Bible Question:
I came across this quote and I had to append it to the forum after all the discussion on Election – Free Will and Calvinism - Arminianism “… in Romans 9, which deals with one of the thorniest theological problems in the Bible: predestination. It comes on very strongly on the side of divine election, which may lead you to conclude that Paul was a Calvinist and not an Armenian. I, however, believe he was both. You see, I believe that in most of the great theological controversies that have separated the Church, there has been light on both sides. Each side quotes the Scriptures that support them and ignores the Scriptures that are against them. I personally believe that it is logically possible to find an interpretation that affirms both truths. I believe it is the inevitable choice you have to make if you believe the whole Bible.” Quote by Derek Prince in the Summer 2001 issue of Christians for Israel Today. Could we all search for that middle ground Derek Prince talks about? I like his last sentence it is something you have to do if you believe the whole Bible. |
Bible Answer: Yes, we all can search for that middle ground. But we won't find it. It seems to me that it is absurd to label the apostle Paul as either Calvinist or Arminian. Having learned on this website more than I ever wanted to know about Calvinism and Arminianism, I would conclude that Paul believed in THE BIBLE DOCTRINE OF ELECTION -- not Calvinism. And not Arminianism. Is there middle ground between Calvinism and Arminianism? No, there is not. Nor can there be. Does each position contain some points that are true? In my opinion, yes, each does. Is it true that either pure Calvinism or pure Arminianism is the truth? Not necessarily. Have we had enough of this C vs. A debate? Yes. Will there likely be an end to the debate on this forum? No. (Note: any possible Question, Answer, Note, counter-question or counter-answer pertaining to this debate has already been posted on this Forum at least half a dozen times. Using the Search function you can find every possible position on this in the archives.) |