Calvinism Made Me Doubt My Salvation

[Regulus]

Recently, I made a post detailing some of the struggles I have been going through recently. As some of you know, I am going through an amicable divorce that was requested by my wife. I felt lost and did not know how I could ever feel right with God knowing that I broke my vows and knowing that I am causing her to commit adultery if she ever remarries. Sins that are so egregious that, even though I profess Christ as my savior, I cannot possibly have ever been regenerated by God and predestined to salvation.

I recently attempted to reach out to two well-known Calvinist theologians for spiritual advice, and it seems that they wanted to dismiss my cries for help and have my local church deal with it. That hurt me. I felt the need to reexamine why I'm experiencing such hopelessness.

Could it be that God really is not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance? Could it be that God wants all people to be saved and come to know the truth? If He does, then I have comfort knowing that forgiveness is available for me. If not, then I have no reason to believe that I'm one of the elect and might as well give up my faith entirely.

 

[Wesley Briggman]

What is your testimony of being born-again? If you are indeed a child of God, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

(Eph 1:13 KJV) In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
(Eph 1:14 KJV) Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

God will not condemn His children. Therefore, don't condemn yourself.

 

[Regulus]

What is your testimony of being born-again?

I accepted Christ as my savior as a young child and have believed it with all my heart ever since then.

 

[David Lamb]

Recently, I made a post detailing some of the struggles I have been going through recently. As some of you know, I am going through an amicable divorce that was requested by my wife. I felt lost and did not know how I could ever feel right with God knowing that I broke my vows and knowing that I am causing her to commit adultery if she ever remarries. Sins that are so egregious that, even though I profess Christ as my savior, I cannot possibly have ever been regenerated by God and predestined to salvation.

I recently attempted to reach out to two well-known Calvinist theologians for spiritual advice, and it seems that they wanted to dismiss my cries for help and have my local church deal with it. That hurt me. I felt the need to reexamine why I'm experiencing such hopelessness.

Could it be that God really is not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance? Could it be that God wants all people to be saved and come to know the truth? If He does, then I have comfort knowing that forgiveness is available for me. If not, then I have no reason to believe that I'm one of the elect and might as well give up my faith entirely.

If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, then that shows you to be elect. Paul wrote to the Christians at Ephesus:

3 Blessed be]the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (Ephesians 1)

Incidentally, I think it would have bee more accurate to say that 2 Calvinists, not Calvinism, that made you doubt.

 

[Regulus]

Incidentally, I think it would have bee more accurate to say that 2 Calvinists, not Calvinism, that made you doubt.

It was those 2 Calvinists that convinced me to become a Calvinist in the first place, but now I see that they are just arrogant men who want to show off how scholarly they are. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying all Calvinists are like that.

 

[kyredneck]

....now I see that they are just arrogant men who want to show off how scholarly they are. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying all Calvinists are like that.

Admittedly, this arrogance is not uncommon within the Reformed ranks.

 

[Silverhair]

It was those 2 Calvinists that convinced me to become a Calvinist in the first place, but now I see that they are just arrogant men who want to show off how scholarly they are. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying all Calvinists are like that.

@Regulus from what you wrote I gather that you were saved when you trusted in Christ and at some later date you then came to trust the calvinist view of your salvation.

As I see it the problem you have is not with calvinist's but with the calvinist view of salvation. Let me be clear I do not question whether those that hold to the calvinist view are saved but rather with calvinism as it is stated in their confessions and creeds.

"Could it be that God really is not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance?"

"Could it be that God wants all people to be saved and come to know the truth?"

"If He does, then I have comfort knowing that forgiveness is available for me."

Why did God send His son? What does the bible say?
Joh 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Rom 10:13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Rom 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Those should be very reassuring words for you.
The free gift of salvation is offered to all but you must choose to receive the gift as God will not force anyone to trust in Him.

If not, then I have no reason to believe that I'm one of the elect and might as well give up my faith entirely.

You have asked the right questions and the bible answers in the affirmative to both of them.

Those that have trusted in the "Elect One" Christ Jesus are indwelt by the Holy Spirit are now part of the elect of God.

 

[Van]

Hi Regulus,

All of us, people who actually believe we are saved, fail at times to walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But, I believe if we feel remorse, and strive to correct our behavior, that suggests we actually are indwelt, and our Helper is convicting us and leading us back to His path of righteousness.

While I too believe Calvinism is a mistaken view of scripture, but I believe scripture teaches that we are to evaluate ourselves, and if our own conscious does not convict us, we can take the bread, and drink the drink and praise God for our salvation. 1 Corinthians 11:28

 

[Wesley Briggman]

While I too believe Calvinism is a mistaken view of scripture,

Van, I am a New Testament believer. I am interested in learning more about Calvinism. Please share why you believe Calvinism is a mistaken view of scripture.

 

[Dave...]

Recently, I made a post detailing some of the struggles I have been going through recently. As some of you know, I am going through an amicable divorce that was requested by my wife. I felt lost and did not know how I could ever feel right with God knowing that I broke my vows and knowing that I am causing her to commit adultery if she ever remarries. Sins that are so egregious that, even though I profess Christ as my savior, I cannot possibly have ever been regenerated by God and predestined to salvation.

I recently attempted to reach out to two well-known Calvinist theologians for spiritual advice, and it seems that they wanted to dismiss my cries for help and have my local church deal with it. That hurt me. I felt the need to reexamine why I'm experiencing such hopelessness.

Could it be that God really is not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance? Could it be that God wants all people to be saved and come to know the truth? If He does, then I have comfort knowing that forgiveness is available for me. If not, then I have no reason to believe that I'm one of the elect and might as well give up my faith entirely.

Hey regulus.

It's been my experience that sometimes God brings us to certain places to expose chinks in our armor. Or it could be Him simply giving us a push, as sometimes we can become complacent in our faith. If you go too long with out being fed spiritually, you'll feel that way too. It's just part of the growing process. Take it as an opportunity to grow and learn, and know that all thing work for the good of those who love Him. That's why we call it all joy. Confronting doubts strengthens faith. Read Psalms, David was constantly struggling, yet he always reassured Himself of and trusted in God's faithfulness.

Dave

 

[Van]

Van, I am a New Testament believer. I am interested in learning more about Calvinism. Please share why you believe Calvinism is a mistaken view of scripture.

I suppose your are familiar with the "TULIP" which outlines the Calvinism doctrines.

The "T" stands for "Total Spiritual Inability" and says the lost, unless enabled by Irresistible Grace, are unable to seek God or trust in Christ.
The "U" stands for "Unconditional Election" and says God choose individuals for salvation before creation, not based on any the characteristics of those foreseen individuals.
The "L" stands for "Limited Atonement" and says Christ died only for those individuals chosen before creation.
The "I" stands for "Irresistible Grace" and says God enables the lost to believe and compels them such that they willingly believe.
I believe these 4 doctrines are unbiblical and unstudied.

The "P" stands for "Preservation of the Saints" and says those saved are kept saved and no one can lose their salvation. I believe this doctrine, as stated, is correct and valid doctrine.

 

[Zaatar71]

Recently, I made a post detailing some of the struggles I have been going through recently. As some of you know, I am going through an amicable divorce that was requested by my wife. I felt lost and did not know how I could ever feel right with God knowing that I broke my vows

Are you saying you committed adultery?

and knowing that I am causing her to commit adultery if she ever remarries. Sins that are so egregious that, even though I profess Christ as my savior, I cannot possibly have ever been regenerated by God and predestined to salvation.

You very well could have made a false profession of faith.

I recently attempted to reach out to two well-known Calvinist theologians for spiritual advice, and it seems that they wanted to dismiss my cries for help and have my local church deal with it. That hurt me. I felt the need to reexamine why I'm experiencing such hopelessness.

Why would you think that two Calvinist theologians, who do not know you at all, would offer ideas on your situation? telling you to seek local church advise was the best thing they could tell you

Could it be that God really is not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance?

What do even mean by this?

Could it be that God wants all people to be saved and come to know the truth?

Again, what are you talking about? using this verse out of context is not going to solve the puzzle.

If He does, then I have comfort knowing that forgiveness is available for me. If not, then I have no reason to believe that I'm one of the elect and might as well give up my faith entirely.

I do not understand your post.

 

[Zaatar71]

I accepted Christ as my savior as a young child and have believed it with all my heart ever since then.

What evidence did you ever have that God did anything in your life?

 

[Wesley Briggman]

I suppose your are familiar with the "TULIP" which outlines the Calvinism doctrines.

The "T" stands for "Total Spiritual Inability" and says the lost, unless enabled by Irresistible Grace, are unable to seek God or trust in Christ.

(1Co 2:14 KJV) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

The "U" stands for "Unconditional Election" and says God choose individuals for salvation before creation, not based on any the characteristics of those foreseen individuals.

(Col 3:12 KJV) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Scripture does not teach that an individual must meet a certain criteria to be elected. Therefore it is unconditional.

The "L" stands for "Limited Atonement" and says Christ died only for those individuals chosen before creation.

(Luk 13:25 KJV) When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
(Rom 5:11 KJV) And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

These verses teach that atonement is limited.

The "I" stands for "Irresistible Grace" and says God enables the lost to believe and compels them such that they willingly believe.

(Rom 9:21 KJV) Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
(Eph 1:5 KJV) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
When God, the Potter, makes His choice, His will will be done.

I believe these 4 doctrines are unbiblical and unstudied.

I am not a Calvinist. However, as I have posted, I believe "TULIP" is supported with scripture. Since you consider 4 doctrines are unbiblical, please provide scripture to support your position. I am willing to learn.

 

[Van]

(1Co 2:14 KJV) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

(Col 3:12 KJV) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Scripture does not teach that an individual must meet a certain criteria to be elected. Therefore it is unconditional.

(Luk 13:25 KJV) When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
(Rom 5:11 KJV) And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

These verses teach that atonement is limited.


(Rom 9:21 KJV) Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
(Eph 1:5 KJV) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
When God, the Potter, makes His choice, His will will be done.

I am not a Calvinist. However, as I have posted, I believe "TULIP" is supported with scripture. Since you consider 4 doctrines are unbiblical, please provide scripture to support your position. I am willing to learn.

Sir, absolutely none of your references support the false doctrines of Calvinism.

The topic and purpose of this thread is not for me to once again show that Calvinism is false doctrine from scripture. I have done that dozens of times. The response is always the say, more false claims like those implied by your citations. But the actual meaning of the verses I use are not addressed.

The natural man cannot understand all the things is the bogus Calvinist claim, but the verse does not say that.
Scripture teaches the lost must believe into Christ, a conditional election. John 3:16
Christ died as a ransom for all, purchasing even those never to be saved, 2 Peter 2:1.
Romans 5:1 says our faith provides the access to God's grace of salvation.

I you want to actually discuss the Bogus doctrines of Calvinism, start a thread on the tropic addressed to me.

 

[kyredneck]

Are you saying you committed adultery?

You very well could have made a false profession of faith.

Why would you think that two Calvinist theologians, who do not know you at all, would offer ideas on your situation? telling you to seek local church advise was the best thing they could tell you

What do even mean by this?

Again, what are you talking about? using this verse out of context is not going to solve the puzzle.

I do not understand your post.

What evidence did you ever have that God did anything in your life?

Chill, dude. I don't understand why you're giving this new member the third degree when it seems to me he's just being open and honest about things going on in his life!

You may very well be demonstrating the 'Calvinist arrogance' that has discouraged him in the past.

 

[Wesley Briggman]

Sir, absolutely none of your references support the false doctrines of Calvinism.

The topic and purpose of this thread is not for me to once again show that Calvinism is false doctrine from scripture. I have done that dozens of times. The response is always the say, more false claims like those implied by your citations. But the actual meaning of the verses I use are not addressed.

The natural man cannot understand all the things is the bogus Calvinist claim, but the verse does not say that.
Scripture teaches the lost must believe into Christ, a conditional election. John 3:16
Christ died as a ransom for all, purchasing even those never to be saved, 2 Peter 2:1.
Romans 5:1 says our faith provides the access to God's grace of salvation.

I you want to actually discuss the Bogus doctrines of Calvinism, start a thread on the tropic addressed to me.

Sorry I irritated you by asking you to defend your view of TULI. Since you have addressed this issue previously just direct me to an applicable post. I will try to find it by searching. Maybe I'll be in touch - maybe not.

 

[David Lamb]

It was those 2 Calvinists that convinced me to become a Calvinist in the first place, but now I see that they are just arrogant men who want to show off how scholarly they are. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying all Calvinists are like that.

Thanks! I can assure you they are not all like that.

 

[Eternally Grateful]

I suppose your are familiar with the "TULIP" which outlines the Calvinism doctrines.

The "T" stands for "Total Spiritual Inability" and says the lost, unless enabled by Irresistible Grace, are unable to seek God or trust in Christ.
The "U" stands for "Unconditional Election" and says God choose individuals for salvation before creation, not based on any the characteristics of those foreseen individuals.
The "L" stands for "Limited Atonement" and says Christ died only for those individuals chosen before creation.
The "I" stands for "Irresistible Grace" and says God enables the lost to believe and compels them such that they willingly believe.
I believe these 4 doctrines are unbiblical and unstudied.

The "P" stands for "Preservation of the Saints" and says those saved are kept saved and no one can lose their salvation. I believe this doctrine, as stated, is correct and valid doctrine.

Saints do not persevere. God keeps them. I used to agree with the 5th point. Now I am not to sure. I believe it may be just a response to the lie that we must persevere to the end to be saved (salvation can be lost)

 

[Eternally Grateful]

(1Co 2:14 KJV) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

Calvinism says God must make you alive first. There is no choice. In the end, it basically says a man is forced to believe (they would never believe without Gods help. but they will never disbelieve after God has helped.

(Col 3:12 KJV) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Scripture does not teach that an individual must meet a certain criteria to be elected. Therefore it is unconditional.

For by grace we have been saved through faith.

(Luk 13:25 KJV) When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
(Rom 5:11 KJV) And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

These verses teach that atonement is limited.

Jesus died for all.. Jesus himself said he was not sent to judge the world. but through him the world MAY (have the possibility) be saved.

Unlimited atonement is in error.

(Rom 9:21 KJV) Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
(Eph 1:5 KJV) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
When God, the Potter, makes His choice, His will will be done.

Rom 9 quotes a few OT passages. where God said Israel (the clay) become spoiled in his hands. So God destroyed th e lump and started over.. It is about God choosing Israel. did he make a mistake. Not about salvation

I am not a Calvinist. However, as I have posted, I believe "TULIP" is supported with scripture. Since you consider 4 doctrines are unbiblical, please provide scripture to support your position. I am willing to learn.

Hopefully you see how they may be supported. it does not mean they are true