CALVINISM IN A NUTSHELL

QUESTION: Can you give me a concise summary of what is meant by “Calvinism”? Also, can you tell us briefly why these teachings are erroneous? What Bible verses would show this? ANSWER: Okay, this is a challenge; but here I … Continue reading

THE MESSAGE OF ROMANS 1-8

THE MESSAGE OF ROMANS 1-8 A DEVOTIONAL GIVEN BY JACK COTTRELL AT THE MAY 2016 MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CHRISTIAN RESTORATION ASSOCIATION I. INTRODUCTION. How can we discern what Paul is teaching in Romans 1-8, or … Continue reading

Saved by Grace #1 — GRACE ISN’T FAIR, BUT THAT’S GOOD!

Almost everyone develops a “fairness mentality” to some degree. We are conditioned from childhood to respect and seek fairness, otherwise known as justice. We know what it means to deserve (or not deserve) something. Very early in life, kids learn … Continue reading

Saved by Grace #3 — DOUBLE CURSE, DOUBLE CURE

The English word “grace” can be used in three ways. First, it can refer to the cause of salvation: it represents the aspect of God’s nature that causes him to love sinners and seek their salvation even though they do … Continue reading

Saved by Grace #5 — JUSTIFIED BY FAITH: THE KEY TO ASSURANCE

The immediate practical benefit of understanding that we are saved by grace is that we have assurance of salvation. Assurance is not the same as “once saved, always saved.” It is a confidence in our present security in Jesus Christ. … Continue reading

Saved by Grace #14 — Once in Grace, Always in Grace?

“Once in grace, always in grace.” “Once saved, always saved.” “Eternal security.” These three phrases all refer to the same idea, namely, that once a person has truly become saved, he or she can never become unsaved. Once you are … Continue reading

What’s Supposed To Change in the Lord’s Supper? A Communion Meditation

I was baptized when I was ten years old, and began taking the Lord’s Supper the very next Sunday. Shortly thereafter, one Sunday I noticed that the juice in my communion cup tasted – very different! It was not good … Continue reading

Heb. 6:4-8 and “Once Saved, Always Saved”

Heb. 6:4-8 and “Once Saved, Always Saved” by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 10:03am A RECENT QUERY: “We are doing a study in Hebrews and this week chapter 6 rears its ugly head regarding eternal security. … Continue reading