Semi-Pelagian beliefs are not wrong because they are an "-ism," but because they do not work, either as to Scripture or reason. Again, you are merely postponing an inevitable dilemma. Fallen man can generate saving faith within himself or he cannot. It is unworkable to try and skirt the problem with time tricks. The Scriptures know absolutely nothing of such imaginative devices. They are nothing but an accommodation to secular philosophical peer pressure, and that path, if followed to its logical conclusion, will lead one to the edge of Nietzsche's abyss. I know because I have been there, and do not care to visit again.
It’s kind of like talking about whether the light switch can generate a current through it. No it can’t. But it can permit the current to flow.
It’s kind of like talking about whether the light switch can generate a current through it. No it can’t. But it can permit the current to flow.
Really, modern electrical theory is a pretty good explanation of the principle, though if pipes and valves had existed in olden days they would have sufficed too. The presence of the spirit at the heart is like electric potential i.e. voltage. The travel through which is saving faith is like electric current. I think it’s awesome how new analogies arise with new technologies, which of course themselves are revealed to mankind by God... Turn Your Radio On anyone? Eph. 6 would probably have included a walkie talkie illustration for praying if it had existed in Paul’s day.
I think your attempts led you into an abyss because you inadvertently idolized the explanations rather than using them as analogies that were useful as far as they could go but never were the real thing. I got the real thing. The Spirit approached my heart and illustrated what He was about by giving me joy focused on Him. I assented; it was all the easier since it was what I had hoped and prayed for and yet I didn’t know details of what it would be like till it happened. The spiritual current is now flowing. What, me turn the switch off now? Are you crazy?!?
Call me Pelagian or semi Pelagian or green Martianian or whatever you want. I don’t care.