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I thought it might be valuable to mention verses that make it clear that change is necessary for eternal life, and to avoid hell... Rev 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they...

But he is clearly talking to all people... Ok. I agree, there does not appear to be a clear "conversion" experience in the OT. They did not have the new commandments of Jesus to "love your enemies" etc. (At least the Gospels are clear Jesus extended the commandments.. and even the actions of...

Yes, "legalism" can be a problem. Jesus had a lot to say to the Pharisees who were doing this out of wrong motives. That can be a problem within the church also... But as I said before even Jesus sometimes put loving God before receiving the love of God, which is interesting... Note also, the...

I would also say that a measure of sanctification (although not perfection) is even necessary for salvation. The way I would approach it is that we are even justified based on that measure of sanctification. Having the Holy Spirit is a guarantee of our salvation in Ephesians 1:14, and is it not...

But this is a very serious mistake! I believe it definitely is based upon one's conviction of sin. If we don't even realise our sin (and true realization will bring acknowledgement before God, and God's grace to overcome it). The "New Birth" is absolutely necessary. It appears to me that...

I was perhaps one such person. But it really depends upon what is mean't by "faith"... I believed "Jesus was the Son of God", and "Jesus died for my sins", because my parents told me... It was not however until my late teen years that I came under conviction of sin, and made a true decision...

Great, we are in agreement! I would also say they are very much intertwined, and happen almost simultaneously.... I would personally change the order here: I would say that faith is our action (in response to a "conditional" grace which is the conviction of the Holy Spirit), and that this is...

No, I believe in "secondary causes" as well. I have heard from another Calvinist that they believe regeneration occurs first (regardless of any secondary cause or not), and then faith. This is interesting as a side point... But how would a Calvinist who believes such reconcile this with the...

Thank you, but no-one here has yet been able to clarify the Calvinist position of "faith" (in terms of an increase in faith after one has received the initial regeneration and faith (nothing to do with prevenient OR common grace...). Does this increase in faith come before or after an increase...

I have heard that Calvinists believe faith comes after regeneration. Yet, what do Calvinists believe about spiritual growth, or growth in faith? In this case does an increase in faith come after an increase in spiritual growth or before it? I heard one person give the impression faith for...

Dear HeyMikey, I still believe you re twisting the meaning of "granted" in Phil 1:29. I think that anyone without training in Calvinism, upon first impression would not read into it absolutely sovereign predestination of the elect. We will have to disagree on this one... Well that's certainly...

Well, lets just look at that last verse to get its full meaning... Phil 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him (NIV) Do you suffer for Him? If so, do ALL Christians suffer for Him? If you take "believe" as "granted" =...

Well for one, I have learned Calvinists seem to be even more extreme than I realised... e.g. God's predetermination of sin in the believer, and ascribing everything to the sovereignty of God including sin... I didn't realise this earlier...

Ok then, here goes... I don't have too much of a problem with this unless, by grace and grace alone, one means we play no part in presenting our own faith in that grace toward God. Even Luther for example would not be so extreme on the sovereignty of God that we play no part... 2) Common...

Dear Skala, I really already said "Goodbye" to all, and that though I have gained more understanding of Calvinist ideas, I still saw them as in essence contradictory. As a closing statement I would like to make one final comment in regard to prayer: Charles Finney relied on prayer much much...

That's not in the bible... However, thank you all for your clarification. I have, believe it or not, gained some knowledge of Calvinist beliefs through this forum... And I thank you all for that... I still do think it is all very contradictory. However, thanks anyway. There's probably not much...

Most of the scriptures regarding predestination in the bible (Rom 9 etc) are about OT figures. Others, are always about positive things in the believer. A CHALLENGE TO ALL CALVINISTS: Show me the verse where God predestines/predetermines sin or a lack of prayer or lack of positive attributes...

But doesn't this on face value appear to be going against the Calvinist notion of predestination, that everything is set in stone? Why even pray if one is a true Calvinist? We can't change what God has set already...

I think it was NIV, but I don't think that is an issue... That is total heresy. Jesus said our gospel must be understandable to children. You are taking Jesus' words beyond the face-value of what they say. If He said we are to do something that meant we are to do it full stop. Don't add...

Yes. The need for a Savior must always be acknowledged. That acknowledgement itself is not done automatically by God: we must do it, BUT Jesus is exalted, not our choice of Him... When we choose to exalt Jesus, are we then exalting our choice? If I say "the King is great, long live the King..."...