Our church has been blessed by God despite the surge of pandemic season (who knows that the pandemic is even a blessing in disguise for some?) by giving us the Christian Worldview Project hosted by Bro. Jordan Ravanes this 2020.
During the last quarter of this year, in celebration of the 503rd anniversary of the Reformation, the LORD blessed us with men whom God raised to speak on very important topics: the Five points of Calvinism and the Five Solas of the Reformation
Below are the lists and overview of the Doctrines of Grace and the Five Solas of the Reformation presented by various preachers from different churches who have been given eyes to see the amazing and marvelous grace of God in the Scriptures. Since this blog will only give snapshots of each sessions, the reader is encouraged to visit the Youtube channel to gain much benefit from them.
The Doctrines of Grace
Commonly know by the acronym T.U.L.I.P or the five points of Calvinism. Click here to watch full videos.
1. Total Depravity by Ptr. Eli Cana of Christian Evangelical Church
Pastor Eli asserted that most of the churches today lose their amazement of the grace of God because they no longer preach the real condition of humanity after the fall. He emphasized that we can only put Amazing back into grace once we realize the extent, the depth, the severity and the misery of the fall. Hereby, we will have greater appreciation of God’s work of redemption in Christ.
He discussed the vital question concerning the extent of man’s fall, offered a brief history of the doctrine, and provided definition and clarification. In the second part, he focused on answering the questions:
(a) How did man fell in sin, concerning our fall in Adam as our federal head and the double curse that we incurred in Adam: guilt and corruption.
(b) How far did man fall in sin, concerning man’s total depravity and inability.
2. Unconditional Election by Ptr. Joseph Mangahas of Cubao Reformed Baptist Church
Following on the exposition of man’s radical fall seen in our total depravity, Pastor Joseph asserted on the logic of unconditional election that if men are truly and totally depraved, how then can God’s work of salvation be accomplished and applied in us. We can see from the Scriptures that it is only by God’s initiative, hence unconditional election, that men can be saved and not based on any human merit.
Quoting from 1 Cor 4:7 and Augustine, he stressed that what makes one man different from another is the grace of God alone, and the doctrine of unconditional and sovereign election is the real test of a belief in grace. After dealing with important biblical texts that testify to this doctrine, he concluded that the humble sinner will take delight in the doctrine of sovereign and unconditional choice.
3. Limited Atonement by Ptr. Jeremiah Jangad of Salitran Covenant Bible Church
This Doctrine of Limited Atonement is the last part of the series since it is the most controversial doctrine among the five points. Pastor Jeremiah illustrated that if men are to choose to present one of the five points, none will choose this doctrine.
However, despite its controversy and difficulty, in talking about particular redemption, Pastor Jeremiah presented the importance of knowing the intent of the atonement in order to settle the issue about its extent. It is crucial to understand the purpose of His incarnation before addressing the question, “for whom did Christ die?”
4. Irresistible Grace by Ptr. Joshua Gurango of Christ Covenant Church
Pastor Joshua looked at Irresistible Grace as God’s work in effectually calling sinners unto Himself. He discussed how the five points fits together and where the doctrine of irresistible grace fits within the doctrine of grace. Standing on the shoulders of some theological giants down the Christian history, he argued that this doctrine is not a novelty and it is alluded to by the Early Church, developed by the Medieval Church and codified by the Reformation Church.
He also presented the Golden Chain of Redemption and asserted that “If we really believe that salvation is by God’s grace alone then man cannot make the first move in salvation.” In this topic, he agreed with RC Sproul who says, “Indeed, we are capable of resisting God’s grace, and we do resist it. The idea is that God’s grace is so powerful that it has the capacity to overcome our natural resistance to it.”
Not to miss its practical implications, we are exhorted that we must...
a. Preach the gospel without discrimination since the external call must go to all,
b. Genuinely call people to Christ,
c. Trust the Spirit to draw sinners, and
d. Rely on the ministry of the Word.
5. Perseverance of the Saints by Ptr. Ramen Caliwag of Scripture Alone Baptist Church
Pastor Ramen began his presentation on the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints by asserting that the Triune God, who alone is the solution to the misery of men, grants living faith that endures till the end. And that the “fifth point of Calvinism is the necessary logical end when the Triune God confronts human sin by His grace.”
He addressed issues and misunderstanding concerning this doctrine that this sounds as if our good works keep us saved, that backslidden Christians seemed to lose and gain back their salvation, and that notable Christians and teachers left Christianity. It is really a very practical topic since it goes to the heart of Father’s work in faithfully preserving HIs elect. It is based upon Christ’s finished sacrifice on the cross, and the Spirit’s seal of ownership so that none of them will fall away from the hand of the Triune LORD and they will never suffer from the eternal penalty of God’s wrath.
He concluded by bringing the practical significance of this doctrine for it “preserves the biblical balance of humble assurance and holy obedience of the saints.”
The Five Solas of the Reformation:
The battle cry of the reformers against the false doctrine of Rome. Go here to watch full videos.
1. Sola Fide by Ptr. Rene Maramara of Sovereign Grace Church
This is the last topic on the series that went live due to technical difficulties. Nevertheless, Pastor Rene was able to present its clarity and importance for this doctrine triggered the Reformation. This answers the most important question, “how can man be saved?” This is justification by faith alone. That is, man is declared righteous based upon the merit of Christ alone. The sinner obtains that righteousness by the instrumental cause or means of justification, which is faith.
He started with the formulation of the doctrine along with the 4 Solas and its historical background. He spoke about the common misunderstanding about the doctrine sola fidei and the competing views from other religions, predominantly and in our context, Roman Catholicism. He analyzed the erroneous doctrine of Rome about faith in light of the infallible Word of God. He defended sola fidei by focusing on the nature and object of faith, that is the person and work of Jesus Christ.
2. Sola Gratia by Ptr. Marvin “Kerux” Pascua of A Blessed Church
Pastor Kerux in the similar fashion taught about the definition, historical background and biblical foundations of the Five Solas of the Reformation. He highlighted the reformers battle cry of Sola Gratia in the backdrop of the Roman Catholic’s teaching on indulgences. The teaching on indulgence is an insult to the finished work of Christ and a contradiction to the biblical definition of grace, for “God’s grace alone is the only reason for our salvation not our own efforts.”
The New Testament word for GRACE is by implication unearned or undeserved which is contrary to indulgences (merit-based salvation); therefore, it is not true that “God helps those who help themselves.” We are guilty sinners and we have a Gracious God, and “salvation belongs to anyone who acknowledges that apart from Christ, they can do nothing” (John 15:5).
3. Sola Scriptura by Ptr. Jeremiah Jangad of Salitran Covenant Bible Church
Pastor Jeremiah answered the question, “does the Scripture teach Sola Scriptura?”He dealt about the nature or being of the Word of God as the only God-breathed revelation, in Greek theopneustos (2 Tim 3:16). Rome cannot claim to have the same authority that the Scripture has since it is not God-breathed. The church was given by God a unique role as the pillar and support of truth, custodian not source of truth (1 Tim 3:15).
Aware of the numerous misunderstanding and misrepresentation of the doctrine, he provided its confessional definition, “The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience” (1689 LBCF 1.1). He also critiqued Rome’s dogma and tradition that claims truths which can hardly be found in the Word of God. Indeed, there is no rival to the Scriptures’ infallible and supreme authority given by God for the church till the end of the age.
4. Solus Christus by bro. Ezekiel Asis of Trinity Baptist Church
This is the first part of Solus Christus and Lord be willing the second part will be aired next year. Bro. Ezekiel talked about the divinity of the LORD Jesus Christ, that Christ is the only Mediator between God and man through His person and work, contrary to Rome’s teaching on purgatory, veneration of the saints and relics, and Mariology. Though Rome believe in the Christ, what separates us from them is the word alone.
In this first part of 2-part teaching on Christ Alone, in order to tune our hearts to the finished work of Christ, he gave emphasis on the glory of Christ’s person, the glory of the God-man. Our estimation of Christ’s once-and-for-all sacrifice will increase when we have a high view of who He really is.
This is the hypostatic union or the dual-nature of Christ. Truly, a denial of the deity of Christ is tantamount to denying the gospel and a denial of the humanity of Christ makes anyone an anti-Christ. We should uphold both since the value of Christ is worth more than all the creation in the cosmos combined and a soul that rejects Him is in danger of eternal perdition.
The second part of the podcast on Solus Christus focuses on the work of Christ. Since this topic is broad and it covers the salvific and sacrificial work of Christ, he dealt with Christ’s mediatorial work as the Prophet, Priest and King. You can watch the full video here.
See the overview for the second part here.
5. Soli Deo Gloria by Ptr. Xley Miguel of Christ’s Heritage Church
The fact that salvation is by grace alone through alone faith in Christ alone (as redundant as that statement may seem) brings all the glory to God alone. Pastor Xley, in discussing this last sola, presented a helpful articulation of all the solas that is truly God-glorying. Though Rome agrees with this doctrine, she will never admit on usurping that glory belongs to God alone by rejection of the other solas.
Indebted to some modern theologians, he maintains that Soli Deo Gloria is “the glue that holds the solas together.” He dealt with the subject as a revelation from God, without which no man can see His glory.
1. God reveals that He is the Glory of God
2. God reveals His glory in His creation
3. God reveals His glory in the unfolding of biblical history
4. God reveals His glory in the Son
5. God reveals His glory in the salvation of sinners
6. God reveals His glory in His redeemed church
He closed the session with these words, “SOLI DEO GLORIA revolves around God and His own action, even while granting a place for us to glorify Him through our faith, worship and humble service.”
All of these are precious doctrines that invoke praise to the majestic, holy, faithful and gracious Triune God alone. Our minds and hearts should always hark back to the chief end of man, that is “to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” This is the highest, chief end of God’s creature, to live all of our life for His glory alone.
How do these doctrines increase your appreciation of God’s amazing grace and His providential work in reviving such precious truths for the church today?
SOLI DEO GLORIA
HERALD OF GRACE COVENANT BIBLE CHURCH OF CAVITE 
Grateful you guys covered TULIP and the SOLAs, God bless you, hope you be able to keep blogging!
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Amen
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Happy New Year!
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By God’s grace brother.
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Amen
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Is there any Presuppositional apologetics’ resources in Tagalog?
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None that I am aware of. Lord be willing, we will have one.
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👍👍👍
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