Articles

*The Gospel...*
The Biblical Gospel by Mitch Cervinka	The gospel reveals God's glory and love in sovereignly choosing, redeeming and regenerating people who are thoroughly corrupt and have no desire for God or godliness.
The Five Points of Calvinism by Frank B. Beck	Beck gives a well-reasoned, Bible-saturated presentation of the 5 points, or "TULIP".
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards	Edwards warns us of the frailty of human life and the certainty and horror of God's judgment for those outside of Christ.
Election by Charles H. Spurgeon	Spurgeon shows that the doctrine of God's personal election of men unto salvation is both Scriptural and the historical faith of Christ's church.
Particular Redemption by Charles H. Spurgeon	Spurgeon measures the greatness of Christ's redemption by five criteria and demonstrates that the Arminian's "general redemption" of all men is far more limited than the Calvinist's particular redemption of the elect only.

*Gospel Issues...*
How Free is the Will? by Mitch Cervinka	Does man have a free will to trust in Christ? Does responsibility imply ability? Must God give every person an opportunity to be saved? Explains the distinction between free will and free agency, and discusses the freedom of the will relative to the four states of man.
Does Water Baptism Save? by Mitch Cervinka	Salvation in Scripture is by faith alone. The words "baptize" and "baptism" often refer to our union with Christ, regardless of whether that union is evidenced by water baptism, or by verbal confession alone.
John Calvin vs. Zane Hodges by Mitch Cervinka	Is Zane Hodges correct in saying that John Calvin denied "Lordship Salvation"? Here is a table contrasting Hodges' teachings with those of Calvin, followed by a Biblical examination of Hodge's position.
Is Calvinism the Gospel? by Mitch Cervinka	Considers in what sense Calvinism can be regarded as the Gospel of our salvation.
Are All Arminians Unsaved? by Mitch Cervinka	Do Arminians embrace a false gospel? If so, how can any regenerate person be an Arminian? These questions are examined in this treatise.
A Reply to a Critical Review of Are All Arminians Unsaved? by Mitch Cervinka	My reply to a review of the article above.
What Love is That? by Mitch Cervinka	A response to the thesis of Dave Hunt's book What Love is This? Like many people, Mr. Hunt supposes that election is not very loving. This article demonstrates that Arminian love is, by far, the lesser love.
Introductory Essay by J. I. Packer	Packer contrasts the "new" Arminian gospel with the "old" Calvinistic gospel of the Bible.
Jacob and Esau by C. H. Spurgeon	Does God really hate Esau? Read what this master evangelist has to say.
Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption by George Whitefield	A sermon expounding 1 Corinthians 1:30, discussing election, imputed righteousness, the necessity of good works, the security of the believer, and the glories of heaven.
Particular Redemption Saved by Christ Alone by Mitch Cervinka	Did Jesus die for all people without exception, or for the elect only? Explains the Biblical basis for saying that Christ died only for the elect, and addresses the many arguments given to support a general redemption.
God's Distinguishing Love by Mitch Cervinka	God's saving love is deep, abiding and distinguishing. All that God does in saving His elect people is motivated by His special love for them. God does not have such a love for the non-elect, for, if He did, He would have chosen, redeemed and regenerated them.
Essays on Neo-Gnostic Calvinism by Greg Fields	Is cognitive knowledge the sina qua non of salvation? These articles analyze the view of certain ones who insist that belief in Calvinistic doctrine is required for salvation.

*Evangelism...*
A More Excellent Way ..Biblical purity in evangelistic motives by Mitch Cervinka	Offers a threefold Biblical alternative to the common evangelistic paradigm of seeking to save all men.
Removing the Doctrinal Obstacles to Calvinistic Evangelism by Mitch Cervinka	Examines the fallacies of hypercalvinistic arguments that the non-elect are not responsible to exercise saving faith in Christ. Intended to encourage Calvinistic Christians to have strong, sincere evangelical zeal.
The Call of Christ by A. W. Pink	Whom does Christ call to Himself in the Gospel? The answer may surprise you!

*Apologetics...*
How Old is the Earth? A Study of Two Contrary Views by Mitch Cervinka	The Bible teaches that God created the universe in six ordinary days, about 6000 years ago. Secular science teaches that the universe is over 10 billion years old. Does the evidence truly support the secular view? Read and see …
The Problem of Suffering Responses to a Common Objection by Mitch Cervinka	Why does God permit suffering? Does the existence of suffering disprove the existence of a loving, all-powerful God?
The Irrationality of Unbelief A Catalogue of Contradictions by Mitch Cervinka	The Biblical revelation is the foundation of all truth. All other belief systems result in contradictions, proving themselves to be false.
Evolution is Not Science by Mitch Cervinka, M.A. Mathematics	Examines the unscrupulous antics of Evolutionist propagandists, the philosophical presuppositions of Evolutionists, the proposed mechanisms of Evolution, and the scientific evidence. Also documents severe criticisms of Evolutionary theory by prestigious scientists. This is intended as a comprehensive, well-documented summary of the major objections to Evolution, in a form that is easy to read and understand.
Why Federal Vision is a Dangerous Error by Mitch Cervinka	Explains the fundamental teachings of so-called "Federal Vision" theology and exposes some of its serious errors.

*The Excellency of God...*
The Sacredness of God by Mitch Cervinka	What does it mean to regard something as sacred? Why is God sacred? Do we have a proper regard for God's sacredness?
The Wrath of God by A. W. Pink	How should we respond to the teaching that God will torment the lost for all eternity? Is this a doctrine that we are loathe to consider and find difficult to defend? Pink demonstrates that the wrath of God is one of God's glorious perfections, and that it is very profitable for us to meditate upon it.

*God's Eternal Purpose...*
Double Predestination by Mitch Cervinka	Has God appointed the destiny of His elect only, or of non-elect people as well? This article seeks to correct several misconceptions concerning the volatile subject of predestination.
Common Grace by Mitch Cervinka	God gives the non-elect many good gifts that they do not deserve. Why does He do this? Did Christ purchase these blessings when He died on the cross? Addresses these and other issues.
On Predestination by Augustine of Hippo	John Calvin did not invent the doctrines of grace. Here is some sound Bible teaching from a 4th century Puritan.
The Will of God by A. W. Pink	If God is in sovereign control of the universe, how can there be sin in the world? Pink explains the classical Reformed solution to this problem.
Difficulties and Objections by A. W. Pink	Answers to some of the common objections raised against the doctrine of God's sovereignty.

*Spirituality...*
The Signs of an Apostle by Mitch Cervinka	What are the signs that distinguished apostles from other spiritually gifted Christians?
Our First Love by Mitch Cervinka	A zeal for good things is not necessarily a sign of spirituality. An examination of the motives behind our zeal.
The Role of the Law in the Sanctification of the Believer by Mitch Cervinka	What role, if any, should the Law play in the sanctification of the believer?
The Danger of Lukewarmness in Religion by Samuel Davies	A wake-up call to professing believers—to beware of serving the Lord with a lukewarm, indifferent spirit—together with numerous compelling reasons why we should serve Him with all our might. Truly, this is a warning that each of us needs to take to heart daily!

*Eschatology...*
The Kingdom of God by Mitch Cervinka	When the New Testament speaks of "The kingdom of God," it consistently has in view the eternal kingdom which God has promised to those who love Him. This kingdom is set forth as a great hope, comfort and encouragement to us. Israel and the Church is discussed here.
What about Covenantalism? by Mitch Cervinka	Covenantalism is usually regarded as an integral part of the Reformed Faith. This article briefly defines, discusses and critiques the Covenantal view.
Of the New Heavens and Earth, and their Inhabitants by John Gill	A chapter from his "Body of Doctrinal Divinity," in which Gill argues for a literal and future "New Earth" and shows that this cannot refer to the church during the present age.

*The Scriptures...*
The Gender-Sensitive Parable of the Prodigal Son or Daughter by Mitch Cervinka	A satire exposing the foolishness of the arguments for producing gender-neutral translations.

*The Church...*
This Is My Body Does it matter whether the bread is leavened? by Mitch Cervinka	No one denies that Jesus used unleavened bread when He instituted the Lord's Supper on the evening of the Passover. However, a prevalent view among Reformed scholars has been that common (leavened) bread is acceptable for use in the Lord's Supper. This article is an appeal for the use of unleavened bread in the Lord's Supper.
The Biblical Model for Church Organization by Mitch Cervinka	The Biblical church was an informal meeting, having several part-time pastors.
The Structure of the Local Church by Mitch Cervinka	Similar to above, in question/answer format.
Immersed into What? by Mitch Cervinka	Does the Bible ever say we must be immersed into water? The answer may surprise you!
A Study of the Mode of Water Baptism by Mitch Cervinka	A condensation of the arguments for sprinkling as the Biblical mode of water baptism, presented in outline form.
Water Baptism by Mitch Cervinka	Biblical baptism involved sprinkling a believer immediately after he expressed his faith in Christ. Water baptism was never meant as a legal ordinance to separate "obedient Christians" from "disobedient Christians."
Of the Officers of a Church, Particularly Pastors by John Gill	Gill argues that the terms "pastor," "overseer," "elder" and "teacher" refer to a single office, and not to separate offices. He also demonstrates that pastors should be chosen from within the church.

*Christmas and other holidays...*
Resurrection Sunday? by Mitch Cervinka	Provides a scriptural analysis of the present-day practice of some to try to salvage Easter for Christ by renaming the holiday.
XMAS by A. W. Pink	Arthur Pink exhorts us to refrain from participation in this worldly, idolatrous holiday.
Christmas by C. H. Spurgeon	Two brief quotations by Charles Spurgeon, in which he states his opposition to the observance of Christmas.
The Truth About Christmas by R. F. Becker	A careful examination of the origins and character of Christmas.
The Two Babylons III:1 - "Christmas and Lady-Day" by Alexander Hislop	An in-depth look at the pagan origins of Christmas.

*Issues that sometimes threaten Christian liberty...*
The Head Covering by Mitch Cervinka	The woman's head covering mentioned in 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 was the veil which is commonly worn in Moslem countries today.
Is Wine Evil? by Mitch Cervinka	Scripture shows that wine is a good gift of God which can be easily abused. The abstinence position is critiqued, and a plea is offered for liberty on this issue.
Sabbath and the Lord's Day by Mitch Cervinka	Scripture teaches that the Sabbath has been fulfilled in Christ, and that there are no sacred or holy days for the Christian. The Bible never identifies "the Lord's Day" as a particular day of the week, but rather as a coming day when God will display His power in judgment and blessing.
A Defense of Open Communion by Robert M. M'Cheyne	M'Cheyne argues that all true believers, having been grafted into the one True Vine, are vitally united to one another for eternity, and are thereby entitled to partake together of the Lord's Supper.
Is Rebaptism Scriptural? by John Gill	In his commentary on Acts 19:2-6, Gill shows that the Ephesian believers were not rebaptized by Paul.
Comments on the Sabbath by John Gill	Statements from Gill's Commentaries demonstrating that the Sabbath was a Jewish ordinance, fulfilled in Christ, and therefore no longer binding upon the church.
The Sabbath was Not a "Creation Ordinance" by John Gill	An extended excerpt from Gill's "A Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity" refuting the claim that God instituted the Sabbath prior to Moses.
Wine: Abstinence or Moderation? by John Gill	In his commentary on Ephesians 5:18, Gill asserts that the drinking of wine in moderation is legitimate and Biblical.

*Exposition of Scripture Passages...*
An Exposition of Matthew 23:37 by Mitch Cervinka	Did Jesus say "I would have gathered you, and you would not" ?
An Exposition of John 3:16 by Mitch Cervinka	An examination of the Arminian interpretation of John 3:16, and offers a more Biblical alternative.
An Exposition of Romans 9 by Mitch Cervinka	Yes, Scripture really does teach that God chooses some individuals unto salvation, and not others!
An Exposition of Ephesians 2:1-10 Salvation is wrought entirely by God by Mitch Cervinka	This passage of scripture consists of four statements each of which asserts that salvation is entirely of God--that man contributes nothing toward obtaining salvation--not works, not faith, not even the willingness to believe. All is of God alone.
An Exposition of 1Timothy 2:3-4 by Mitch Cervinka	Is John Piper correct in saying that God desires the salvation of all men without exception? Is this really what 1 Timothy 2:4 teaches?
An Exposition of 2 Peter 3:9 by Mitch Cervinka	What does it mean that "The Lord ... is not wishing that any should perish"?
A Study of James by Mitch Cervinka	The epistle of James is a great source of practical wisdom, providing us with many profound insights on how to live the Christian life in a God-glorifying way. This is a set of 17 lessons to help you glean the treasures contained in this precious epistle.
The Meaning of "KOSMOS" in John 3:16 by A. W. Pink	Arthur Pink demonstrates that KOSMOS (the Greek word translated "world" in John 3:16) is subject to a variety of meanings in Scripture, and that it does not require us to believe that God gave Christ to die for the entire human race.
1 John 2:2 by A. W. Pink	1 John 2:2 says "And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world". Does this mean that Christ is the propitiation for the sins of the non-elect?

Home | The Gospel | Search | Comments?
Articles | Books | Conferences | Hymns | Library | Links

21st Century Puritan Web Site - 1997-2018 Mitch Cervinka