Does Calvinism require a higher spiritual intellect, spirituality, and...

[Luke2427]

Luke, the scriptures clearly show why men choose to reject Jesus.

John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Some men love evil, it is as simple as that. They hate Jesus and the word of God because it exposes them. They do not want to be reproved.

As difficult as it seems to understand, these folks choose Satan over God as many angels did. They don't want God or anybody else to tell them what to do.

Whether we understand this or not, this is what Jesus explained to us.

So, some men love evil and others don't. right? Well that makes those who don't love darkness better than those who do. So you have God choosing those who are better.

You are going to heaven, Winman, because you are better than all those poor damned souls.

Congratulations.

 

[Robert Snow]

My point is, that within calvinism there is a tendency to more indepth study of the Word.

I don't see as studying more makes you more accurate in what the bible teaches. After all, the Jehovah's Witnesses spend a lot of time studying also, and we all agree they miss the message of the scriptures.

 

[Rippon]

I don't see as studying more makes you more accurate in what the bible teaches. After all, the Jehovah's Witnesses spend a lot of time studying also, and we all agree they miss the message of the scriptures.

Why must you go into the sewer and compare Calvinism with the teachings of the JW's?

 

[Robert Snow]

Why must you go into the sewer and compare Calvinism with the teachings of the JW's?

I knew you would respond this way. I in no way insinuated that Calvinism's teachings were any were close to the teachings of the JW's. You are the one who responded as though there is a likeness with your doctrine and their damnable teachings.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

It is very true, Brother Rippon did jump to the conclusion that you were comparing Reformed Christians with JW's. This board has overextended themselves at times to insult one another's theology, for this both sides should repent & change for the better.

 

[Winman]

I knew you would respond this way. I in no way insinuated that Calvinism's teachings were any were close to the teachings of the JW's. You are the one who responded as though there is a likeness with your doctrine and their damnable teachings.

Yes, being educated in theology in no way equates with spirituality or being correct. The average Catholic priest likely has more training in theology than all faiths including Calvinism, yet their doctrine is full of error.

It is actually Catholicism's reliance upon theology and the writings of men that is the primary cause of their error.

 

[webdog]

I agree. I can't see God "foreordaining" someone because of something they already did. It makes no sense. "Oh - they are going to choose me so I'll choose them right back." ???????

We are foreordained to be conformed into Christ's image. That is based solely on something already done (faith).

 

[Robert Snow]

Yes, being educated in theology in no way equates with spirituality or being correct. The average Catholic priest likely has more training in theology than all faiths including Calvinism, yet their doctrine is full of error.

It is actually Catholicism's reliance upon theology and the writings of men that is the primary cause of their error.

It may be that many times it's the ones who study the most that know the least about what God requires from our lives. Although there is nothing wrong with bible study, in fact, it's commanded by God. There is a difference though between study and the worship of study.

I AM NOT talking about Calvinist, more about cults like the Mormons or the Jehovah's Witnesses and others, even the Seventh Day Adventist. I'm talking about getting so involved in the Hebrew or Greek that we fail to do what the English says.

God's requirements are not difficult to discover. We are told to repent of our sins and accept the offer of salvation that is in Christ Jesus.

 

[glfredrick]

We are foreordained to be conformed into Christ's image. That is based solely on something already done (faith).

The Bible says otherwise, and VERY clearly:

1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Gal 3:1-3 (ESV)

 

[webdog]

The Bible says otherwise, and VERY clearly:

1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Gal 3:1-3 (ESV)

Being conformed to Christ's image is sanctification for the believer...the one WITH faith in Christ already. An unbeliever cannot be conformed to Christ's image.

 

[Robert Snow]

The Bible says otherwise, and VERY clearly:

1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Gal 3:1-3 (ESV)

I don't see that this refutes what Webdog said. We receive the Spirit by hearing with faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

We hear the Gospel message; we respond by believing it, and we put our trust in the finished work of Christ.

 

[DHK]

This thread will be closed according to the wishes of the one who started it.