Ramifications

We have pointed out numerous times the theological ramifications of Hardshell doctrine and of their man made premises. One of those premises affirms that the actions of sinners or saints are their own, and are not to be attributable to sovereign grace. For salvation to be "by grace," they argue, no human activity must be involved. This reasoning (see Demolishing Hardshell Reasoning) leads them to affirm that any righteous action cannot be by the same kind of grace, or else their prior definition of grace is uprooted.

How many times have we heard the Hardshells say "if salvation is based upon faith and repentance and confession, or perseverance, then it is not by grace but by works"?

But, they fail to see the "ramifications" of such a position. They also fail to see how it contradicts what they say elsewhere. They seem clearly to speak out of both sides of their mouths on this subject and they don't even realize it. Do they not sometimes say that faith is the gift of God and produced by sovereign grace and power? Do they not at other times say that "faith is the work of the creature"?

The ramifications of saying that faith and repentance are not a result of grace are far reaching.

Let me close with another question or two for our Hardshell brothers.

Are any of your religious activities the result of sovereign efficacious grace?

Do you credit God or yourself for your faith, repentance, and endurance?

Acts 18:27 says that the early converts "had believed (the gospel, or evangelically) through grace."