16:4; Isa. In limited atonement, Calvinists are saying that there was a limit to whose sins were imputed to Christ in a legal sense. Fallen Man is spiritually blind and deaf The theology of Calvinism has been immortalized in the acronym TULIP, which states the five essential doctrines of total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints. It affects our minds and our thinking; we still have the capacity to think, but the Bible says the mind has become darkened and weakened. 19 You will say to me then, Why does He still find fault? No one has ever been saved without believing. If you have any issues, please call the office at 385-246-1048 or email us at [emailprotected], by Matt Slick | Feb 18, 2023 | Questions, Salvation. 2. 5:6), dead in his sins (Eph. Peoples sin debts were transferred to Jesus (1 Pet. Westminster John Knox Press. 4:4], and deaf [to the things of God; his heart is deceitful and desperately corrupt [Jer. 7 The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; 8 but because the LORD loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.. Unconditional Election- Lutheran theology affirms, along with Calvinism, that Gods election unto life is unconditional. Romans 8:33 Who shall bring a charge against Gods elect? The following course provides a brief historical overview of Calvinism followed by an explanation of the five points . These are your two choice for or against the Gospel found in Scripture. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Predestination and election are both biblical teachings. by grace through faith. (Cross, F. L., and Elizabeth A. Livingstone, eds. Spurgeon was not shy in preaching this truth: The fact is, that man is a reeking mass of corruption. Oct 20, 2021. Tulip: Total Depravity. Introduction Paul says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God". Deuteronomy 10:15 The LORD delighted only in your fathers, to love them; and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day. Irresistable Grace- On this point, there are both areas of agreement and disagreement. 25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. After confusing what man's sinful nature actually means, the rest of the TULIP has to be put in place of necessity. Ask someone if they know about Calvinism and most likely they'll bring up TULIP, a helpful acrostic that stands for the doctrines of Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of the Saints. The Principal Causes of Mans Salvation by John Brinsley PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book Total Depravity is a doctrine that stems from the TULIP. In Arminianism, mans response to Gods grace is the deciding factor. Total Depravity 37 The intention of this and following articles is to appropriately state and analyze each of the doctrines represented by TULIP by: 1) establish-ing, as necessary, a brief history of the doctrines involved, 2) presenting clearly the Calvinistic and Arminian views of each doctrine, 3) explain- 2:10; 2 Thess. Arthur Walkington Pink was an English Christian evangelist and biblical scholar who was known for his staunchly Calvinist and Puritan-like teachings in an era dominated by opposing theological traditions. If one of them is removed, then the whole system falls into absurdity and contradiction. A Biblical Defense. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.. A tulip is a flower with intertwining petals, without which, would not make up a complete flower. 7:6; Isa. The atonement was objectively given for all, but its benefits must be subjectively received by faith. 1:9; Tit. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Human Depravity Is Total in at Least Five Senses 1) Depravity affects every human. 9:11; 2 Tim. Christs blood is sufficient to cover all people. Acts 22:14 Then he said, The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. 4. Sign up for our newsletter: Sproul's new book. 135:4; Prov. Delivered From All Our Sins by Nicholas Byfield PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. To be totally depraved, however, does not mean that a person is as intensively evil as possible, but as extensively evil as possible. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. However, even that change does not instantly vanquish sin. Some would day that they agree with only the first two points of the acronym TULIP but rejects the rest. Therefore, original sin has to do with the fallen nature of mankind. BAAN TOTAL DEPRAVITY/TOTAL INABILITY (KERUSAKAN TOTAL/KETIDAKMAMPUAN TOTAL) UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION (PEMILIHAN TANPA SYARAT) LIMITED ATONEMENT/ LIMITED REDEMPTION (PENEBUSAN TERBATAS) IRRESSISTIBLE GRACE (ANUGERAH YANG TDK DPT DITOLAK) What is predestination and election? Learn Religions, Aug. 26, 2020, learnreligions.com/five-point-calvinism-700356. T.U.L.I.P. Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonment, Irrisistible Grace, Perseverance of the Saints. This is Total Depravity in a nutshell. 1 of 5 . 1:4, 5, 911; Eph. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption 31 that, as it is written, He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.. Argument #1: Total Depravity is a New Doctrine Based on Old Gnosticism The doctrine of total depravity developed about 500 years ago. Because salvation is the work of God the Father; Jesus Christ, the Savior; and the Holy Spirit, it cannot be thwarted. This teaching is historically referred to as "Calvinism" and briefly summarized by the following points: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. Those who teach "Four Point Calvinism" believe Christ died not for just the Elect but for the entire world. Human beings have "fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Gods grace is universal, yet those who are saved are so by grace alone. Wesleyans are utterly pessimistic about human nature and outrageously optimistic about God's grace. Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. Matt. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. This co-operation of the sinner, empowered by God's grace, is known as "synergism.". Regeneration and the New Birth by Isaac Ambrose PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book So what is required for us to be conformed to the image of Christ is not simply some small adjustments or behavioral modifications, but nothing less than renovation from the inside. 2:7; Gal. Limited Atonement- This is the major area of disagreement with Reformed Theology. I was asked by my small audience for an example of the difference, and the first example that came to mind was God's sovereignty in salvation. Otherwise you also will be cut off. We'd love to keep you up to date with what is happening at CARM. 105:17, 1922; Psa. Asbury revival draws massive crowds, over A Discussion of Romans 9 and Predestination. U. 33:19; Deut. Multimedia TULIP - A Seminar for The Bethlehem Institute (MP4s and MP3s), by John Piper Part 1: Introduction Is Paul saved at the time of this writing? Lutherans affirm a universal saving will in God, as well as a universal atonement. As I spoke . It is referring to man's depravity meaning man's natural condition apart from any grace exerted by God to restrain or transform man. It is the same with the essential doctrines of salvation. The difference between Lutheran and Reformed theology on these points is that the Lutheran system allows seeming tensions to stand side by side, as both are affirmed in Scripture. This label, however, is deficient in one respect. All of Gods elect will be finally saved. 20:16 [Matt. Arminius was viewed to have seriously deviated from the orthodox doctrines of justification and election. Stated plainly, Total Depravity teaches. Regarding monergism, there is agreement here. (2020, August 26). 1:4; 1 Thess. John 13:18 I do not speak concerning all of you. This is simply mind-boggling and breathtaking. For more on that point, 5. Through the Fall of Man, humanity is stained by sin in every aspect: heart, emotions, will, mind, and body. Thank you for your interest in supporting CARM. In biblical terms, that means its from the core or very center of our existence. Calvinism rises and falls on this false idea of total depravity. Joshua 11:20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might utterly destroy them, and that they might receive no mercy, but that He might destroy them, as the LORD had commanded Moses. The Irresistibleness of Converting Grace by John Preston PDF ePub Mobi. The choice and mercy of God depend on Gods desire, not mans ability (Romans 9:18). This doctrine has been adopted by the Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventists, Assemblies of God, Church of God . Oct 19, 2016. So a calvinist says that sin destroyed the will, and salvation restores the will. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, 7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, In Isaac your seed shall be called. 8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. It emphasizes the reality that it is God who preserves the elect in faith. Like Martin Luther before him, John Calvin broke from the Roman Catholic Church and based his theology on the Bible alone, not the Bible and tradition. God's transcendent sovereignty is the true starting point of Calvin's soteriology. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. CARMs official position is that Calvinism is within orthodoxy. God can't even look at them. 1:15) and for his glory (Isaiah 43:7). The Puritans were keenly aware that if the essentials of the Christian faith were overthrown or changed, then true religious faith disappeared. John 17:9 I pray for them. 1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 5:13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. In this sin, he is a creature that is totally depraved and incapable of obeying the law of God. as formulated by T. Beza. - by Dr. Charles Hodge, Irresistible Grace - compiled by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon, Jesus Died for Aliens on Planet Zeno - by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon, Justification by Grace Alone - by Dr. John Calvin, Limited Atonement - compiled by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon, Perseverance of the Saints - compiled by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon, Propositions and Principles of Divinity - by Dr. Theodore Beza (1519-1605), Repentance and Conversion - by Dr. William S. Plumer (1802-1880), The Doctrines of Grace - by Christopher Blum, The Effectual Application of Christ to the Soul by John Flavel, The First Century Church and Grace by William Cunningham, The Five Points of Calvinism - by W.J. Or do I seek to please men? This condition affects every person and it is opposed to truth. The five points "emerged from the Synod of Dort (1618- 19)." 1 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth. 18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. None of the church fathers believed in it - they all strongly affirmed that man has the power to choose good or evil. L Prevenient grace. The body, the mind, the will, the spiritindeed, the whole personhave been infected by the power of sin. It is unfortunate Lutherans too often confuse this doctrine with the idea of once saved always saved, and thus reject the entirety of the Reformed doctrine. Thus, on this point here is also agreement, though it is to be noted that Lutherans reject the negative side of this teaching, that God predestines people unto death. Now to go through each point:1. Here are a few quotations from second century church fathers: TULIP: Total Depravity w/Casey Chalk In today's episode we examine the first part of TULIP, a commonly used acronym to summarize the key tenets of Protestant Reformed theology. 6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. Galatians 3:11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for the just shall live by faith.. He keeps his saved ones secure so they will inherit the eternal life he has promised them. Zavada, Jack. 2:13, used of Christ as Messiah, Isa. Proverbs 21:1 The kings heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. The five points emerged from the Synod of Dort (1618 19).1McKim, Donald K. (2014-04-21). Special sins: that lead to death (1 Jn 5:16); a great sin (Gen 20:9); So, my simple definition of total depravity, total inability is: All human beings do wrong things against God's standards and harm other people. For many are called, but few chosen.. Total depravity is the extensive ruin of man's nature. The will, according to the New Testament, is now in bondage. It focuses on Gods sovereignty, stating that God is able and willing by virtue of his omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence, to do whatever He desires with His creation. First, there is what the church callsCalvinism, or more precisely speaking, the doctrines of grace. "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28. Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations., Malachi 1:2-3 I have loved you, says the LORD. Romans 8:29-30 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins. 28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. The word proorizo occurs six times in the New Testament, each time demonstrating that God is the one who is foreordaining and bringing about certain events. Kindle Edition. The TULIP memory tool was solidified at the Synod of Dort (1618-1619), a gathering of Reformed theologians who met in the Netherlands to counter and condemn the teachings of Arminianism. Total Depravity is a critical, first lesson that one must learn if they are to truly grasp the depth, beauty, and richness of God's sovereign grace. Rather, they ought simply to refer to the 5 points as the doctrines of grace. Calvinism is a much broader term used specifically of those who hold to Calvins Institutes, and more precisely, of those who hold Calvins view of the sacraments. We examine the doctrine and compare it with Catholic thought, equipping Catholics to understand both positions in greater d Rather, it would be the vanity of someones unbiblical and unexegetical mind, TULIP, the Fairest Flower in Gods Garden by John Gerstner, The Doctrine of the Saints Perseverance Explained and Confirmed by John Owen, On Election and Particular Atonement in the Gospel Call by John Owen, A Brief Survey of the Origin and Contents of the Five Points of Calvinism by David Steele, A Treatise on the Gift of Perseverance by Augustine, Definite Redemption Jesus Christ Died for Gods Elect by JI Packer, The Five Points of Calvinism by RL Dabney, Gods Sovereignty Displayed by William Gearing. It is the ruling power in every aspect of all people: body, soul . The fires were soon rekindled by his followers. Summarizing the Canons of Dort with the acronym TULIP has, IMO, done a lot of harm, but it's hard to get away from at this point. Acts 13:48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. The most recognizable form of mainline Reformed theology is expressed in the TULIP acronym, as given below: T - Total Depravity: every person is enslaved by sin and unable to choose God. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. | Christian History | Christianity Today T.U.L.I.P. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. TULIP and Reformed Theology: Total Depravity The doctrine of total depravity reflects the Reformed viewpoint of original sin. It is the unbeliever who is deceitful and wicked (Jer. View our current career opportunities. Total Depravity- The Lutheran language on this point differs, as "the bondage of the will" is spoken of rather than total depravity; this is due to a possible misunderstanding that. Do not be haughty, but fear. The saved people are called the Elect. Irresistable Grace- On this point, there are both areas of agreement and disagreement. We need renewal in the whole person." 3. God does not elect based on foreseen faith or merit, but out of pure grace with no regard to the behavior of the elect sinner. Calvinism is a rare theology: It can be explained simply using a five-letter acronym: TULIP. Exodus 33:19 Then He said, I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. People often have a strong impulse to do "right," and they often feel remorse for doing "wrong." However, this only proves that man still has some remnants of his original creation. Stated plainly, Total Depravity teaches that original sin impacts and taints every person in every aspect of our being. Sign up for our newsletter: I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He who eats My bread has lifted up his heel against Me., What Paul said Eph. The English predestination is translated from the Greek word proorizo which means 1) to predetermine, decide beforehand; 2) in the NT, of God decreeing from eternity; 3) to foreordain, appoint beforehand.1 Predestination, then, is the biblical teaching that God predestines certain events and people to accomplish what He so desires. 6:12 with Luke 11:4) since it is breaking the Law of God (1 John 3:4). Isaiah 45:4 For Jacob My servants sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me. - 7 - www.tlee1128.com Introduction Chapter one provides a general introduction to the five points of Calvinism and to the acrostic, TULIP. TULIP: Total Depravity When total depravity is addressed, it is the problem of sin that is being talked about. ", P - Stands for Perseverance of the Saints. 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. Limited Atonement- This is the major area of disagreement with Reformed Theology. The linked pages are a summary of the doctrines of grace which the Puritans consistently relied upon in their preaching and teaching. 1. The Total Depravity of Man. 3) In his total rebellion everything man does is sin. These were detailed after Calvin's death in the Second Synod of Dort in 1618-1619 against the opposing Five Articles . Election is the sovereign act of God where, from before the foundation of the world, he chose those whom he would save (Eph. Psalm 65:4 Blessed is the man You choose, And cause to approach You, That he may dwell in Your courts. Galatians 1:15-17 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mothers womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. This means we are incapable of being saved without God's help. We greatly appreciate your consideration! What does total depravity mean? Theopedia defines it as follows: "[E]very person born into the world is morally corrupt, enslaved to sin and is, apart from the grace of God, utterly unable to choose to follow God or choose to turn to Christ in faith for salvation." . They cannot save themselves. However, the theological point remains the same. R.C. And yet, as Peter "Read any good books lately?" Calvinists cite numerous Scripture verses supporting humanity's fallen and sinful nature, such as Mark 7:21-23, Romans 6:20, and 1 Corinthians 2:14. Post Author: Darrell. Thus, on this point here is also agreement, though it is to be noted that Lutherans reject the negative side of this teaching, that God predestines people unto death. Matt. 42:1; 1 Pet. The five fundamental beliefs of Calvinism can be summarized by the acronym TULIP. Tulip is a false gospel but nice try . Yet Jacob I have loved; 3 But Esau I have hated, And laid waste his mountains and his heritage For the jackals of the wilderness., Matthew 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first last. Lutherans also affirm that Gods election will always result in final salvation; in other words, election is immutable. Luke 8:10 And He said, To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand. (Matthew 11:25). MISCONCEPTION: "Total depravity" means humans are worthless trash piles, nothing but sin, disgusting all the way down. Regarding monergism, there is agreement here. 69 And He built His sanctuary like the heights, Like the earth which He has established forever. T - Total Depravity. CTWeekly delivers the best content from ChristianityToday.com to your inbox each week. We might also call this the doctrine of total inability. Calvinism Arminianism comparison grid Calvinism and Arminianism are two main theological perspectives that deal with salvation. The doctrine of original sin defines the consequences to the human race because of that first sin. . THE DOCTRINE OF TOTAL DEPRAVITY Let us begin with a review of what John Calvin taught on the human condition after the Fall of Adam and the possibility of return to communion with God, the first item in the TULIP construct: Total Depravity. Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! 9:1118 [vs. 32:8; Josh. We are enslaved to the evil impulses and desires of our hearts. In Calvinism, God is the ultimate and deciding factor in the salvation of individuals. 19 You will say then, Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in. 20 Well said. Total Hereditary Depravity "T" stands for Total Hereditary Depravity. Shorter Catechism of the Assembly of Divines, Larger Catechism of the Assembly of Divines, Pastoral Theology and Expository Preaching Articles, Pastoral Theology and Expository Preaching Videos, Questions Pastoral Candidates Should Ask Churches, TULIP, The Fairest Flower in Gods Garden by Dr. John Gerstner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner, Assurance of Grace and Salvation: What It Is; How To Attain It; Why More Do Not Enjoy It by William Plumer, Conviction and Conversion by Dr. William S. Plumer, Repentance and Conversion by Dr. William S. Plumer, Faith and Conversion by Dr. William S. Plumer, Jesus Died for Aliens on Planet Zeno by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon, The Doctrines of Grace by Christopher Blum, The Perseverance of the Saints by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon, For Whom Did Christ Die? Technically, however, it is God who perseveres, not the saints themselves. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. That is, as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve, the entire human race fell, and our nature as human beings since the fall has been influenced by the power of evil. Since some are chosen for salvation, others are not. John 10:14-15 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Foundation laid by Arminius. 9 For this is the word of promise: At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son. 10 And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac 11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, The older shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated. 14 What shall we say then? Total depravity. The Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms, Second Edition: Revised and Expanded (Kindle Locations 14590-14592). Box 1353 |Nampa, ID 83653 USA1-800-803-8093. Subscribe to CT for less than $4.25/month. https://www.learnreligions.com/five-point-calvinism-700356 (accessed March 4, 2023). Lutherans too argue that perseverance is the sole work of God, not of man. Calvinists support eternal security with verses such as John 10:27-28, Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 10:13, and Philippians 1:6. Why is it that we who trust in God, CARM is a nonprofit, non-denominational, multi-staffed Christian Apologetics Ministry that supports evangelism, radio outreach, and provides full-time support for several foreign missionaries. 2:24) and were canceled on the cross, not when we believe (Col. 2:14). Consider: Gen. 21:12, 13; Ex. As a result of this belief all of the other doctrines are created. It is my opinion that the Christian conception of God current in the middle years of the 20th century, is so decadent, as to be utterly beneath the dignity of the Most High God and actually to constitute for professed believers, something amounting to a moral calamity. Lutherans affirm a universal saving will in God, as well as a universal atonement. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 3:11; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. John 3:16 by C. Matthew McMahon PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book The five points of Calvinism can be summarized by the acronym TULIP. Hence, they are called the five points of Calvinism. Total depravity does not mean that we are as bad as we could be, or do all the bad things that we could do. The TULIP of Calvinism is the acronym that represents the five primary points that represent Calvinism: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints. Discovering the Wickedness of Our Heart by Matthew Mead PDF ePub Mobi or Printed Book 2 Thus says the LORD who made you And formed you from the womb, who will help you: Fear not, O Jacob My servant; And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. They are not denying the sufficiency of Christs blood to cover all people. 1 Corinthians 1:27-31 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.