Results 281 - 300 of 2452
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Reformer Joe Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
281 | Belief alone saves? | John 3:16 | Reformer Joe | 80140 | ||
You wrote: "Calvinists must not turn and ask people to work." John Calvin on the importance of Christian obedience: "Hence follows the other principle, that we are not to seek our own, but the Lord's will, and act with a view to promote his glory. Great is our proficiency, when, almost forgetting ourselves, certainly postponing our own reason, we faithfully make it our study to obey God and his commandments. For when Scripture enjoins us to lay aside private regard to ourselves, it not only divests our minds of an excessive longing for wealth, or power, or human favour, but eradicates all ambition and thirst for worldly glory, and other more secret pests. The Christian ought, indeed, to be so trained and disposed as to consider, that during his whole life he has to do with God. For this reason, as he will bring all things to the disposal and estimate of God, so he will religiously direct his whole mind to him. For he who has learned to look to God in everything he does, is at the same time diverted from all vain thoughts. This is that self-denial which Christ so strongly enforces on his disciples from the very outset, (Matth. xvi. 24,) which, as soon as it takes hold of the mind, leaves no place either, first, for pride, show, and ostentation; or, secondly, for avarice, lust, luxury, effeminacy, or other vices which are engendered by self love. On the contrary, wherever it reigns not, the foulest vices are indulged in without shame; or, if there is some appearance of virtue, it is vitiated by a depraved longing for applause. Show me, if you can, an individual who, unless he has renounced himself in obedience to the Lord's command, is disposed to do good for its own sake. Those who have not so renounced themselves have followed virtue at least for the sake of praise. The philosophers who have contended most strongly that virtue is to be desired on her own account, were so inflated with arrogance as to make it apparent that they sought virtue for no other reason than as a ground for indulging in pride. So far, therefore, is God from being delighted with these hunters after popular applause with their swollen breasts, that he declares they have received their reward in this world, (Matth. 6: 2,) and that harlots and publicans are nearer the kingdom of heaven than they, (Matth. 21: 31.) We have not yet sufficiently explained how great and numerous are the obstacles by which a man is impeded in the pursuit of rectitude, so long as he has not renounced himself. The old saying is true, There is a world of iniquity treasured up in the human soul. Nor can you find any other remedy for this than to deny yourself, renounce your own reason, and direct your whole mind to the pursuit of those things which the Lord requires of you, and which you are to seek only because they are pleasing to Him." --Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 7, Section 2 --Joe! |
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282 | Robots? | Gen 4:7 | Reformer Joe | 80112 | ||
"How does one 'refrain from sin for sinful reasons'? This is interesting. Do you mean that even when unregenerate man does 'good', it is really bad? It is all bad. " Example: A rich benefactor who hates Jesus Christ giving large sums of money to charitable organizations to glorify himself. He refrains from greed in order to feed his pride. Outwardly, his deeds look good, but are not motivated by a desire to love the Lord his God with all his heart, mind, soul, strength. --Joe! |
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283 | Robots? | Gen 4:7 | Reformer Joe | 79896 | ||
When you get the opportunity, I would still like to know what you think: What does the Spirit do through the word? --Joe! |
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284 | Robots? | Gen 4:7 | Reformer Joe | 79894 | ||
"We are on the same page. We are just saying it different." I assure you that we are not in agreement beyond saying that salvation is by faith alone. Saying that we are robots and that God does not expect obedience from the redeemed is not Calvinism and is perniciously unbiblical and would lead many people to think that they are saved when indeed they are not. I think there has been enough pseudo-conversation here. I will not be replying to your nonsense again. |
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285 | Could cain do well? | Gen 4:7 | Reformer Joe | 79888 | ||
"I don't think there is any doubt even within the quote you posted that Calvin believed baptism was for the forgiveness of sins." If you think that Calvin believed that someone was not saved until baptized, there is indeed a great deal of doubt. You may choose to believe as you will, but please do not mischaracterize the theology of others to make them agree with you when they did not. "Calvin believed as I do that the power was not in the water but in God." But you believe justification does not occur until baptism. Re-read Calvin's understanding of Ananias and Saul. He clearly considered Saul to be forgiven prior to "washing away his sins." Whether Calvin was right or wrong, it is a matter of fact that such was his belief. --Joe! |
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286 | Could cain do well? | Gen 4:7 | Reformer Joe | 79864 | ||
You left part of it out, sniper: "For he did not mean to intimate that our ablution and salvation are perfected by water, or that water possesses in itself the virtue of purifying, regenerating, and renewing; NOR DOES HE MEAN THAT IT IS THE CAUSE OF SALVATION, but only that the knowledge and certainty of such gifts are perceived in this sacrament. This the words themselves evidently show. For Paul connects together the word of life and baptism of water, as if he had said, by the gospel the message of our ablution and sanctification is announced; by baptism this message is sealed. " "We have a proof of this in Cornelius, the centurion, who, after he had been previously endued with the graces of the Holy Spirit, was baptised for the remission of sins, not seeking a fuller forgiveness from baptism, but a surer exercise of faith; nay, an argument for assurance from a pledge. It will, perhaps, be objected, Why did Ananias say to Paul that he washed away his sins by baptism, (Acts 22:16; cf. ch 9:17-18) if sins are not washed away by the power of baptism? I answer, we are said to receive, procure, and obtain, whatever according to the perception of our faith is exhibited to us by the Lord, whether he then attests it for the first time, or gives additional confirmation to what he had previously attested. All then that Ananias meant to say was, Be baptised, Paul, that you may be assured that your sins are forgiven you. In baptism, the Lord promises forgiveness of sins: receive it, and be secure." Calvin was not an advocate of baptismal regeneration at all. He did stress its importance as a sacrament (as a sign and confirmation of salvation by faith alone), but never ascribed regeneration to baptism. A couple of other things to mention: 1. Calvin sprinkled, and Calvin baptized infants. I don't think his views can be portrayed to be nearly as close to yours as you might have suggested. 2. Not everyone who holds to the doctrines of grace agree with Calvin on the Lord's Supper and baptism. One can be classified a "Calvinist" without agreeing with everything in Calvin's Institutes. --Joe! |
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287 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 79862 | ||
"I did not mean to say you were a fool. " I am not bothered by that, so let's stick to the subject. Do the verses I quoted specifically tell us to train our children or not? --Joe! |
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288 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 79861 | ||
"In the Calvinistic way, I understand that God made me alive, raised me up, seated me, brought me near. Am I closer to Him? Yes. Did I do it that I should boast? No. So it looks to man like works, but isn't." What church do you attend that teaches election and no resulting obedience? --Joe! |
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289 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 79860 | ||
"If theologians and authors and preachers accurately teach faith only I'll listen." The Reformers, to whom we owe the restoration of "faith alone" to the church, spoke out vehemently against your views. I am talking about Martin Luther and John Calvin. "Isn't that what Ephesians 2 says? I think so." Well, you think wrong. --Joe! |
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290 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 79859 | ||
I think what he means is that you disregarded all the Calvinists I cited because they are "not in the Bible," and then you voice your support of Calvin (or, rather, what you hold to be Calvin), despite the fact that Calvin is "not in the Bible," either. He was pointing out your inconsistency. --Joe! |
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291 | I don't understand? | Gen 4:7 | Reformer Joe | 79813 | ||
Greetings. We discussed this on the Forum about a year and a half ago. I recommend typing the number 13602 in the Quick Search box to get some of my thoughts. --Joe! |
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292 | Does the Bible say protect Israel | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 79811 | ||
I think you will be looking in vain for a Scripture which supports U.S. policy toward modern-day Israel. --Joe! |
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293 | Robots? | Gen 4:7 | Reformer Joe | 79808 | ||
"Your statement is a bit flippant" It was, and I apologize. "I think you know that I do not view discipleship as something to be entered into lightly." Nor do I. "Being a slave to Christ is a choice" Specifically, we were discussing whether being a slave to sin was a choice for the unsaved. Why would Paul utilize the image of slavery if what he were really talking about is merely free human preferences? --Joe! |
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294 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 79806 | ||
Heh. --Joe! |
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295 | Could cain do well? | Gen 4:7 | Reformer Joe | 79803 | ||
"Calvinism is absolute truth." And what you have been posting on this Forum regarding works is definitely something with which Calvin would never agree. --Joe! |
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296 | Robots? | Gen 4:7 | Reformer Joe | 79802 | ||
"Your argument is not with me. My robot question was addressed to inhisname. inhisname definitely believes in the robotic nature of man. And, anyone else who believes that men will only love and worship God when God makes them believes in the robotic nature of man." No, you are mistaken. Even if you disagree with the biblical doctrine of man's radical fallenness, it is an incorrect assessment to conclude that all those who do hold to that teaching believe that humans are robots. Unregenerate people sin because they desire to sin. They can decide in what ways they are going to sin, and even refrain from some sins for sinful reasons. What they are morally incapable of doing is pleasing God. They do not want to do it, and they are incapable, apart from the Spirit's work, of wanting to do it. Speaking of the Spirit's work, you never responded as to how the Spirit works through the word. You said that you were not convinced by the Spirit of God, but rather you were convinced by the word of God through which the Spirit works. What does the Spirit do through the word? "Man can chose to be a slave to sin or a slave to Christ. Since I am not a robot, I have chosen Christ." That's interesting: you equate slavery with human autonomy, as if a slave were merely an employee who applies for a job and quits whenever he wants. --Joe! |
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297 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 79779 | ||
' "With all due respect?" Have I not discussed the Bible? Have I not referenced Bible?' You have mentioned Romans 10:9. You have mentioned Philippians 2:13. You have mentioned Ephesians 2:8-9. You came to conclusions about those passages which do not fit with the passages I have given in our discussion. You have not taken a single one of them and explained how the passages telling Christians to obey aren't REALLY telling Christians to obey. 'You did not answer my question "Abraham got righteousness by faith alone. Where are the works there?" by saying "Resulting from his saving faith". That means nothing to me, maybe you can explain it better.' Okay, I will try: One wrong approach is: faith plus works results in justification Another wrong approach is: faith results in justification and no works The biblical approach is: faith results in justification AND works "You cannot tell me that I'm saved without a work from first to last and then start telling me it's all about works." When did I say it is ALL about works? To say that you are wrong in asserting the Christian life is a life without obedience is not to say that it is all about works. "If you now expect a disciple to obey then you expect works." And God expects works! What did Jesus say to His own disciples? "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." --John 14:15 'And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."' --Matthew 28:18-20 So what are disciples supposed to do? OBEY God's commandments. How can we do that? By FAITH and by the power of God's Spirit working in us. Jesus clearly expected his disciples to DO something besides sitting around and thinking to themselves, "I believe; I really do!" If you do not obey Jesus, you do not love him as you should. "My understanding of Romans is that salvation is by faith only until death. I don't think you mean to suggest different." No, I do not mean to suggest anything different. What I mean to say is that true faith in Christ results in our obedience to him. It is the God-honoring EVIDENCE that we are truly His. Lack of obedience to Christ is an indcator that someone does not have faith in Christ. --Joe! |
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298 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 79778 | ||
Obviously we are not on the same page, as you and I disagree completely on the place works has in the life of the believer. --Joe! |
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299 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 79770 | ||
"Christians can't sin and they can't lose their salvation." I sin every day. 'But now you say, "train your children to be servants of God." A true understanding of Scripture shows this is folly.' Folly? Folly...where do we see a great deal of discussion of wisdom and folly? Oh, I know: Proverbs. "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." --Proverbs 22:6 So who is the foolish one for suggesting that we train our children to be servants of God? Let's see if any of the other thousands of Bible verses support such a "foolish" idea... "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." --Joshua 24:15 "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." --Deuteronomy 6:6-9 "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." --Ephesians 6:4 Yes, what a fool I am! :) "But when given a new heart, the Holy Spirit did this, then reading brings understanding." But such understanding is not automatic. There are plenty of Christians who disagree on what the Bible teaches. Both have the Holy Spirit, but they both can't be right. "The truly born again can't DO sin." So you are sinless? --Joe! |
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300 | What exactly must a person to be saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 79768 | ||
"The change looks like works is God's workmanship." Does it hurt your wrists to twist the Scriptures that much? Where do we see anything in Ephesians 2 that "looks like works, smells like works, but isn't works"? You are doing anything but glorifying God by your statements. --Joe! |
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