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K
The argument of ''Calvinism is not in the Bible'' is as ridiculous and shallow as the one people use to argue that ''Trinity is not in the Bible''. Please understand that Calvinism is the name given to the doctrine (name which, by the way, was given years after Calvin's death), doctrine which is indeed explained in the Bible. I have yet to meet a Calvinist Christian who professes to follow Calvin instead of Christ.
I like some of Calvinism, namely perfection of a believer, but I do not agree with irresistible grace. There are many instances where Jesus told us to believe, cried out because His people wouldn't, and that God desires things that are not currently happening. God needed a Man, Jesus, to wrest authority from the devil so He could save His children. Why? Because He told US that we were made in His image, to be fruitful, multiply, and rule the Earth. It's His Earth, but He gave us dominion over it.
We see when Jesus comes and gets all authority back, and then tells us to GO. We are back to now being fruitful and having dominion over the Earth. There is a lot of free-will Scripture and the Scriptures that indicate irresistible grace can be explained in context and there is far more free-will Scriptures that are simple, which is a basic rule of exegesis.
And finally from a philosophic preference, I don't personal feel many Calvinists even truly believe in the absence of free-will themselves. Why? Because they don't tell people this when they are sharing the gospel. They don't say, well if God chose you - you will believe. And finally many try to convince others of their theological position, but if it's God's will why even argue about it?
Just my .03
C.
We see when Jesus comes and gets all authority back, and then tells us to GO. We are back to now being fruitful and having dominion over the Earth. There is a lot of free-will Scripture and the Scriptures that indicate irresistible grace can be explained in context and there is far more free-will Scriptures that are simple, which is a basic rule of exegesis.
And finally from a philosophic preference, I don't personal feel many Calvinists even truly believe in the absence of free-will themselves. Why? Because they don't tell people this when they are sharing the gospel. They don't say, well if God chose you - you will believe. And finally many try to convince others of their theological position, but if it's God's will why even argue about it?
Just my .03
C.
K
Sorry but this is a huge lie. If anything, prosperity teachers and the charismatic movement at large have been the main cause of division in the Body of Christ in modern times. I have no doubt that there are churches that believe in Calvinism that have caused division, but I've rarely seen them having such as negative impact as these latter two have had.
But, even division can be good at times. Jesus said He would bring division in the context of truth (Mt10:34). So if division comes by preaching truth, then let it be (oh look, I quoted John Lennon all of a sudden
).
But, even division can be good at times. Jesus said He would bring division in the context of truth (Mt10:34). So if division comes by preaching truth, then let it be (oh look, I quoted John Lennon all of a sudden
).Well to be fair, men like Whitefield, Spurgeon, Francis Schaeffer, Gill, Lloyd-Jones, Matthew Henry, James Boice, D.A. Carson, John Piper, Machen, A.W. Pink, John Bunyun essentially all the Puritans etc. etc. were all Calvinists.
So let's not throw out the baby with the swill. Check all against Scripture (Acts 17:11 Bereans) .take the melon and spit out the seeds.
So let's not throw out the baby with the swill. Check all against Scripture (Acts 17:11 Bereans) .take the melon and spit out the seeds.
You need to read the book of Ephesians in context, in other words, the whole thing!
" In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace," Eph. 1:4c-7
Eph. 2:8-10 is support for eternal security and Calvinism. I am not a Calvinist, because I don't see half of one point in the Bible. I don't see any verses that God predestines the unbeliever to hell. Although it is logical, because he does choose the elect.
I am glad to see the true gospel of Christ returning. This whole free will doctrine is not found anywhere in the Bible. Instead, I think that the sovereignty of God is emphasized, rather that the will of mere humans!
Learning that God is in control freed me of the awful burden of never knowing whether I was measuring up. Now, knowing that God is sovereign in all things, I can humbly come before the throne if grace each day and confess my sins, and allow the Holy Spirit to clean deeper and deeper into my heart, knowing that he is changing me for his glory!
" In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace," Eph. 1:4c-7
Eph. 2:8-10 is support for eternal security and Calvinism. I am not a Calvinist, because I don't see half of one point in the Bible. I don't see any verses that God predestines the unbeliever to hell. Although it is logical, because he does choose the elect.
I am glad to see the true gospel of Christ returning. This whole free will doctrine is not found anywhere in the Bible. Instead, I think that the sovereignty of God is emphasized, rather that the will of mere humans!
Learning that God is in control freed me of the awful burden of never knowing whether I was measuring up. Now, knowing that God is sovereign in all things, I can humbly come before the throne if grace each day and confess my sins, and allow the Holy Spirit to clean deeper and deeper into my heart, knowing that he is changing me for his glory!
I was a Southern Baptist and graduated from a Southern Baptist Seminary in Canada.
i know literally hundreds of Southern Baptists who love and serve Jesus with all their hearts souls, minds and strengths. Many of them are former missionaries, or are still on the mission field, witnessing and seeing God bring many souls to him!
The only reason I left the denomination was because of a pastor who went a little crazy and stopped preaching the Bible. I am still a Baptist, but in an NABC, and a very Bible believing church!
As for baptism in any convention or independent church, adult or believer's Baptism is the only kind that is practised, although I have seen some children around 12 baptized, who are still following God with all their heats.
The most divisive heresy that has rocked the church for over 30 years, is the Prosperity or Health and Wealth gospel, which has literally destroyed thousands of lives, through being taken captive by false doctrine, including the lie that God wants everyone healthy and rich, and all you have to do is claim it. The most horrific doctrine I can think of in the history of the Christian Church.
OP, still waiting on your Bible verses showing that Calvinists are not saved...... Oh right, there are none, which is why you did not post any!
i know literally hundreds of Southern Baptists who love and serve Jesus with all their hearts souls, minds and strengths. Many of them are former missionaries, or are still on the mission field, witnessing and seeing God bring many souls to him!
The only reason I left the denomination was because of a pastor who went a little crazy and stopped preaching the Bible. I am still a Baptist, but in an NABC, and a very Bible believing church!
As for baptism in any convention or independent church, adult or believer's Baptism is the only kind that is practised, although I have seen some children around 12 baptized, who are still following God with all their heats.
The most divisive heresy that has rocked the church for over 30 years, is the Prosperity or Health and Wealth gospel, which has literally destroyed thousands of lives, through being taken captive by false doctrine, including the lie that God wants everyone healthy and rich, and all you have to do is claim it. The most horrific doctrine I can think of in the history of the Christian Church.
OP, still waiting on your Bible verses showing that Calvinists are not saved...... Oh right, there are none, which is why you did not post any!
K
I also wanted to point out that I've been attending a church that embraces the 5 points of Calvinism (though we never mention the word Calvinism) and I'm thrilled to see how much evangelism is emphasized and pointed as the main duty of Christians. Our elders and leaders often reminds us that we need to go out there and preach the gospel. There are evangelism classes, and different ways to get involved. Not that other non-Calvinist churches don't do this, but I just wanted to mention it since so many out there say Calvinism is against evangelism.
A
Sorry but this is a huge lie. If anything, prosperity teachers and the charismatic movement at large have been the main cause of division in the Body of Christ in modern times. I have no doubt that there are churches that believe in Calvinism that have caused division, but I've rarely seen them having such as negative impact as these latter two have had.
But, even division can be good at times. Jesus said He would bring division in the context of truth (Mt10:34). So if division comes by preaching truth, then let it be (oh look, I quoted John Lennon all of a sudden ).
But, even division can be good at times. Jesus said He would bring division in the context of truth (Mt10:34). So if division comes by preaching truth, then let it be (oh look, I quoted John Lennon all of a sudden
).
you're not going to hear people,running around talking about it , naturally, but I can tell you where I have lived and where I now live Calvinism, or portions of it runs rampant.
A
Unless God pulls you, draws you, drags you to Christ, you will not want to come to Christ. Only someone born again can see the kingdom of God (John 3:3), let alone enter it (John 3:5).
I believe you would understand more of these five points if you study them, find them in scripture (which you will), and learn about it.
I believe you would understand more of these five points if you study them, find them in scripture (which you will), and learn about it.
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K
Romans 3:11
there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.
John 6:44
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.And I will raise him up on the last day.
Unless you are the exception to these verses, and you are the only one that chose God without God first intervening. Faith is also a free gift.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
K
Well in that case, as I said, it is not as widespread and hasn't had as much impact as the damages done by the prosperity gospel and the charismatic movement (because in those cases people actually talking about them, and they are even on tv). I was simply pointing out the error of your claim that Calvinism has been ''the major'' cause of division in the Church. I know there is error everywhere because churches aren't perfect, but it simply isn't truth that Calvinism has been the major cause of division.