Open Theism and the Undermining of Biblical Christianity

Beyond the Bounds: Open Theism and the Undermining of Biblical Christianity

by John Piper

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3329 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	418 pages
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Open theism, a modern theological movement that denies the omniscience and sovereignty of God, is a dangerous and unbiblical doctrine that undermines the very foundations of Christianity.

Open theists argue that God does not know the future and that he is not in control of all events. They claim that God is limited in his knowledge and power, and that he is constantly learning and adapting to the changing circumstances of the world.

This view of God is in direct contradiction to the clear teaching of Scripture. The Bible teaches that God is omniscient, meaning that he knows all things, past, present, and future (Psalm 139:4; Isaiah 46:10). It also teaches that God is sovereign, meaning that he is in control of all things and that his purposes will never be thwarted (Proverbs 16:9; Ephesians 1:11).

The denial of God's omniscience and sovereignty has a number of serious consequences for Christian faith. First, it undermines the trustworthiness of Scripture. If God does not know the future, then how can we trust his promises? If he is not in control of all events, then how can we be sure that he will keep his word?

Second, it undermines the authority of Christ. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and the Savior of the world. If God is not omniscient and sovereign, then how can we be sure that Jesus is who he said he was? How can we be sure that his death and resurrection were sufficient to save us from our sins?

Third, it undermines the hope of the Christian. If God is not in control of all events, then we have no guarantee that he will bring about a good future. We may hope for a better world, but we cannot be sure that it will ever come.

The doctrine of open theism is a dangerous and unbiblical doctrine that undermines the very foundations of Christianity. It is a doctrine that should be rejected by all who love the truth and who want to follow the God of the Bible.

The Dangers of Open Theism

The dangers of open theism are many and far-reaching. Here are a few of the most serious:

• It undermines the trustworthiness of Scripture.
• It undermines the authority of Christ.
• It undermines the hope of the Christian.
• It leads to a loss of confidence in God.
• It makes it difficult to pray with faith.
• It encourages a spirit of doubt and unbelief.

Open theism is a dangerous doctrine that should be rejected by all who love the truth and who want to follow the God of the Bible.

The Biblical Response to Open Theism

The Bible clearly teaches that God is omniscient and sovereign. Here are a few passages that support this doctrine:

Psalm 139:4: "Before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."

Isaiah 46:10: "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Proverbs 16:9: "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Ephesians 1:11: "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will."

These passages clearly teach that God knows all things, past, present, and future, and that he is in control of all events.

The biblical response to open theism is to reject it as a false and dangerous doctrine. We must hold fast to the truth that God is omniscient and sovereign, and that his purposes will never be thwarted.

Open theism is a dangerous and unbiblical doctrine that undermines the very foundations of Christianity. It is a doctrine that should be rejected by all who love the truth and who want to follow the God of the Bible.

We must hold fast to the biblical truth that God is omniscient and sovereign. We must trust in his promises and believe that he will bring about a good future for his people.

Beyond the Bounds: Open Theism and the Undermining of Biblical Christianity

by John Piper

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3329 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	418 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE