The Canons of Dort: Human Corruption and Conversion With Kim Riddlebarger

About The Guest(s):

• Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf are the hosts of the Renewal Cast podcast.
• Kim Riddlebarger is a guest on the podcast and is a theologian and author. He has a background in pastoral ministry and has taught at Westminster Seminary California.

Summary:

• In this episode of Renewal Cast, Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf continue their series on the Canons of Dort, focusing on the third and fourth main points of doctrine.
• They are joined by guest Kim Riddlebarger, who provides insights and explanations on the topics of human corruption, conversion, and the role of the Gospel in salvation.
• The Canons of Dort were written in response to the errors of the Armenians and the Remonstrants, who challenged the Reformed understanding of election and the preaching of the Gospel.
• The third and fourth heads of doctrine address the nature of human corruption, the inability of humans to save themselves, and the necessity of the Holy Spirit's work in regeneration and conversion.
• The Canons emphasize the importance of preaching the Gospel as the means through which God calls His elect to faith.
• The discussion also touches on the relationship between free will and human responsibility, the role of the law in convicting of sin, and the need for thanksgiving in response to God's grace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Humans are born with a sinful nature and are unable to save themselves.
2. The Gospel is the only means through which God calls His elect to faith and salvation.
3. Regeneration is a supernatural work of God that precedes faith and enables a person to respond to the Gospel.
4. Faith and repentance are connected but distinct responses to God's grace.
5. The preaching of the Gospel and the sacraments are the primary means through which God works in the lives of His people.

Quotes:

• "The Gospel is the means through which the Holy Spirit takes a person dead in sin and makes them alive." - Kim Riddlebarger
• "The law exposes the magnitude of our sin and convicts us of our guilt, but it does not offer a remedy or enable us to escape from our misery." - Canons of Dort
• "The proper response to God's grace is thanksgiving." - Canons of Dort