October 20, 2013

  • Calvinism Vs Arminianism: Why bother?

    The point was raised at a facebook group that I belong to, that if Christ is the Lord over His Church, then why waste our efforts “tearing one another down” and set aside our “differences” in order that we might simply invest ourselves into the labors of our Lord. I took the time to make a lengthy reply, which then (as it often does) impressed upon me that it could become a post on it’s own right. Here’s my response, in full.

    Galatians 6:1-3 — 1 Corinthians 5

    There does come a point where we need to hold firm to the truth and stand our ground in defending it. (1 Timothy 4:16, Jude :3) Two differing opinions cannot be equally and likewise “TRUE“. The moon is not (A) made of rocks and (B) made of green cheese. In the latter case, one needs to dispel the lies and teach the truth.

    Since Arminianism teaches things counter to the truths of Scripture, can it be said that those folks HONESTLY worship God? Or…. do they worship an IDOL that they conveniently NAMEDGod“, and then applied all their theories to this idol and call others to bow down likewise. It seems to me that scripture only has ONE interpretation precisely because it reflects the heart of GOD, not man. It behooves us to get it right and not hold to personal opinion, no matter how popular that opinion might be.

    As to Arminians, they hold to highly an exalted view of man. They would have us believe that man is not DEAD in his sin, that every man could and should have the power of FREE CHOICE, and that man conversely could loose his salvation by simply choosing to walk away. Seems to me, their whole “religion” is based on exalting the position of being “man”, made in the image of God.

    I am being very simple here in my statements, believe it or not, but the entire gist of this is that Calvinism places God where He properly belongs: Sovereign over HIS….. H-I-S…. Universe. Arminianism simply says “it’s all about US“.

    The earth is round, the earth is flat —- Tell me which one will sail off into the sunset without fear that they’re gonna fall off?

    Improper theology likewise produces improper responses to God. If I believe that —– “ I ” —— hold the power of —- “ MY ” —– Salvation, and that I can lose it at any time…. then how is my response to God going to reflect that? I will live in terror that my next sin will be my fatal blow. It all becomes a effort of works to keep myself “saved”.

    PRAISE THE LIVING LORD JESUS that I am set free (indeed!!!) by the power of the (honest) Truth — Nothing shall ever separate us from the Love of God. (Romans 8, John 10, Philippians 1:6) And I do rejoice likewise (and am supremely humbled by the knowledge) that God choose unworthy me to be saved (Romans 9, John 1:12-13) and granted me the GIFTS of: Repentance, Faith & Grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 13)

    Because trust me — If He hadn’t moved to quicken my Spirit by His own precious SpiritI would still be lost and dead in my sins just like everyone else.

Comments (3)

  • while I do not believe this doctrine is as serious as say(,) evolution(,) because it does not affect the core of the gospel(,) (still) brothers should seek to correct each other or at least make it clear where they disagree. God’s word can not be neglected among brothers. In full disclosure I am directly opposed to this doctrine because of a multiplicity of scriptures mentioning the possibility and very happening of this terrible travesty.

    I do not believe in works or the separation of one sin(.) I do believe in a difference between being called and chosen. I(,) like you(,) believe that no power outside of myself can separate me from the love of God.

    While the ideal you espouse is not wrong in the comfort it bestows(,) I oppose it for the very reason you embrace it: it reflects on the character of God.

    • I would say that it reflects positively on the character of God, to the degree that it makes him Sovereign over his Creation. If God is indeed “G-O-D” (Full of power, holiness, might, honor, glory, etc.) then he does not need his creation (Man) in any sense that we understand need. Calvinism, at it’s core, places God as perfectly supreme over all things — thus even the seeming random sinful acts of man (** see note below) serve to promote his overall purpose and design. He does not cause men to sin, but He allows it for the ultimate greater good that we might never understand or see.

      Consider Job. Lost everything, including his children. He didn’t know why. And though he sought an understanding of “WHY?” throughout the entire book of Job…. God never answers that one question. He leaves it unanswered and addresses instead His ultimate sovereignty over HIS creation. Job at the end states “my ears had heard of you, but now my eyes see you and I repent in dust and ashes.” All that has happened —- even though it seems bad to us —- only served to draw Job closer to God. The very heart behind Romans 8:28 — And we know that IN ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Evil may cause men to question God, but ultimately, it serves God’s purpose and design so it is here with us for just a little while. (to answer that briefly: If I had not known my own evil, I would not have repented and found Christ’s grace to be so humbling. One serves to point to the other, if we allow it to.)

      *** One more verse I’d point you to that plays into all this. I would ask you “Who crucified Jesus?” To which, the casual reply would be “the Romans” or maybe “The Jews”. Scripture consistantly says this: These men did what YOU had purposed and planned beforehand should happen. (Acts 2:23,36; 4:27-28) God ultimately planned all things so that Christ would be Crucified — because it served the greater good of redeeming man. This was the “Not my will, but thine be done” prayer of Jesus in the Garden — submission to something that had already been decided. Nevertheless — God still holds men responsible for their sinful actions and indeed calls them all to repent of them, even where such sinful actions may have served his own purpose. (Acts 2:38 — Peter had just proclaimed the guilt of Israel in crucifying the savior, according to the very plan of God, and then follows it by “Repent and believe”)

      God is …. Sovereign over his creation…. whether we like that or not. Ours is not to seek to get God off the hook for all the seemingly bad things that happen, ours is simply to continue calling men to repent of those very things, lest they die and end up facing God’s wrath for them.

      (BTW: Sorry, I had to edit your comment for punctuation. There were too many run on sentences and following your thoughts was hard because of it.)

  • Thanks for the edit. I must have been tired that night.

    The disagreement was never with the sovereignty of God, but rather the difference between being called and chosen. There is no division on predestination or God’s orchestration of events, just on who is predestined. This is based on the various kinds of covenant which includes both conditional and unconditional examples found in scripture.

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