Calvinist Kitchen...stirring the pot

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eternally-gratefull

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Some are offended by the idea that God chose us. I am not, and I know if He didn’t “quicken” me, I would never have been saved: It is not just that passage that speaks of Him choosing us:

1 Peter 2:9
Verse Concepts
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Ephesians 1:4-5
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
John 6:44
Verse Concepts
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.
Romans 8:28
Verse Concepts
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Ephesians 2:10
Verse Concepts
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 1:11
Verse Concepts
also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,
Romans 8:29
Verse Concepts
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
Romans 8:30
Verse Concepts
and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
John 15:16
Verse Concepts
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.
He quickened you because you had faith in what he said about you and about the work he did to save you
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
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Is that because they have hardened hearts?

Who hardens their hearts?

Does God harden hearts?....I certainly know he softens them....but looking back my heart was softened by God.....but when he showed me something...my heart couldn’t receive it.i could actually feel myself hardening my heart.......so why couldn’t I receive it......I believe God had to soften my heart in that area and he did...I’m ready to receive what he showed me.

Mind you it has taken him 28 yrs to get me to that place....I’m ready to receive what he showed me all those yrs ago.

I am so excited and will share when it comes to pass.xx

I do know the answer as of to why I couldn’t receive what he showed me..but can’t share yet.i know why I hardened my heart.
I'm not sure if this fits your situation, but Romans 1 describes many of these people:

Romans
1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.
1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
 

1956Robin

New member
Apr 17, 2020
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Does the Bible not say to choose life? If we have no choice, is that untrue?

Joshua said "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" If he had no choice how could he say that?

If we have no choice, is God just?
 
May 19, 2020
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What concerns me is when Calvinists reject plain Bible truth in order to fit everything into their idea of the Gospel. That means that the doctrines of men are elevated above the Word of God. A very dangerous thing.

I’m rejecting your truth....I’ve already explained that I’m not arguing with you over it....I stand firm on my post some pages back.
I am the Lords disciple and the scripture i posted speaks to “my” heart..in other words the Lord spoke to me through that scripture.
If you want to go onto the merry go round,by keep repeating your belief..then feel free to do so.

I’ve spoke what I believe and I won’t be constantly repeating myself as I am secure in what I believe,therefore that’s it from me on what I believe.....about that scripture I posted.
 
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We are not offended At the God they portray, who is different from the God we read about in scripture

Sorry Bro I’m not arguing..I can’t be forced to believe what I don’t believe.
And I’m not saying you are forcing me.....I don’t agree with your post,xx
 
Dec 28, 2016
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Sorry...I disagree.i refuse to get into an argument over it....until God reveals otherwise..I’m sticking with what I believe.
Sorry if it upsets you..but there it is..I have to stay true to what I believe.
If they are offended then that is their problem to deal with bro.
One should always take note of the responses which bring a reasoned and rational a biblical argument with some context, exegesis &c, as opposed to other responses that are strewn with loudness, anger, ridicule, bitterness, unsubstantiated claims, eisegesis, zero context, unproven assertions and the like.

It is easy to see which would be according to God's leading, and according to God's truth and ways. If we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the desire of the flesh and answer in the latter manner.

One who is converted and walking in the Spirit can sense this to be true. Note Hebrews 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:21. God doesn't scream his truth at us, it is peaceable, easy to be entreated, gentle, it wisdom from above, without hypocrisy &c note James 3:17, and the counterpart also has its source as per James 3:13-16.

When one is called out to define a doctrine they've spoken against (in this instance"Irresistible Grace") and are making baseless conclusions, and then skip over answering the request to tell us what they think it teaches, it is highly likely they do not wish to be proven incorrect in their assumptions. Best to not answer and not be proven incorrect to some. That is to willfully remain in unfamiliarity, unable to accept correction and present the truth, not emotions, feelings and irrational conclusions.

I know you already know this, but we must always remind ourselves when we are reading through and seeing the spirit of the responses.
 
May 19, 2020
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One should always take note of the responses which bring a reasoned and rational a biblical argument with some context, exegesis &c, as opposed to other responses that are strewn with loudness, anger, ridicule, bitterness, unsubstantiated claims, eisegesis, zero context, unproven assertions and the like.

It is easy to see which would be according to God's leading, and according to God's truth and ways. If we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the desire of the flesh and answer in the latter manner.

One who is converted and walking in the Spirit can sense this to be true. Note Hebrews 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:21. God doesn't scream his truth at us, it is peaceable, easy to be entreated, gentle, it wisdom from above, without hypocrisy &c note James 3:17, and the counterpart also has its source as per James 3:13-16.

When one is called out to define a doctrine they've spoken against (in this instance"Irresistible Grace") and are making baseless conclusions, and then skip over answering the request to tell us what they think it teaches, it is highly likely they do not wish to be proven incorrect in their assumptions. Best to not answer and not be proven incorrect to some. That is to willfully remain in unfamiliarity, unable to accept correction and present the truth, not emotions, feelings and irrational conclusions.

I know you already know this, but we must always remind ourselves when we are reading through and seeing the spirit of the responses.

Thank you,preacher,that was very informative...I hear you well and clear..know exactly what you are saying here.
 
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EleventhHour

Guest
Does the Bible not say to choose life? If we have no choice, is that untrue?

Joshua said "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" If he had no choice how could he say that?

If we have no choice, is God just?
No matter what scripture you offer that clearly refute this dogma of Calvinism it does not matter, when one immerses themselves in a "system" it requires a move of God to remove the blinders that hold their eyes.
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
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He quickened you because you had faith in what he said about you and about the work he did to save you
No question about it!

That's why it's so vital to understand that it was HE WHO GIFTED ME THAT FAITH, so I COULD believe, just exactly like Ephesians 2 said He did.
 
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EleventhHour

Guest
Acts 17:
27 SO THAT THEY SHOULD SEEK THE LORD, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;—---
30 Truly, these time so that they should seek the Lord,
of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands ALL MEN EVERYWHERE to repent,
31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this TO ALL by raising Him from the dead.” (NKJV)


John 1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

Rom. 10:14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?—17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
 
May 19, 2020
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No question about it!

That's why it's so vital to understand that it was HE WHO GIFTED ME THAT FAITH, so I COULD believe, just exactly like Ephesians 2 said He did.

Just read Ephesians 2....Amen bro.....Amen!
 
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EleventhHour

Guest
No question about it!

That's why it's so vital to understand that it was HE WHO GIFTED ME THAT FAITH, so I COULD believe, just exactly like Ephesians 2 said He did.
Well shaking the dust of my feet ... trying to protect those newer in the faith, having come out of the influence of Calvinism ( MacArthur and his ilk) but make no mistake this is system of error which has permeated much of the churches.

This system is bondage to the soul and spirit.... why because is does not align with the God of scripture.. Who unequivocally states He is Love... not a God who hates the unredeemed. Jesus died for ALL.

I would never take instruction from any preacher/teacher who believed otherwise. This is foundational truth.

If God gifted you faith then He is willing to gift everyone faith... because scripture is clear.

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

And it does not state ELECT.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
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Hi @eternally-gratefull ...
But did God not first by His grace , give us the gift of faith to believe in His Son our Lord and Savior ?
...xox...
God indeed did give us a precious gift; the Life and Blood of His very own Son. All we have to do is accept this precious gift. All may freely come just as they are. He will do the rest. It is true that His Spirit does draw us, but many will rebel against this. That is why the way is narrow.

Matthew
7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
7:14 Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
 

Rosemaryx

Senior Member
May 3, 2017
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God indeed did give us a precious gift; the Life and Blood of His very own Son. All we have to do is accept this precious gift. All may freely come just as they are. He will do the rest. It is true that His Spirit does draw us, but many will rebel against this. That is why the way is narrow.

Matthew
7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
7:14 Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Ephesians 1:4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Did God not chose us before the foundation of the world? , why would He chose us if we were to rebel against Him like unbelievers rebel , like we rebelled against Him before He called us...
Do you not think that God knew we would accept His calling , He had already chosen us to be in Him...
...xox...
 
Dec 28, 2016
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All we have to do is accept this precious gift. All may freely come just as they are. He will do the rest.
Sorry, but that isn't biblical brother.

Where does the Bible say all we have to do is accept this precious gift? That's a severely truncated message and isn't found true in light of 2 Timothy 2:15.

Secondly all must come by repentance and faith, not just as they are.

Both repentance and faith are gifts of God, yet man under the former natural state are under wrath, including those elect who were made alive; Ephesians 2:3. Natural man in his fallen state is incapable of pleasing God; Romans 8:5-8 &c.

The "come just as you are" teaching is errant when you examine it in Scripture. It is popular preaching, but isn't biblically based.

Jonathan Merritt is a person of late who calls himself a gospel preacher and he encourages persons to come and join in at the LORD's table, unrepentant and just as they are. The Gospel is contrary to that, it is a call to repent and believe.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
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Did God not chose us before the foundation of the world? , why would He chose us if we were to rebel against Him like unbelievers rebel , like we rebelled against Him before He called us...
Grace.

Do you not think that God knew we would accept His calling , He had already chosen us to be in Him...
God is omnicient and dwells outside and above time. He sees all. Past, present, and future.
 
Dec 28, 2016
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Thank you,preacher,that was very informative...I hear you well and clear..know exactly what you are saying here.
Thank you. It is good to see that after acknowledgement of some biblical truths shared you appear to be more calm, at peace, rational, loving, gracious, kind, steadfast.

Do not allow any person to sway you from that stance sister. Remember the hard truth of Romans 16:17, obedience of this keeps you in the refuge of the LORD of which some may desire to lead you away from.
 
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