One last thing before I get caught up in my day, I strongly caution you against engaging in debates on Calvinism. Don’t study God’s Word to disprove it either because you will be playing with fire. One of the best ways I know to eventually become a Calvinist is to rail against it. If you don’t want to believe it, don’t argue against it.
Very few people in my Baptist church grew up believing the Doctrines of Grace. We are made up of people who were typical Southern Baptists (as I was), Methodists, Pentecostals, Roman Catholics, Church of Christ, etc. Almost every single person I have discussed it with will say that at one time they too scoffed at “Calvinism” and that includes our pastor. He had attended seminary and pastored churches before he understood Divine Sovereignty. That was more than forty years ago and since that time he has been used mightily of the Lord. He is an humble man who has never promoted himself, but today his work actively impacts countless people in countless countries on three continents.
Of course I’m telling you to be careful with tongue planted firmly in cheek. That said, what I’m saying is true. Almost everyone I know who has come to be a “Calvinist” as an adult started off by arguing with someone in support of some form of free will theology. The most bold, fearless, and effective evangelists I know are former Arminians who discovered God’s sovereignty. The foreign mission field is full of believers just like that. I know a group of people just like that who are in a very dangerous place in a foreign country as I type. There have been murders in the streets since they arrived. I also know a man who went from railing against Calvinism to literally hacking his way through foreign jungles with a machete in search of some of God’s lost sheep. Emboldened by God’s sovereignty, he has given decades and risked life and limb spreading the gospel to isolated people groups. Two weeks ago I heard a former Pentecostal speak about a sidewalk ministry she has become involved in. She is half my age, yet her boldness in witnessing to extremely antagonistic lost people puts me to shame. After becoming a Calvinist she has become a fearless laborer in the field for the Lord of the harvest.
Remember, “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
May God bless you, FRiend.
“The most bold, fearless, and effective evangelists I know are former Arminians who discovered God’s sovereignty.”
I do not deny God’s sovereignty. I acknowledge it. God chose the means of salvation, and Calvin doesn’t get to rewrite God’s will.
No one reading’s the Bible without outside influence would ever conclude God created a list of names He will irresistibly save and a list He will irresistibly damn. That concept was derived from philosophy, not scripture.
In hundreds of verses, it is clearly taught that we gain access to God’s grace through FAITH, not SELECTION (or election). When God commands us to repent, He is not lying to us. There is no “secret will” of God, not revealed in scripture but true, that God is joking when He calls us to repent, knowing that we cannot and will not unless He forces us to do so.
The teachings of Calvin (and Augustine) make God a liar. We are saved by grace through faith, not grace through election. Calvin cannot change that. Faith is our response to God, not something God gives to some and refuses to allow to others, unless those others have already rejected God’s offer first. Thus Jesus talks of “finding” faith, not “giving” it, and berates those without faith.
On the thread, which I haven’t read this morning yet, you’ve mentioned John 6:44...but it does not say what Calvin taught it to say. I suggest some reading here:
http://evangelicalarminians.org/john-6-and-calvinism-in-fresh-perspective/
http://evangelicalarminians.org/proof-texting-presuppositions-with-john-644-65/
http://evangelicalarminians.org/does-john-6-44-teach-irresistible-grace/
I’ve been a Christian from an early age. I’ve never sought out a Calvinist for discussion or argument. For some reason, many have crossed my path, & insisted on presenting the case that they were right & my faith & practice were wrong. This has been going on for decades.
.45, I am less inclined toward Calvinism now than at any time in my life. One of the reasons, certainly not the only one, is how NASTY so many of these Calvinists became when I didn’t capitulate to their liking. I can honestly say that of all the Christians I have ever met, the Calvinists I’ve encountered were the most aggressive & the least joyous, peaceful, patient & kind. I’ve had some negative experiences with other denominations, but the Calvinists stand out. If the fruit of the Spirit means anything, then please be aware that I saw little or no manifestation of it in those individuals.
I don’t share these experiences often. The last time I mentioned it I was called a Calvin basher. That’s right. For honestly relating real life experiences I have had, I was labeled a basher. Whatever. I just offer these insights to you for consideration. You seem to think there is something compelling about Calvinism. If there were, then Calvinists more than other Christians would overflow with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness & faithfulness. Loudly proclaiming one’s theology correct is the easy part. Living in the Spirit to the degree that the fruits are more abundant day by day, week by week—that’s where the rubber meets the road.
[Note: just to head you off at the pass. Yes, good, sound theology matters. It matters very much. BUT, good, sound theology is in part what produces the fruits of the Spirit. It all works together. If you claim your theology is superior to all others, but it’s not working in your life to produce, in conjunction with the Spirit, the fruits thereof, then something is amiss—profoundly so.]