The Tulip in the Garden

We all do theology, that is, we all have a way of thinking about God. In fact, you are responsible for the way you think about God. The term for that responsibility is “soul competency.” You are personally answerable for the way you think about God. You don't depend upon Calvin for your theology. You don't depend upon Grudem for your theology. You don't depend upon Boyce for your theology. You don't depend upon Humphreys for your theology. You don't depend upon Connell for your theology. You are responsible for getting to know God, for reading your Bible, and for developing basic, foundational truths and/or principles that guide the way you think about God.

Since I am responsible for the way I think about God, then referring to my thoughts as Connellism is merely a way of personalizing and acknowledging that I am accountable for them. The following foundational truths or principles guide me in thinking about God:

? God loves all humans without exception;

? God has created each person for the purpose of fellowship and partnership;

? Despite God's purpose, humans deliberately choose personal autonomy; that is, living life their way instead of God's way;

? God has taken the initiative in pursuing rebellious humans and provides an opportunity for each person to join his family.

? Accepting God's offer results in eternal family membership.

? Rejecting God's offer results in eternal separation from Him.

The maxims just stated may sound like common, basic stuff, but it's also theology. It's a way of thinking about God. It's laying out some foundational principles and premises about God, and for me, these truths are significant.

? Total depravity is false because each person is accountable to God for his or her lifestyle decisions.

? Unconditional election is false; that is, the thought that God chooses some to salvation and others to damnation.

? Limited atonement is false because, in fact, Jesus died for the sins of the entire world.

? Irresistible grace is false because man truly does have a choice as to whether or not he will cooperate with God.

? Ideas of election and predestination must conform to or blend with the above truths rather than stand in tension with them.

If Connellism is an appropriate way of thinking about God, then the following acrostic sums up the six major tenets:

A-C-C-E-S-S:

ACCESS is a term that is as powerful as it is beautiful. Paul uses the word twice in Ephesians. 2:18 is the first, “Through [Jesus] we . . . have our 'access' in one Spirit to the Father;” and 3:11 -12 is the second, “In Christ Jesus . . . we have boldness and confident 'access' through faith in Him.”

For me, the ACCESS acrostic is a far more accurate gauge of comprehensive biblical theology than the TULIP. Of course, whether or not you use ACCESS as a terminology is up to you. If ACCESS is inadequate, then take up the challenge to develop your own acrostic. Such an exercise is probably an excellent idea regardless. At the least, you will have thought through what you believe to a deeper degree than at any point in prior time. That has to be a good thing.