Reformed Evangelism

[Reformationist]

Ive heard some people speak of the fact that Calvinist theology essentialy makes personal witness and evangelism useless. How would you respond to that?

I would offer that the reformed understanding of God's sovereign election is, in fact, what motivates us to evangelize, for we know that our work will never be in vain but will accomplish exactly what the Lord has purposed.

God bless

 

[Jon_]

Calvinists do not at all define "being saved" in terms of theosis? Even Augustine, who many monergists see as a forerunner of Calvinist theology, used terminology related to the concept of theosis.

Simply because one uses the term "theosis" does not necessarily mean one is speaking of the traditional EO doctrine of deification.

Yes, Calvinists do not at all define being saved in terms of theosis. Calvinists define it in terms of election and sanctification. Are there similarities? Yes. Is there identity? No.

I don't think that they are contrary. God cannot make "square circles" (as the phrase goes), but this does not say anything about his omnipotence; if someone can remove him/herself from God's hand, why does this say anything about his sovereignty?

I gave the rationality in my last post. Perhaps you missed it. I'll give it again.

If God does not desire any elect be removed from his hand; and if God is sovereign; and if I am elect; and if I desire to be removed from God's hand; it follows that my desire will be frustrated by God's sovereignty. Contrariwise, if God does not desire any elect be removed from his hand; and if God is sovereign; and if I am elect; and if I desire to be removed from God's hand; and if I removed myself from God's hand; it follows that my desire has frustrated God's sovereignty, for my desire has prevailed over his.

It's plain and simple logic—completely rational and completely unavoidable.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[Lambeth1595]

I apologize. I was actually being sarcastic.

And trying to tarnish me as being a hyper-calvinist which I am not.