3 Tactics Calvinists Use Against Non-Calvinists
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1 Cor 2: tells us the difference between the natural man and the spiritual man.
the natural man only has the faith of man and the spiritual man, after he has been born again and been given the indwelling of the Holy Spirit has spiritual faith which is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) Until we are saved, born again, we only have the faith of man. Man's faith cannot save us. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith. This faith is not man's faith, but the faith of Jesus Christ (Gal 2:16) who justifies us.
the natural man only has the faith of man and the spiritual man, after he has been born again and been given the indwelling of the Holy Spirit has spiritual faith which is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) Until we are saved, born again, we only have the faith of man. Man's faith cannot save us. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith. This faith is not man's faith, but the faith of Jesus Christ (Gal 2:16) who justifies us.
Do you understand that the natural man, before he has received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, thinks the preaching of the gospel is foolishness? How can the preaching of the gospel lead him to an understanding if he can not discern it? You may be getting confused about the fact that the scriptures speak about the born again child of God being delivered (saved) here in time by hearing and understanding the gospel (Romans 10:1-2-3.).
You'll notice a consistency in Calvinism and certain of the Reformed Doctrines that ascribe to the TULIP formula; those who insist we cannot understand scripture until we're regenerate are assured they are so as they judge others whom they imply in those remarks, are not.
But what does the Book of 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2 say? We find Jesus through His gospel. Which is the breath, spirit, of God.
Of course an omniscient, eternally knowing God, would know in advance whom would cleave to The Word and His Gospel. This does not mean that God picked whom He would save as individuals, and conversely, whom He'd leave to die in their sins. It means that God knows for whom His word will resonate as truth. And for whom it shall not.
If God had picked whom He would save, as individuals and by name, prior to creating anything at all, including the world, Eden, Adam, Eve, it would mean He is the author of sin. And that the verses that tell us, whosoever believes......are false when God actually meant to say, those whom I predetermined to believe shall I save.
That though is not in scripture is it?
The confusion in the community of faithful in Christ is due to the teachings of errant egocentric men, like John Piper, Sproul, John Calvin, etc... who imagine God picks whom He'll save from what is essentially Himself, as judge of the world. And then these men presume to tell you that the Gospel that arrived after the fulfillment of John 3:16, by God's will, was only for those God predetermined as one's He'd save.
But if that were true, and God saved a people, individuals, before the world came to exist, why would there be need to teach people the Good News of Salvation? When only certain people have been picked to be saved already? And by God, and before anything came to exist at all?
See, that right there is what demolishes into dust every petal of TULIP. The Gospel! When TULIP's god predetermined whom would be saved, and by name, prior to all of creation coming into existence, and a sinful person, is unable to understand the Gospel until they, as that predetermined saved one, is let to understand, the Gospel then becomes of none effect. Because that predetermined saved one doesn't need to believe in anything when God has pre-selected them to be saved before the Gospel, and Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, came to be.
The Gospel is meant for everyone! Jesus sacrifice on the cross wasn't for the one's He'd already chosen to save. His sacrifice on the cross was as the propitiation, as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world's people. That whosoever believes in that good news of Jesus, that is Jesus, shall not perish but have immortal life. And no one will take us from Jesus' hand. Those who are in Christ do not make a habit of sinning, we are redeemed from being dead in sin, and are renewed in the spirit of Holy God, washed clean of our former faults, risen as a new creation in the image and likeness of Christ and His message.
All Biblical. All Love. All God.
Never let anyone tell you that only the select number of individuals God chose to save before He created anything at all are able to understand His word, and are saved.
That's not true!
The natural man, that sinner in love with the world, doesn't think to read the Bible. However, that one who for whatever reason is called to read, is called into a church on Sunday, is called to get on their knees and pray maybe for the first time, the calling due to whatever strife they're seeking to overcome, is that one that is led by the Holy Spirit of God into the Holy Spirit truth of His Good News!
As God said.
Trust GOD! Not the traditions of men who's legacy is a denomination erected in their memory, that leads seekers unto confusion and dismay and insecurity.
Jesus was not of any denomination. Jesus was God. Trust then in the Truth of Jesus Christ as brought to you by His Holy Word and by His Holy Breath, when you feel led to pray.
God LOVES YOU!
Never let anyone tell you the "YOU" in that statement is for members only as predetermined before all creation by God.
Think of what kind of god that false teaching is leading you to believe in. One that decides to save only a select number of people before he insures there is something to be saved from in the first place. So that his plan comes to fruition. That's not god. That's the other guy hoping you'll believe that and miss the truth and the life that is and always has been, Jesus.
But what does the Book of 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2 say? We find Jesus through His gospel. Which is the breath, spirit, of God.
Of course an omniscient, eternally knowing God, would know in advance whom would cleave to The Word and His Gospel. This does not mean that God picked whom He would save as individuals, and conversely, whom He'd leave to die in their sins. It means that God knows for whom His word will resonate as truth. And for whom it shall not.
If God had picked whom He would save, as individuals and by name, prior to creating anything at all, including the world, Eden, Adam, Eve, it would mean He is the author of sin. And that the verses that tell us, whosoever believes......are false when God actually meant to say, those whom I predetermined to believe shall I save.
That though is not in scripture is it?
The confusion in the community of faithful in Christ is due to the teachings of errant egocentric men, like John Piper, Sproul, John Calvin, etc... who imagine God picks whom He'll save from what is essentially Himself, as judge of the world. And then these men presume to tell you that the Gospel that arrived after the fulfillment of John 3:16, by God's will, was only for those God predetermined as one's He'd save.
But if that were true, and God saved a people, individuals, before the world came to exist, why would there be need to teach people the Good News of Salvation? When only certain people have been picked to be saved already? And by God, and before anything came to exist at all?
See, that right there is what demolishes into dust every petal of TULIP. The Gospel! When TULIP's god predetermined whom would be saved, and by name, prior to all of creation coming into existence, and a sinful person, is unable to understand the Gospel until they, as that predetermined saved one, is let to understand, the Gospel then becomes of none effect. Because that predetermined saved one doesn't need to believe in anything when God has pre-selected them to be saved before the Gospel, and Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, came to be.
The Gospel is meant for everyone! Jesus sacrifice on the cross wasn't for the one's He'd already chosen to save. His sacrifice on the cross was as the propitiation, as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world's people. That whosoever believes in that good news of Jesus, that is Jesus, shall not perish but have immortal life. And no one will take us from Jesus' hand. Those who are in Christ do not make a habit of sinning, we are redeemed from being dead in sin, and are renewed in the spirit of Holy God, washed clean of our former faults, risen as a new creation in the image and likeness of Christ and His message.
All Biblical. All Love. All God.
Never let anyone tell you that only the select number of individuals God chose to save before He created anything at all are able to understand His word, and are saved.
That's not true!
The natural man, that sinner in love with the world, doesn't think to read the Bible. However, that one who for whatever reason is called to read, is called into a church on Sunday, is called to get on their knees and pray maybe for the first time, the calling due to whatever strife they're seeking to overcome, is that one that is led by the Holy Spirit of God into the Holy Spirit truth of His Good News!
As God said.
Trust GOD! Not the traditions of men who's legacy is a denomination erected in their memory, that leads seekers unto confusion and dismay and insecurity.
Jesus was not of any denomination. Jesus was God. Trust then in the Truth of Jesus Christ as brought to you by His Holy Word and by His Holy Breath, when you feel led to pray.
God LOVES YOU!
Never let anyone tell you the "YOU" in that statement is for members only as predetermined before all creation by God.
Think of what kind of god that false teaching is leading you to believe in. One that decides to save only a select number of people before he insures there is something to be saved from in the first place. So that his plan comes to fruition. That's not god. That's the other guy hoping you'll believe that and miss the truth and the life that is and always has been, Jesus.
There can be no such scripture. We receive the Holy Spirit of God the moment we believe.
The Book of 1st Corinthians chapter 12:13 for also in one Spirit we all to one body were baptized, whether Jews or Greeks, whether servants or freemen, and all into one Spirit were made to drink....
Being indwelt with the Holy Spirit happens without exception for everyone who believes in Jesus. And we are then sealed unto the moment of redemption, when we are before God to be judged for our works in His name. This doesn't mean we may be sent to Hell, it means that works are a sign of our indwelling, not a means to secure it. And what we did as indwelt Christians in service to God's leading is reviewed. And we are rewarded accordingly.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit happens when we are completely dedicated to God and the things of the Spirit and this allows the Holy Spirit to fill us and lead us throughout our lives in His service.
How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Be aware you may find some will claim the resource is dedicated to TULIP and Calvinism. This is not true as the statement of faith proves.
The Book of 1st Corinthians chapter 12:13 for also in one Spirit we all to one body were baptized, whether Jews or Greeks, whether servants or freemen, and all into one Spirit were made to drink....
Being indwelt with the Holy Spirit happens without exception for everyone who believes in Jesus. And we are then sealed unto the moment of redemption, when we are before God to be judged for our works in His name. This doesn't mean we may be sent to Hell, it means that works are a sign of our indwelling, not a means to secure it. And what we did as indwelt Christians in service to God's leading is reviewed. And we are rewarded accordingly.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit happens when we are completely dedicated to God and the things of the Spirit and this allows the Holy Spirit to fill us and lead us throughout our lives in His service.
How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Be aware you may find some will claim the resource is dedicated to TULIP and Calvinism. This is not true as the statement of faith proves.
L
How can it be up to someone to believe. One either believes or he don't. Either the object of belief is compelling or it's not.
Example, I don't believe in global warming, not because I choose not to, but because the evidence isn't compelling.
I believe in Jesus because I was compelled by the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Example, I don't believe in global warming, not because I choose not to, but because the evidence isn't compelling.
I believe in Jesus because I was compelled by the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
L
This is an example of believing.
I'm going to to try to explain why belief is not a choice.
So I have some gun powder at my house that was in one of my old muzzleloader bags. It must be 20 years old.
I have not loaded up a rifle with it because I don't believe it is good, and that I will be stuck manually unloading which is a pain.
I have been tempted to load a pistol with it but having my doubts unloading a pistol is still a pain.
Even if I took a chance and loaded one up I still don't believe.
If I did I would have done it already.
The only thing that could get me to believe it would be to test it. Then the evidence would be compelling.
I'm going to to try to explain why belief is not a choice.
So I have some gun powder at my house that was in one of my old muzzleloader bags. It must be 20 years old.
I have not loaded up a rifle with it because I don't believe it is good, and that I will be stuck manually unloading which is a pain.
I have been tempted to load a pistol with it but having my doubts unloading a pistol is still a pain.
Even if I took a chance and loaded one up I still don't believe.
If I did I would have done it already.
The only thing that could get me to believe it would be to test it. Then the evidence would be compelling.
Man can't believe or trust without God granting it to him. Belief is the work of God, not the work of man; John 6:29. Ephesians 1:19, 2 Peter 1:1 as well. Furthermore, faith is evidence of conversion, not the cause. You're making yourself out to be the cause of your salvation because you jumped through a hoop "and did it." You hold a huge aversion to giving God all the due glory, you want a bit of the glory yourself for what you think you did.
1 Corinthians 2:14 proves it, but you don't like the fact God is in control. Here is another passage you'll reject showing it (Sovereign grace and salvation, revealing of truth) is all in the control of God: Matthew 11:25-30.
But you wouldn't believe any Scripture that proves it.
So, why ask?
You already know what you're going to do because you will not allow Scripture to correct you, so you will just reject it because you're set in your mind to do so.
You're set against Scripture before you hear it.
You're probably already fighting against my last post banging on your keyboard now to keep hold of your glory while trying to dismantle the truth that faith comes from God, that is is all Soli Deo Gloria, that everything we have, including believing faith comes from Him.
You'll have none of that and you fight against it daily.
But you wouldn't believe any Scripture that proves it.
So, why ask?
You already know what you're going to do because you will not allow Scripture to correct you, so you will just reject it because you're set in your mind to do so.
You're set against Scripture before you hear it.
You're probably already fighting against my last post banging on your keyboard now to keep hold of your glory while trying to dismantle the truth that faith comes from God, that is is all Soli Deo Gloria, that everything we have, including believing faith comes from Him.
You'll have none of that and you fight against it daily.
Such a wrong view of Scripture. Why did I believe? Because I was convinced that salvation is all about Jesus and nothing about me. I was headed down the path of destruction and Jesus was my only way out. That my friend gives all the glory to God.
God must have chosen you because there was something special about you. Oh the pride of Calvinism.
God must have chosen you because there was something special about you. Oh the pride of Calvinism.
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I would disagree with Preacher4truth when he says that faith is evidence of conversion, i would say instead a person is saved or justified through faith and everyone that believes will have eternal life, but like Preacher4truth i would agree with him that this is a Sovereign Salvation, though we believe, belief is the grant and gift of God ALONE to the elect.
This doesn't mean the elect are special over the people who go to hell (the non-elect), it makes them (the elect) graced by God out of hell.
So God saves some sinners and God damns other sinners, there is no difference between the sinners God damns or that God saves, they are both equally guilty.
This salvation is all of grace and to deny election, is to deny the grace of God.
Here is a doctrine statement on election for those interested:
Election:
Union between Christ and his people was planned already in eternity, in the sovereign pretemporal decision whereby God the Father selected certain sinners as His own. Christ himself was chosen to be our Savior before the creation of the world (1 Pet. 1:20); When the Father chose Christ, he also chose us (Ephesians 1:4). We are initially united with Christ in regeneration; next we appropriate and continue to live out of this union through faith. Third, we are justified in union with Christ. Fourth, we are sanctified through union with Christ. Fifth, we persevere in the life of faith in union with Christ. Finally, we shall be eternally glorified with Christ.
This pretemporal choice was not based on the fact that God knew which persons would believe of their own free will, for there is no person which fits that description. This decision was based upon God's sovereign good pleasure alone. It is God's gracious decision, from eternity past, to save fallen souls of His own choosing. Therefore, God will infallibly bring all of His elect to final perseverance and eternal life (Phil 1:6; John 10:29; Rom 8:30; John 6:37, 39). The Persons of the Trinity work in harmony to accomplish and apply salvation. The Father, from eternity, elects a particular people for Himself (Ephesians 1:4, 5; Rom 8:29, 30) Christ redeems those the Father has "given Him" (John 6:37, 39; 10:29) and the Holy Spirit likewise applies the redemptive benefits of the atonement to the same. (John 1:13; 6:63; James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23,25).
Instead of being an arrogant thing, it becomes quite a humble thing, to be a saved sinner, instead of a damned sinner.
This doesn't mean the elect are special over the people who go to hell (the non-elect), it makes them (the elect) graced by God out of hell.
So God saves some sinners and God damns other sinners, there is no difference between the sinners God damns or that God saves, they are both equally guilty.
This salvation is all of grace and to deny election, is to deny the grace of God.
Here is a doctrine statement on election for those interested:
Election:
Union between Christ and his people was planned already in eternity, in the sovereign pretemporal decision whereby God the Father selected certain sinners as His own. Christ himself was chosen to be our Savior before the creation of the world (1 Pet. 1:20); When the Father chose Christ, he also chose us (Ephesians 1:4). We are initially united with Christ in regeneration; next we appropriate and continue to live out of this union through faith. Third, we are justified in union with Christ. Fourth, we are sanctified through union with Christ. Fifth, we persevere in the life of faith in union with Christ. Finally, we shall be eternally glorified with Christ.
This pretemporal choice was not based on the fact that God knew which persons would believe of their own free will, for there is no person which fits that description. This decision was based upon God's sovereign good pleasure alone. It is God's gracious decision, from eternity past, to save fallen souls of His own choosing. Therefore, God will infallibly bring all of His elect to final perseverance and eternal life (Phil 1:6; John 10:29; Rom 8:30; John 6:37, 39). The Persons of the Trinity work in harmony to accomplish and apply salvation. The Father, from eternity, elects a particular people for Himself (Ephesians 1:4, 5; Rom 8:29, 30) Christ redeems those the Father has "given Him" (John 6:37, 39; 10:29) and the Holy Spirit likewise applies the redemptive benefits of the atonement to the same. (John 1:13; 6:63; James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23,25).
Instead of being an arrogant thing, it becomes quite a humble thing, to be a saved sinner, instead of a damned sinner.
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Brother John, i don't think i need to point out the obvious to you, just go read my post again if your confused.
You know exactly what im talking about (the elect), It is indeed a hard truth, a humbling truth, that God saves some, but that's what the bible teaches, i would hope that you come over to these truths as they are from God's word.
You know exactly what im talking about (the elect), It is indeed a hard truth, a humbling truth, that God saves some, but that's what the bible teaches, i would hope that you come over to these truths as they are from God's word.