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Really? How do you know that? Do you know of Reformers who cry in the town square "Once Saved Always Saved" and then go out and lead a life of total depravity? I have never heard of this happening, even once. That's because it isn't taught. For anyone to be doctrinally aware of OSAS, or POTS, it is almost always the case that they are also aware of the further teaching that scripture through Paul SPECIFICALLY REJECTS the attitude you are concerned about. "BY NO MEANS" says Paul over and over. You have to take into account the complete teaching, not just that HALF of it "sounds" bad.

And such is Sola Scriptura. You take the WHOLE of Scripture. Not just the parts you feel good about.

The "one can go out and live like the devil" is one of the biggest strawmen that was ever concocted. And you're absolutely right- I've never seen someone just resting on their "eternal security" and thinking they can go do whatever. Those who believe in the eternal security of the believer are usually more biblically aware than that and will take the WHOLE of Scripture as a rule of faith and practice.

and then there are those who faithfully go and confess their sins to their priest, get absolution, and then go out and do the same old same old all over again. It's not only Protestants who do these things, hmmm?

The "one can go out and live like the devil" is one of the biggest strawmen that was ever concocted.

Amen!

I think it is also a reflection of our human frailty. We just can't accept the idea of a free gift of GRACE. We have a need to create payment i.e., works. The works that we do are fruits of the Spirit and follow the indwelling of the Holy Spirit they don't precede it or cause it.

Those who believe in the eternal security of the believer are usually more biblically aware than that and will take the WHOLE of Scripture as a rule of faith and practice.

= = = =

Sadly, that's not been my observation. If anything, there really ARE a somewhat significantly greater number of Calvinist folks who seem to feel excused, safe, something to go on doing whatever the blazes they jolly well feel like doing and thinking of their decision for Christ as a 'GET OUT OF THE FIRE FOREVER' FREE CARD with few or no strings, oughts, shoulds, absolutely prescribed behaviors attached.

Those who believe in the eternal security of the believer are usually more biblically aware than that and will take the WHOLE of Scripture as a rule of faith and practice.

Amen, absolutely right. Quix, I'm sorry if your experience with Calvinists has been to the contrary. I have never known or heard of any true Calvinist who held the views you describe. Since that attitude is 100% against Calvinism, perhaps the people you are thinking of aren't really Calvinists at all.