Affirmations of the Arminian

[BBAS 64]

Just had too...

 

[Not David]

I thought you said Armenian for a second.

 

[Dave L]

Here's a version of Amazing Grace Arminians can sing without *****.

Contingent Grace (To the tune of Amazing Grace).

contingent grace how sweet the sound
that saves by works foreseen
I once was lost but came around
was blind but chose to see

'twas grace that looked ahead in time
and saw that I would be
never bound by sin and such
but with a will that's free

 

[Call me Nic]

So Calvinists believe that having free will is works?

 

[Dave L]

So Calvinists believe that having free will is works?

Free will depends on law. So it turns the gospel into law and grace into works.

 

[redleghunter]

So Calvinists believe that having free will is works?

I would say Reformed question how 'free' free will actually 'is.'

We all have a master. Either Christ or satan.

 

[Call me Nic]

Free will depends on law. So it turns the gospel into law and grace into works.

I disagree, but okay.

 

[BBAS 64]

So Calvinists believe that having free will is works?

Best asked in "ask a Calvinist" you may find this helpful from a reformed prospective.

Ligonier Ministries

 

[Call me Nic]

Best asked in "ask a Calvinist" you may find this helpful from a reformed prospective.

Ligonier Ministries

I've learned a long time ago that you can't change a Calvinist's mind by showing him the truth since he doesn't have the free will to think for himself anyway. So I'll pass on your suggestion.

 

[BBAS 64]

I've learned a long time ago that you can't change a Calvinist's mind by showing him the truth since he doesn't have the free will to think for himself anyway. So I'll pass on your suggestion.

Good Day, Nicolaus

I guess ignorance is bliss is typified by you in this case.

In Him,
.
Bill

 

[redleghunter]

I've learned a long time ago that you can't change a Calvinist's mind by showing him the truth since he doesn't have the free will to think for himself anyway. So I'll pass on your suggestion.

That's a good one.

But if you read the article @BBAS 64 linked, it would give you the Reformed view, which is the Biblical teaching. I say Reformed because it is not just Calvin but Luther also believed in the Bondage of the Will.

So some shorthand here. How free is a will if it is dead in sin and trespasses and a child of wrath? I guess it is free as to do the things 'good' or bad a child of wrath dead in their sins and trespasses, right? Define that free will for me if you would please. Maybe we should just call it a 'will' and remove the 'free' for a moment. That 'will' is in bondage to the master it serves. Romans 6 says we are either slaves to sin and death or slaves to righteousness (which is linked to Christ in the chapter). So the valid Biblical dichotomy is set. We are slaves with a master or Master. There are no 'free agents' out there as post-modern libertarian Arminianism proclaims meaning like a Denny's Restaurant menu.

The NT teaches only God can make us alive in Christ from our bondage to sin and death as sons and daughters of wrath.

Now since we are all condemned sons and daughters of wrath (Romans 3), dead spiritually, how does our 'will' operate in that state to choose a Holy God? Good answer is we hear the call of God by the Power of the Gospel. God makes us alive in Christ Jesus and for the first time in our lives we are free to choose the greatest gift of all---Grace. I think everyone Reformed and Arminian would agree with the aforementioned sentence. Where the difference comes is the Arminian believes everyone receives this 'spiritual resurrection' and some freely choose and some reject it. Whereas, the Reformed believe in what's called a general call (hearing the preaching of the Gospel)---many are called-- and an effectual call where only those who are called to saving faith are 'spiritually resurrected'---Few are chosen. As seen in Romans 8:30--and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

 

[Dave L]

I disagree, but okay.

Law depends on free will. If you involve free will in salvation, it is only because you perceive the gospel as law, which it is not.

 

[tdidymas]

Just had too...

The trouble with the "free will" idea is that it denies total depravity taught by Paul in Rom. 3:10-18.

Everyone has a will, but no one's will is free from the bondage of sin until God sets it free. The one claiming to have "free will" is essentially saying "I done it all by my lonesome - I was offered, I saw value, I chose it without God's help."

If Pelagius was alive today, he'd be a motivational speaker like Anthony Robbins.

From the Hindu perspective, Charles Finney was likely a reincarnation of Pelagius.
TD

 

[JustAsIam77]

Is there one here—a solitary one—man or woman, young or old, who can say, "I sought God before he sought me?" No; even you who are a little Arminian, will sing—

"O yes! I do love Jesus—
Because he first loved me."

Charles Spurgeon