Synergism, semi pelagianism etc.

[redleghunter]

In fairness, it's easy to get that impression from reading "Bondage Of The Will". That's not the only thing Luther wrote, though, and I think it would have behooved Bloesch to read Luther's other work for clarification.

I also should have pointed out, that most of Luther's works were utilizing polemics. He had to as he was in constant defense of his doctrines. Many in our postmodern culture when reading 16th century polemics don't 'get' that form of argument which in some cases can be quite harsh by today's standards.

I think it was the Bondage of the Will where Luther says to Erasmus "no matter what you send in response I will write Romans 3:20 over the top of it." Today that would be 'impolite' and dismissing another view out of hand.

 

[Concord1968]

Today that would be 'impolite' and dismissing another view out of hand.

Oh I do that all the time

 

[Maria Billingsley]

I distinguish semi-pelegianism from synergism in this way - in semi-pelegianism people are able to take the initiative towards God, before he has reached out to them. In synergism, God must take the initiative but we are then able to co-operate and finish the work, salvation is thus the work of both God and man.

Ok what about this, if a person believes they contributed in no way to God sending his Son to earth, that they contributed in no way to Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Yet they believe they can take first steps to God, or in other words if they believe that in the application or reception of salvation they can make the first move, is that still semi-Pelagianism?

God sent the means to recapture our relationship with Him. We choose to accept or reject.

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

 

[he-man]

LOL I still have an account there

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

 

[Concord1968]

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

And this had exactly what to do with what I posted?

 

[His student]

............if they believe that in the application or reception of salvation they can make the first move, is that still semi-Pelagianism?

In a word - yes. Does that mean such semi-Pelagians do not have saving faith? IMO not necessarily.

"Long my imprisoned spirit lay - fast bound in sin and nature's night.
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray. I woke. The dungeon flamed with light.
My chains fell off, my heart was free.
I rose, went forth and followed Thee."

Charles Wesley had been a Christian for only two days when he penned those words.

But I suspect that the theology of Charles Wesley was never more pure than in those first days of his new life.

In the words of another old hymn - author unknown:

“I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me;
it was not I that found, O Savior true;
no, I was found of Thee.

Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;
I walked and sank not on the storm-vexed sea;
'twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,
as Thou, dear Lord, on me.

I find, I walk, I love, but oh, the whole
of love is but my answer, Lord, to thee!
For thou wert long beforehand with my soul;
always thou lovedst me.”

 

[he-man]

LOL I still have an account there

redleghunter said:
That was my point. If Bloesch was a theologian then he should have known better. What was quoted by Bloesch is something you see at the Catholic Answers site "Luther said this..." and it goes downhill from there.
Just sayin....

 

[Concord1968]

redleghunter said:
That was my point. If Bloesch was a theologian then he should have known better. What was quoted by Bloesch is something you see at the Catholic Answers site "Luther said this..." and it goes downhill from there.
Just sayin....

And your quote from Ecclesiastes STILL has absolutely nothing to do with what I posted.