Results 1 - 6 of 6
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | I am confussed on what to believe. | Bible general Archive 2 | Confuzzled | 155050 | ||
I have been a Christian for 36 years and never ever worried whether or not I am a 'Calvinist' or an 'Arminian' in my theology. Our pastor has begun teaching on the sovereignty of God and has presented Calvinism or reformed view as the only 'God' centered interpretation of scripture. Should I find this as an awfully bold and scary claim? | ||||||
2 | I am confussed on what to believe. | Bible general Archive 2 | DocTrinsograce | 155051 | ||
Hi, Confuzzled... A proper understanding of the Doctrines of Grace is very comforting and very humbling. It shifts the emphasis from man to God. It is, as my profile name might suggest, a more clear summation of Scripture than other theologies. Frankly, if something can thwart the hand of God, that's a pretty scrary thought! Perhaps you might find the following by Charles Hadon Spurgeon to be helpful: http://www.spurgeon.org/calvinis.htm In Him, Doc |
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3 | I am confussed on what to believe. | Bible general Archive 2 | Confuzzled | 155052 | ||
Thanks for the link. I will look at it, but I have looked at so many other things, I have a feeling I know what it is going to say. My concern is I want to be known as a follower of the Truth, not a Calvinist or Arminian. After my own research, I fall some where in between...I agree that God is completely sovereign in every facet of my life...including my salvation. However, my concern is when people start to get so dogmatic on man derived doctrines and try to pigeon hole God. | ||||||
4 | I am confussed on what to believe. | Bible general Archive 2 | DocTrinsograce | 155056 | ||
Dear Confuzzled, Neither Calvinism nor Arminianism are followers of any human. They are attempts at properly interpreting the Word of God. If you believe in the sovereignty of God, even in salvation, then you're already well into the Calvinist camp. Remember, dogmatism in some area is not a bad thing if it is true. That is a clear teaching of Scripture. However, you should understand that Calvinism and Arminianism are mutually exclusive, in the same way that Roman Catholicism and Protestantism are mutually exclusive. I wouldn't worry about it all. God is Sovereign, therefore He is the One Who put you under the instruction of your pastor. Absorb what God is teaching you. But never expect it to be comfortable. Whenever God removes the lie we embrace and replaces it with the truth, it is uncomfortable. In Him, Doc |
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5 | I am confussed on what to believe. | Bible general Archive 2 | Confuzzled | 155108 | ||
Doc, Thanks for your thoughts and opinions...but I am still not sure why we spend so much time debating such issues, when there are still so many people that need to be reached for Christ. |
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6 | I am confussed on what to believe. | Bible general Archive 2 | kalos | 155139 | ||
You write: "I am still not sure why we spend so much time debating such issues, when there are still so many people that need to be reached for Christ." Good question. Many other people also wonder about the same thing. The issues that are debated are issues of doctrine. Doctrine means "teaching". Why is sound doctrine (wholesome teaching) so important? Consider the following Scriptures from the New International Version. Tit 2:1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 1Ti 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. Tit 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 1Ti 1:10 for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers - and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine |
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