Biblical Talks with Elder Michael Tolliver Podcast
When the term Reformed theology is used, it often refers to something less historical. Often it refers to a theology that acknowledges the doctrine of predestination and holds to a high view of the Bible as God’s inerrant Word. Sometimes it is also identified with the so-called five points of Calvinism: total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints. These are all important teachings of the Reformed tradition, but they do not fully encapsulate or describe Reformed theology.
A better starting place is five statements that have been called the five solas of the Reformation. These five solas (sola is the Latin word for “only” or “alone”) are sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), and soli Deo gloria (God’s glory alone). Put together, these solas clearly express the central concerns of the Protestant Reformation, which was about worship and authority within the church as much as it was about individual salvation. The “alone” in each is vital, and they emphasize the sufficiency of God’s Word and the gracious nature of salvation, received by faith alone, in Christ alone. The last of the five solas, soli Deo gloria, is the natural outworking of the first four. It reminds us that Reformed theology understands all of life in terms of the glory of God. To be Reformed in our thinking is to be God-centered. Salvation is from the Lord from beginning to end, and even our existence is a gift from Him.
Biblical Talks with Elder Michael Tolliver Podcast
Biblical talks Encouraging Word for the Week, with Rachel Tolliver: Possessing the Son Possessing Life
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I John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. John wrote this letter for two main reasons: (1) so you may believe in the Son of God for salvation, and (2) so you may know you have eternal life if you believe in Him. Many people say they want to believe they have eternal life, but the real question is whom you believe. Do you believe God and the testimony He gave? He says if you have the Son, you have life. Do you believe that? John didn’t say anything about feelings or joining something; it's about believing in Jesus as your Savior. If you have Him, you have life.
This is why John wrote the letter, so you may know you have eternal life. The same purpose is behind the Gospel John wrote: “Jesus did many other signs not recorded in this book, but the ones written are so you may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing, you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).
John wants you to know that if you have the Son, you have life, and knowing this honors God. It's not about how much faith you have or how you feel; it's about trusting Christ. That’s what matters most.
Having this assurance of eternal life affects how we live our Christian life now
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Welcome to Biblical Talks Encouraging Words for the Week. I am Rachel Tolliver. 1 John 5.13. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. John wrote this letter for two main reasons First, so you may believe in the Son of God for salvation and second, so you may know you have eternal life if you believe in Him.
Speaker 1:Many people say they want to believe they have eternal life, but the real question is whom you believe? Do you believe God and the testimony he gave? He says if you have the Son, you have life. Do you believe that? John didn't say anything about feelings or joining something. It's about believing in Jesus as your Savior. If you have him, you have life. This is why John wrote the letter so you may know you have eternal life. The same purpose is behind the gospel John wrote.
Speaker 1:Jesus did many other signs not recorded in this book, but the ones written are. So you may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in his name. John 20, 30 through 31. John wants you to know that if you have the son, you have life, and knowing this honors God. It's not about how much faith you have or how you feel. It's about trusting Christ. That's what matters most. Having this assurance of eternal life affects how we live our Christian life now how we live our Christian life now. For more encouraging words, please go to biblicaltalkscom or listen to the Biblical Talks podcast on your favorite media app. Thank you for listening to Biblical Talks.
