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 us—
not 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.