Results 181 - 200 of 1459
|
||||||
Results from: Notes Author: John Reformed Ordered by Date |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
181 | Are Reformed people lost souls? | 2 Pet 1:10 | John Reformed | 99503 | ||
I don't recall discussing the topic of calvinism. The topic I was engaged in was "the Potters freedom". To make sure that I had not inadvertantly been pushing a denominational bias or engaging in a C/A debate, I reviewed my posts and found that I had'nt even used the "C" word once! But perhaps I missed an occasion or two. I did recieve posts from certain others who attempted to revive the old debate, but my replies clearly show that I did not rise to the bait. What people think of a particular theologian is neither here nor there to me. My interest is in "what sayeth the Lord". And I certainly did not speculate about whether those whose beliefs differ from mine were saved! Rom 14:4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Grace and Peace (I really mean it!) :-), John Reformed |
||||||
182 | Are Reformed people lost souls? | 2 Pet 1:10 | John Reformed | 99499 | ||
The way uderstand it is that debating the relative merits of a particlar theology, Calvinism vs Arminianism for example are "strictly prohibited". I do not believe that it prohibits users from engaging in civil debates over differences in doctrine. If that were the case, only one viewpoint would be permitted. Take the doctrine of the Trinity for instance. The majority of evangelical denominations hold this doctrine to be an essential truth without which Salvation is not possible. Regardless of whether a particular member of the forum believes it or not, forbidding it's discussion would be unthinkable! The same is true for baptism, atonement, the incarnation, damnation, salvation... I could go on and on. My advice would be to state the truth as you see; Found your statement on Scripture and speak it in words salted with love. The problem is not theology it is the failure to manifest the fruit of self-control. It is my prayer that God will bless us all with that particular grace. Grace and Peace, John Reformed |
||||||
183 | Why did Eve orginally leave the garden? | Gen 3:1 | John Reformed | 99495 | ||
Dear Emmaus, You cite Paul's letter to Timothy as support for your theory that Adam may have been guilty of sin prior to his eating of the "forbidden fruit". 1 Tim 2:12-14 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Please explain how the above passage relates to what I had posted to you. Don't mis-understand...If Adam had not eaten of the fruit, God would not have cursed his offspring. Adam was Eve's covenant head as Christ is the covenant head of His church. Therefore, Adam commited a far greater transgression than did Eve. She was decieved; Adam was not. Why he knowingly rebelled against God's command is a mystery to me. What concerned me was the speculation that Adam sinned by not protecting Eve from Satan in the first place! Eve certainly was decieved, but that fact did not exonerate her in the eyes of God "the woman being deceived, fell into transgression." I cautioned you for that reason. It is not wise, in my estimation, to entertain ideas that are not supportable by Scripture. Vain imaginings are the breeding ground of false doctrines. John Reformed |
||||||
184 | Why did Eve orginally leave the garden? | Gen 3:1 | John Reformed | 99444 | ||
Carefull Emmaus, Adam was not found to have sinned in any other way than in eating the forbidden fruit. Trying to place the initial blame for sinning on Adam's supposed failure as guardian is a flight of fancy. It smacks of the theolgy of the femminists :-) John |
||||||
185 | Dear John: Is it possible? | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99439 | ||
Dear Hiram, Welcome to the forum! You mistakenly replied to EdB rather than to me. It does take a little time to learn your way around. You asked if there were any way to know if one has been chosen by God (elect). 2 Cor 13:5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! 1 Cor 11:28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. Gal 6:4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. We need to examine our daily lives to see if we are truly saved. Have we changed from the way we were before we surrendered to Christ? Are trusting in Jesus alone as our saviour? Are we growing in holiness? Are we obediant in following the commands of Christ? Do we love our fellow christians? Are we being used by God for a positive influence on others? Are we adhering to apostolic teaching and the testimony of the Holy Spirit within them? Of course we all fall short in all of the above. Nevertheless, we should see some growth and some good works coming forth as fruit grows on a healthy tree. If after our self-examination we doubt our salvation, perhaps God is using it as a means by which He is drawing you to Himself. If you believe that is the case, pray to Christ to please save you from your sins. John 6:37 "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. Humbly confess your sins to God. Recognize the fact that you are helpless and seek shelter from the wrath of God in Christ the Strong Tower. Thanks for asking the question. God Bless, John Reformed |
||||||
186 | Dear John: Is it possible? | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99402 | ||
Dear CDBJ, Election is mainstream calvinistic theology and is held to be the plain reading of Scripture. "why do you waste your time trying to convince people of the fact, since it won’t make any difference anyway, they are already chosen?" I don't believe that discussing the great doctrines of Scripture is ever a "waste of time" (as you put it.) I also do not believe that I can change anyone's mind about anything! I love talking with other christians (as well as unbelievers) about our great and mighty God. If it pleases God to use me as an instrument to help some one understand a point of doctrine,or, If He uses someone else to help me, that alone is worth more than all the riches this world can offer. It is my hope that He be glorified by what we do. I don't expect that I ever will come close to undertanding the mystery of God's sovereignty and man's responsibility. Nevertheless, I am commanded to believe the teaching of Scripture. If the doctines I hold are unscriptural, I pray God will correct me. I look to Him for everything!I have no confidence in the flesh. If man is flesh and spiritualy dead; if no one seeks God; must be granted repentance by God in order to recieve the knowledge of the truth; if no man can even come to Christ unless drawn by the Father; If the natural man does not even recieve spiritual things; how then, should I be expected to believe that rebellious man is able to freely choose to believe a spiritual truth? John |
||||||
187 | Dear John: Is it possible? | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99358 | ||
Dear Hank, It is not my intention to cause you any discomfort, but, the fact is that I am not persuaded that your arguements are legitimate. Feel free to contact me on any subject except this one. Peace, John |
||||||
188 | "objects of wrath" | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99337 | ||
Dear Ed, You wrote:"John notice one more thing it says "WHOLE WORLD" since you speak Calvinese culd you explain does this mean "whole' like in the total world or does it mean "whole" like only the elect. If it means the latter could you please provide the Calvinese language rules that forward that meaning. I'm trying to learn your language. :-) EdB" 1 John 2:1-2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. We do agree on one thing Ed, that is the Bible never contradicts itself. That being a given, how do we reconcile 1 John 1-2 with John 6:44 which teaches that no one can come to the Father UNLESS he is drawn by the Father. We can't say that the Father draws all men because Jesus says that everyone the Father draws comes to Him (Jesus), and the one who comes to Him will not be cast out but will be raised up on the last day! Therefore my conclusion is that everyone in the whole world who is drawn by the Father has Christ as the propitiator of their sins. Sorry Ed, business calls...John |
||||||
189 | Dear John: Is it possible? | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99318 | ||
Dear Ed, We were created to glorify God. That, in my own poor fashion, is what I am attemting to do. So ignore my sinful tendencies and check the scriptures for errors I might have made. I will only bow to the Word. By the way, the rut you refer to is called in the Bible "The straight and narrow Way". John |
||||||
190 | "objects of wrath" | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99316 | ||
Dear Colin, There are certain benefits in having a theology that has been alive for 500 years...most of the questions regarding it's orthodoxy have already been asked and answered. It has been tested under fire and has withstood the test. Of course Reformed theology is not considered infallible by any of it's proponants (after all it is the work of fallible men) nevertheless, I have found it to be of immense value in my own pursuit of knowing God. As to the concerns regarding your percieved flaws, I would be happy to address them to the best of my ability (I am a relative neophyte so bear that in mind, Reformer Joe would do a better job than this feeble saint). "I do see how you can argue for predestinarianism from the scriptures, but Calvinism evidently fails in its making square the infinite roundness of love, which by its Godly nature necesitates freedom and choice." We love Him because He first loved us. That sounds pretty round to me :-). But what...you may ask...about those who did not come to love Christ? Did'nt He love them as well? Good question! I'm glad I asked it for you (I've been posting far too much lately...I'm getting silly). Seriously...In a sense, God loves all His creatures. But the love He has for those He has chosen is special. Because of time constraints I will post a response from Athur Pink on the subject of God's soveriegty in love. God is Sovereign in the exercise of His love. Ah! that is a hard saying, who then can receive it? It is written, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from Heaven" (John 3:27). When we say that God is Sovereign in the exercise of His love, we mean that He loves whom He chooses. God does not love everybody*; if He did, He would love the Devil. Why does not God love the Devil? Because there is nothing in him to love; because there is nothing in him to attract the heart of God. Nor is there anything to attract God's love in any of the fallen sons of Adam, for all of them are, by nature, "children of wrath" (Eph. 2:3). If then there is nothing in any member of the human race to attract God's love, *John 3:16 will be examined later. and if, notwithstanding, He does love some, then it necessarily follows that the cause of His love must be found in Himself, which is only another way of saying that the exercise of God's love towards the fallen sons of men is according to His own good pleasure. In the final analysis, the exercise of God's love must he traced back to His Sovereignty or, otherwise, He would love by rule; and if He loved by rule, then is He under a law of love, and if He is under a law of love then is He not supreme, but is Himself ruled by law. "But," it may be asked, "Surely you do not deny that God loves the entire human family?" We reply, it is written, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated" (Rom. 9:13). If then God loved Jacob and hated Esau, and that before they were born or had done either good or evil, then the reason for His love was not in them, but in Himself. That the exercise of God's love is according to His own Sovereign pleasure is also clear from the language of Ephesians 1:3-5, where we read, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself according to the good pleasure of His will." It was "in love" that God the Father predestined His chosen ones unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, "according"-according to what? According to some excellency He discovered in them? No. What then? According to what He foresaw they would become? No; mark carefully the inspired answer-"According to the good pleasure of His will." We are not unmindful of the fact that men have invented the distinction between God's love of complacency and His love of compassion, but this is an invention pure and simple. Scripture terms the latter God's "pity" (see Matt. 18:33), and "He is kind unto the unthankful and the evil" (Luke 6:35)! |
||||||
191 | "objects of wrath" | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99304 | ||
"And why did the servant in Matt25:21 hear it? Should not the admonishment been I made you do it?" Hi Ed, Are you advocating boasting or just pulling my leg? Seriously...Praise from Jesus is more than any of us deserve. Apart from Him we can do nothing. I believe it is a wondefull expression of His love for us unprofitable servants. Afterall, it is'nt as if God Omnipotent needed our help. Flip Wilson may have been closer to the truth than some may realize. 2 Tim 2:25,26 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. John |
||||||
192 | Dear John: Is it possible? | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99303 | ||
We differ about these things in this present age because we are still sinners. I'm certain that my knowledge of the Bible is flawed in many ways. Nevertheless, until I am further enlightened by the Holy Spirit, I must stand on the truth which I have been given. We are not foreordained to confusion. But spiritual growth takes place over time. Participation on the forum has been a great help to me and I praise God for you and Hank; Tim and Joe and all the brothers ans sisters with whom I have been priviledged to converse with. It may not appear to be the case to all, but, it has been a humbling experience as well as anything else. I know that the doctrines of grace, which seem to come contiually from yours truly, are a burden for some members. But my love for what I believe to be God's truth compels me. To desist would be like abandoning the gospel itself! I would become a pleaser of men. Of course no one is compelled to pay any attention at all to my posts. It seems strange that those who are the staunchest defenders of "freedom to choose", would deny me my right to discuss that which interests me. Anyway, I still love you all and pray for God's blessing on us all (each and everyone :-) John Ps I've been recieving some inquiries regarding "does all always mean all". Any takers? :-O |
||||||
193 | God is not the author of evil. | Job | John Reformed | 99300 | ||
Hi again Ed, I would be happy to discuss these points with you. But I would appreciate it if you would first tell me your thoughts on God not desiring anyone to perish. I know that the Bible teaches that He takes no pleasure from their destruction, but it does seem that scripture teaches that all His "good pleasure" is done without fail. John |
||||||
194 | "objects of wrath" | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99292 | ||
Dear Colin, There will be no excuses offered by anyone on the Day of Judgement. Each and every condemned sinner will know that they are due only justice for their crimes against the Lord of Glory. Neither will there be boasting among the saints. They will know that, had it not been for God's grace, all would have recieved justice rather than mercy. Rev 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. A humbling and terrifying thought. John |
||||||
195 | Dear John: Is it possible? | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99289 | ||
Na Na God picked me and he didn't pick you. Dear Ed, God forbid that I should ever feel that way. The way I look at my salvation is that if God has chosen me, then He could choose anyone! Election is God's business not mine. My business is to share the gospel with all and rely on it's power to save those whom God has called. I have no idea who will believe and who will not. 2 Cor 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 1 Thess 1:5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, "Or your saying I’m elected and don’t know it and all this time I have been serving God not by my choice but I was actually brainwashed thinking I was doing it by choice but actually I had no choice. And being preordained to think I wasn’t elected is was actually a placed here to argue this topic with you." John doesn’t that sound a little odd to you? I'm not sure how to reply to this question without seening rude. Sometimes my thoughts about God do make me feel quite dizzy. He is just so BIG and I'm so small. But I am comforted by thinking of the great love He has for His own. John John |
||||||
196 | God is not the author of evil. | Job | John Reformed | 99287 | ||
Hi Ed, You stated "I always thought God desired none to perish..." Matt 18:12-13 "What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? "If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. "So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish. In context Ed, this passage is about Christ's sheep. It has to do with our eternal security not the fate of all mankind. "Whosoever believes" does cover everyone everywhere. But it does not give us the answer to the question of WHY some believe but others do not. Ps 115:3 But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. 2 Is 9:17 Therefore the Lord does not take pleasure in their young men, Nor does He have pity on their orphans or their widows; For every one of them is godless and an evildoer, And every mouth is speaking foolishness. In spite of all this, His anger does not turn away And His hand is still stretched out. Is 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, 'My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure'; Rom 9:13 Just as it is written, "JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED." John |
||||||
197 | "objects of wrath" | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99279 | ||
Dear Colin, What I mean to say is that those who experience the love of Christ, fall in love with Him. He is irresistible! Deut 7:7 "The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 2 Deut 10:15 "Yet on your fathers did the LORD set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day. Eph 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, Thess 1:4,5 "knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction;..." Also, what about Noah, Abraham, Job and David? Did they choose God freely? Yes. They also were among those upon who God had set His love. 1Ch 28:9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever." Solomon was commanded to "know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind". He was reminded of Gods omniscience. The statement that "the LORD searches all hearts," cannot mean that God discovers things by searching, the literal interpetation of such a statement would conflict with what the Bible teaches about the nature of God. Therefore, I see it as "searching" as a manner of speaking. So to speak...He searches the hearts of men. The seeking or forsaking of God are determined in the lives of individuals by the desires of their hearts. They are free to choose that which they desire. The desire for God is an evidence that that individual is a recipiant of God's mercy. Rom 9:18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. This is a hard saying, yet, who are we to reply against God by protesting "...Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?" John |
||||||
198 | Dear John: Is it possible? | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99275 | ||
Dear Noble, You asked: "In the same manner, do you think that the people who believe something different from you were pre-ordained to believe what they believe? If so, it will not be possible for them to change." Yes, I do believe that is true. 1 Cor 2:7,8 but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; Thank God that we are saved by grace, through faith in Christ alone and not based upon our perfectly understanding each doctrine taught by Scripture. If that were so, none would be saved. Unregenerate man is not interested in serving and glorifying God. His heart is wicked and desires only that which glorifies himself. Even what men consider good works, charity, self-sacrifice, etc. are good things in themselves but unless they are done for the greater glory of God, they are done for the glory of the individual. They are "dead works". The only way one may change is by the gracious mercy of God. The purpose of this discussion (at least as I see it) is to glorify God by seeking to know Him as He is, and, to grow in awe of His majesty and love for the saints. John |
||||||
199 | Is the Potter free to do as He pleases? | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99270 | ||
Hi Tim, Context, Tim, context. John |
||||||
200 | "objects of wrath" | Eph 2:3 | John Reformed | 99255 | ||
Dear Colin, All who have chosen Christ have done so because He first chose them. 1 John 4:19 We love, because He first loved us. Simply...the love which entered our hearts swept us off our feet. Seeing Him as He is, we freely gave ourselves to Him. Our blind eyes were opened and our deaf ears were unstopped when we recieved the gift of grace from the Holy Spirit. We are not puppets under control of a puppeteer, but slaves set free from sin and Satan to love God for the first time in our lives. To God be the Glory, John |
||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ] Next > Last [73] >> |