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Defining "Semi-Pelagianism" by Theodore Beza
My debate opponent (in an upcoming debate), Dr. T. Kurt Jaros, has suggested that we should define “Semi-Pelagianism” as Beza did. For example, in an interview with Warren McGrew, Dr. Jaros stated: “I think that the term should just be wiped from history and — you know — the new definition of ‘Semi-Pelagianism’ should be…
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Regeneration before Faith – Some Scriptural Arguments
The Argument Jesus asked, “And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” (John 8:46) After Jesus explained why, the Jews scoffed at him: “Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” (John 8:48) What is the answer, though? Why do some people not believe the gospel?…
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Questions for Dr. Leighton Flowers regarding Original Sin and the Grace of God
The following is a post corresponding to my previously publish video (available here): Dr. Flowers, I’ve been asked to debate the question of whether Provisionism is Semipelagian. This arose because I posted a blog entry in which I went through the first eight canons of the second council of Orange, and then posted a tweet…
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Soteriology101 and the Necessity of Grace
A twitter user with the handle, The Arminians, provided a quotation from Ryerson, (citation and link added, and wording of the quotation updated to reflect the original by TF, original is shown in the screenshot below): … they differ … from the Pelagians, by holding the doctrine of human depravity—the natural corruption of the human…
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Cassiodorus on Psalm 132:8 and the Ark of the Covenant
Cassiodorus (A.D. c. 485 – 585) in Cassiodorus: Explanation of the Psalms, Vol. 3 from the Ancient Christian Writers series, vol 53 of the series, p. 326 (P. G. Walsh, trans.): Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place: thou and the ark which thou hast sanctified. Once the prophet realized that the Lord Christ’s promises previously…
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Epilogue to the Council of Orange
The following is the epilogue to the Second Council of Orange, together with an AI translation (source of Latin is Hefele): Ac sic secundiun suprascriptas sanctarum Scripturarum sententias vel antiquorum patrum definitiones hoc Deo propitiante et prsedicare debemus et credere, quod per peccatum primi hominis ita inclinatum et attenuatum fuerit liberum arbitrium, ut nullus postea…
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Soteriology 101 and the First Eight Canons of the Council of Orange
The Canons of the Council of Orange (Anno Domini 529)(as found here) CANON 1. If anyone denies that it is the whole man, that is, both body and soul, that was “changed for the worse” through the offense of Adam’s sin, but believes that the freedom of the soul remains unimpaired and that only the…
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Richard Rolle on Psalm 132:8 and the Ark of the Covenant
Richard Rolle (c. 1300–1349) – The Psalter, or Psalms of David & Certain Canticles, with a Translation & Exposition in English (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1884) (pp. 450-51) 8. Surge domine in requiem tuam: tu & arca sanctificacionis tue. ⸿ Rise lord in til thi rest : thou and the huche of thi halighynge. ⸿ Rise fra ded and steghe in till…
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John Chrysostom on Psalm 132:8 and the Ark of the Covenant
St. John Chrysostom, Commentary on the Psalms, Vol. 2, Robert Charles Hill, trans., p. 206: Ascend to your resting place, O Lord, you and the ark of your sanctification (v. 8). A different version, “of your strength;” another, “of your power.” Both versions are right: holiness was given from there, and the writings contained in it…
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Theodoret of Cyrus on the Ark of the Covenant in Psalm 132
Theodoret of Cyrus, Commentary on the Psalms, vol. 2, Robert C. Hill, trans., pp. 307-08: (5) Rise up, O Lord, to your rest (v. 8). They call worship according to the Law God’s rising up–not that he is in need of it or finds satisfaction in it, but he welcomes the piety of the offerers. They…