Bible Question: I have been a Christian for 36 years and never ever worried whether or not I am a 'Calvinist' or an 'Arminian' in my theology. Our pastor has begun teaching on the sovereignty of God and has presented Calvinism or reformed view as the only 'God' centered interpretation of scripture. Should I find this as an awfully bold and scary claim? |
Bible Answer: "A kind of modified, moderate Calvinism" The following statement by the Christian Research Institute describes where I stand. As CRI does, I "adhere to a kind of modified, moderate Calvinism" (see below for more information about what this phrase means). Again, my point in quoting CRI's position is to show you what my own position is. I agree with the following statement. 'The ministry of [the Christian Research Institute] (CRI) is concerned with responding to heretical attacks on, and aberrant distortions of, the Christian faith. Consequently, CRI takes no dogmatic stand on controversial theological issues on which Christians can and do hold different views without denying or seriously distorting the essential doctrines of the Bible. One such area of controversy is the set of issues including predestination, election, the extent of the atonement, and "eternal security." 'The president and most of the staff of CRI adhere to a kind of modified, moderate Calvinism, accepting eternal security while questioning the doctrines of unconditional election and "limited atonement." However, we encourage Christians to study the issues and make up their own minds. " 'CRI does take a strong stand against heretical, extremist variations of these views: for instance, the hyper-Arminian belief that God does not know all things, or the hyper-Calvinist notion that evangelism and prayer are superfluous because everything is already preordained. We urge Christians to avoid such heretical extremes, while recognizing that genuine Christians do disagree over such issues as predestination and eternal security' (www.equip.org/free/DA180.htm). Grace to you, Kalos ******************** AMPLIFIED Ephesians 1:4 Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. AMPLIFIED Ephesians 1:11 In Him we also were made [God's] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will, |