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RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread

 
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RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 4:23:04 PM   
tdd1975

 

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Joined: 2/12/2008
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RWE
quote:

What do you think "holding the truth in unrighteousness" actually means?


Unbelief.

Surehope hit the nail on the head in post #30829

quote:

The purpose of the apostle Paul in verse 18 is to prove what he had just stated in verse 17 – that righteousness is by faith. In order to prove this Paul shows that all men are under the judgment of God and are completely lacking in any righteousness that can satisfy the demands of God. All men are under the wrath of God because they lack the righteousness of God; they suppress the truth in their unrighteousness. They are in need of God’s righteousness which is only obtained by faith. The two verses are connected by “for”. Men must be justified by faith, for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all . . . men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.


I think it can be summed up this way.
V 17- the just live by faith
V 18- the unjust die or are dead by suppressing the truth

Also verse 18 speaks of the wrath of God. Compare that to John chapter 3

(John 3:36) Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

It is clear to me that holding the truth in unrighteousness is unbelief and because of this unbelief the wrath of God remains on them.

Ro 1 is refering to all of mankind not just a certain group.

(Ephesians 2:3) among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Do you agree that Ro 1 is referring to all of mankind or do you agree with free that it is only fools?

_____________________________

(John 8:11) Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Post #: 30851
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 4:31:21 PM   
FreeGrace

 

Posts: 6686
Joined: 12/30/2005
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: rwe2156
I haven't commented about Cornelius, but here's what I see:

I think Cornelius truly did have some kind of knowledge about God and God
responded by giving him the vision to seek out Peter and Cornelius, an
uncirumcised gentile Roman centurion was ultimately saved, illustrating
God's purpose in salvation is open to any man, not just a chosen few.

Youo are quite perceptive. Romans 1 flatly states that God has made evident to mankind His existence. So, clearly Cornelius believed that truth that God had made evident to him.

quote:

Maybe Cornelius heard about the events in Joppa, right up the road, and
wanted to hear more about this man Peter, but only out of curiosity -
he wanted to talk to the man who raised the woman Tabitha. Regardless of
why Cornelius called to see Peter is irrelevant - it was God's purpose to show
Peter he must bring the message to the gentiles, too.

No, it's NOT irrelevant. From what the angel told him, seems he had never even heard of Peter before the angel showed up.

quote:

So did Cornelius respond to the gospel because of a prior acknowledgment based on some evidence he saw, that he was gradually brought to faith by incremental revelation of God?

Do you want to deny that he believed what God had made evident to him per Romans 1?
Do you want to deny that he believed what the angel sent from God told him to do?
I know you cannot deny that he believed the message from Peter. That is 3 different "levels" of divine revelation that he responded to. You may call it "incremental", "levels" or whatever. However, you see my point.

quote:

Sorry, I don't see it here. It seems to me he had heard of Peter and wanted to hear from him, but God's purpose was for Peter to bring the message of salvation to him and his household.

No, seems he was unaware of Peter until the angel appeared to him and told him God was answering his prayers and to send for Peter, by whose words he would be saved. Acts 11:14

quote:

I see more of a refutation of election here than anything else.

That should be clear as well.

quote:

The gospel is for all men everywhere, but only some will believe.
I would appreciate your comments. I have consulted no references or commentaries.

Now you have them. I am interested in your response to my "3 leves" of divine revelation to Cornelius.
Post #: 30852
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 4:50:30 PM   
john_mark

 

Posts: 487
Joined: 7/20/2005
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quote:

ORIGINAL: kelman


Since the crucifixion was foreknown by God, could these men have done differently? Men choose what they want to think and to do; in fact, they could do no other than choose. Yet, all his choices are determined by the eternal decrees of God.



so when the christian sins, even though God foreknows his sin, his sin is determined by God? yet paul tells us

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

so how does God provide away of escape if no escape is possible?
Post #: 30853
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 5:55:13 PM   
FreeGrace

 

Posts: 6686
Joined: 12/30/2005
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: john_mark

quote:

ORIGINAL: kelman


Since the crucifixion was foreknown by God, could these men have done differently? Men choose what they want to think and to do; in fact, they could do no other than choose. Yet, all his choices are determined by the eternal decrees of God.



so when the christian sins, even though God foreknows his sin, his sin is determined by God? yet paul tells us

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

so how does God provide away of escape if no escape is possible?

Great question, john_mark! The calvinists haven't been able to answer my questions. They probably won't be able to answer yours. But keep 'em up!
Post #: 30854
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 8:39:49 PM   
rwe2156

 

Posts: 1726
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quote:

ORIGINAL: KingJamesBond
You have never proved that salvation (repentance, new birth, belief, good
works resulting from salvation, etc) are causes of only the man.

Boy do I communicate poorly!

I do not need to it this because I don't believe it.

I am contending that man the ONLY thing man is able to do is repent, period.

I DO believe man's heart must be prepared to believe.

If you read them carefully, my questions are about repentance NOT salvation.

I don't recall you ever specifically answering them. Sorry if youdid I missed it.





Maybe it is better to go onto new questions and new points?



KJB


_____________________________

The Truth is between the tensions. The "contradictions"only reflect our lack of understanding.
So we choose sides. God help us.
Post #: 30855
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 8:50:39 PM   
rwe2156

 

Posts: 1726
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Caric
Why do you not believe what the bible says? The bible makes it crystal clear that God isn't just capable of foreknowledge. He's omnipotent as well as omniscient! The bible is where we get the truth that God chooses and predestines. So again, why do you make up beliefs that contradict the bible? Why do you persist in believing that God is less powerful than the bible says he is?

Evil is what God is not.

God is not evil.

Evil does what God hates.

God does not do evil.

Sin cannot exist in the presence of God.

God cannot cause sin.

God created this world and this creature man for fellowship and glory.

Fellowship is false if it is coerced.

God is not glorified by forcing his creation to love him.

God is patient with his creation, not wanting anyone to perish
but for every one of his creation to repent and believe.

Tell me, did God micromanage Satan's testing of Job,
or did God simply place a limit on evil?

Your view of God's omiscience pictures God whispering
in Satan's ear what evil deed to do next, no?

_____________________________

The Truth is between the tensions. The "contradictions"only reflect our lack of understanding.
So we choose sides. God help us.
Post #: 30856
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 9:01:00 PM   
KingJamesBond

 

Posts: 1365
Joined: 12/2/2006
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FreeGrace,

quote:

What is so difficult about understanding that when God makes Himself evident to mankind, that man is faced with 2 options.

Either accept as true (believe) that evidence, or reject that evidence (suppression of that truth).

We have Cornelius who accepted that evidence, proven by the FACT that he reverenced God and prayed continually. He did NOT suppress that truth.

We also know that fools say in their hearts, there is no God. They DID suppress that truth.


Enough of Cornelius, why dont you use me and my life history as your prime example?

2 options huh?

Why use a guy like Cornelius as an example when you can use a guy like me that was as depraved as depraved could be?

How do you explain ME and MY situation when I was totally opposite of Cornelius?

How do you explain ME and MY position when I was totally opposed to God?

Why did God reveal Himself to me when I was in total suppression of the truth?

I did not pray at all, let alone continually. I did not reverence God......at all.

Why did God reveal Himself to me when I was doing ALL the wrong things?

I will be the first person to admit I suppressed the truth.

I had nothing to do with God.

quote:

So, clearly Cornelius believed that truth that God had made evident to him.


I was actually involved in false religions and cults and I constantly did research into them.

I was by no stretch of the imagination a good guy doing good things for my fellow man.

I was involved in all sorts of bad and evil things that I would be embarrassed to even mention here.

So explain it!

How do you explain my situation compared with wonderful Cornelius?

I was doing all the wrong things and doing nothing right.

Your doctrine cant explain it. Your doctrine has no way of explaining it.

What happened to me was not anything free-will could have ever done.

Free-will is no miracle.

What happened to me was nothing short of a miracle.....it was a miracle from God!

I know exactly how to explain it in the truth that you do not accept.

It is clear;

Romans 9 (NLT);

15 For God said to Moses,

“I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.”

16 So it is God who decides to show mercy.

We can neither choose it nor work for it.

17 For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth.”

18 So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen.


Here it is in NASB;

16So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.

Yes.......God had mercy on me a wretched sinner and it had nothing to do with me willing or running.

quote:

There! You finally got it! What is missing from Acts 13:48 is "God". Luke never mentioned Him. These people were very interested in what Paul was preaching. Just what do you think he was preaching about? The gospel, which is eternal life. The Gentiles arranged themselves in place to have eternal life.


Wrong again FreeGrace, it does not work that way;

Acts 18;

27 Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him to go.

They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him.

When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God’s grace, had believed.


The grace of God causes people to believe.

who, by God’s grace, had believed.



KJB

_____________________________

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Post #: 30857
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 9:04:05 PM   
rwe2156

 

Posts: 1726
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: tdd1975

RWE
quote:

What do you think "holding the truth in unrighteousness" actually means?


Unbelief.

I think it refers to man denying God even though he has made
himself known through his creation.

I think there is a general call on all men to the revelation of God
through his creation.

Ever seen a sunset off the Gulf of Mexico?

quote:

Do you agree that Ro 1 is referring to all of mankind or
do you agree with free that it is only fools?

Its referring to human willful rejection of the truth, either
by what they say or what their lifestyle shows.

There is a natural revelation of God in nature - IOW God is obvious
but some men choose to reject or suppress this knowledge.

Does all mankind do it? Certainly not.

Many believe God created everything but have never responded
to the special revelation of God - the gospel of Jesus Christ.

_____________________________

The Truth is between the tensions. The "contradictions"only reflect our lack of understanding.
So we choose sides. God help us.
Post #: 30858
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 9:15:28 PM   
rwe2156

 

Posts: 1726
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: FreeGrace
I am interested in your response to my "3 levels" of divine revelation to Cornelius.

Do you want to deny that he believed what God had made evident to him per Romans 1?
Do you want to deny that he believed what the angel sent from God told him to do?
I know you cannot deny that he believed the message from Peter. That is 3 different "levels" of divine revelation that he responded to. You may call it "incremental", "levels" or whatever. However, you see my point.

I see your point.

Once I denied God even existed, but in my heart I knew there was something else.

Someone gave me a Bible in 1978. I shelved it and 10 years later read some
of it out of curiosity. I remember it seemed unintelligible to me.

Some years later after the miracle of the birth of my first child was another revelation.

We started attending church.

5 years or so later during a crushing life struggle(by this time I had joined the church,
even taught Sunday School) my mind turned to God on a much deeper level.

I was not saved yet.

Very soon afterward I noticed very real changes in my thoughts and desires.

They were centering more and more on God and continue to this day
with even more intensity to know the Truth personally.

This is proof of my conversion: my heart and mind were turned toward God
and he made me born again as a completely new person.

Every time I run across one of my old college buddies and I tell them
I am a born again Christian, they are amazed.

God continues to give me incremental revelations of him day by day.

So yes, I do believe God can reveal himself incrementally and
step by step the unbeliever will move toward repentance and faith.

_____________________________

The Truth is between the tensions. The "contradictions"only reflect our lack of understanding.
So we choose sides. God help us.
Post #: 30859
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 9:30:00 PM   
loloidong

 

Posts: 60
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From: Seattle, WA
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Everything works towards the purposes of God, even towards our believing in Jesus. And he has not failed once.
Post #: 30860
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 9:41:25 PM   
SureHope

 

Posts: 1515
Joined: 3/11/2007
Status: online
FG,
quote:

I think it's quite telling that the reformed will not give an answer to my 5 simple questions. I think it is because you actually know what the answers are from the text, yet you cannot admit it.

I clearly answered all five questions. I guess you have a short memory or didn't read my answers very carefully, but I did answer them and you thanked me. I think your statement above shows that your main purpose is trying to win an argument and not trying to understand what others are saying.

_____________________________

-Fix Your Hope Completely on the Grace to be Brought to You at the Revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1:13)
Post #: 30861
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 9:45:18 PM   
SureHope

 

Posts: 1515
Joined: 3/11/2007
Status: online
FG,
quote:

Acts 17:27 doesn't speak of inability as you erroneously assume. It does speak of the purpose of God in creating mankind.

I did not say that Acts 17:27 speaks of inability. I said that just as the purpose of man is to love God with all of his being is impossible for fallen man, so is seeking God - none have done it, no not one.

_____________________________

-Fix Your Hope Completely on the Grace to be Brought to You at the Revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1:13)
Post #: 30862
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 10:42:43 PM   
KingJamesBond

 

Posts: 1365
Joined: 12/2/2006
Status: online
rwe2156,

quote:

Boy do I communicate poorly!

I do not need to it this because I don't believe it.

I am contending that man the ONLY thing man is able to do is repent, period.

I DO believe man's heart must be prepared to believe.

If you read them carefully, my questions are about repentance NOT salvation.

I don't recall you ever specifically answering them. Sorry if youdid I missed it.


You did not communicate poorly.

Repentance was included in my post;

quote:

ORIGINAL: KingJamesBond
You have never proved that salvation (repentance, new birth, belief, good
works resulting from salvation, etc) are causes of only the man.


I am basically saying that you have not proved any of those things are caused initially by man.

I know men repent. I have no problem at all undertsanding that. All of your questions do nothing to explain or prove that there is or is not a motive force or power that causes men to repent. The questions are not even valid to the entire issue.

quote:

I am not a total Arminian.

I do not ignore this verse.

I admit it has caused my trouble.

But prooftexting is wrong. This verse must be interpreted, not literally read and it must be interpreted after seeing ALL the Bible has to say about predestination and man's responsibility.


Would the following help you out in understanding?

(This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes; 12 he calls people, but not according to their good or bad works.) She was told, “Your older son will serve your younger son.”

13 In the words of the Scriptures, “I loved Jacob, but I rejected Esau.”

14 Are we saying, then, that God was unfair?


What kind of a call is it that God would choose people according to His own purpose and not according to their good or bad works? By the way, repenting is still a good work.

In other translations it is even clearer;

11for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God's purpose according to His choice would stand

He chose one over the other before they were even born or did anything.

They were not even born, so dont you think that kind of rules out repentance?

If you say it is just some general call for all people to repent, how do you explain He rejected calling Esau to repent?

If you say it is an effectual calling of the elect to salvation, you still must see that Esau was rejected.

How do you explain it away either way? You cant.

Your POV leads to the concept that if God rejected a person with either an outward call, or an inner effectual call, He would not be fair.

Paul knew that people would think that same exact way;

14 Are we saying, then, that God was unfair? Of course not!

God was not unfair.

He loved one and rejected another before they were born, before they even did anything.....and God was not unfair.

Dont you think that kind of rules out people "doing anything" as being the cause?

The text continues;

15 For God said to Moses,

“I will show mercy to anyone I choose,
and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.”

16 So it is God who decides to show mercy.

We can neither choose it nor work for it.


Isnt that clear enough?

17 For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth.”

18 So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen.


Yes, God does it.

19 Well then, you might say, “Why does God blame people for not responding?

Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?”


Some people respond with a question similar to that.

Why does He still blame them when they are unable to respond?

They say......"well if God caused it and did not give all people the same opportunity to respond He cant blame the people because that would make Him a guilty sinful meanie".

We find out that God is not to be blamed even if He chooses people before they are born, even if it is all according to His own purpose, and it has nothing to do with people doing anything;

20 No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?”

21 When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into?


He has the right because it is all His stuff.

Bugs are His, fish are His, fire is His, dirt is His, eyeballs are His, wills are His, human beings are His, everything is His.

It all belongs to Him to do with as He wills. Souls are also His. They belong in the ultimate sense to Him to do with as He pleases.

22 In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction.

23 He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory.

24 And we are among those whom he selected, both from the Jews and from the Gentiles.


I dont know what to tell you other than since you have been brought to Jesus Christ you have nothing at all to commend yourself for at all.

Nothing.

A big fat nothing.

A real response to such truth can leave a person humbled to the lowest level a person could ever be humbled to.

The most a person can really say about the entire situation if they have come to Jesus Christ is.........

"Thank you Lord for having mercy on me".

I can promise you that you will never get me to give any praise, credit, or sermons about my will.

My will aint worth a rotted dead man in the grand scheme of things.

KJB

_____________________________

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Post #: 30863
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 10:49:28 PM   
KingJamesBond

 

Posts: 1365
Joined: 12/2/2006
Status: online
SureHope,

quote:

I clearly answered all five questions. I guess you have a short memory or didn't read my answers very carefully, but I did answer them and you thanked me. I think your statement above shows that your main purpose is trying to win an argument and not trying to understand what others are saying.


I am starting to think the only people that have ever really answered his questions are those that agree with his POV.

As for everybody else, they are too afraid to answer......even while giving their answers.

LOL

KJB

_____________________________

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Post #: 30864
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 11:00:39 PM   
tdd1975

 

Posts: 315
Joined: 2/12/2008
Status: online
quote:

I think it refers to man denying God even though he has made
himself known through his creation.

I think there is a general call on all men to the revelation of God
through his creation.

Ever seen a sunset off the Gulf of Mexico?


And men are without excuse. I agree

quote:

Its referring to human willful rejection of the truth, either
by what they say or what their lifestyle shows.

There is a natural revelation of God in nature - IOW God is obvious
but some men choose to reject or suppress this knowledge.

Does all mankind do it? Certainly not.


(Romans 1:18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

If that is true then there is no wrath of God against them because they are godly and righteous.

Why would they even need a savior?

quote:

Many believe God created everything but have never responded
to the special revelation of God - the gospel of Jesus Christ.


Please understand me that when I say that men are totally depraved I am not saying they can't believe anything about God.
Just because someone believes that God created everything doesn't make them worthy of further revelation.


(Matthew 6:21) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

(Matthew 6:22) "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,

(Matthew 6:23) but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

Light represents knowledge. The very knowledge that is in fallen man is dark. If the light that is in man is darknes how great is that darkness.

_____________________________

(John 8:11) Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Post #: 30865
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/8/2008 11:15:08 PM   
KingJamesBond

 

Posts: 1365
Joined: 12/2/2006
Status: online
tdd1975,

Amen!

Reminds me of this also;

19 "This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.

20 For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed.

21 But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God."


KJB

_____________________________

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Post #: 30866
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/9/2008 4:24:09 AM   
kelman

 

Posts: 3742
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Mannamuncher

quote:

ORIGINAL: kelman

quote:

ORIGINAL: FreeGrace
But, the Christian faith, now, that comes straight from God. Heb 12:2
The Christian faith may come from God BUT your faith to believe comes straight from you at least that's what the freewillers always claim.

Let me add a morsel to your meaty post...

1 Peter 1:20-21 (New International Version)
20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.


1 Peter 1:21 (King James Version)
21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.



It's painfully obvious that faith to believe,

comes by God, and through God in Christ.

Anything else is simply unbiblical.
Since we get never get too full of the Word of God, Manna, here's a few more "morsels".

In addition to Ephesians 2:8, God speaks of faith elsewhere as being given by Him - His gift.

Luke describing the work of Apollos in Achaia as he strengthened the Christians there:
.....who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: -Acts 18:27

Just as Paul faithfully teaches that repentance is a gift of God, so he teaches that, yes, faith also, is the gift of God - all by His grace.
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; -Philippians 1:29

Man can have plenty of his own faith, that the plane will fly, the elevator will go up; but, man cannot have spiritual faith of his own. That faith can only come from God and will always bear fruit, it cannot help but do so since this faith is a fruit of the Spirit(Gal 5:22).

How clearly Scripture teaches us, saving faith is a fruit of the Holy Spirit - not the fruit of man.

_____________________________

“beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow”
Post #: 30867
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/9/2008 4:35:25 AM   
kelman

 

Posts: 3742
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: rwe2156

quote:

ORIGINAL: kelman

quote:

ORIGINAL: rwe2156

quote:

ORIGINAL: KingJamesBond
According to free-will theology, people would be saved
because they did something good.

100% totally inaccurate statement, KJB.

Will you EVER answer any of my questions?

Here they are:

1) Does God command sinners to repent? Yes

2) Does God desire sinners to repent? Yes

3) Does God rejoice when sinners repent? The angels rejoice, we know that. We know, from the following passages, Christ "rejoices" when we become saved so repentance is certainly implied.

"As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. -Isaiah 62:5"

"The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. -Zephaniah 3:17"


4) Does God patiently give sinners time to repent? Not in the way I think you mean - notwithstanding Jezebel. God knows the beginning from the end so we cannot say He "waits patiently". He gives the gift of repentance to all He saves. The only sense God waits is that He doesn't bring the immediate judgment of damnation as He did with Ananias and Sapphira.

5) Who do you blame when you sin? Me, who else?

6) Who do you grieve when you sin? Because I'm actively disobeying the Lord who paid a very heavy penalty for that sin.
You could be asked a similar question. Not sure why anyone should bother answering your questions..because when they do you don't bother to reply to those answers OR any questions posed to you.
Kelman - I PROMISE you, I will respond if you answer them.

As for not responding, I think I responded to Surehope's answers.

I apologize if I don't answer all questions posed to me, but I really
don't remember seeing many - would you like to ask me a question?

I am seeking the truth. I have no preloaded responses ready to blast someone.

I simply want to know the answer to this question:

Does man have the ability and free will to repent or not? NO..the same for faith. If God does not give these gifts man remains unsaved.
Pages ago you asked questions specifically for the Reformed and I answered. Here is THE POST.

As for your "new" set of questions, I'll answer in bold in the body of your post above.

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“beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow”
Post #: 30868
RE: Calvinism/Arminianism - One Stop Thread - 7/9/2008 4:42:30 AM   
kelman

 

Posts: 3742
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: john_mark

quote:

ORIGINAL: kelman


Since the crucifixion was foreknown by God, could these men have done differently? Men choose what they want to think and to do; in fact, they could do no other than choose. Yet, all his choices are determined by the eternal decrees of God.



so when the christian sins, even though God foreknows his sin, his sin is determined by God? yet paul tells us

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

so how does God provide away of escape if no escape is possible?
1Cor 10:13 isn't speaking of sin. It's speaking of trials, tests; and, God certainly does impose these on people. Adam was tested, Paul's affliction of the "thorn in the flesh"; Job's trials.

Nothing is ever done outside the determinate will of God. God "controls all things by means of all things in accordance with his will".

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“beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow”