This is why I don't like labels. If Calvin believed the sky is red then would I be accused of also believing this? Would I be associated with everything he believes, by wrongful assumption? In the same way, if I agree with what Dcon says on something, would that then make me a Dcon-ist?
Honestly did not know anything about Calvin until a thread I read on here. I don't follow men and their views. But if I believe there will be a rapture does that make me a follower of Darby, just because he believed the same thing? I've been called a follower of him before, but I still don't know what he actually believes. I don't research these men and their beliefs, because I'm a follower of Jesus. These men were not crucified for me. As the scriptures say... 1 Cor 1:10-17.
I just read the scriptures, I don't just copy and paste what these men believe.
You make assumptions about what I believe. When did I ever say that God plays people like chess pieces and selects those He wants to throw into hell? As the scriptures say "
whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16) and that "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to
repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
The problem arises when one doesn't acknowledge that those who have been born of the Spirit are changed and don't then become atheists that reject God. Scripture makes clear that "many will come out from among us and they were not of us, otherwise they would've stayed with us" (1 John 2). Only those who have had that inner change will endure. Sure, some believers might drift into the world/backslide, but God calls them back. I'm actually a prodigal (daughter), and He brought me back in a dramatic way. Wasn't pleasant either. I plan on sharing it in a blog post soon
... but I can tell you that even during my backsliding I never stopped believing. I often had people approach me asking me if I were a christian. A colleague even back then could see by my nature that I was a believer and he just knew I was his spiritual sister.
How can you say that eternal security is demonic? You call a promise of God demonic?
That's really worrying that you believe this. When I was saved at 11 years old I instantly had that assurance, I just knew I had eternal life. Didn't read views of men back then.
I can tell you're very passionate about scripture and what you believe. Also that you're in beautiful Italy and choosing to share on the forums here rather than be on the beach too. I have great memories from Firenze and remember staying at the hotel "Sant' Anna in Camprena" which used to be a monastery. It's near Pienza, in the province of Siena. A beautiful part of Italy and hope to get back there someday. I have so many memories there
.... and I love Italian wine, particularly Valpolicella wine, which comes from the Veneto area.
It's a shame there is division on so many things, particularly God's promises. That scripture I shared was God's word, not mine, I just highlighted words He used, to make the message clear.
I wonder if you're catholic because you asked a question MANY pages back (lol
) which is a very common question I've only ever heard asked by two particular groups of people..... universalists and catholics. And clearly you're not universalist from what I've read in your posts. Or maybe you used to be Catholic and now are part of a church that has embraced catholic teachings, so you're not completely rid of all of their teachings.
Can you share your born again experience?... how you believe a person is born again.
Thanks Fran