ROSES vs TULIP 04/01/2010
 
What are the tenets of ROSES, in contrast to TULIP?

Radical depravity: The old term, total depravity, gives the impression that fallen humanity always is as bad as it possibly can be.  The new term, radical depravity, more correctly emphasizes that every aspect of our being is affected by the Fall and renders us incapable of saving ourselves. 

Overcoming grace: The old term, irresistible grace, seems to imply that God saves a person against his will.  The new term, overcoming grace, highlights that it is God’s persistent beckoning that overcomes our wicked obstinacy. 

Sovereign election: Often the term unconditional election is presented in such as way as to give the impression that those who die without receiving Christ did so because God never desired their salvation in the first place.  The replacement label, sovereign election, affirms that God desires the salvation of all, yet accentuates that our salvation is not based on us choosing God, but on God choosing us.

Eternal life: The old term, perseverance of the saints, leads to the notion that a believer’s assurance is based on his ability to persevere rather than on the fact he is declared righteous in Christ.  The purpose of the new term, eternal life, is to stress that believers enjoy a transformed life that is preserved and we are given a faith which will remain. 

Singular redemption:  A particularly unfortunate concept, limited atonement, teaches that Christ died only for the elect and gives the impression that there is something lacking in the Atonement.  The new term, singular redemption, emphasizes that Christ died sufficiently for every person, but efficiently only for those who believe.


From Salvation and Sovereignty (pp. 3-4)
 


Comments

Bro David Hanna link
04/01/2010 4:15pm

I really like this approach. I am not a full 5 point calvinist, however this langage goes a long way. dlh

Reply
John S.
07/15/2010 1:51am

Sir, I bought and read your book, Salvation and Sovereignty which I really liked, by the way. However, I am having difficulty explaining to other Arminian brothers the difference between Molinism and Arminianism. So far the only thing I could think of is simple foreknowledge vs. middle knowledge. I've always considered myself an Arminian and believe as much in the sovereignty of God. Would you be able to tell me other significant differences between Arminianism and Molinism. Thank you

Reply
tim prussic link
07/27/2010 2:36am

Good word. I'll stick with the old terminology, but use these new ones to help clarify. After all, tulips are linked with Holland, and the Synod of Dort was there. Roses just can't compete with that! :)

Reply
Anthony Feigenbaum link
02/14/2011 5:00pm

Hello,

I would be most grateful if you could furnish a few good solid Scripture references for each of the positions mentioned under ROSES ... I really like this!!

Kind regards,
Anthony
14 February 2011

Reply
Jeff Ahrendt
03/08/2011 1:28pm

But there is no substantive "contrast" between the old TULIP and your supposedly new ROSES!

To be truly "a middle ground" (aka the biblically 'correct' position) between calvinism and arminianism, ROSES Theology would stand for this:

Redeemed on condition of faith -- "To the one who... believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness," (Rom 4:5)

Open to all -- "God... desires all men to be saved... (for) God... is the savior of all men, especially of believers," (1 Tim 2:4, 4:9), "For whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved," (Rom 10:13).

Separated by sin -- "Your (sins) have made a separation between you and your God," (Isa 59:2)

Elect to good works -- "God... chose us (who are) in (Christ)... that we should be holy and blameless before him... For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them," (Eph 1:4, 2:10)

Sealed by the Spirit -- "Having also believed, you were sealed in him with the Holy Spirit of promise," (Eph 1:13)

So drop the tulip, and start smelling the roses!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply