Prayer works?

[bbbbbbb]

Or darkness does not actually exist. Though my son claims to keep a flashdark at his ready.

Maybe it is only a word we use to represent an absence of light, to our minds.

Certainly, darkness does exist even as sin exists. Although it can be argued that each is the absence of its opposite, the Bible gives clear indication of the actual existence of both. God did not create light and call it good, but separated that light from its opposite - darkness. Some Universalists will insist that mankind is actually good by nature and that "sin" is merely the absence of goodness, usually created by social structures which impose various restrictions on behaviors.

 

[Mark Quayle]

Actually, as you know, Calvin, as well as Luther, agreed with Augustine concerning monergism, but, as you noted, the Bible was written even before Augustine came on the scene.

Exactly.

 

[Mark Quayle]

Certainly, darkness does exist even as sin exists. Although it can be argued that each is the absence of its opposite, the Bible gives clear indication of the actual existence of both. God did not create light and call it good, but separated that light from its opposite - darkness. Some Universalists will insist that mankind is actually good by nature and that "sin" is merely the absence of goodness, usually created by social structures which impose various restrictions on behaviors.

Some of us, instead of "absence", use the term, 'privation', which is a very careful way to say something pretty similar. I personally see sin as, at least, not just actions, but a perverting principle. Nevertheless, it fits well to say that God did not create sin, but that he did cause that there be sin. I have heard no reason to deny the logic of causation there.

 

[Aviel]

Does not address post #174. . .nor #166, nor #168.

Confounds faith and salvation. . .inextricably linked, but not the same thing.

Give God your faith in Christ, and God gives you the "imputed righteousness" that is "the Gift of Righteousness", = Salvation.

God does not give you faith to believe.
He requires it from you.

See, if God was causing people to believe then He would not Require it, as there would be no need.

In fact, if God is making you believe, then there is no reason to require it.. as why would God require what He is causing?

A.) He doesn't cause it. He OFFERS it. to "all who WILL believe"., and to all who wont.

 

[Aviel]

If God used it, it happened before Calvin ever spoke his first word.

God never Limited the Cross.
Only Calvin does that.

Also, we are chosen "in Christ", not before you are born.

 

[Clare73]

Give God your faith in Christ, and God gives you the "imputed righteousness" that is "the Gift of Righteousness", = Salvation.
God does not give you faith to believe.
He requires it from you.
See, if God was causing people to believe then He would not Require it, as there would be no need.
In fact, if God is making you believe, then there is no reason to require it.. as why would God require what He is causing?
A.) He doesn't cause it. He OFFERS it. to "all who WILL believe"., and to all who wont.

See post #176.

 

[Mark Quayle]

In fact, if God is making you believe, then there is no reason to require it.. as why would God require what He is causing?

Not to imply that I accept your characterization, (that God is making one believe), but your logic there jumps steps. For instance, what if God is demonstrating that we are unable to do it apart from his mercy and power. I.e. THE GOSPEL.

 

[Mark Quayle]

God never Limited the Cross.
Only Calvin does that.

Also, we are chosen "in Christ", not before you are born.

Who says God limited the cross?