Subject: Is there middle ground? |
Bible Note: Dear Tim, Greetings (again) in the name of Jesus! I still do not see my position as 'middle ground' or 'between' these two 'camps.' I see that these two, and many other 'camps' or bents, have removed themselves from proximity to Jesus by laying claim to those things known only by God. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8,9 NASB. The pursuit of 'High Theology' is theory based on the assumption that we can know God's motivation and the extent of His plan in an absolute sense. You have asked me for Scripture to prove that God is neither Calvinist or Arminian. The fact that the Bible supports both of them (approximately) equally, yet does not specifically name either of them, tells us (me) that both are part of God, but neither is ratified by God to the exclusion of the other. Brother, I find it interesting to note that earlier in this thread, we are told that one must be right and the other must be wrong. Now, some come forth saying that in the interest of preserving brotherly love, we should consider if this issue is not moot, and we are told that this antagonism is 'to the death!' (or at least the end!) I am trying to answer (to myself) which is more important, which is more edifying? "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,..." 1 Peter 1:22 NASB Now I ask again, "Where are we exhorted to pursue the 'Higher' theology, the theory of the particulars of salvation?" I am told that it is 'natural' for men to be curious about such things. Does that mean that it is fleshly or spiritual? Frankly, it sounds a lot like the TV commercial, "YOU want to know!" Please, I am not condemning you or anyone! I am simply trying to figure out the reason for such a divisive situation in a church whose primary goal is to spread the Good News of Christ Jesus. Peace and love in Christ Jesus, charis |