Exploring Reformed Theology: Key Distinctions and Insights

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we delved into some profound theological questions, exploring the depths of Reformed theology and its distinctions from other theological perspectives. We began by examining Calvin's views on the knowledge of God, emphasizing the innate awareness of God within every human being, a concept Calvin referred to as "cognitio Dei insita" or the implanted knowledge of God. This innate knowledge is complemented by the "semen religionis," a consciousness that varies among individuals. Calvin's perspective suggests that divine revelation is inescapable due to our creation in God's image, making self-awareness inherently linked to an awareness of God.

We also explored the nature of Reformed theology, highlighting the foundational principles such as the five solas of the Reformation, which emphasize the authority of Scripture and the centrality of grace, faith, and Christ in salvation. The discussion touched on the historical development of Reformed theology, including its expansion into various confessions and its emphasis on covenant theology.

A significant portion of our conversation focused on the differences between Calvinist and Arminian theology, particularly regarding the order of salvation. The key distinction lies in the belief that regeneration precedes faith in Calvinism, whereas Arminianism posits that faith precedes regeneration. This difference underscores the monergistic nature of salvation in Reformed theology, where God is the sole agent in regeneration, as opposed to the synergistic view in Arminianism, which involves human cooperation.

We also addressed the nature of sanctification, distinguishing it from justification. While justification is monergistic, sanctification is synergistic, involving human cooperation with the Holy Spirit. This cooperation, however, does not contribute to our justification but is a response to the grace already received.

Finally, we discussed the role of preaching and teaching in the church, emphasizing the importance of both in conveying and applying biblical truths. Preaching, distinct from teaching, involves a passionate plea for response, urging listeners to apply the truths of Scripture to their lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Calvin's theology emphasizes the inescapable nature of divine revelation due to our creation in God's image. This innate knowledge of God is complemented by a variable consciousness of its implications, highlighting the complexity of human awareness of the divine. [03:19]

- Reformed theology is grounded in the authority of Scripture and the centrality of grace, faith, and Christ in salvation. The five solas of the Reformation serve as foundational principles, guiding believers in their understanding and application of biblical truths. [08:47]

- The distinction between Calvinist and Arminian theology lies in the order of salvation, with Calvinism asserting that regeneration precedes faith. This highlights the monergistic nature of salvation in Reformed theology, where God is the sole agent in regeneration. [39:17]

- Sanctification, unlike justification, is synergistic, involving human cooperation with the Holy Spirit. This cooperation is a response to the grace already received and does not contribute to our justification but is essential for spiritual growth. [19:02]

- Preaching goes beyond teaching by involving a passionate plea for response, urging listeners to apply biblical truths to their lives. This distinction highlights the urgency and personal nature of preaching in the life of the church. [50:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Ground Rules for Q&A
- [00:48] - Calvin's View on God's Existence
- [02:38] - Innate Knowledge of God
- [04:27] - General Revelation
- [05:29] - Proof and Persuasion
- [07:39] - What Does Being Reformed Mean?
- [10:38] - Calvin vs. Wesley on Sanctification
- [13:21] - Calvin's Approach to Christian Life
- [17:18] - Monergism vs. Synergism
- [20:56] - Contribution to Salvation
- [26:09] - Expositional Preaching Challenges
- [32:30] - Jesus' Ability to Sin
- [38:09] - Calvinist vs. Arminian Theology
- [46:35] - Preaching vs. Teaching
- [51:58] - Doctrine of Prevenient Grace

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 1:18-20
2. John 3:3-8
3. Philippians 2:12-13

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Calvin mean by "cognitio Dei insita" and how does it relate to the concept of being made in the image of God? [02:38]

2. How does the sermon describe the difference between Calvinist and Arminian views on the order of salvation? [39:17]

3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in Calvin's understanding of the persuasion of Scripture, according to the sermon? [06:16]

4. How is sanctification described as being different from justification in terms of human cooperation? [19:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "cognitio Dei insita" challenge or affirm your understanding of human awareness of God? How might this affect one's view of evangelism? [03:19]

2. In what ways does the distinction between monergism and synergism impact one's understanding of salvation and personal responsibility in faith? [18:43]

3. How does the sermon’s explanation of preaching as a "passionate plea" differ from teaching, and why might this distinction be important for the church? [50:51]

4. How does the sermon suggest that the five solas of the Reformation guide believers in their understanding and application of biblical truths? [08:47]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own awareness of God. How does the idea of an "implanted knowledge of God" resonate with your personal experience? How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God in your daily life? [03:19]

2. Consider the role of grace in your life. How does understanding salvation as monergistic influence your view of God's sovereignty and your own faith journey? [39:17]

3. How can you actively participate in your sanctification process, knowing it involves cooperation with the Holy Spirit? What specific steps can you take this week to grow spiritually? [19:02]

4. Think about the preaching you hear at church. How can you respond more actively to the passionate pleas made during sermons? What changes can you make to apply biblical truths more effectively in your life? [50:51]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of the five solas. Choose one of the solas and identify a practical way to incorporate its principle into your daily routine. [08:47]

6. Reflect on a recent sermon or teaching you heard. How did it challenge you to think or act differently? What is one specific action you can take in response to that message? [50:51]

7. How can you engage in discussions about theological differences, such as those between Calvinism and Arminianism, in a way that is respectful and constructive? What is one approach you can use to foster understanding and unity? [39:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Innate Awareness of God
The concept of "cognitio Dei insita," or the implanted knowledge of God, suggests that every human being has an innate awareness of God due to being created in His image. This awareness is not uniform but varies among individuals, influenced by the "semen religionis," or seed of religion, which shapes one's consciousness of divine implications. This understanding implies that divine revelation is inescapable, as self-awareness is inherently linked to an awareness of God. This profound connection between human identity and divine knowledge challenges us to recognize the divine fingerprints in our lives and the world around us. [03:19]

"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (Romans 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life, recognizing His image within you and others?


Day 2: The Foundation of Reformed Theology
Reformed theology is deeply rooted in the authority of Scripture and the centrality of grace, faith, and Christ in salvation. The five solas of the Reformation—sola scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria—serve as guiding principles for believers, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, by grace alone, in Christ alone, and for the glory of God alone. This theological framework encourages believers to rely on Scripture as the ultimate authority and to live lives that reflect the transformative power of grace. [08:47]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize Scripture in your life to ensure it remains the ultimate authority guiding your decisions and actions?


Day 3: Monergistic Salvation in Calvinism
A key distinction between Calvinist and Arminian theology is the order of salvation. Calvinism asserts that regeneration precedes faith, highlighting the monergistic nature of salvation where God is the sole agent in regeneration. This belief underscores the idea that humans cannot contribute to their salvation; it is entirely a work of God's grace. Understanding this can lead to a deeper appreciation of God's sovereignty and the transformative power of His grace in our lives. [39:17]

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." (Ephesians 2:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing God's sole role in your salvation change your perspective on grace and your relationship with Him?


Day 4: The Synergistic Nature of Sanctification
Sanctification, unlike justification, is a synergistic process involving human cooperation with the Holy Spirit. While justification is a monergistic act of God declaring us righteous, sanctification requires our active participation in spiritual growth and transformation. This cooperation is a response to the grace already received and is essential for becoming more like Christ. It challenges believers to actively engage in practices that foster spiritual maturity and reflect the character of Christ. [19:02]

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to actively cooperate with the Holy Spirit in your journey of sanctification?


Day 5: The Urgency of Preaching
Preaching goes beyond teaching by involving a passionate plea for response, urging listeners to apply biblical truths to their lives. This distinction highlights the urgency and personal nature of preaching in the life of the church. Preaching is not merely about imparting knowledge but about calling individuals to transformation and action. It serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth and a deeper commitment to living out one's faith in practical ways. [50:51]

"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you respond to the call of preaching in your life, applying the truths of Scripture in a way that leads to tangible change and growth?

Quotes


One is what he calls the cognitio Dei insita, "the implanted knowledge of God," and the other is what he calls the semen religionis. And to me, the basic principle of the cognitio Dei insita is very much related to his view of man as the image of God, which means that as he says in the opening section of The Institutes, it's not possible for a man to come to any kind of self-understanding without simultaneously coming to a sense of the being of God and some sense of the nature of God. [00:02:44]

To be "Reformed" is to base one's convictions on the authority of Scripture and for there to be a sound interpretation of that Scripture. At the heart of that is the saving gospel, grace alone, faith alone, in Christ alone. And I think that out of the Reformation there came, you know, a century later into the Westminster Confession and out of the assembly, you know, a fuller broader definition of what has come to be known as Reformed theology in that. [00:08:47]

Regeneration is monergistic, that it is God who is acting on the human soul that is at that point passive, creating a new person by the new birth and giving the gift of repentance and faith. Synergistic is there are two agents that must cooperate together and work together at the same time. So, an Arminian view of regeneration would be the Savior is waiting but we have it in our capacity to open the door and to let the Savior in under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. [00:17:48]

And we’re told "to work out our salvation." LAWSON: Exactly! SPROUL: "With fear and trembling, for God is at work within us, both to will and to do," so that in the progress of certification that we’ve just discussed I am working with the work of the Holy Spirit, cooperating with, and so on. But at the point of the beginning of my Christian life, at the point of regeneration, I contribute nothing to that. [00:19:02]

The only thing we bring to it is the sin for which we need to be forgiven in terms of growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus. Then, we’re not contributing to our acceptance with God, neither we’re not affecting our place in Christ by having a very good week or by having a very bad week, because all of our acceptance is always on the strength of Christ’s blood and righteousness. [00:20:02]

Preaching is a personal, passionate plea. And his colleague in the car said, "And what is that?" And Murray said, "We beseech you on Christ’s behalf be reconciled to God," and that that he said was the distinguishing feature that no matter where the person was in the task that they understood that what God had achieved in Christ needed to be brought to bear upon the listeners and that it demanded from them a response. [00:50:51]

I think the challenge probably is the timing, and I don’t think you can very easily prescribe for somebody that the time has come to go. I think that’s actually one of the most difficult questions in the ministry, and I think it usually is indicated to somebody by external providences that match internal restraints. But I think the first thing that you do is you understand that first our Lord’s preaching wasn’t received. [00:26:09]

I know when I get ready for Sunday morning, I prepare for preaching, but when I step up into the pulpit, I feel one hundred percent helpless, that I know that I’m just flapping my gums unless the Holy Spirit accompanies that Word. And so, the reception of the Word I don’t think I can do a whole lot about, but the Holy Spirit can do all kinds of things. [00:28:47]

The need for an expectant praying preacher and an expectant praying congregation, the synergism that exists in seeking together the divine dialogue whereby the Spirit of God chooses to engage the listener through the mouth of a mere mortal by the power of the sufficient Word, that this hugely mysterious existential event is supposed to take place. And the idea that this can be engaged upon lightly or carelessly or unpreparedly or thoughtlessly or arrogantly contributes significantly to the absence of effective preaching. [00:30:51]

The simple test is, "Do we believe that regeneration precedes faith or do we not?" If you believe that God the Holy Spirit changes you such that you embrace the work of Christ by faith instead of believing that you embrace the work of Christ by faith and then the Holy Spirit changes you, then you’re one of us. If you have the opposite view, you’re on the other side. [00:38:09]

I do think that is the litmus test where you can argue about all other things, but in the order of salvation if you believe that the Holy Spirit simply makes possible your regeneration but you hear statements like, "God does ninety-nine percent, but that last one percent you have to do," there’s some kind of island of righteousness left in you whereby you have the ability to cooperate with the grace of regeneration or not cooperate with it. [00:39:17]

In classic Arminianism, prevenient grace demands a response of cooperation, an assent before the desired result, in this case of regeneration, can take place. So, it’s been around a long, long time. FERGUSON: I think this is why Charles Hodge, the elder Hodge, said he was much more concerned about the ghost of semi-Pelagius than he was about the ghost of Pelagius. [00:51:58]

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Transcript
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