Calvinism is the Gospel

The OP is zero-sum and triumphalistic. Considering how far above man the mind of God is, Both Cs and As are like blind men describing an elephant by feel.

 

I understand the point you are making, I think, Iconoclast. My favorite definition of "the gospel" is by D.A. Carson. He gave a lecture basically stating that most of his students and most in church were unable to provide the gospel as an answer and instead gave what they thought the gospel did (redemption) or an explanation of the gospel (Calvinism, Arminianism, Amyraldianism, Free-Will theology, etc). Perhaps we can discuss his definition on a more appropriate thread.

For the purposes here it does not matter if you define the gospel in a sentence or a book. I am asking a basic question.

1. Whatever the gospel is, is it the power of God unto salvation?

2. Whatever the gospel is, is it sufficient (is it lacking anything)?

3. Whatever the gospel is, is there another way to be saved apart from it?

4. Is Calvinism the gospel of Jesus Christ?

 

@Squire Robertsson is right. The OP is zero-sum and triumphalistic. As it appears it can only engender animosity from anyone who holds a different interpretation or view. It does not concern doctrine or edification.

But it does not have to be this way.

@Reynolds affirms (correct me if I’m wrong, brother) Reformation Arminianism at least to a great extent. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him through his posts and learning more about his understanding. I can do this because he is honest and willing to answer questions. I do not agree with his conclusions, but he does not agree with mine so we are even. @Revmitchell and I disagree about soteriological issues. He has expressed a belief (please correct me if I misstate your view) in corporate election that I have grown to appreciate his position and there are instances where I believe he had the correct interpretation and I was wrong. @Reformed is, well, Reformed (he is a Calvinist, as is @Dave Gilbert ). He and I once held a common view but now we disagree quite a bit on key issues upon which Calvinism is built. But if I have a question about Calvinism I trust him to be honest and kind in his response.

The problem with threads like this one is that they are set up for failure. They assume a hostile position that cannot be objectively affirmed. You can replace “Calvinism” with anything without changing the construction of the argument because Calvinism itself is not relevant to the argument being made. I could say, for example, that God led me into the truth that lima beans are evil. Pro-lima bean Christians are ignorant, they just have not been arrived at the state of enlightenment. The OP itself is a logical fallacy.

 

That was a please take your foot off the gas post.

 

Yes, my apologies. I am not the sharpest tool in the shed. For clarification:

1. Whatever the gospel is, is it the power of God unto salvation?

2. Whatever the gospel is, is it sufficient (is it lacking anything)?

3. Whatever the gospel is, is there another way to be saved apart from it?

4. Is Calvinism the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Thank you for your patience and willingness to "dumb down" your answers for me. If you can simply provide a yes or a no, it will greatly help me understand what you are saying (I'm sure you articulated your responses well, the fault is with me).

John

 

LOL... Yes, put three Baptists in a room we come out with ten opinions. We all have our views and opinions. I am not trying to change your mind at all Iconoclast. I am just trying to understand your view.

Again, I am not the quickest guy on the forum. For clarification:

1. Whatever the gospel is, is it the power of God unto salvation?

2. Whatever the gospel is, is it sufficient (is it lacking anything)?

3. Whatever the gospel is, is there another way to be saved apart from it?

4. Is Calvinism the gospel of Jesus Christ?

And again, thank you for "dumbing this down" for me. A good yes/ no would go miles in clarification.

John

 

I am trying to understand your position here, Iconoclast, not debate it. My definition does not matter here.

I understand "Calvinism" to be the "Doctrines of Grace" often articulated by the acronym "Tulip".

You said that Calvinism is the gospel.

I am asking if it is "another gospel" or the gospel that is the power of God to salvation?

 

You may be clear to some, but like I said, I am a little slow on the uptake.

I have no issue with the belief that Calvinism, Arminianism, Free-will theology...ect.. When correctly understood according to Scripture contain the gospel.

But that was neither the question or the claim of the OP.



Again, for clarification:

1. Whatever the gospel is, is it the power of God unto salvation?

2. Whatever the gospel is, is it sufficient (is it lacking anything)?

3. Whatever the gospel is, is there another way to be saved apart from it?

4. Is Calvinism the gospel of Jesus Christ?

And again, thank you for "dumbing this down" for me. A good yes/ no would go miles in clarification.

I think these four yes or no questions make a good start (I take it you are not ashamed of your view and are able to answer simply for those of us who struggle with these ideas) .

John