We must trust Christ to raise us from death to life. We must trust him for this twice: regarding our resurrection, and regarding our regeneration. These two cases are alike. In both cases, we are dead, and because we are … Continue reading
Tag Archives: conversion
My Dad liked Billy Graham. When Graham’s crusades were televised, Dad watched. Graham had a gift of oratory. He preached God’s Law. He preached sin and salvation. He preached the person and work of Christ. But his sermons were spoiled … Continue reading
A recurring issue in Christian conversations is: what is the role of man’s will in conversion. Some say this is no better than arguing about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. This issue really matters, … Continue reading
On a recurring basis, online Lutheran discussions will confront you with terms like pelagianism, synergism, and monergism. You will see one participant claim that what another person said is wrong because it is pelagian. Maybe you ventured to speak up, … Continue reading
I was recently asked this most reasonable and logical question regarding our “decision” to become a Christian, in the comments section of a previous essay (In Response to Hans Bischof Regarding Decision Theology and Silly Arguments): Don’t we decide to … Continue reading
Sometimes the Lutheran Church is accused of not being very missional. We’re solid when it comes to doctrine—justification by grace through faith alone—but when it comes to mission, well, we’re about as clueless as a synod in convention. Or so … Continue reading
This is the second part of my response to the blog article, “How Lutherans Implicitly Deny Faith Alone in Christ Alone.” Three Examples of How Lutherans Deny Justification by Faith Alone: A Response – Part Two of Two 3) Loss … Continue reading
Every year in January my congregation holds a special assembly. We call this gathering our “Getting Organized” meeting. At the meeting this past year, I presented the results of an informal survey I conducted. Essentially, I called the local Methodist, … Continue reading
Don’t get me wrong. Deathbed conversions do happen. And when they do we rejoice and thank God the Holy Spirit for having worked such a miracle on the cusp of eternity. Please do not think I am denying the reality … Continue reading
What is decision theology? Decision theology is the teaching that a person is saved and born-again when he makes a decision to accept Jesus Christ. To come to faith, a moment of decision must be made by the individual sinner. … Continue reading