Not By Works

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
E

EleventhHour

Guest
I also add my amen - and submit the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints as my framework for doing so. We do not persevere because it is us working to - but Him working in us to keep us, so that no matter how much we may sin, we may never truly fall away - but must in the end persevere, if we are saved. Because we are saved.

1 John 2:1-3 "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments."


Perseverance is really grounded in works not grace.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
Inside myself? I do all the time.
Good, then hopefully you saw you were not innocent in the exchange, that’s why I said two wrongs do not make a right. That situation could have been handled a lot better before it escalated
 
May 31, 2020
1,706
1,559
113
Good, then hopefully you saw you were not innocent in the exchange, that’s why I said two wrongs do not make a right. That situation could have been handled a lot better before it escalated
I appreciate you looking out for me but I’d also appreciate you finding where I stated I’m innocent of anything. On another note I’m not going to argue with you over the likes of CC members who enjoy causing strife, of which you get dragged into.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
I appreciate you looking out for me but I’d also appreciate you finding where I stated I’m innocent of anything. On another note I’m not going to argue with you over the likes of CC members who enjoy causing strife, of which you get dragged into.
I never said you claimed you were innocent. I just wanted everyone to look inside

I have not been dragged into Anything
I guess I will Just leave this thread again
It’s all Good
 
E

EleventhHour

Guest
I appreciate you looking out for me but I’d also appreciate you finding where I stated I’m innocent of anything. On another note I’m not going to argue with you over the likes of CC members who enjoy causing strife, of which you get dragged into.

From experience with the "passive-aggressive" behaviour you will always feel at a loss to help that person.
I think we all tried in earnest and most sincerely through a variety of approaches.
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
13,614
9,127
113
One of the things I think we all forget, myself included, is that there is an actual living human being behind that post that we react to in an unloving manner. And likely a Brother or Sister in Christ with us, although their doctrine may differ in areas, they hold on to the Core Gospel Message of God in the flesh, dying for our sin debt, resurrected on the 3rd Day.

That's one of the reasons I chose to put my pic up rather than something else. Not putting anyone down who doesn't, just saying my rationale.
 
May 31, 2020
1,706
1,559
113
One of the things I think we all forget, myself included, is that there is an actual living human being behind that post that we react to in an unloving manner. And likely a Brother or Sister in Christ with us, although their doctrine may differ in areas, they hold on to the Core Gospel Message of God in the flesh, dying for our sin debt, resurrected on the 3rd Day.

That's one of the reasons I chose to put my pic up rather than something else. Not putting anyone down who doesn't, just saying my rationale.
With respect, calvinists don’t hold on to the Core Gospel Message regarding non-calvinists. On another note, I like your wisdom about avatars. Maybe I’ll follow through.
 
E

EleventhHour

Guest
One of the things I think we all forget, myself included, is that there is an actual living human being behind that post that we react to in an unloving manner. And likely a Brother or Sister in Christ with us, although their doctrine may differ in areas, they hold on to the Core Gospel Message of God in the flesh, dying for our sin debt, resurrected on the 3rd Day.

That's one of the reasons I chose to put my pic up rather than something else. Not putting anyone down who doesn't, just saying my rationale.

Note to self***** @EleventhHour

"Always look at PennEd's avatar before discussing this Covid-19 with him." :);)
 

GrimmBro3

New member
Jul 10, 2020
23
26
3
I think I'll bow out of this thread, and possibly ChristianChat altogether. It's clear that most here hold that Calvinism isn't a viable Christian option, but is, as it was said in a previous post by a respected member here, akin to Mormonism and the likes. It's clear that the exchange isn't on level ground, and efforts spent here could be spent more profitably somewhere else.

I'm not sure if this thread, which is the first one I visited and responded to, because I enjoyed the original post so much, is representative of the CC community as a whole. Perhaps someone can direct me to a Calvinist thread, if it's not? I'll stick around long enough for a reply.

I wish you all the best - and I hope that the energy put into sharing the gospel with the lost is equal to the energy spent in the arguments on display here. There's a lost and dying world that needs the message of the cross, the gospel. And yes, I say that as a 5 point calvinist. (Just as there are different types of baptists, I'd encourage you to consider that there are different types of Calvinists, before writing us all off as herectics.)

The world needs an online Christian community where they can receive the gospel, where believers can come for encouragement, edification, instruction, and friendships. I'm just not sure - based on this thread - that CC is that place. I hope it is... I hope I'm wrong.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
113
I think I'll bow out of this thread, and possibly ChristianChat altogether. It's clear that most here hold that Calvinism isn't a viable Christian option, but is, as it was said in a previous post by a respected member here, akin to Mormonism and the likes. It's clear that the exchange isn't on level ground, and efforts spent here could be spent more profitably somewhere else.

I'm not sure if this thread, which is the first one I visited and responded to, because I enjoyed the original post so much, is representative of the CC community as a whole. Perhaps someone can direct me to a Calvinist thread, if it's not? I'll stick around long enough for a reply.

I wish you all the best - and I hope that the energy put into sharing the gospel with the lost is equal to the energy spent in the arguments on display here. There's a lost and dying world that needs the message of the cross, the gospel. And yes, I say that as a 5 point calvinist. (Just as there are different types of baptists, I'd encourage you to consider that there are different types of Calvinists, before writing us all off as herectics.)

The world needs an online Christian community where they can receive the gospel, where believers can come for encouragement, edification, instruction, and friendships. I'm just not sure - based on this thread - that CC is that place. I hope it is... I hope I'm wrong.
It's just that Calvinism seems so foreign and alien to all I have ever known, perceived, or believed. Some of the things you say are very good indeed. Start a Calvinism thread and try to explain it. It boggles my mind, but I still love you, brother.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
One of the things I think we all forget, myself included, is that there is an actual living human being behind that post that we react to in an unloving manner. And likely a Brother or Sister in Christ with us, although their doctrine may differ in areas, they hold on to the Core Gospel Message of God in the flesh, dying for our sin debt, resurrected on the 3rd Day.

That's one of the reasons I chose to put my pic up rather than something else. Not putting anyone down who doesn't, just saying my rationale.
Sometimes we just do not think. Especially I think we we have a bunch rally behind us. We fail to stop
And think what we are doing and then act like we did nothing wrong and blame the other person or persons
 

star

Senior Member
Nov 8, 2017
1,582
2,046
113
North Carolina
Let me be clear about myself.
1. I do understand every poster is a human being and that God loves all of mankind.
2. I often use my avatar but sometimes put up my baby dachshund as he looks better than me.
3. I do not believe any "doctrine" but I study, love, the Word of God as presented in the bible.
4. I respond to posts according to how a post is worded. Good, bad, ugly.
5. I am a direct speaking person and if that comes across as blunt, just count that as one of my weaknesses.
6. I do not support false, dividing posts.

Now that's enough about "I".

God Bless us all.
 
E

EleventhHour

Guest
Let me be clear about myself.
1. I do understand every poster is a human being and that God loves all of mankind.
2. I often use my avatar but sometimes put up my baby dachshund as he looks better than me.
3. I do not believe any "doctrine" but I study, love, the Word of God as presented in the bible.
4. I respond to posts according to how a post is worded. Good, bad, ugly.
5. I am a direct speaking person and if that comes across as blunt, just count that as one of my weaknesses.
6. I do not support false, dividing posts.

Now that's enough about "I".

God Bless us all.
Yes lets make a train.... good to clarify.

Let me be clear about myself.

1. I do understand every poster is a human being and that God loves all of mankind. Agree.
2. I often use my avatar but sometimes put up my baby dachshund as he looks better than me. My Avatar makes me feel HAPPY!
3. I do not believe any "doctrine" but I study, love, the Word of God as presented in the bible. I do believe in "biblical" doctrine and still learning and studying.
4. I respond to posts according to how a post is worded. Good, bad, ugly. I use a variety of approaches to keep the truth/Gospel front and center
5. I am a direct speaking person and if that comes across as blunt, just count that as one of my weaknesses. Agree, I try to be straight forward mostly .. sometimes one does have to be indirect to reveal untruths.
6. I do not support false, dividing posts. I concur, I try not to as well.

Good exercise @star
Thank you :)
 
E

EleventhHour

Guest
I think I'll bow out of this thread, and possibly ChristianChat altogether. It's clear that most here hold that Calvinism isn't a viable Christian option, but is, as it was said in a previous post by a respected member here, akin to Mormonism and the likes. It's clear that the exchange isn't on level ground, and efforts spent here could be spent more profitably somewhere else.

I'm not sure if this thread, which is the first one I visited and responded to, because I enjoyed the original post so much, is representative of the CC community as a whole. Perhaps someone can direct me to a Calvinist thread, if it's not? I'll stick around long enough for a reply.

I wish you all the best - and I hope that the energy put into sharing the gospel with the lost is equal to the energy spent in the arguments on display here. There's a lost and dying world that needs the message of the cross, the gospel. And yes, I say that as a 5 point calvinist. (Just as there are different types of baptists, I'd encourage you to consider that there are different types of Calvinists, before writing us all off as herectics.)

The world needs an online Christian community where they can receive the gospel, where believers can come for encouragement, edification, instruction, and friendships. I'm just not sure - based on this thread - that CC is that place. I hope it is... I hope I'm wrong.
Your choice, but sometimes good to have our "beliefs" challenged see if they stand up to the weight of biblical scrutiny.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
I think I'll bow out of this thread, and possibly ChristianChat altogether. It's clear that most here hold that Calvinism isn't a viable Christian option, but is, as it was said in a previous post by a respected member here, akin to Mormonism and the likes. It's clear that the exchange isn't on level ground, and efforts spent here could be spent more profitably somewhere else.

I'm not sure if this thread, which is the first one I visited and responded to, because I enjoyed the original post so much, is representative of the CC community as a whole. Perhaps someone can direct me to a Calvinist thread, if it's not? I'll stick around long enough for a reply.

I wish you all the best - and I hope that the energy put into sharing the gospel with the lost is equal to the energy spent in the arguments on display here. There's a lost and dying world that needs the message of the cross, the gospel. And yes, I say that as a 5 point calvinist. (Just as there are different types of baptists, I'd encourage you to consider that there are different types of Calvinists, before writing us all off as herectics.)

The world needs an online Christian community where they can receive the gospel, where believers can come for encouragement, edification, instruction, and friendships. I'm just not sure - based on this thread - that CC is that place. I hope it is... I hope I'm wrong.


You would be Correct on CALVINISM, most of us are NOT 5 Point Calvinist. I only believe in 3 of the 5 points of Calvinism. The only people calling Calvinists Heretics are outsiders, not of the regular bunch of OSAS BELIEVERS. Most of us are without a DOUBT, OSAS Believers, WHO BELIEVE THE BIBLE LITERALLY ON THESE TYPE OF VERSES:

2 Timothy 1:9 (HCSB)
9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus
before time began.

Titus 3:5-7 (HCSB)
5 He saved usnot by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
6 He poured out this ⌊Spirit⌋ on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

John 10:27-28 (HCSB)
27 My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand.

2 John 1:2 (HCSB)
2 because of the truth that remains
in us and will be with us forever.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NJB)
8 Because it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith;
not by anything of your own, but by a gift from God;
9
not by anything that you have done, so that nobody can claim the credit.

1 Peter 1:3-5 (HCSB)
3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.
5 You are being protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.


Yes, they let people in that broad spectrum of Christianity, as long as they do not personally attack others verbally, and as long as they BELIEVE IN THE DEITY OF CHRIST. Yes, that means there will be differences of opinions, but I try not to let that bother me, and reading this verse often does help:

Luke 12:10 (ESV)
10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

That in my opinion covers a whole lot false doctrine. Because only BLASPHEMING the work of the HOLY SPIRIT, is rejecting Christ as MESSIAH, is the only unforgivable sin.

Welcome aboard if you decide to stay.
 
Feb 29, 2020
1,563
571
113
I think I'll bow out of this thread, and possibly ChristianChat altogether. It's clear that most here hold that Calvinism isn't a viable Christian option, but is, as it was said in a previous post by a respected member here, akin to Mormonism and the likes. It's clear that the exchange isn't on level ground, and efforts spent here could be spent more profitably somewhere else.
How about just sticking around to offer your view to the readers and new comers? Eventually you’ll respond (as I do) for the sake of the readers/new members, not the writers who have written you off.

How do you think I feel? I came close to getting out of here too!

Those of your persuasion and the ones you have a problem with (both) think I’m a false teacher (to put it mildly) for simply taking the Bible at face value. I get it from both sides.
 
E

EleventhHour

Guest
What I am reading on this thread lately is......

- We all have our truths, your truth is no better than mine.

- If you disagree with my beliefs then you are not open to discussion

- Do not challenge my beliefs, lets just agree to disagree

- The bible can be interpreted according to what makes me feel good

- I expect my beliefs to be validated and approved since we are all brothers in Christ

I have yet to read anywhere in scripture these sentiments... but maybe I am wrong?

And to be quiet honest ideas like this worry me.