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CoC’ers Follow a Campbellism Script

Lee Anne Ferguson
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distribution. Email: gospel4life@live.com

I’ve kept pleading for CoC leaders to be honest with their flocks and the fact that they have no biblical answers for why they keep promoting their heresies. But, so far, they have still refused to do so. However, as a result of their refusal, there are those who are now starting to catch on and see through their lies and cover-up schemes, because their manipulative maneuvers make it so manifestly obvious.

Here is only one example of the kind of interactions one may expect from CoC leaders when they are confronted with Scriptures that disprove their heretical “traditions.” These emails (below) began at the start of this year (2021). Included is a link they sent me to their podcast concerning the thief on the cross. So readers can listen to it themselves, just to get a glimpse of the shenanigans I’ve had to deal with all these years.

Carefully notice how their “answers” go strictly by the Campbellite “playbook” that I’ve exposed throughout my book.  And once their “script” is proven to be completely at odds with God’s Word, they do what they even admit are “back-flips.”  lol

At the end, I brought my husband into the picture, for these guys started to really creep me out. Plus, I started having horrible flashbacks of how crazy CoC intimidation can get once they become intimidated by the truth, because they fear being exposed as the wolves in sheep’s clothing that they really are.

We’ve waited in vain for months, for a biblical response from them. Just recently they put up some new podcasts about baptism, so we were hoping they’d finally come out and admit the serious flaws in their Campbellism ideology. But, to our total dismay, they were even more adamant than ever in pushing their false gospel. And sadly, they are still deceitfully hiding the truth from their flocks.

They continued to confirm everything I’ve written about, and yet, they still have no shame. Instead, they keep trying to convince people that if anyone opposes their heretical doctrines, then according to them, they are just “trying to justify an excuse to hold to family traditions,” or an excuse to tread “a path of least resistance.”  The irony!!  While they claim to be against easy believism, they admitted that their so-called “salvation through baptism” is… so easy.   Ugh!   

They still seem to be completely oblivious to the fact that baptismal regeneration is just as heretical as decisional regeneration!

I was also shocked to find that they went to the extreme of trying to use the Gadarene demonic story, in the gospels, to promote baptismal salvation! When they told of how the swine were drowned in the water, after Jesus had cast demons into them, these CoC leaders even had the gall to say, “there’s that word water again!” AS IF THAT SCENARIO COULD EVER POSSIBLY SUPPORT THEIR WATER GOSPEL!!   WOW!!!  They are really getting desperate!

It is utterly unbelievable and truly tragic that so many are blindly following these blind leaders who are leading them into an eternal ditch! I sincerely pray that God opens their spiritual eyes before it is forever too late. For they are absolutely clueless when it comes to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Here is the email thread I mentioned earlier:

On Jan 8, 2021, at 1:59 PM, Lee Anne Ferguson wrote:

Hello,

Can you please explain how a person can be saved?

From: Soul Training <soultrainingpodcast@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, January 8, 2021 2:14 PM
To: Lee Anne Ferguson <godlee4@live.com>
Subject: Re: How can a person be saved?

Hi Lee Anne,

Are you interested in personally learning of God’s plan of salvation or would you like this discussed in a future episode of Soul Training? Or both?

Joe

On Fri, Jan 8, 2021 at 8:46 PM Lee Anne Ferguson wrote:

Both would be great!  Thanks

From: Soul Training <soultrainingpodcast@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 9, 2021 2:41 PM
To: Lee Anne Ferguson <godlee4@live.com>
Subject: Re: How can a person be saved?

Hi Lee Anne,

First of all, thanks so much for listening to Soul Training.  As you know, it’s a bit of a new venture for us but we have very much enjoyed the process. 

Our God wants us to come home to Heaven with him, so he’s made the process relatively easy to understand.  The short answer to your questions is:

1) Hear the word – Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ”

2) Believe that Christ is the only Son of God – John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

3) Repent – Luke 13:3 – “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”  Repentance is a turning away from sin in one’s life.

4) Confess –  Matthew 10:32-33 – “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”

5) Be baptized 

  • Matthew 28:19 – ” Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
  • Acts 2:38  – “And Peter said to them “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
  • 1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
  • Acts 8:26-38 – This passage speaks about the Ethiopian eunuch and Philip.  Philip preached the word to him and the Ethiopian eunuch made the chariots stop as soon as they saw water in order to be baptized.  (I didn’t type it all out due to the length)

6) Remain faithful – Revelation 2:10b – “…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

We’re going to do some episodes over salvation and will go into more depth on all of the above.  We haven’t recorded those shows yet so it may take a month or two to get them all published.  Our publishing schedule is typically a month behind our recording schedule.

If you’re in the Glasgow, KY area, we’d love to meet you for more study, or if not, we could do a virtual meeting through Zoom, Facetime, etc.

Can I ask you a couple of questions to help us in our endeavor?

1) How did you hear about Soul Training?

2) Are there any other topics you’d like for us to discuss besides the above?

3) What area of the country are you in?

I look forward to hearing back from you Lee Anne.  

In Christ,

“Big show” Joe   …….{ugh! can the arrogance be any more obvious?} Brackets mine

On Jan 10, 2021, at 6:36 PM, Lee Anne Ferguson wrote:

Hi Joe,

Thank you for your response. We check WCLU every so often and seen the announcement for your podcast. I appreciate you taking the time to reach out. My husband and I live in Summer Shade, KY and I grew up in the CoC, but a more strict one than South Green. When I would attend SG as a teenager, with a friend of mine, it was a much more liberating experience!! However, the basic doctrines were the same. Your explanation of the plan of salvation has clarified that this is still the case, and I would love to continue to discuss this further with you, if you have the time. I want you to know that I sincerely love my CoC people, and yes, I still consider them my people who are dear to my heart, even though so much time has passed since I’ve been a member of the CoC. 

Thanks again for your time. 

Love in Christ,

Lee Anne

From: Soul Training <soultrainingpodcast@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2021 8:22 PM
To: Lee Anne Ferguson <godlee4@live.com>
Subject: Re: How can a person be saved?

It was really nice of WCLU to feature us for that story.  The reporter, Brennan Crain, was one of our first listeners.

It turns out that Allen Jones lives fairly close to Summer Shade.  Would want to meet with him? Or maybe have a phone call to speak about the subject of salvation further?  All he’d need is a phone number.

Also, I wanted you to know that because of your recommendation, we recorded our first episode on Salvation tonight.  The episode should be released sometime in February.  There are two more (Heaven and Hell) scheduled to be released before it.

I’ve enjoyed corresponding with you, Lee Anne.  You’ve encouraged me!

I hope we can encourage you as well 😃

In Him,

Joe

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 12, 2021, at 7:55 PM, Lee Anne Ferguson wrote:

Hi Joe,

The reason I brought up this subject is because there is nothing more important than salvation, and being that I come from a CoC background, I can remember that the thief on the cross posed a huge problem for our plan of salvation that seemed to indicate the impossibility of anyone being saved apart from being water baptized. So I truly believe that your series on salvation would not be complete without a full discussion of the thief on the cross.  I’m sorry if this seems to be too much to ask. It is only a suggestion. But there has to be a reason that God would give us the testimony of that thief, even though there is no scriptural proof that he had ever been baptized. 

I appreciate your time and consideration.

Love in Christ,

Lee Anne

From: Soul Training <soultrainingpodcast@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2021 8:27 PM
To: Lee Anne Ferguson <godlee4@live.com>
Subject: Re: How can a person be saved?

Lee Anne,

I just wanted to let you know that we just released the first episode on salvation last Friday and we recorded an episode on the thief on the cross tonight.  

We haven’t forgotten about ya!

Joe

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 24, 2021, at 7:34 AM, Lee Anne Ferguson wrote:

Hi there! I’m sorry but I couldn’t find it. Maybe you could send a link?

Thanks for your time,

Lee Anne

From: Soul Training <soultrainingpodcast@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 11:31 AM
To: Lee Anne Ferguson <godlee4@live.com>
Subject: Re: How can a person be saved?

The last episode that came out is entitled “Sin is the problem.  What’s the solution?”

This starts the conversation on salvation.  The thief on the cross episode will be released in a few weeks.

You can look on the podcast app on your phone or anchor.fm/soultraining 

Joe

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 24, 2021, at 8:29 PM, Lee Anne Ferguson wrote:

Thanks, I look forward to it.

From: Soul Training <soultrainingpodcast@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2021 8:35 AM
To: Lee Anne Ferguson <godlee4@live.com>
Subject: Re: How can a person be saved?

Hey Lee Anne!

Here is a link to out Thief on the Cross episode.  I hope you enjoy it! https://anchor.fm/soultraining/episodes/Listener-Mail—The-Thief-on-the-Cross-Explained-esf5ci

Sorry it took so long to get published…

Joe

Sent from my iPhone

On March 21, 2021 at 8:15 PM, Lee Anne Ferguson wrote:

Thank you for kindly taking the time to address this issue. I will try to get around to listening to the podcast as soon as possible, and Lord willing, I’ll try to get back with you with a meaningful response that will hopefully be edifying for all of us.

On March 22, 2021 at 8:15PM Lee Anne Ferguson wrote:

Dear Sirs,

Again, thank you for your time and consideration. It is now hoped that the time, study and prayer that has gone into this response will also be appreciated, for there is nothing more important than soul matters.

Being that we should speak where the Bible speaks, it only seems fair that listeners should also be informed that the Bible is clear that both thieves had mocked Jesus (Mt. 27:44; Mk. 15:32).  This is a crucial point, because it proves that something supernatural happened to the one thief, for his heart was changed through the power of the gospel, whereas the heart of the other thief was not (See also: Jer. 32:40, Ezek. 36:26).

It is understood that although Jesus proclaimed the gospel, which is Himself, the CoC claims that the gospel wasn’t preached until after Pentecost, thus an extreme emphasis on Acts 2:38. However, the Bible shows that John the Baptist preached the same “remission of sins” doctrine before Pentecost that Peter preached on Pentecost, and both pointed to the righteousness of Christ for the remission of sins. 

“Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins” (Rom. 3:25, emphasis added).

The CoC claims that the church didn’t come into effect until Pentecost.  However, the Bible reveals that God’s church was in full function way before Pentecost (e.g. Mt. 18:17, Lk. 12:32, Acts 2:47). So considering the fact that the CoC teaches that one must be baptized into its church, and that salvation is only in its church membership package, it must first answer the question….exactly what church did John’s baptism put people into, if there was supposedly no church until Pentecost?

It is greatly appreciated that there was at least an admission on the podcast that the typical CoC assumptions concerning the thief on the cross are likened to doing back flips.  So true!  For if the thief on the cross was saved because he was earlier baptized by John, then that would still throw a huge monkey wrench into the whole CoC system. For it admittedly teaches that John’s baptism was obsolete after Jesus’ death.  And the thief died after Jesus!

Scripture reveals that the two thieves had their legs broken in order to speed up death, but not Jesus, for He had already died! Sothe thief on the cross was no longer under the Mosaic dispensation right before he died. Jesus died before the thief! Therefore, the New Covenant was immediately in force upon the thief before he died!

“For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.  For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth” (Mt. 26:28, Heb. 9:16-17, emphasis added).

Furthermore, the other back flip would make it seem as though Jesus no longer has the ability and authority to forgive sins today, which would contradict Scripture, for Jesus is God in the flesh and still has  pre-eminence in all things (e.g. Col. 1:18; 1 Jn. 1:9).

More questions were generated on your podcast when it was stated:

 “Jesus being King of kings could still do as He wished”… until He died and then He couldn’t ?!?! 

 “The terms of the new covenant had not yet been given.”  [?]

Moreover, it was stated:

“For us, we must follow what Scripture teaches about salvation.” –  Which implies that Scripture teaches another gospel, other than the gospel that Jesus taught before He died on the cross!  But that would create a false dichotomy between Jesus and Scripture!  

Questions were also generated when you all stated:

“Keys had not yet been given, more steps were included later.” [?]

“The Kingdom was a future reality before His death.” [?]

“The church is the earthly manifestation of the kingdom.” [?]

“The kingdom is synonymous with the church.” [?}

It is understood that Alexander Campbell established the “Millennial Harbinger” magazine in 1830, as a major tool for developing unique doctrines, which are still molding CoC practices today.  It was also used to promote his strange eschatological (end times) views and his claims of “restoring” God’s kingdom on earth. He ignored the biblical tension of the “already” and the “not yet.” This is why the CoC still claims to be that “restored kingdom on earth.”

However, the true gospel of the kingdom that Jesus preached, is the gospel of God’s sovereign rule and reign over sin, death and all things… including salvation (e.g. Mk. 1:14-15), which will only be fully consummated in the end.

Lastly, dear Sirs, it was stated that if there is a listener that writes in, their questions will be answered. And such a commitment is greatly appreciated, for it will hopefully clear up so much confusion, for this podcast has generated more questions than answers.  Listeners need airtight expositions of Scripture that cannot be refuted or resisted biblically.  If this cannot be done, then there may need to be some serious Soul Searching before there can be any Soul Training.

Sincerely in Christ,

Lee Anne

March 24, 2021 at 6:48 AM, Soul Training wrote:

Hey Lee Anne!

I forwarded your list of questions to Daniel and Allen and they said it would better to answer them over a zoom call, phone call, or in person rather than going back and forth in email.

Would you be interested in any of the above options?

Joe

Sent from my iPhone

March 25, 2021 at 9:44 AM Lee Anne Ferguson wrote:

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to reach out. As it was stated earlier, it would only be fair for all listeners to be informed concerning these issues. If you are not comfortable answering these issues by email, then we will patiently wait for the next podcast that will hopefully utilize tightly-knit expositions of Scripture that can mend all of the Bible gaps that were left wide-open in the previous podcast.

In order to advance the cause of Christ, we sincerely hope that serious, biblical, honest and prayerful consideration will be given to these issues, for these are vital elements of the biblical narrative that have already been swept under the rug, by the CoC, for way too long, while precious souls have been at stake.

Sincerely Serving the Savior,

Tony and Lee Anne

From: Soul Training <soultrainingpodcast@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 11:11 AM
To: Lee Anne Ferguson <godlee4@live.com>
Subject: Re: How can a person be saved?

Hi Tony and Lee Anne,

We may be able to do a follow up episode at some point down the line, but answering your questions via email or just on the show could drag out a single topic over several months. L

For now, let me know if you’d like a phone call or a meeting so we can fully answer your questions in a more prudent manner.   We’d love to speak with you on a personally about all of your concerns.

Thanks for your comments and for listening. 

Look forward to speaking with you,

Joe
Sent from my iPhone

March 28, 2021 at 6:59 PM, Lee Anne Ferguson wrote:

So, according to what you’ve stated in your email, answering these simple issues could take several months, via email or on your show. And yet, you then indicate that you can fully answer these questions, as well as all of our concerns in a single phone call or personal meeting?!

Sorry, but it eerily sounds like the “prudent manner,” in which you prefer to fully answer all of these concerns, involves something other than the appropriate amount of time, prayer and study that it would take to answer them biblically and thoroughly in a scripturally expositional manner. 

From then on….there was the sound of crickets. For they cannot defend the indefensible.

Arminianism

All the World: A Whole That’s Being Put for a Part

Lee Anne Ferguson
Available at Amazon:
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Contact: gospel4life@live.com

Scripture often uses general terms to describe salvation. In other words, it’s often spoken of figuratively, with a whole that’s being put for a part. For example, the Word is said to bear fruit in “all the world” (Col. 1:6).  But this does not mean that everyone in the whole world is going to be saved.

“The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one” (Mt. 13:38).

Scripture plainly reveals, in other passages as well, that when it comes to salvation, the world is figuratively likened to a field that the Lord has bought in order to obtain the treasure hidden in it:

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field” (Mt. 13:45-46).

There is a general, limited sense in which the Lord has temporally “bought” those that perish (e.g. Deut. 32:6; 2 Pet. 2:1), because if God immediately rooted up the tares in the world, it could cause harm to the wheat that is mixed in with them.  That’s why the Lord is so long-suffering, merciful, good and kind to the wicked who are on earth.

“He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Mt. 5:45).

But only for the sake of God’s people…

“lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn” (Mt. 13:28-30).

In John 12:19, it is stated in general terms that the world had gone after Christ. However, only the multitude, that followed Jesus in Jerusalem, was intended by these general terms (a whole was being put for the part).  The apostles in Acts 17:6 were said to have “turned the world upside down,” but it was a figure of speech that was NOT to be taken literally.

So in light of this biblical truth, prayerfully consider the following:

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1).

ALL men doesn’t include those in Hell, so it cannot mean ALL in an all-inclusive sense. It HAS to be a qualifying (selected) ALL. For instance, the context reveals that general terms are used here for all kinds of people (without distinction). It does NOT mean all without exception, but rather all without distinction of race, gender, social status, works, etc.  For “God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34, Mt. 22:16), because He chooses His own apart from any earthly distinctions.

To further prove this, the context even provides us with an example!!—Prayers are to be made EVEN for kings and all who are in authority (v. 2)!  In order to clarify that those who are in authority– EVEN king’s– are all at God’s sovereign disposal.

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will” (Prov. 21:1).

Likewise, in Romans 4: 13 we are given general terms to describe how Abraham was figuratively “an heir of the world.”  And the context reveals the world that is literally being referred to…the faithful (v. 11). So again, a whole (the world) was being put for a part (the faithful).

In Romans 11:12, we are given general terms to describe how the believing Gentiles are figuratively referred to as the “riches of the world,” for they’ve been made partakers of the promises (Rom. 11:17), because the fallen Jews forfeited the riches of their inheritance, due to unbelief. And the context likens these “riches of the world” as a “reconciling of the world” (v. 11), because salvation is no longer just for the Jews.  So a whole (the world) was put for a part (the believing Gentiles).

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).

The context here clearly reveals that the “us-ward” are the “all” that’s being referred to. And it even reveals WHY God is not willing for them to perish, for they are His “beloved” (3: 1), who are given divine power and all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him (1:3), so that they can grow in grace and in the knowledge of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (3: 18).

The entire context also reveals that the “all” here are the children of promise, who are all “partakers of the divine nature,” who escape the corruption of the world through Christ (1:4). They are those “that have obtained like precious faith“(1:1), so that their faith can never finally fail, because Jesus makes sure that their fruit remains (Jn. 15:16), which clearly distinguishes them from the reprobates who are being referred to negatively within the same context!

Therefore, the “all” in 2 Peter 3:9 cannot possibly be referring to everyone. No wonder Scripture constantly reveals a whole that’s being put for a part, when it comes to salvation:

“Who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:6).

Once again, this passage perfectly coincides with what was just demonstrated previously, concerning the verses that immediately came before this one. Throughout Scripture we are constantly given a contextual frame of reference, to help us to clearly understand who these “all” are, and it’s NOT the whole entire world!  It is NOT every single person in the world who has ever existed!!

Not convinced yet? Then prayerfully consider what follows: 

“For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, Who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe” (1 Tim. 4:10).

(All men) is the figurative whole that’s being put for the part (those that believe). 

And again, we read:

“[T]hat He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Heb. 2:9-10).

Here in Hebrews, the “many sons” reveals who is actually being brought unto glory, for many can never be interpreted as all, and the many are specifically defined as those whom He “sanctifies” (2:11), His “brethren” (2:12), the children God gave Him (2:13), those delivered from the bondage of death (2:15), the elect, whose salvation was obtained by this perfect Savior Who “tasted death” (the cup of death, Mt. 20:22; 26:42)… as their actual substitute.  

So, in light of the context, we clearly see, again, that a whole (every man) is being put for a part (who believes in Him). These are also the ones being referred to when Jesus said:

“Behold I and the children which God hath given Me” (Heb. 2:13).

Jesus even said:

“I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine” (Jn. 17:9).

Jesus makes a clear distinction between the whole world in general and the elect who are dispersed throughout the world.  Which further confirms the fact that the words “all” and “world” in Scripture are not always to be taken in an all-inclusive sense. Jesus said that His elect will be hated by “all” (Mt. 10:22), but does that literally mean all, which would include other believers? NO, it does not.

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed” (Lk. 2:1).

Again, “all the world” here is a figurative whole that’s being put for a literal part, because only those who were under the Roman government were being taxed.

So, in light of these obvious truths, are we really to believe the Arminians when they say that “all means all,” without even taking into consideration what the context so clearly reveals?

Does the “whole world” lie in wickedness, in an all-inclusive sense (1 Jn. 5:19)? Does “all the world wonder after the beast” (Rev. 13:3)?  Certainly not, for such surface-level interpretations contradict the biblical import of language and passages within their proper context. Clearly, followers of Christ are not lying in wickedness and they are not wondering after the beast!

This is why context and biblical exegesis is so very important when “rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).  For if Jesus was given by the Father in order to literally save all men from their sins, and yet many perish, then how would He be trustworthy and faithful to all of His promises? For all of those that Jesus died for, are also promised all spiritual blessings, which most certainly includes the grace gifts of faith and repentance (Rom. 4:8; 8:32). For God not only decrees the ends, but also the means for accomplishing His purposes.

Scripture reveals that God’s redemptive love is unchangeable and everlasting. But if Arminianism was true (and thankfully it’s not) then that would mean that God still loves those who are in Hell,, even though the Bible is clear that the condemning, unappeased wrath of God eternally abides upon them (Jn. 3:36).  So, what kind of redemptive love would never even apply the eternal benefits of such a universal atonement?  It would not be a trustworthy, saving love at all!

Arminianism makes Jesus out to be a failure, by attempting to separate His redemptive work from the Fathers will and the application of it by the Holy Spirit, which would completely sever the divine unity of the Godhead in salvation. But thankfully the true Jesus of the Bible is promised to be an eternal blessing for all of those that He has died for, because He loses none that the Father has given Him, for they shall, in time, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and all of the spiritual things that are necessary for them to be saved (Jn. 1:12-13).

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32).

“Us all” refers to the “all” who will be given “all things” that pertain to eternal life, because Jesus has promised eternal blessings to all that the Father has given Him (Jn. 17:2).  And He will not and cannot lie:

“I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand” (Jn. 10:28).

So dear reader, PLEASE prayerfully think this through, so that you will not be deceived:

”God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them” (2 Cor. 5:19).

If everyone in the whole world, who has ever lived, has been reconciled to God, and if everyone has had their sins imputed to Christ, then why in the world would any end up in Hell paying for them again?  Such vain, non-sensical Arminian philosophy also contradicts Romans 4:8:

“Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”

So why would any that Jesus died for end up not being eternally blessed? The only way a universal atonement would be good news is if there was also a universal redemption, but there’s not, for that would contradict Scripture, because it’s clear that many perish in Hell.

Therefore, a universal atonement would be really, really bad news, because it doesn’t keep anyone from ending up in Hell, for it does not actually atone for ALL of the sins of ALL of those that it was allegedly designed for. There is a universal call of the gospel, which goes out to the entire world, but there is NOT a universal atonement or a universal salvation represented in Scripture, because only Jesus’ sheep will hear His voice, so to speak. But those who are not His sheep will continue to follow false shepherds (Jn. 10).

God’s Word reveals that there is only a definite, substitutionary, propitiatory and perfect atonement that saves ALL that it was designed for. There is a fountain free, open to ALL who thirst for a perfect righteousness outside of themselves; ALL who realize their inability to believe enough or repent enough to merit salvation; ALL who realize their will is in bondage to sin unless Jesus sets them free; ALL who realize their desperate and complete hopelessness, helplessness and sinfulness apart from the Saviors imputed righteousness; ALL who come trusting only in Jesus Christ and what He actually accomplished at the cross for sinners. These are the ones that it was designed for, and they shall ALL come to Him, and they shall ALL be saved!  

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16).

This verse does NOT say “whosoever” without exclusion has the natural ability to believe and thirst after righteousness.  Everyday life even testifies to this fact! Instead, the context shows that “whosoever” are those who will never perish because of unbelief, for God graciously gave them His Son, Who has obtained for them the spiritual gift of faith that will, in time, enable them to believe from the heart (Eph. 2:8; 4:8). The context of John 3 also clearly states that those who never believe have already been condemned (v. 18). 

Yet, Arminianism teaches that Christ died for the whole world, even those who end up in Hell, which blasphemously implies that His death didn’t obtain particular redemption for anyone. Case in point, it suggests that His death accomplished nothing!  But, in order to try to appear biblical on the surface, many Arminians will still attempt to borrow the Calvinistic truth of a substitutionary atonement. However, they always end up denying it in effect, because a substitution that doesn’t actually substitute is no substitution at all!

This is why it is so important to realize that just because a Bible passage uses the word “world” it does NOT automatically refer to every single person who has ever lived. Scripture is clear, in Romans 11:12, the Gentiles are referred to as the riches of the world, in order to clarify the fact that salvation is NOT just for a remnant of the Jews only, but that salvation is also for a remnant taken from EVERY tongue, tribe and nation throughout the world (Mt. 24:31).   

“And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 Jn. 2:2).

Once again, the words “whole world” is expressed in general terms here, for Jesus’ propitiation did NOT put away the sins of every single individual that has ever lived!  The words “not for ours only,” refutes such a notion and coincides perfectly with all the other parallel passages that make it so clear that the Jews were NOT the only nation that had a remnant chosen by God.  Jesus did NOT just die for a remnant of the Jewish people, which is why the words “whole world” is used.  How could it be any clearer?

Scripture interprets Scripture…

“…he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad” (Jn. 11:51-52).

God’s Word constantly conveys the fact that even Gentile nations have a remnant, chosen by God, who have been scattered abroad. And the promise that He shall gather them is an emphasis that is reiterated throughout Scripture.  For even more confirmation, we discover the following:

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word” (Jn. 17:20).

God’s elect remnant is referred to in other parallel passages as well:

“I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world: Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me; and they have kept Thy word” (Jn. 17:6).

Clearly, not everyone in the world has kept God’s Word and not everyone is gathered in Him, but only those who belong to Him. Even Revelation 5:9 makes a clear distinction between the whole world and God’s gathered remnant:

“Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood OUT of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”

Revelation 7:9 also states the following:

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, OF all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.”

Therefore, those who have eyes to see, can clearly concede that God’s Word contains overwhelming evidence that reveals the undeniable fact that He has a remnant of chosen people, throughout the whole world, who are scattered abroad and brought near to Him through faith in Jesus’ blood.

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13).

All spiritual blessings are found only in Christ Jesus and what He accomplished on behalf of sinners. His definite atonement not only procured the ends, but also the instrumental means of faith and repentance, so that all who trust solely in Him and what He actually accomplished at the cross can be sure that they have been elected by God before the foundation of the world. What a comfort it is to know that He rescues His lost sheep, He secures their salvation, and He gathers His chosen remnant!

“Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end” (Jn. 13:1).

Copyright ©2021 by Lee Anne Ferguson. 

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Arminianism is a Sin Because it Blasphemes God

Lee Anne Ferguson
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Without biblical evidences that true regeneration has taken place, there can be no blessed assurance, but only a superficial, false security that makes excuses for sin, rather than grieving over it, fighting it and pleading for mercy through Christ.  Christians can never reach sinless perfection this side of Heaven, but by God’s grace they will have a tender conscience that will cause them to wage war on sin, rather than rest easy in it. “Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:19).

      God leads His people in paths of righteousness for His name sake, which is why He leads them out of false religion (Ps. 23:3).

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1).

The ability to truly “cleanse ourselves” is the fruit of the work God accomplishes in His people, for “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 Jn. 1:7). “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Eph. 2:10). So that true Chrsitians can draw near in full assurance of faith with a clean conscience, for He is faithful (Heb. 10:22).

     He transforms His people for His name sake and for the sake of godliness, so that they cannot continue in a perpetual pattern of sin. They can no longer in good conscience join a false religion or stay in one once they learn the truth.  They can no longer in good conscience sit through heretical Bible studies, for He calls them out.  Though it may take them a while to discern the leading of their Savior, once they do, they will not be led by another spirit (Jn.10).  They would rather suffer “without the camp, bearing His reproach” (Heb. 13:13).

     God is jealous for His worship, and commands that it not be mixed with lies:

“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, Whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Ex. 34:14). “Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than He” (1 Cor. 10:21-22)?

     According to God’s Word, Paul feared that his people might “put up with” false teachers who proclaim a false Jesus and a false gospel (2 Cor. 11:1-4), because it would indicate that their mind had been corrupted and subtly deceived by the devil, even if they had so much as simply tolerated such.  Paul grieved jealously for his people, for he knew that if they turned from the true gospel that he was giving them, they would turn to fatally deceived deceivers, and ultimately end up turning from God (2 Tim. 3:13).

     Jesus said we cannot serve two masters (Mt. 6:24). We’re either slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness (Rom. 6:19). There are no lukewarm in-betweens. This same warning is reiterated in 2 John vv. 9-11, which exclaims that we’re not even supposed to give deceivers a greeting (in a way that would be approving their false doctrine), or we’ll be “a partaker of their evil deeds.” That’s how serious God’s pure worship is.  Jesus revealed that those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:23-24).

     So dear reader, if you are still sinfully involved in a false religion that blasphemes the true God of Scripture by teaching the lie that Jesus died for all (even those who are in Hell), sinfully counting His blood as a common thing, and teaches that you can be saved by exercising your own “freewill,” (which is a façade) rather than total dependence upon God’s sovereign free grace to give you faith in the true Christ Who saves all those He died for….

….then you need to fall on your face before God and cry to Him for mercy, clinging to THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST ALONE, and renouncing every ounce of your former life of self-righteous pride and indifference to the insurmountable, perfect righteousness and holiness of God.