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🎯 Is Calvinism Biblical? Examining Total Depravity & Human Ability to Choose God Can totally depraved sinners truly choose to accept or reject salvation? This powerful sermon tackles one of Christianity's most debated doctrines—Calvinistic total inability versus biblical free will. Pastor Fortunato carefully examines what Scripture actually teaches about man's depravity, God's sovereignty, and our response to the gospel. What You'll Discover: Why every believer needs to personally study doctrine instead of blindly trusting teachers (Ephesians 4:14-16) ✅ The critical difference between total depravity and total inability—and why it matters for evangelism 📖 Biblical evidence that unregenerate people CAN see God through creation and conscience (Romans 1:20) How Jesus' own words in Matthew 23:37 refute predestination theology: "I would have gathered you, but YOU WOULD NOT" Verse-by-verse answers to common Calvinist proof texts like John 6:44, Genesis 6:5, and Acts 2:38 Why monergism (salvation by God alone) doesn't require irresistible grace or limited atonement The beautiful truth of "whosoever will" throughout Scripture—from John 3:16 to Revelation 22:17 This in-depth Bible study equips believers to discuss Calvinism with both conviction and compassion, defending the gospel truth that Christ died for ALL and offers salvation to WHOSOEVER believes. Whether you're wrestling with reformed theology, engaging Calvinist friends, or strengthening your own doctrinal foundation, this sermon provides clear biblical answers.

Episode 2: Is Calvinism Biblical—or Just John Calvin? Episode Focus: Church history, biblical theology, Reformation theology Audience: Evangelicals, Reformed-curious listeners, Calvinism skeptics One of the most common objections to Calvinism is not theological, but personal: "I don't follow Calvin—I follow Jesus." In Episode 2 of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, we examine whether Calvinism is simply the theology of one man, or whether it represents biblical truths taught long before John Calvin ever lived. This episode traces the doctrines of grace back to Scripture itself, showing that Calvinism rises or falls not on Calvin's authority—but on the Bible. Is Calvinism: A man-made theological system created by John Calvin? Or A biblical framework drawn directly from Scripture and affirmed throughout church history? Who John Calvin really was—and what he did not claim Why Calvin never called his theology "Calvinism" The role of the Protestant Reformation in recovering biblical doctrine How Scripture—not theologians—must govern doctrine Why rejecting doctrines because of a label is spiritually dangerous Romans 9:15–16 — Salvation depends on God's mercy, not human will John 6:37, 44 — The Father gives a people to the Son Ephesians 1:4–5 — Chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world Ephesians 2:8–9 — Salvation by grace, not works Acts 13:48 — As many as were appointed to eternal life believed Augustine (4th–5th century) taught doctrines of grace long before Calvin The Reformation recovered biblical teaching; it did not invent it Calvinism is a label applied later to summarize biblical convictions

In this in-depth Bible teaching, we explore two critical Hebraisms that unlock major New Testament passages: the Key of the House of David (Isaiah 22) and "All shall be taught by God" (Isaiah 54). First, we examine the Old Testament background of the Key of David and how it reveals delegated royal authority under the king. This foundation allows us to correctly understand Jesus' words to the Church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3 and His absolute authority to open and shut doors of access, ministry, and the Kingdom itself. Next, we tackle Isaiah 54:13 and its direct quotation by Jesus in John 6. By understanding Jewish interpretive methods (PaRDeS), we expose how this passage is often misused to support Calvinistic theology. When read in its proper Jewish and prophetic context, Jesus is not teaching mystical election, but showing that God draws people through Scripture itself. Those who hear and learn from the Father through the Word come to Christ by faith. This study dismantles common misunderstandings about divine drawing, salvation, and election, and reaffirms the biblical truth of salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Isaiah 22 Isaiah 53–54 John 6 Revelation 3 Matthew 16 Acts 2 Psalm 2 1 Corinthians 15

The sermon presents a comprehensive exposition of the doctrine of total depravity as the foundational element of the five points of Calvinism, emphasizing that humanity, in its natural state, is utterly sinful in every aspect—mind, will, emotions, and body—due to the fall of Adam and the pervasive influence of Satan. Rooted in Scripture, particularly Ephesians 2:1–5, it argues that this condition renders all people incapable of initiating spiritual salvation, not merely morally flawed but spiritually dead and enslaved to sin, making self-redemption impossible. The sermon refutes Arminian alternatives by highlighting the logical inconsistency of claiming human ability to choose God while simultaneously acknowledging total inability, and uses historical confessions and theological figures like Augustine and Calvin to affirm that salvation is entirely God's work, initiated by grace and accomplished through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. It concludes with a powerful testimonial from a 19th-century revival, illustrating how the recognition of total depravity leads not to despair but to desperate dependence on God, ultimately resulting in genuine repentance and faith, thereby magnifying God's grace and glory in the entire salvation process.

Chosen or choosing? [Unconditional Election] Ephesians 1:4; Romans 8:29; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) The doctrine of election raises one of the greatest questions in the Christian faith: are we chosen by God without condition, or must we choose Him? Scripture gives us a balanced truth—God, in His sovereignty, has chosen, but He has also extended an invitation to all.I. God's Sovereign Choice – (Ephesians 1:4) God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. Election is not random or unfair, but rooted in His love and His purpose. He did not choose some to be lost, but He chose that all who are in Christ would be saved.II. The Foreknowledge of God – (1 Peter 1:2; Romans 8:29) God's election works hand in hand with His foreknowledge. He knows the end from the beginning, seeing those who would respond in faith. His choice is not blind fate—it is perfect wisdom that both secures salvation and respects human responsibility.III. God's Desire for All to Repent – (2 Peter 3:9) The heart of God is clear: He does not desire anyone to perish. His will is salvation for all, and the door of grace stands open to whosoever will. The chosen are not a select few by exclusion, but those who choose Christ by faith and enter into God's eternal purpose.This sermon reminds us that being "chosen in Christ" is not about exclusion but inclusion. The cross stands as proof that God's love extends to every sinner. The question is not whether God has chosen—you are invited. The question is: Will you choose Christ today?

The sermon critically examines Calvinistic doctrines, particularly irresistible grace, arguing that they contradict clear biblical teachings. It contends that the idea of God predestining individuals to salvation or damnation, and rendering human choice irrelevant, is a flawed premise. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's word and rejecting philosophical systems that undermine personal responsibility and the genuine offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, advocating for a return to foundational biblical principles and a rejection of deterministic interpretations of scripture.

Judgment Day is coming. Be careful how you build. Make sure you are on the right foundation and using the correct materials!

Sunday School lesson from Covenant Presbyterian Church in Lufkin, Texas. This lesson presents a compelling case for the necessity of systematic theology, illustrating it through the metaphor of a puzzle where each piece must fit coherently within a larger, divinely intended whole. It emphasizes that theology is not a buffet of isolated beliefs but a unified system, where altering one component—such as the nature of divine sovereignty or the interpretation of Scripture—can destabilize the entire framework, as seen in the incoherence of a 'four-point Calvinist' or a theology detached from historical Christian consensus. The teacher warns against the dangers of modern cultural tendencies—particularly postmodern subjectivism and the academic pursuit of novelty—that undermine the objective authority of Scripture and the church's historic understanding, advocating instead for humility, historical fidelity, and the use of rational tools like deduction and induction to ensure theological integrity. Central to this vision is the conviction that God's perfect, consistent character ensures that His revelation, though infinitely deep, is rationally coherent and discoverable, providing a foundation for truth in a world increasingly defined by relativism and contradiction.

What does it mean to truly be a servant of Jesus Christ? This episode unpacks 1 Timothy 4:6-11, offering deep insights into the essence of instructing others in truth, nourishing ourselves with faith, and rejecting irreverent myths. We discuss how exercising toward godliness becomes a transformative journey when led by the Holy Spirit. We particularly focus on verse 10's profound statement about God being the Savior of all men, especially those who believe, and how this aligns with reformed Calvinistic doctrine, providing a robust foundation for personal confidence in the gospel. Why is Jesus depicted as the Savior of the world, and what does this mean for each of us? We delve into historical and illustrative examples, such as the cities of refuge in ancient Israel and the role of a town doctor, to bring to life the theological concept of Christ's sufficiency and effectiveness. We emphasize that His atonement is sufficient for all but effectual only for the elect, thanks to His divine nature. This segment will deepen your understanding of Christ's pivotal role in salvation history and the infinite value of His sacrifice. Finally, we explore salvation as a free gift from God, accessible to all through faith in Jesus Christ. Drawing parallels to a seminary grant initially unclaimed, we illustrate how this divine offer is available to everyone, but must be actively received through faith. We reflect on key biblical passages that highlight the inclusive yet conditional nature of this gift, urging listeners to accept Christ wholly and live out this transformative faith.

*If God predestines some to salvation and others to hell before the foundation of the world, what is a lost person to do? Nothing. Is all pointless. This sermon addresses the practical questions that emerge whenever God's sovereignty in salvation is emphasized. *God's sovereignty in salvation is a vital truth that must be proclaimed and understood, even by lost people. Lost souls need to know that they are helpless before God. This is what God uses to show them their need. And this is why Arminianism is pernicious. At the very point when sinners should be told that they are helpless and can't do anything to effect their own salvation, Arminianism steps in to "save the day" and provide them with an easy work to do, which they promise will secure eternal life. "Monergistic Conversion" – Rom. 9:6-24 I. Ramifications for seekers (Jn. 3:3-8; Jn. 6:41-44) II. The chief obstacle to saving faith III. Objections and answers