TB, you are now coming out with stuff which no-one here will agree with."

Don't know what exactly this is supposed to mean.

But I agree with your statement as to justification being all about what Christ did on our behalf and trusting in that alone. Perhaps the problem you might have with my position is that unlike Luther I'm not prepared to throw out the book of James?

Faith without works is dead.

Exactly. And my point would be that when you see the word "chosen" your Calvinist eyes should not simply glaze over and assume there's no reason behind God's choice. Choice is made based on quality, and quality is a measure of sanctification, from none to perfection, and Christian sanctification is a cooperative work between God AND man. (Phil. 2:12-13)

Without sanctification there's no fruit, and every branch that beareth not fruit is cast into the fire and burned.

By Spurgeon's uncharitable definition of Arminians I'm neither Arminian nor Calvinist. You can use your man-made labels or take the biblical route instead:

No one in particular. Anyone who will listen. I suppose you qualify, so you. ;-)

And yes, I am concerned for this guy, enough to pray for him. I'm hoping too that his distortion and misrepresentation of the person of God is not indicative of having no saving relationship at all.

The other day I was on a street corner pleading with the lost on Christ's behalf, telling them that God commands them to repent and believe the Gospel.

Up walks this "Calvinist" who informs me that I'm on my way to hell beause I don't believe in his fictional God who created people for the purpose of casting them into hell.

The thing that floored me the most was that he did not care one iota for my soul. Matter of factly pronouncing my eternal damnation before casually walking away... not even a gram of love in his heart and concern for the lost; nor concern the he was dishonouring God with his fictional God-who-takes-pleasure-in-the-death-of-the-wicked doctrine.

Been there, read that.

Then I started reading the Bible cover to cover...

Somewhere around 10 trips through I began to see that Calvin's neat little package falls apart under the scrutiny of the entire Word of God. Another 10 trips or so without my Calvin goggles and I can see clearly that his system is replete with error.

Now I just detest the doctrine of man.

"The Reformed position is man is Spiritually DEAD AFTER the fall"

Irrelevant, as non-Calvinist BIBLE BELIEVERS obviously don't claim otherwise.

The fatal flaws of Calvinism are the ASSUMPTIONS that

1. God's illuminating life cannot be resisted.
2. God's illuminating life only shines on the elect.

The Bible could not be more clear on these points:

1. John 1:12 As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:

Q: Who are GIVEN power to be born into his family?
A: Those who freely choose to RECEIVE him.

2. John 1:9 [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Q: Which men are given light by Jesus the true Light?
A: Everyone.

I wonder if followers of Calvin can appreciate how apropos it is that the stiff-necked Pharisees, also in their commitment to the doctrine of men, RESISTED THE HOLY SPIRIT -- something the Calvinist doctrine of men claims is impossible?

1 Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone")
2 Sola fide ("by faith alone")
3 Sola gratia ("by grace alone")
4 Solus Christus or Solo Christo ("Christ alone" or "through Christ alone")
5 Soli Deo gloria ("glory to God alone")

If Latin was good enough for the Reformers why are you adulterating their doctrine with English? Tsk tsk.

While we're on the topic, how exactly are any of these "alone" if they are each only 1 of 5? The logic eludes me.

If man's response to God's appeal is irrelevant then why "choose you this day"? why "why will you die?", why "God commands all men everywhere to repent"? As a Bible-believing Christian I'm actually not interested in debating with Calvinists. My point is to show some of the issues with this lopsided doctrine.

Acts 18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, [and that] publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Acts 20:20 [And] how I kept back nothing that was profitable [unto you], but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

John UK wrote:
...One thing I know, and if I have any goodness or some holy thought, I will not attribute it to myself, but to God's grace. I can only say, I am what I am by the grace of God.

Truly all that is vile in me is my own doing and fault, and all that is Christlike is of Christ. How else can all of the glory go to Him and none to me? And, thanks alone to His grace, this is indeed how I would have it. Praise God!

Let us continue to sincerely pray for transformed desires and motives that will bring honor to our King. It is a prayer that will be heard and answered.

America wrote:
TB,
Agreed with your posts. This has been our experience also in most congregations from pulpit to pew.Start talking about holiness and sanctification and you are usually told you are legalistic or trying to earn heaven.
Was a blessing to read your posts.

John UK wrote:
TB, there are some, including those of the RCC, who believe we are "being saved", by which they mean that salvation is not fixed at conversion, and that salvation is a process which requires certain things from us...

With regard to imputed or declared righteousness (justification) and being translated out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of the Son we are saved once and for all time. In the sense of the sanctification that must necessarily follow true justification there is a cooperative process between the Spirit of God and ourselves. It is in this sense that I use the term "being saved" -- I'm not using it in the sense of adding to the cross of Christ to remain adopted into His family.

But these are basics.

John UK wrote:
I don't hearken to pastors like that, and neither should you. Find a better church, or form your own. Preach repentance and holiness, faith and faithfulness, and get your people out on the streets obeying the great commission. Be not afraid of being cast into prison, or crucified for your stand. Be all out for Jesus, and do not listen to the gainsayers who do not have a heart for the gospel nor for people in great need. Do plenty of good in this world, give away any excess cash, and cast your bread upon the waters, as you will see it after many days.
Be a winsome revivalist, and win battles against the devil, saving the church from shooting itself.