Soteriology 101: Former Calvinistic Professor Discusses Doctrines Of Salvation

Dr. Brian Wagner Ph.D, Professor of Biblical Languages at Virgina Baptist College, joins the discussion today over the role of the Holy Spirit in Salvation. To join Professor Wagner and Professor Flowers in a discussion over this topic and much more please visit www.soteriology101.com

Professor Flowers was addressed on the "downgrade" segment of the Pulpit and Pen Podcast hosted by JD Hall.  Hall took issue with Flowers' definition of "Divine Sovereignty," in a recent article ran by SBC Today, yet Hall never really engaged Professor Flowers on their point of contention. Here is a copy of the article from www.soteriology101.com   The attribute of God’s Sovereignty is not an eternal attribute. Sovereignty means complete rule or dominion over others. For him to be in control over others there has to be others in which to control.  He can’t display His power over creatures unless the creatures exist.  Therefore, before creation the concept of sovereignty was not an attribute that could be used to describe God. An eternal attribute is something God possesses that is not contingent upon something else. The eternal attribute of God is His omnipotence, which refers to His eternally limitless power. Sovereignty is a temporal characteristic, not an eternal one, thus we can say God is all powerful, n

Another great "Sound of the Saints" episode where we hear from a faithful listener and patron of the podcast, Stephen Bowen. Practical theology is the primary topic of discussion as Leighton and Stephen discuss how theology affects every part of our lives.  Some time is also spent talking about the debate with James White and others over the doctrines of Calvinism.  Let's dive in.   To join Professor Leighton Flowers in discussion or to support the ministry please visit www.soteriology101.com

Professor Leighton Flowers has Pastor Sean Cole, a SBC Calvinist, on the show to discuss the different soteriological perspectives while modeling a Christlike attitude and graciousness that is all too rare today.  Let's dive in!   To join the discussion visit us at www.soteriology101.com   Song: Hey Brother by Aviccii

Reclaiming the Mind Ministries puts out a great podcast called "Theology Unplugged" that I highly recommend.  They are reformed brothers discussing theology and though I agree with them most of the time I do take issue with a few of their views regarding sovereignty, free will and the doctrines of salvation. This podcast tackles the question about God's infinite knowledge of the future and whether or not God can change His mind. Let's dive in!   To join the discussion or support the ministry visit: www.soteriology101.com

Pastor and Author Tim Keller preached a message over Romans 8:28-39 where he discussion Divine Foreknowledge and His sovereign control over every thing that comes to pass.  While I agree with many of his views there are a few apparent differences that have to be pointed out and rightly understood within the biblical context. Let's dive in.   To join the discussion visit us at www.soteriology101.com

Today we listen to the "sounds of the Saints" (Audio Adrenaline).  The podcast is dedicated to letting our listeners voices be heard. We often hear the critiques of the podcast, but rarely do we hear from those who stand in agreement.  Today we listen to Trinity Radio where two Ph.Ds provide a positive review of the debate on Romans 9.  We also read the reviews off iTunes and Amazon.  A big shout out and thanks to the Patreons of the podcast.    Join our discussion at www.soteriology101.com

Commentary on Romans 8:28-39 By Leighton Flowers   28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.    The Greek verb οἶδα (oida), translated as “we know,” is a perfect active indicative form of the verb, meaning “to observe and therefore perceive.”[1] The perfect tense indicates past completed action with continuous results. Paul is literally saying, “we have observed and therefore we know.” This is not intuitive knowledge, but that which comes from observation of the past. Paul is saying that we know from observation of God’s past dealings with those who love Him that He has a mysterious way of working things out for the greatest good. By observing the stories of the saints that have gone before us, those called to accomplish His redemptive purposes, we can rest in knowledge of this truth. God can take whatever evil may come our way and redeem it for good. We can know this because He has been doing it for generation

Peter is concerned that His Lord doesn't suffer.  He sincerely want to protect the glory of His Lord, but Jesus calls him a stumbling block. Could some people unintentionally be seeking to protect what they feel is the glory of God while actually serving as stumbling blocks to what is truly glorious?  Let's dive in. Join our discussion at www.soteriology101.com

We listen to a clip from the Seminary Dropout Podcast with Shane Blackshear and his guest Austin Fischer, author of Young, Restless and No Longer Reformed. Austin makes a great point about what a true humanistic and man centered theology looks like in light of the God we see best reflected in Christ. We end the podcast by playing the closing remarks in my most recent debate with Dr. James White.  Let's dive in!   To join the discussion please visit us as www.soteriology101.com

We play clips from John Piper and JD Hall where they speak of being tormented by the truth of the gospel, and going through stages of grief when first confronted with the TULIP systematic.  Is this something we all should expect to go through when the good news of the gospel is made perfectly clear? If so, where does the bible say so?We also spend some time unpacking the concept of Total Inability, the power of the gospel, and the doctrine of Prevenient Grace as held to by some classical Arminians. Here is an article on the subject by Dr. Eric Hankins that my help: http://www.baptistcenter.net/Documents/Journals/JBTM%208-1%20Spring11.pdf#page=90 After four hundred years, Calvinism and Arminianism remain at an impasse. The strengths and weaknesses of both systems are well-documented, and their proponents vociferously aver each system’s mutual exclusivity. This paper is based on the observation that these two theological programs have had sufficient time to demonstrate their superiority over the other and have

The Bible Thumping Wingnut podcast takes on the biblical teaching of human responsibility (otherwise known as "Free Will") and we respond to each of their arguments point by point. Let's dive in...   For more on this discussion please visit www.soteriology101.com

Join us at www.soteriology101.com for more discussion on this subject. Today we discuss why it is impossible for a consistent Calvinist to be assured of salvation given the logical claims of his systematic.  More is explained on the blog. Join us!

Do I still want to discuss the topic of Romans 9? Am I still willing to debate my views? How do most Calvinists understand our perspective and why do they still believe I didn't engage the context of Romans 9? Why do men like James White or JD Hall not want to engage further than once or twice with someone like me?  Let's discuss...   For further discussion please visit www.soteriology101.com

Today we will play clips from both NT Wright and John Piper in order to better understand why Calvinists so often accuse our interpretation as being confusing, ironically an accusation often leveled at Calvinism. Let's dive in! To join the conversation go to www.soteriology101.com

Many ask what notable scholars generally support my interpretation of the text. I have a list on my Statement of Faith page of non-Calvinistic scholars, but they vary in how they approach certain aspects of the text (as do all the soteriological camps). Today we take a look at the work of NT Wright and Herschel Hobbs, two well respected theologians. Let's dive in! To join our discussion go to www.soteriology101.com For more on Dr. Hobbs, see: http://www.sbts.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2010/07/sbjt_071_spr03_dockery.pdf   NT Wright's work has been praised by many scholars of varying views, including James D.G. Dunn, Gordon Fee, Richard B. Hays and Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury. Critics of his work are also found across the broad range of theological camps. Some Reformed theologians such as John Piper have sought to question Wright's theology, particularly over whether or not he denies the Protestant doctrine of justification by faith alone. Although Piper considers Wright's presentation c

Today we discuss: What is Amyraldism, Four-Point Calvinism? Answer: Amyraldism is an off-shoot of Calvinistic theology (sometimes called “4-point Calvinism” or “moderate Calvinism”). It is named after its creator, Moses Amyraut, a 16th-century French theologian, who was influential in the development of the doctrine of “hypothetical redemption” or “hypothetical universalism.” This doctrine, in essence, softens the Calvinistic doctrine oflimited atonement.Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/Amyraldism.html#ixzz3bp3ScdFh Today we hear from a respected, well spoken, 4 point Calvinist as he confronts the doctrine of Limited Atonement. Tommy Nelson, of Denton Bible church, explains why he reject the L of TULIP. Let's dive in!

Dr. Eric Hankins, author of the Traditionalist Statement of the SBC, and Dr. Al Mohler, Calvinistic President of Southern Seminary, sit down and talk about the soteriological differences of Southern Baptists. In doing so, Dr. Mohler illustrates an inconsistency in the practical application of Calvinistic teaching. Let's dive in. To join Professor Leighton Flowers in this discussion please visit www.soteriology101.com

Today we play a portion of the Dividing Line with Dr. White, who takes calls from listeners. And I read some quotes from other Calvinists with questions on social media. Professor Flowers answers the question about the purpose for which Israel was elected and questions why Calvinists are making all the fuss about the use of the phrase: "noble cause/purpose?"   Why did God elect Israel? For what purpose? For what cause were they selected? Let's dive in. To join the discussion go to www.soteriology101.com

Emilio Ramos, of RedGrace Media (debate sponsors), put out a podcast critiquing my take on Romans 9. I respond to most of their broadcast but to hear it all I encourage you to go to www.redgracemedia.com and listen.  This will help those who are still trying to grasp the details of the debate over Romans 9 between the Calvinist and the non-Calvinist. Enjoy the mega long show! Only the true theology geeks will make it to the very end. For more information go to www.soteriology101.com