And who is the one who overcomes the world, but He who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1Jo 5:4–5
Gene Cunningham - February 3, 2003
Titus #2
Titus was in Crete when Paul wrote to him; he was to establish authority (Tit 1:5, Tit 1:12). Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ (Tit: 1:1, 1Co 15:10). Five point Calvinism is false - Total Depravity (Rom 5:12, Rom 6:23); Unconditional Election is false- arbitrary Divine selection of believers is false; Limited Atonement is false and denies 1Jn 2:2; Irresistible Grace is false; Perseverance of the Saints is false- doesn't account for Saul, or David and denies 1Jo 5:16. Calvin taught against the last four points later in his life (as he studied verse by verse and categorically). Assurance comes through study -- a solid foundation in the Word (1Jo 5:13). All members of human race are potentially elect (2Ti 2:10, 1Ti 2:5-7, 1Jn 2:2, 2Pe 3:9); Christ was elect first (Isa 28:16, Isa 42:1, 1Pe 2:4-6); every believer shares Christ's election and predestination because of our union with Him (Eph 1:4-6, 1Co 1:2, 1Co 1:30, Rom 8:28-32); Election is a present and eternal possession (Joh 15:16, Col 3:12). Election occurs at the moment of salvation (1Th 1:3-5, 1Th 1:9-10, 2Th 2:12-13, 2Ti 1:9). Election is the foundation of the church. Orientation to election comes from Bible study that teaches the Authority of God (Tit 1:1-2). God lets Abraham in on His plan before destroying Sodom (Gen 18:16-17). Rengeration is the determining factor. Is Paul's desire for his people is greater than God's? (Rom 9:1-3); God's love is unconditional (2Ti 2:10); the nation of Israel existed because God chose Abraham; they rejected the benefits of God's national election (Rom 9:4-5); each example had two sons; "Essau I have hated, Jacob I have loved" (Rom 9:6-13) but each made a choice to accept or reject God's offer.
Scripture References: Genesis 18:16-17, Titus 1:12, Isaiah 28:16, Titus 1:1-2, Titus 1:5, John 2:2, Colossians 3:12, John 5:13, John 15:16, Romans 9:6-13, John 2:2, Romans 8:28-32, Romans 9:4-5, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 1:4-6, Romans 9:1-3, Romans 5:12, Isaiah 42:1
From Series: "Titus - 2007"
The Apostle Paul wrote to Titus a student of his who became a pastor regarding faith knowledge and hope.