Trump Derangement Syndrome and Calvinist Derangement Syndrome: A Fair Comparison?

In recent years, commentators across political and theological lines have noted curious parallels between two seemingly unrelated phenomena: Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) and what some have dubbed Calvinist Derangement Syndrome (CDS). While one is rooted in the realm of American politics and the other in Christian theology, both involve strikingly similar patterns of behavior among…

Doctrines of Grace – Perseverance of the Saints (Preservation of the Holy Spirit)

The doctrines of grace, often remembered by the acronym TULIP, outline the central Calvinist convictions about salvation and the absolute sovereignty of God. These five points—total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints—are not isolated petals of theological abstraction but interconnected truths that express the unshakable reality of God’s saving…

Doctrines of Grace – Irresistible Grace (Effectual Calling)

At the heart of Calvinism lies a passion for the glory and sovereignty of God in all things, especially in salvation. The doctrines of grace—commonly summarized by the acronym TULIP—are not merely theological abstractions but a robust system of truth rooted in Scripture and aimed at exalting God’s work in redeeming sinners. These doctrines proclaim…

Doctrines of Grace – Limited Atonement (Particular Redemption)

The doctrine of limited atonement is one of the most precious truths in the Reformed understanding of salvation, yet it is also one of the most widely misunderstood and frequently contested. Properly taught and biblically grounded, it brings into sharp relief the glory of Christ’s cross—not as a mere opportunity for redemption, but as the…

Doctrines of Grace – Unconditional Election (Sovereign Grace)

The doctrine of Unconditional Election stands as one of the most humbling, controversial, and beautiful truths of the Christian faith. It is one of the central components of the Five Points of Calvinism—commonly remembered by the acronym TULIP—which together are referred to as the Doctrines of Grace. These doctrines emphasize the utter sovereignty of God…

Doctrines of Grace – Total Depravity (Radical Corruption)

Calvinists affirm above all the absolute sovereignty of God—in creation, in providence, and most pivotally, in the salvation of sinners. This foundational truth sets the trajectory for what are known as the Five Points of Calvinism, or more properly, the Doctrines of Grace. These five theological anchors—Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and…

Doctrines of Grace – An Overview of Calvinism

The Doctrines of Grace, aka the Five Points of Calvinism, are a concise summary of Reformed soteriology. These doctrines address how God saves sinners, highlighting divine sovereignty, human inability, and the effectiveness of Christ’s atonement. They are represented by the acronym TULIP: Historical Development Prior to the Reformation Though fully articulated during the Reformation and…

Sola Fide – Justification by Faith Alone

The greatest question a human soul can ask is not how to find success, live longer, or even be happy—it is this: How can a sinner be made right with God? The doctrine of justification by faith alone provides the answer. It lies at the heart of the Christian gospel, distinguishing biblical Christianity from every…

Sola Gratia – Salvation by Grace Alone

Sola Gratia is a Latin term meaning “grace alone.” It declares that salvation is a gift from God—unearned, unmerited, and undeserved. The doctrine affirms that sinners are saved solely by the sovereign grace of God and not by any human effort, merit, or cooperation with divine assistance. In English, it is often rendered “by grace…

Soli Deo Gloria – To God Alone Be the Glory

“Soli Deo Gloria” is a Latin phrase meaning “To God Alone Be the Glory.” It expresses the conviction that all glory, honor, and praise belong to God alone, in every sphere of life and salvation. This principle was a pillar of the Protestant Reformation and served as both a doctrinal truth and a rallying cry…

Solus Christus – Christ Alone

The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century was not merely a political or ecclesiastical revolution; it was a rediscovery of the Gospel. Central to that rediscovery was the affirmation of five foundational truths—Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, and Soli Deo Gloria. Each of these solas addressed a specific error or corruption within…

Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone

The Protestant Reformation was more than a religious revolt—it was a return to foundational truths that had been buried under centuries of human tradition and ecclesiastical corruption. Among the central convictions of the Reformers was the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, Latin for “Scripture alone.” This doctrine was the formal cause of the Reformation, the very…

Five Solas Overview – A Return to Biblical Christianity

The Protestant Reformation was not simply a protest—it was a return. The Five Solas are the backbone of that return, standing as a theological and spiritual revolt against centuries of accumulated human tradition. To understand their meaning and enduring importance, one must first examine what they opposed. The story begins in the heart of medieval…

Essential Christianity – In Adam or In Christ – Two Humanities, Two Destinies

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture presents a cosmic contrast: the fallen race in Adam and the redeemed race in Christ. These are not just categories of behavior but categories of being—two humanities, two representatives, two covenants, two destinies. Every human being is either in Adam by physical birth or in Christ by spiritual birth. There…

Essential Christianity – Original Sin

Original sin refers to the inherited sin nature and guilt that all human beings possess as a result of Adam’s first act of disobedience in the Garden of Eden. It is not merely Adam’s sin, but a condition and legal standing passed down to all his descendants. This doctrine teaches that humanity is not born…

Essential Christianity – Salvation by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ Alone

Salvation by grace through faith alone is the cornerstone of Biblical Christianity. It declares that fallen humanity is reconciled to God not by moral effort, religious ritual, or human merit, but solely by God’s unearned favor (grace), received through personal trust (faith) in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9 states: “For…

Essential Christianity – The Doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is not a peripheral teaching but a central, non-negotiable doctrine of the Christian faith. From the earliest creeds of the church to the eschatological hope of believers today, the return of Christ stands as a cornerstone of Christian hope, judgment, and consummation. In an age of scoffers and skeptics…

Essential Christianity – The Work of the Holy Spirit

The work of the Holy Spirit refers to the personal and divine activity of the third Person of the Trinity in the world and particularly in the life of believers. The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or an influence, but God Himself, eternally coequal with the Father and the Son. His ministry includes…

Essential Christianity – Union with Christ

Union with Christ is one of the richest and most comprehensive doctrines in the Bible, encompassing the entire scope of redemptive history and every stage of the believer’s salvation. To be “in Christ” is not a metaphor or merely a legal status—it is a spiritual, covenantal reality that defines the believer’s entire identity and destiny.…

Essential Christianity – the Bodily Resurrection of Christ and the Believer

The bodily resurrection refers to the literal, physical rising of a person from the dead to a glorified, imperishable life. Central to Christian doctrine is the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after His crucifixion, which serves as the firstfruits and guarantee of the future resurrection of all who are united to Him by…

Essential Christianity – the Atonement of Christ

The atonement of Christ is the central doctrine that explains how sinners are reconciled to God through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ. According to Scripture, Jesus bore the punishment due to sinners, fully satisfying divine justice and making peace between God and man. Key theological terms include: The 1689 London Baptist Confession, Chapter 8,…

Essential Christianity – The Virgin Birth

The doctrine of the virgin birth teaches that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary without a human father. This was a supernatural act of God that ensured Jesus would be fully God and fully man, sinless and qualified to be the Redeemer of humanity. This doctrine…

Essential Christianity – the Humanity of Christ

The humanity of Christ affirms that Jesus of Nazareth, the eternal Son of God, became truly and fully human. Without ceasing to be God, He took on a real human nature—body, mind, emotions, and will. This doctrine teaches that Jesus was like us in every respect, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). His humanity is not…

Essential Christianity – The Deity of Christ

The doctrine of the Deity of Christ affirms that Jesus Christ is truly and fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. This means Jesus possesses the fullness of the divine nature (homoousios—of the same substance as the Father), has always existed as God, and is to be worshiped,…

Essential Christianity – The Trinity: One God in Three Persons

The doctrine of the Trinity stands at the heart of historic Christianity. It is not a speculative theological construct, but a vital, worship-shaping, gospel-defining truth revealed progressively and clearly throughout Scripture. Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, the reality it describes permeates the pages of both Old and New Testaments. In…

Essential Christianity – an Overview

Throughout church history, believers have faced countless challenges to their faith—from heresies in the early church to modern assaults on biblical truth. Yet across the centuries and denominations, certain truths have always defined the boundaries of true, biblical Christianity. These are not peripheral preferences or denominational distinctives, but the essential doctrines—the non-negotiable foundations that all…

Should a Local Church Join a Denomination?

When a local church joins a denomination, it enters into a broader system with shared resources, doctrinal standards, and often mutual accountability. This may seem wise and efficient—and historically, it often has been. But the very structure that allows for cooperation also creates a single entry point for corruption. Progressive ideologues or theological liberals need…

The Unpardonable Sin – A Biblical and Theological Examination from Mark 3

The concept of the “unpardonable sin” is perhaps one of the most sobering and misunderstood teachings in the New Testament. Rooted in Jesus’ response to the accusations of the scribes in Mark 3:22–30, this warning has gripped the minds and hearts of countless believers. Some fear they may have committed it, others wonder if certain…

The Two Realms: God’s Sovereignty, Earthly Powers, and the Christian Mandate

The Christian life unfolds simultaneously in two realms—one earthly, one heavenly. These are not parallel realities running independently; they are interconnected theaters of a single cosmic drama. The visible world is shaped by invisible powers. The spiritual realm, where Christ reigns supreme and His angels carry out His will, overlaps with the corrupted dominion of…

Past, Present and Future Significance of Good Friday and Easter

I would like to encourage a renewed enthusiasm amongst believers for the devotional observance of Good Friday and Easter. These observances are especially important in today’s secularized environment. Good Friday and Easter have past, present and future significance. The past significance includes the deliverance of the nation of Israel from Egypt (Ex 1-14).  This biblical…

Christmas and the Christian Worldview – The Incarnation Defines Reality

Each December, much of the world pauses to celebrate a holiday cloaked in garlands, carols, and glowing lights. But behind the decorations lies a truth far greater than any seasonal tradition. Christmas marks the arrival of the One who defines all of human history, morality, purpose, and destiny: Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God…