Now, I sense you are working out of a kind of TULIP concept of salvation. Right? If so, OK,fine. However, not all Christians agree with the TULIP approach. I frankly do not agree with a bit of it. I know some will say that I am attacking God or presenting some kind of dangerous alterative religion, as if the TULIP approach has a monopoly on truth and is the only approach Christians should take Those of us who disagree often hear say that we must remember we have no business choosing God. However, I disagree. Micah 3:5-7 says return to me, that I might return to you. That means if we choose to move in a certain direction, closer to God, then God will change and move closer to us. It's our choice. Of course, I have received heat for many Christians who argue we are trying to choose the kind of God we want and therefore are questioning God. However, I do not see myself as attacking God at all; I see myself as attacking the theories and speculations of other humans on the true nature of God. What's the point of having and believing in a model of God in the first place, if the image of God provided does not satisfy our desires and runs contrary to our nature, to our deepest needs and desires,then what's the point of holding to that particular theory about God, especially when he appear to be working cross-grain against our natures?
I do not believe in original sin. I do not find it in the Bible. I also find it illogical. If we are born corrupt through and through if it is our nature to rebel against God, then so be it, as it is not right to go against nature. I believe that God loves everyone, not just the elect. I believe God saves everyone, not just the elect. In fact, for those who hold with the concept of election, I point out that this denotes only a tiny minority of persons. Calvin said the elect were so few in number that they may never meet up with one another. So, if you hold with election, chances are you are really really one of the reprobate. Further, I believe God as truly a God of love does not coerce people by threats of horrendous punishments, hell, damnation, etc. I reject the the TULIP emphasis that only bible-believing Christians are saved. I feel that is just another form of Christian Imperialism. For God, it is far more important how you live than any doctrines you hold. When fundamentalist Christians attack academics academics or view higher education, especially in biblical studies as something demonic,I point out that , ironically, the TULIP approach that went overboard on scholasticism, so that faith collapsed into simply intellectual ascent to doctrine. It really doesn't matter how you live, just what doctrines you believe .
I believe salvation and sanctification are one. The journey itself means as much as the final destination. God is the Cosmic Artist continually luring us to greater forms of beauty and that means greater depth and breadth of feeling. There is no relationship to God that cannot be deepened. I ask you this: What do you think will happen when you come before the throne of God and he asks you if you have any interesting snapshots to show?