The Bible teaches that salvation is completely (and absolutely) of God. Man plays no part in it, and Arminianism is nothing less than humanism (religious humanism). Early in my Christian walk, I was called a Calvinist before I learned who Calvin was. Why? Because when I was confronted by a cult group, that was trying to tell me I could lose my salvation, I quoted Jesus words, I give them eternal life and they shall never perish, and no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28 I wasnt quoting Calvin, I quoted Scripture, and for this I was labeled a Calvinist. I did eventually learn about Calvin, and what he believed, and I had a good laugh. Question, did Calvin teach Calvinism, or did he teach Scripture? Why do men feel the need to refute what Calvin taught, when Calvin only taught what Jesus (and the Apostles) taught? Nowhere in Scripture, does it teach, that man contributes anything to his salvation. Arminius was opposed to what Calvin taught, because Arminius believed mans will is free to chose to accept or reject Gods grace. I have often heard preachers say, God made a deposit in the bank for you, but its up to you, to go get it. Never does Scripture present God as making a deposit on your behalf, that you must be willing to accept. Scripture presents God, as paying a debt, that none of us could ever pay, and He did it without our permission. Humanism presents a god who is a gentleman, who would never impose Himself upon mans integrity......oh really. Thats like saying God doesnt impose Himself upon Satans integrity. God is not a respecter of anyone, including their wills, feelings, desires, or efforts. No matter which side of the argument you fall on, or even if you claim to be somewhere in the middle, both sides stand or fall as a total system. If you believe that mans will is free to accept (or reject) Christ, then of necessity you must believe that your will remains free, and at any point you are free to walk away. On the other side, if you believe that mans will is not free, then of necessity, you must believe, his will is bound by Christ and he cannot walk away. In other words, you cant be a Calminian (a mixture of both views). Meaning, you cant believe that mans will is free to chose, but not free to lose his salvation. You must commit totally to one side or the other. Salvation is of the LORD! ~ Steven Bailey
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 11:40:35 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015