Things you should know about Calvinism

[Hammster]

Do they still have pay phones? I haven't seen one in quite a while.

You must be very old, like me, if you remember when it only cost a nickel to make a phone call.

Two nickels, anyway.

 

[twin1954]

Well, forgive me for disagreeing, but Calvin and Arminius were not preaching different gospels. I'm neither, by the way. That may be difficult for some on either side to grasp.

That said, I would point out to you that Spurgeon disposed of the argument long ago. I saw it posted on this board, I think, not long after I joined, and checked it out for accuracy. Can't remember who posted it, however. It is worth repeating.

Anyway, Spurgeon said he reads that God is sovereign and he must believe it. And he reads that man is responsible, and he must believe it. He went on to say, at first glance, these appear to be two parallel lines that can never meet, can never be resolved. But, he concluded, they must, because they are both true according to Scripture (I'm not going to argue with an intellect the likes of Spurgeon) so somewhere in eternity they must meet.

That's good enough for me. If I'm not meant to fully understand how a sovereign God can know who will be saved, and yet hold man responsible for being one or the other, then I happily conclude that it a mystery I will understand on the other side of this life, and choose not to let the dichotomy bother me, or influence me to think that someone who has decided it is one way or the other is right or wrong. I don't believe anyone knows. Spurgeon didn't, and it didn't bother him.

I think endless discussions, which tend toward useless efforts of proving a brother or sister in Christ on one side or the other as being a "heretic," are destructive to the body of Christ, and the concept that this is "two gospels" is even more so. I bow out now, leaving both sides to their destructive interfaces.

Spurgeon also said that what is known as Calvinism is the Gospel. Funny how folks love to take quotes from Spurgeon and use them as though they had no context. Spurgeon said many things, I own all of his sermons and even his commentaries given when he read the Scriptures at the beginning of the service, and some I would agree with and other I would not. He often compromised, in my view, but I see it as a consequence of his time.

Compromise is the easy way. Taking a stand will earn you enemies, even those who claim to be your friends. This generation needs men with a backbone who will declare the truth of God in Christ without compromise or fear of others.

 

[twin1954]

OK, let's say this: It is called "Calvinism" because it comes from Calvin's thoughts, not God's. The Spirit and the Bible are the "mind of Christ." The spirit and the Institutes" are the mind of John Calvin (with large doses of Augustine thrown in for good measure).

How do you know that either one of them was saved?

Here's something to compare with: I visited Salt Lake City where I buttonholed an elder to explain to me whether they believed the Bible. He said, "We believe the Book of Mormon and the Bible as interpreted by our elders." Isn't that all in the world that we are seeing of Calvinism??

Yeah, it causes you to live good lives .. just like the Mormons. But does it get you to heaven? No. Neither one does. It is a gospel for this life only, 1Cor 15:19 — "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."

skypair

If you ever learn what the Scriptures actually teach then you can speak about Calvinism. Until then you ought to at least be honest and keep your trap shut because it is evident you have no knowledge of what we believe or why even though it was plainly given you in this thread. Instead of learning what your opponent believes and addressing that you put on your blinders and continue to spout lies and falsehoods. When you can be honest come back and you may even get a hearing.