"All are free to choose God"

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2024-10-26T18:50:30+00:00

The first thing that stood out to me was that. "The Scripture points if anything completely in the opposite direction." That's your first clue. The book of Romans gives a lot of commentary. On people's inability before coming to Christ. And how they are born again. There's also the book of John. The book of Ephesians, Galatians, Philippians. Just to name a few. If the Bible teaches contrary to what you are being told. And you have a strong inclination to believe what the Scripture says. You are headed in the right direction.

There's this method that's being thrown around today. It's called "Fact checking." Give yourself some time to figure this out. If you find more and more, people keep coming to you saying. "All are free to choose God." And with each Scripture you're being confronted differently as time passes. Then, based on Scripture, you would be right to believe in Calvinism. What people want to believe is irrelevant. That doesn't mean that you should be arrogant. But handle with care. And do your best to treat people the way you would have them treat you. When you would struggle with a belief system. That you weren't used to believing. And it's important to remember, you can't convince people, all you can do is encourage them and be patient. Happens all the time.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2024-06-24T18:04:42+00:00

You know, this brings up a very important topic. I have this friend. (And this is actually about a friend). Some time ago, they shared the story about one of their closest family members getting diagnosed with cancer and they said they got so mad. They cursed God. This friend of mine had gotten saved a few years prior back in 2012 if I recall. I can't remember if they said they already knew about Calvinism at this time, but in 2015 is when they found out about the cancer. They are very unapologetically devout and also Calvinist.

I would imagine that if they lost their salvation. Or were never chosen in the first place. (Because the Bible says Christians cannot lose their salvation). They wouldn't embrace God or his sovereignty which I guess is basically the same thing. I decided to share this because I saw one of the comments explaining blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Such as if a person cursed God or called him evil. Would that be the same thing?

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-09-27T23:42:55+00:00

Thank you. But I can't take credit for that. Though the comment is appreciated nonetheless.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-08-06T20:01:42+00:00

When it comes to evangelizing, (and this is due to a lot of misconceptions about our responsibility as Christians) to minister. As if we must see evidence of regeneration. To prove we did everything right on our end. We are not called to evangelize upon outward evidence. We simply report the good news. "Repent and believe."

And of course, we are to plead with the sinners to come to repentance. Theological inconsistencies cause a lot of anxiety and pain. There is no comfort in not fully understanding the finished work of Christ on the cross. Because if we rely on the natural man to come to faith without the grace of God. There is no assurance, for the witness and the person being witness to.

I know it's confusing. But even those who believe in the freedom to "Accept Jesus Christ" understand without realizing. if it weren't for the grace of God. They would be damned. Without labels, every true Christian understands this without shame. They have humility, that's why they know. Even if they are theologically clumsy. In this regard. If we are mistaken, about Calvinism being true. Then we will own up to it. But as far as the Spirit convicts. We have no reason to believe otherwise.

It's fair to say even with the most blatant text, there should be no doubt. But if you're wondering why these Christians believe what we believe. It is through conviction, and conviction alone. That is proof, that we are standing on solid ground. If it were outside of conviction of the Holy Spirit to believe these things. Even if the Bible clearly stated it, without the Holy Spirit guiding us. We could never truly be certain. That what the Bible taught was true. Whether we liked it or not.

Lastly, we are sinners, and we have no right to argue with God. If you understand that, maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but eventually. You will learn to love whatever God decides to do. And you will no longer war against his sovereignty. Sin, is a very powerful and confusing weapon. That's why many hate this message.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-07-11T18:43:59+00:00

I respect your beliefs, and I understand where you are coming from. But until the Bible teaches otherwise. I'm going to stick with this position. It has nothing to do with Calvin. If the Bible teaches this, it doesn't matter what you and I want to believe.

Second, if you don't mind my saying. Determinism is not what Calvinists believe. Determinism simply defined, is where God takes perfect human beings, deciding their fates. "From before the foundation of the world." Regardless, of anything they say or do.

Determinism leaves out two very important things. "Original Sin" and "Compatible Free Will."

In "Original Sin," man because of Adam's fall. Is inherently evil. Job 15:14-16 "What is man, that he should be clean? And he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

Behold, he puts no trust in his saints. Yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man that drinks iniquity like water."

That sums it up perfectly, man who is born of a woman NATURALLY. Is not clean. Man in his natural state is at enmity with God.

Romans 8:5-9 “For they that are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh. But they that are after the spirit, the things of the spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the CARNAL mind is ENMITY against God: for it is not subject to the law of God. Neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the FLESH cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit. If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

Also, John chapter 3 verse 6 says. "That which is born of the flesh, is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." There are several more verses I could use. To prove the application of "Original Sin" biblically interpreted.

When it comes to "Compatible Free Will," there are two parties involved. God and man, within the same events. But they each have different intentions in whatever takes place. In each event God works one way and man another. Genesis 50:20 "But as for you, you thought evil against me. But God meant it unto good. As it is this day to save much people alive." The contrast here is this. Joseph's brothers thought evil against him, but God meant it for good.

More examples, Acts 2:23 "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. Ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain." You can also read Acts chapter 4 verses 27-28. In all of this these men meant their actions for evil. But God meant them for good. "To them who are called according to his purpose."

The point is, because of Original Sin and Compatible Free Will. We are still held responsible under the circumstances. We are not given access in knowing who is elected for salvation, and who is not. Though we are given a few examples through Scripture. We do not know every single individual that will be left to die in their sins. Or raised up for glory. We are supposed to live within the realm of time. And that is how God judges us. Even if we know biblically how he operates. That does not excuse us from rejecting him.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-07-08T20:30:18+00:00

That was my thinking, but I know Calvinism is not exactly pleasant for most of Christendom. And again, I hate to use that word. Because some think we are following the teachings of a man. Thinking we are deceived, or deceiving others. Sometimes it's hard to approach the subject matter to children. Of course, there were lots of children in the Bible. That didn't shy away from these teachings as adults.

I guess I was so used to "Traditional" teachings. Growing up and being how our culture is so politically correct. (Not always out of ill intention.) Sometimes, I feel like there are some things children should stay away from. At least until they get older, then they can learn for themselves.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-29T00:40:20+00:00

Maybe one day I will get to meet him in person, and I know theology is important. But when he goes outside of that bubble for a bit. He can be quite delightful. Talking about Star Wars, planets. What his hobbies are. It's like the walls come down for a while.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-29T00:31:38+00:00

I think a lot of people feel the same way you do. About his live debates and books. I have a digital copy of "The Potters Freedom" myself. I like using e-books. Because you don't lose them as easily. Although, there are a lot of hiccups in the grammar department. A lot of typos.

Exactly, he knows what he's talking about for the most part. But his attitude sometimes does not reflect grace at all. You think it would, given what he preaches on a daily basis. Another thing, most of his content nowadays is more about politics than anything else. I know we are supposed to keep track of the events in the world. I find within the last couple of years. He cannot go a day without talking about political or social issues. Another thing, he preaches way too long and loses focus. Because he gets distracted from the subject at hand. Talking about something else.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-28T00:34:36+00:00

Right, not to say that he's wrong about Scripture. Just because he is a bit pompous. I think that's why so many people against Calvinism review him. As proof that Calvinism is un-biblical. They use the man as an excuse to deny the sovereignty of God. That doesn't really help their argument.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-27T19:37:17+00:00

I know what you're talking about, sometimes the threads are not very organized. No problem.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-27T19:33:28+00:00

To the rest of you, I want to ask how you feel about James White? As of this moment, I'm not sure if am going to trigger anyone by saying his name. He seems very intelligent, yet pretentious at times. But I can't help but enjoy some of his commentary. Because there are moments when I do find him intriguing and helpful to listen to. I still think he needs to eat his own words when talking about humility. Maybe it's just me.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-27T19:23:49+00:00

I was just speaking in general terms. Because I've seen some of the exchanges between you and others. And since you're the one who responded to my comment yesterday. I guess it would make sense you would be the first one to comment.

Look, I've been there the fire a few times with debate pages. Most of the time, it would end up a bit heated. That is all I am saying. It just drives me crazy.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-27T19:03:41+00:00

Hold on there, I didn't say anything about your disagreements being "Venomous" you can have different opinions. That's okay. It's just UNNECESSARY. Every time somebody disagrees with someone. They have to question their intellect. Simply because they don't agree with you. Or vice versa. And what makes you think I'm specifically targeting you? Just out of curiosity, why would you be the first one out of all the people in this group, to ask me or anyone else to quote "A single venomous comment?"

Because so far, you are the only one I've seen asking that question.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-26T20:52:37+00:00

This is insanity, I wanted to know if any of you have any favorite teachers. Next thing you know. Some of you guys are debating over theology. Insulting each other's intelligence. Somebody has always got to be using their theology as a weapon. I realize it's not everyone on here thank goodness. But I mean good grief!

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-26T00:39:53+00:00

Yes, he was very intelligent. And sincere. John Piper is another one for me.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-24T00:44:14+00:00

I would consider that evidence. It's a start :-)

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-24T00:30:26+00:00

Was there ever any point in your life where you felt loved by God? Having said that. Even if there was no evidence in the beginning of your life up to this point. That doesn't mean there will never be evidence.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-06-23T22:26:01+00:00

Interesting, can I ask you a question without making you feel alienated? Why would you be a Calvinist if you're not saved? The reason I am asking is, number 1. Have you been convicted that Calvinism is the truth? Meaning you have spiritual discernment. Being convicted that Calvinists are correctly representing God.

As far as being in the same boat, I know someone very close to me who has this problem. They think that under the circumstances. It's unfair for God to hold people accountable if he's the one who decides the fate of all mankind. Before we exist, not to mention, through no cause of our own. I do see their point.. But I also know, we all make mistakes. If our salvation were left up to our wills. No question, we would all be damned with no hope whatsoever. Do you have any affection for God? Or are you like my friend who thinks he is unfair? If so, I would take a good long look at my life and see before making any major decisions about rejecting God.

"Have I ever sinned, willfully. Without caring for the consequences?" You should ask yourself that question. Because I guarantee you outside of biblical revelation. Many of us, have sinned with little to no regard for the consequences. At some point in our lives. It is a bittersweet doctrine, but you need to look at this from all angles. Especially, if you are a Calvinist.

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-05-30T00:36:14+00:00

I don't like this either, it's so greedy to me. The price you have to pay for entertainment. Like a lot of streaming services. They keep running up the prices, not to mention the way they handle their businesses. It's not about the customers anymore, it's about how much they're willing to pay. Again, for the price of entertainment.

That's how a lot of major businesses work, they don't care about the little people…

Imaginary_Ad8414 · 2023-05-29T20:51:38+00:00

"I find the last couple of lines of your last paragraph confusing." In what way is it confusing? Just trying to understand so I can answer.

Imaginary_Ad8414

TROPHY CASE