://www.seancole.net/#/audio/podcast Sean asks Leighton several pressing questions about his view on the sufficiency of the gospel and the nature of man's inability due to the fall. Classical Arminianism's similarities with Calvinism is contrasted to the Traditionalist's perspective.

Dr. Flowers starts by taking "the TULIP TEST," a fallacious quiz created by a Calvinistic blogger which resorts to conflating two separate choices by treating them as if they are one in the same. (LINK) Then the question "What about those who never hear the gospel?" is addressed in great detail, as an article is read through on that topic which can be seen HERE.

Paul Cooper, a Calvinistic leaning pastor (who debated Dr. Braxton Hunter over the subject) joins Dr. Flowers on the show today with honest questions about Calvinism. Here is a LINK to the article mentioned in the podcast on those who never heard the gospel. https://soteriology101.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/what-about-those-who-never-hear-the-gospel/ For more on this subject please visit www.soteriology101.com

As I have studied apologetics over the years I have noticed that the word “persuasion” comes up much more regularly than what I have been use to throughout my church and educational experience. I have been to countless evangelism events, conferences and training sessions over the years, but I cannot recall a single sermon, lesson or resource on the biblical concept of persuasion. The English word “persuasion” (in all its various forms) is used twice as many times as the word “predestination,” yet it seems the latter receives a thousand times more attention. Persuasion is at the very heart of apologetics, and I dare say, it is at the heart of evangelism itself. I have to wonder if the lack of emphasis on this biblical doctrine has lead to the decline in baptisms and evangelistic efforts among evangelicals over the last few decades? WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT PERSUASION? Let’s take a look at some of it’s most relevant uses: “The chief priests and the scribes persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to ha

Dr. John Piper was recently asked if God really loves His enemies and today Dr. Flowers examines John Piper's answer line by line and verse by verse. Let's dive in!  

Dr. Leighton Flowers is joined by the President of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Senior Pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, Steve Gaines, Ph.D.  Topics discussed: 1. Unity doesn't equal silence: Traditionalists can speak out for what they believe is true while still seeking unity in the convention. 2. The Sinner's Prayer: Is it biblical or should it be done away with as a manmade tool to manipulate false conversions?  3. Altar Calls: The Gospel must contain an "appeal" to believe in order to be called the Gospel. 4. Closet Calvinism: Why it is important to ask good questions if you serve as a Trustee or on a pulpit committee.  5. Calvinism in the SBC: Where are we going and what is going to happen in the future?  What can we practically do to help the SBC from going toward Calvinism? Visit www.soteriology101.com for more information on this topic.

Dr. Flowers interviews Dr. Jerry Walls, Ph.D from Houston Baptist University, about his new book "Does God Love Everyone? The heart of what is wrong with Calvinism" which you can purchase here. Does God truly love all persons? Most Christians think the obvious answer to this question is, "Yes, of course he does!" Indeed, many Christians would agree that the very heart of the gospel is that God so loved the whole world that he gave his Son to make salvation available for every single person. This book shows that one of the most popular and resurgent theological movements in the contemporary evangelical church--namely, Calvinism--cannot coherently and consistently affirm this vital claim about the love of God. While some Calvinists forthrightly deny that God loves everyone, more commonly Calvinists attempt to affirm the love of God for all persons in terms that are compatible with their doctrines that Christ died only for the elect--those persons God has unconditionally chosen to save. This book shows that the

Dr. Flowers responds to a few questions sent in by loyal listeners, one of which asks why we shouldn't "cast out Calvinists as heretics" instead of treating them as true "brethren."   For more on this subject please visit www.soteriology101.com

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33). John Piper was asked, “Has God predetermined every tiny detail in the universe such as dust particles in the air… including all our besetting sins?” He responded saying: “Yes… Now the reason I believe that, is because the Bible says, ‘The dice is thrown in the lap, and every decision is from the Lord’ … and why would he choose the dice that is cast into the lap, because he is trying to think of the most random thing he can think of, and he says that. So, randomness is not random to God. God is not the least taxed by keeping every sub nuclear particle in its place… which means yes, every horrible thing, every sinful thing is ultimately governed by God…” Which is paralleled elsewhere in a book edited by Piper which says, “God . . . brings about all things in accordance with his will. In other words, it isn’t just that God manages to turn the evil aspects of our world to good for those who love him; it is rather that he hi

**CORRECTION: Leighton mistakenly inversed the stats about Calvinistic pastors. 70-80% of pastors express concern over the rise of Calvinism while 20-30% support Calvinism according to the most recent studies. Dr. Flowers discusses his views on how Calvinism will affect the SBC and reads this article from Dr. Bill Hadley: Troublemakers in the SBC: Do We Want Unity or Division? Posted on July 13, 2016by sbcissues Only July 12, the New Orleans Baptist Association published a statement titled, Which Way Forward, Toward Unity or Division?” It can be read in its entirety by CLICKING HERE. I understand the need for unity and the desire for unity. As Christians, one would think that this would be a given. As the old saying goes, union is one thing; unity is another. Reference is made in the article to J.D. Greear’s move in stepping down in the SBC presidential race to help lay a foundation for unity in the convention. The article stated, “This act sparked surprise, relief, gladness, and even celebration.  We witnes

This is a long one, but some of the strongest arguments are toward the end, so the listener is encouraged to stick it out.   Dr. Flowers recently wrote an article discussing the #1 Argument of Calvinism and Pastor JD Hall "polemicized" it on his podcast called "The Polemics Report," which can be heard here: http://polemicsreport.com Dr. Flowers explains the root cause of JD's confusion over the point of contention presented in the article is his conflating of man's responsibility to repent with God's choice to save whosoever does so, as if they are both equally the same thing. JD fails to read important portions of Dr. Flower's article leading to gross misunderstanding and misapplication. The strength of one's argument is not typically reflected in the portions addressed by one's opponent, but in the portions ignored.  JD has addressed Dr. Flowers before but he has a tendency to "hit and run" so to speak...in that JD typically brings a charge against Flowers but fails to stick around to engage in further di

Dr. Flowers begins playing a clip from John MacArthur from this sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CkX0kCPwnI And then goes on to read this from www.soteriology101.com “WHY DID YOU BELIEVE THE GOSPEL, BUT YOUR FRIEND DID NOT? ARE YOU WISER OR SMARTER OR MORE SPIRITUAL OR BETTER TRAINED OR MORE HUMBLE?” This is typically one of the first questions a Calvinist will ask a non-Calvinist when attempting to convince them of their doctrine.[1] In fact, when I was a Calvinist, I used this argument more often than any other, and it was quite effective. However, I have come to believe there are at least four significant problems with this line of argumentation: 1) QUESTION BEGGING FALLACY: As we have discussed HERE, this is a game of question begging because it presumes a deterministic answer is required. It is tantamount to asking, “What determined the response of you and your friend?” As if something or someone other than the responsible agents themselves made the determination. The question presumes determinis

Dr. Leighton Flowers preaches a message out of Ephesians 4:1-16 at First Baptist Church of Richardson.

Dr. Flowers plays some clips from RC Sproul on why non-Calvinists are so often repulsed by the Calvinistic doctrine of election. Then he goes on to explain the biblical view of election by showing how it is actually Calvinists who have a higher view of man and a lower view of God.  For more please visit www.soteriology101.com

Dr. Flowers discusses why he hates the ad hominem attack on John Calvin when dealing with TULIP, but then tries to fairly explain why it may be a valid point in at least one arena. He also confronts the harsh way some people treat others who disagree with them theologically and how our theology SHOULD impact our behavior toward each other. Let's dive in. For more please visit www.soteriology101.com

Dr. Flowers has a long conversation with a young, cordial Calvinistic brother (Anthony Brooks) over Romans 9, Total Inability, John 6, Romans 8 and a host of other commonly discussed issues surrounding Calvinistic doctrine.  For more on this subject please visit www.soteriology101.com

Dr. Flowers read a hotly contest article from his blog titled, "Disapproving God's Plan," which is posted below:   A Calvinist sent me a note on Facebook stating in part, “Why are you standing in opposition to God and His ways? You should not disapprove of His sovereign plan and purposes.” Ironically, I believe it is the Calvinist who so often express disapproval of God and His plans.  Allow me to demonstrate. This same Calvinistic friend recently twitted this message in response to yet another atrocious event in the news: “Horrified over the senseless acts of violence and evil…” I “liked” his message because I too am horrified by the heinously evil behavior of some people in our world. And I have no doubt that this Calvinistic friend genuinely feels the same way. I have purposefully not mentioned the actual event because I do not wish to “theologize” the personal pain of those touched by such grief. However, if our theology is to be practical, we must be able to consistently speak into the issues from our th

Dr. Flowers plays two clips from Pastor Tim Keller on the doctrine of Hell and the doctrine of Election so as to reveal the apparent contradiction. Let's dive in. For more please visit www.soteriology101.com  

Dr. Flowers plays an interview with Mark Driscoll and RC Sproul Sr. in which the question is asked, "Does God really want all people to be saved?" Let's dive in. For more please visit www.soteriology101.com    

Mary washed the feet of Christ. Dr. Flowers' sermon on the healing brought by the Cross through the eyes of Mary recorded in John 12: 12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will a