The Security Of The Believer

Weeeell I don't know about there beimg harmony here. A Christian forum and a local NT church are very different. A forum can point people to churches..but it is no church in itself.

Anyway that is very creative writing ✍️

Calvin wrote:

> "The Church is the assembly of believers in which the pure Word of God is preached, the sacraments
are duly administered, and Christian discipline is exercised." (Book IV, Chapter 1, Section 7)

In the quaint village of Theologica, where theological discussions meandered like a gentle stream, Aussie52 found himself engaged in a conversation about Arminianism. The sun cast its golden hues upon the cobblestone streets as the exchange unfolded.
A figure named Calvinus, a scholar well-versed in the teachings of John Calvin, stepped forward. "In the Institutes of the Christian Religion, Calvin delves into the intricate dance between God's sovereignty and human responsibility. It's a tapestry woven with divine purpose," Calvinus began.
Quoting from Calvin's writings, he continued, "God, by his eternal and immutable counsel, determined once for all those whom it was his pleasure one day to admit to salvation, and those whom, on the other hand, it was his pleasure to doom to destruction."
Aussie52 listened intently as Calvinus shared Calvinistic insights. "The essence of Calvinism lies in the belief that God, in His sovereignty, predestines individuals for salvation. It's a profound mystery that emphasizes God's initiative in the salvation of His chosen ones," Calvinus explained.
As the conversation unfolded, Aussie52 voiced his perspective as an Arminian. Calvinus responded with kindness, "In the spirit of understanding, let us respect each other's perspectives. Arminianism, with its emphasis on human free will, presents a different viewpoint. It's a nuanced dialogue that invites us to explore the mysteries of divine grace and human response."
Yet, the atmosphere took a turn as the topic shifted to Arminianism errors. Aussie52, with conviction, defended his beliefs, "I, as an Arminian, am not eccentric and I don't have a casual approach to Jesus."
In response, Calvinus continued, "Let us engage in a genuine dialogue, acknowledging the diversity of theological perspectives. While Calvinism underscores the sovereignty of God, Arminianism places emphasis on human choice."
Under the imaginary sky of Theologica, the two figures continued their discourse, exchanging ideas and exploring the rich tapestry of theological thought. May the village be adorned with the kindness that befits the pursuit of truth and understanding. #ChristianReflections

Which ones? .

**Calvin's View on the Church**

... the sacraments

Arminians seem a bit eccentric and casual in their approach to Jesus.

Which ones? .

For many years people have debated the Biblical doctrine of Security.

OSAS - once saved always saved

I don't know how these people would deal with statements in Ezekiel (around chapter 20) where it says that if one forsakes their wickedness for righteousness, then God will forget their sin and forgive them for it. On the other hand, if one were to forsake righteousness to practice wickedness, then God will forget the good they've done. I don't think the work of Jesus changed this policy.

Then there's the whole Romans 12 branches being cut off thing that Jesus also referred to. Branches that are fruitless get cut off. If you were grafted in and then become fruitless, he will certainly cut you off and remove you if he was willing to do that to the fruitless, natural branches.

I have come to accept God is going to judge on a second by second basis. If you get mad at someone and yell some mean things at them, God isn't going to forget about your day to day dedication if you happen to die in that moment. Someone who is completely gone and useless will not be treated as the faithful and dedicated.

What about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit..as an actual physical possession?

This isn't dependent on our behaviour after being saved.

Getting born into a family.. you have a biological connection..the parents blood. This cannot be undone and has nothing to do with the goodness or badness of the child.

If you could lose your salvation, you'd be saying this connection is LESSER than that of a biological parent. You'd be saying God does not have enough power to stay with you thru all your struggles. That His spiritual indwelling is not sufficient.

I think it comes down to this. Is salvation CONDITIONAL or UNCONDITIONAL?
If unconditional, then it is all from God's side.
If it is conditional, as I believe it is, faith and obedience must continue throughout our lifetime. If I cease to believe and cease to obey, I have opted out of the conditions of salvation and thus forfeit my salvation.
We are indeed kept by the power of God BUT through faith.

Being part of God's family is a spiritual thing. If you abandon such spiritual things, then you will no longer be in the family. It's similar to how the Pharisees claimed to be related to Abraham and Jesus pointed out they were the offspring of snakes instead.

Hewbrews 6:4-8

For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.

I don't take this to mean engage in sin, but more of a complete abandonment of the faith. It proves one can be in and then end up where they are out. In this case if they've experienced all the things God has to offer but decide they'd rather have something else, it's impossible to bring them back in.

The Holy Spirit can be quenched and grieved away by persistent sin and apostasy.

So, do you believe that if a Christian walks away from Christ or lives in an adulterous relationship, if he were to die, would still go to Heaven?

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? DO NOT BE DECEIVED. Neither fornicators....nor adulterers....
will inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Cor 6:9,10. NKJV.

You can't get around the plain meaning of scripture, a Christian who commits adultery, remains unrepentant and dies in his sin, goes to Hell. Sins are ONLY forgiven if there is true confession 1 Jn 1:9.

To believe otherwise is a form of Antinominism.