Results 1661 - 1680 of 1773
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: John Reformed Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1661 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38044 | ||
Dear Hank, The Bible does mentions elect angels 1 Tim 5:21 "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels" The KJV uses "elect" instead of chosen. John |
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1662 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38040 | ||
Dear Ed, I always considered it to be a coloful old west kind of expression. If I thought it was a filthy expression I would have refained from using it. But I'm only 56 years old. Landsakes! I had no idea. John |
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1663 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38039 | ||
Dear Hank, How do you propose to end a debate that is so fundamental to each sides understanding of God? Will calvinists agree to never mention the soveriegnty of God? Will arminians promise that they will never espouse man's freedom to choose? I seriously doubt it. I for one, find it impossible to discuss Scripture without interpreting the meaning. Sooner or later a someone is bound to ask what the writer of Scripture meant by "the world" in John 3:16 or some other verse we disagree on. Now what do we do? I believe each one of us should be informed by his own conscience. Behave to one another as courteously as we can and be admonished by Our Lord's command to love oneanother. I see nothing wrong with a vigorous debate over God's truth. If I'm wrong, prove it. If I don't have the grace to ackowledge my error, woe to me! At least my blood will not be on your hands. What Say Ye, John Reformed |
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1664 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38036 | ||
Dear Ed, Though I disagree, I am also disappointed. I felt as if we had finaly come down to the real issue, which is how God relates to man. Brother John |
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1665 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38032 | ||
Dear Hank, I'm sending to you the reply I sent to Ed. Subject: Bad Arguments Against Calvinism Note: Dear Ed, What is the question under discussion? "Bad arguements against Calvinism". Who posed the question? Zacht. Is Zacht a calvinist? No. Subject: Bad Arguments Against Calvinism Note: John You said: I guess the disturbing part of your reasoning would be that we would have to conclude from what your saying, it was God’s will for the fall of man in the garden. EdB Dear Ed, Why did you get involved in a question your sick and tired of? You'll have to answer that one for yourself, because I don't have a clue. I have no wish to impose my understanding on any one. However, how are theological arguements to be discussed without putting forth the truth as one sees it? Hank, I believe that I am being treated unfairly. Tell me please, given the suject under discussion, how in the name of sam hill, can a person reply to this Subject "BAD ARGUEMENTS AGAINST CALVISM (FOR PETES SAKE) but not mention the topic at all? John |
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1666 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38024 | ||
Dear Ed, What is the question under discussion? "Bad arguements against Calvinism". Who posed the question? Zacht. Is Zacht a calvinist? No. Subject: Bad Arguments Against Calvinism Note: John You said: I guess the disturbing part of your reasoning would be that we would have to conclude from what your saying, it was God’s will for the fall of man in the garden. EdB Why did you get involved in a question your sick and tired of? You'll have to answer that one for yourself, because I don't have a clue. I have no wish to impose my understanding on any one. However, how are theological arguements to be discussed without putting forth the truth as one sees it? God Bless Ed John |
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1667 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38011 | ||
Dear Ed, In two short notes you have managed to plunge us both into a debate that is at least hundreds of years old. The soverignty of God and the resposibility of man. Good work! Tell me, could God have prevented the Fall? He knew it would happen. Why did'nt He change His plan, or step in and prevent the serpent from entering the Garden? Or did everything that happened suit His eternal purpose? God Bless Ed, John |
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1668 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38000 | ||
Dear Edb, I apologize. I failed to notice that the note was from you. Please check my reply to jesusman. you will find my answer there. John |
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1669 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37998 | ||
Dear Bruce, We are now getting down to the heart of our differences. Has God ordained everything that has occured or will ever occur? At this point human reason is of little value. We must go to the Word which alone is truth. Act 15:18 "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world." (KJV). It's obvious given the context that, James had recognized God's eternal purpose to include the gentiles into The Body of Christ. Eph 3:11 "This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,". Paul assures the Ephesians that God's eternal purpose was fulfilled in his ministry and so not to be anxious over his current imprisonment. Heb 6:17 "In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath". His purpose never is changed nor can it be. Eph 1 3-11. What is the plain sense of this passage? I don't want to burden you with the weight of all the scripture that speaks of God's eternal purpose and the inevitability of it's accomplishment. I would prefer to hear your thoughts on what I have put forth thus far. But, to answer your question: Yes God did foreordain man's fall and all else as well. Perhaps you can do a word search on foreordination or predestination before responding. Just a suggestion. Brother John |
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1670 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37992 | ||
Dear Bruce, You misstate the calvinist position when you say: "According to Calvinism,only the "elect" are offered Salvation, and the rest of Mankind is left as being "vessels of Wrath", doomed for eternal torment in hell." We contend that Scripture teaches that the gift of eternal life is given (not offered) to the elect. Let me explain. Before a person can recieve spiritual truth he must first be regenerated. Now he has become a new creature and has the capacity to place faith in Christ. He is not compelled against his will, to the contrary, Christ has become his hearts desire and his will is now to obey his Lord and Master. John |
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1671 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37987 | ||
Dear Bruce, Your conclusion is based on the assumption that sinful man deserves something other than damnation. Is this what the Bible teaches? John |
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1672 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37984 | ||
Dear Bruce, You underestimate what calvinism teaches when you concluded that it inferred that: "God alone controls everyhting in the universe, and nothing happens without his approval." Calvinism teaches that God has predestined ALL things. So, nothing happens outside His will. I don't understand why this upsets some folks but provides comfort and security to others. John Reformed |
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1673 | AA agnostic wants practical proof of God | 1 Cor 2:4 | John Reformed | 37934 | ||
Hello Triston, The way to believe in God is simple. Open your eyes and look around. What do you see? Your probably inside reading my note. Most of what is around you is man-made. Look at your hand for instance. A marvelous tool that was employed to make everything around you. Consider the complexity of the Hand Eye coordination that is necessary for you to use your computer. The body to which your hand is a part of makes the most complex machines of man appear ridiculouly crude in comparison. Go outside and look at the sky, the sun and all the living things around you. The fact that God is, is inescapable. The problem is not that there is'nt enough conclusive evidence. The real problem lies whithin ourselves. We refuse to believe the evidence of our senses because We don't want to believe in Him. Down deep in our hearts we know who made us and everything around us. But, because we have broken every commandment of His we can think of, our only hope is to refuse to accept God's existence. I am going to commit an AA NoNo and break my anonnimity. I went to AA for 5 years, I got a sponsor, worked the steps, made the coffe put away the chairs and helped clean up, went on 12 step calls etc. To the best of my ability I did everything I could to stay sober. I came to love AA and my fellow "alkies". But I could'nt get rid of the guilt and every good work I did was tainted by my selfish ego. BUT I stayed sober! I knew it was'nt the good works that were keeping me sober It was Him. "But for the grace of God". Triston, I gotta go. If you want to continue our conversation just attach a note to mine. John |
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1674 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37882 | ||
Dear Bruce, Is this in accordance to God's stated Law? Yes, see Romans 9 So then, it isn't Man having faith in God? It's God having faith in Man? Is this biblical? No. You misunderstood my point. God is not obliged to be gracious to any of our filthy, wicked, God hating species! Just thank him for being gracious to you. So, God judges who he chooses and has mercy on who he chooses? I did'nt say it , Paul said it in Ro 9. I hate to be blunt, but Kings do not require acquiesense from rebellious subjects before He condemns them to death. They are rebels and will keep on rebelling. It's their natural desire. Only a miracle can change their wicked hearts. Good Night Bruce, John |
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1675 | Did the disciples have a choice? | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37881 | ||
Dear Hank, I enjoy our conversations immensely. You are years beyond me in your knowledge of the Scripture. I had not appreciated the context til you pointed it out. In light of my new perspective, I would like to tell you what I have deduced thus far. The King is God The Father. The King's Son is Christ (the promised Messiah). The invitees are Israel. The slaves are the OT prophets and perhaps John the Baptist. The Father calls the nation of Israel to participate in the wedding feast of Christ. Israel turns down the gratious call of God and proceeds to ignore or kill the prophets of God. Gods wrath is poured out on Israel. God kills them and burns Jerusalem. (AD 70?). (Now comes the hard part) God sends his slaves to call everyone they meet, evil as well as good. If the original invitees are the nation of Israel, then who is left to invite? Correct me if I'm wrong, but that sounds to me like the Gospel call to all nations. All who have the proper attire (Christ's Robe of righteousness) are recieved. The man without the robe (the filthy rags of self righteousness) is cast out. "for many are called but few are chosen" must refer to the call of the Gospel to the second group of invitees. Why? because of the required dress. (You probably know that already. I'm just thinking outloud). Hummmmmmmm (thats me thinking again). Well Hank I do believe you are correct. Matt 22:14 does not appear to be an appropriate verse to use to prove that God chooses His elect on the basis of His good pleasure alone. Thanks Hank, Brother John |
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1676 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37853 | ||
Dear Bruce, God was not and is not obliged to save anyone. But because He is merciful, He chose to save some and pass by the rest. God in the person of the Holy Spirit, goes to The Fathers chosen (Elect; those of the promise) and regenerates their fallen nature by the gracious gift of faith. This new creation opens his eyes and recognizes his sinfulness, repents and falls on his knees beseeching Christ for salvation. The reprobate are left to pursue the desires of their own wicked hearts. This is hard for us to accept. Nevertheless it is what the Bible teaches, cover to cover. Would a man be so bold as to summon God Almighty before the court of human reason and try Him for being injust. "Why did you make me this way?" It would be akin to a criminal trying a judge. I was deeply distressed upon being disabused of my own "free will fantasy". It does't seem fair I cried. But where else could I go. It was impossible for me to walk away from Christ. He is the only one who has the words of eternal life. In the end I humbled myself and surrendered to the clear teaching of Scripture. Godgave me a promise to sustain me during times of darkness and unbelief that lay ahead: Gen 18:25 "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" The good news is that which was once bitter has become sweet. I rejoice in His Judgements and rest securely in His soverign rule over the earth and over my life. God Bless Bruce, John |
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1677 | time? | Ecclesiastes | John Reformed | 37833 | ||
Thanks Bruce, The first paragraph was a bit over my head, but I think I caught the drift of it. If I understand the second paragraph (the theological side) it means past present and future are all the same to God. He knows what is to take place because it has always been. Whew! God really is soverign. Thanks Again, John |
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1678 | Did the disciples have a choice? | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37823 | ||
Dear Hank, Where have I mentioned Calvnism? Please brother, you must understand my motive. I am moved not by man's theology but by my love for Christ and my zeal for the Fathers glory. You may be surprised by the number of disagreements I have with the Reformers. I have been challenged by you and others regarding my interpretation of God's truth. It has driven me to try harder, dig deeper, re-examine my church's doctrines and pray that The Holy Spirit would open my eyes and ears. I have been a christian for 22 years. My views on doctrine have changed time and time again, as the Potter has been pleased to mold me. I submit to His touch alone. When I find I've been wrong it's been a joy to me! God has pressed his fingers into my clay and has made me more beautiful. It is not always a painless process and I did'nt mean to imply that it was. You and I have experienced the pain. But we have become closer as a result. The Potter's hand on our lives. Let's put our dogmas aside and approach the scripture with unbiased eyes, the both of us. I would really appreciate your answer to my question. I ask it lovingly. Brother John |
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1679 | From whom does faith originate? | Eph 2:8 | John Reformed | 37816 | ||
Dear Makarios, Pardon me, but the 9th chapter of Romans is about how faith comes to a person and where it comes from and on what basis it is given. Question: Who recieves faith? Answer: The children of the Promise (the elect) Proof: Rom 9:8 "it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants." Question: on what basis are the elect chosen (their decision or God's)? Answer: God's. Proof: Rom 9:16 "it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. Question: Is God unjust? Answer: No! Proof: Rom 9:14 "There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! Question: Where does man's faith come from. Answer: From God. Proof: Rom 10:17 "faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Question: Can everyone hear God's word so as to recieve the faith promised in Rom: 10:17 Answer: NO. Only by God's grace are we given the ability to hear spiritual things. Proof: Deut 29:4 "Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to know, nor eyes to see, nor ears to hear. To God be the Glory, Your Brother John |
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1680 | Did the disciples have a choice? | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37799 | ||
Hi Hank, I said "If God Almighty chooses to call a person, that person will come! In answer to the first part of your question: "John, has this statement you have made been shown by Scripture to be the case, always and without exception?". I say YES! The ones God Chooses to call will come. I believe your response to me would be: "Then why are not all saved upon hearing the Gospel?". Matt 22:14 "For many are called, but few are chosen." The call goes out to all. The evangelist is to carry out the Great Commission and call all men, everywhere to repentance and to faith in Christ. Now you know and I know that unless the Holy Spirit quikens the heart of the hearer, that person will consider the preaching of the cross foolishness 1 cor 1:18. He is carnal and can neither understand or recieve spiritual things. For that very reason we pray the Holy Spirit will open the persons eyes and ears and heart. It takes a miracle for a sinner to surrender to Christ. On that basis I say there are two calls, one a outward call and a second an inward call. All recieve the The evangelists call (An outward call) but only those whom God has chosen recieve His call (An inward call) and the quikening of the Holy Spirit. When God sends the Holy Spirit to quiken the heart of a man that man is born again. His eyes are now open. He sees his sinful condition and turns to Christ the object of his love. The Spirit has taken away his heart of stone and given him a heart of flesh. The question here centers around the verb "chosen". Hank, who in this verse, do you say, are the chosen and who is the chooser? If you disagree please share your understanding of this verse with me. I'll Attempt to answer the second part of your question later. God Bless Hank, John |
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