I would like the forum folks to explore areas of agreement between the two systems of theological views that consume the better part of many discussions on the forum.
For instance: In the thread (now closed) on Hunt/White, I posted in brief how if removing the "extremes" of the views, there is a certain level of agreement.
Of course, there were two that didn't agree, but I consider that it may be helpful to pursue where we might all agree, and (if only in attempting) come up with some common ground.
Here is the typical "TULIP" for a reference start along with what I consider a common ground on which BOTH views might find agreeable.
Depravity - Both views hold that humankind are depraved and incapable of even having any desire of salvation outside the purposed and direct work of God. Is it not the degree of that depravity that is really argued about?
Election - Both views hold that humankind are elected to salvation. Both views also hold that the election is not based upon any speciality or station of the one to be saved, but by the total mercy and grace of God. Neither side holds that God is ever surprised when one is converted, and that some are (to be) saved while others may actually continue their whole life mocking and spurning.
Atonement - Both views hold that Christ is the ONLY way to the Father. Both views have some limit to atonement to only the saved (or there would be no need for eternal death and hell). Both also agree that the death of Christ is sufficient to all who who have, are and will be saved. Again, is it not the degree of the "all" that is contended over and not the limit of atonement?
Grace - Both views hold that God extends mercy and grace to one who will be saved. That outside of that direct and purposed work, the individual cannot even self determine to come to Christ for Scriptures are clear that no man seeks or even cares outside of this grace of God. Is it not the degree of just how "resistible" or not the work of God is in the individual who will be saved?
Perseverance/preservation of the saints is a none issue on the BB. We all hold to once saved always saved, although the extremes of the Arm. view do not.
Folks, I understand the elementary (basic, simple) form of the TULIP that I have posted.
However, for this discussion, I would like for it to be on unity and agreement, not of areas of disagreement.
In doing so, remember that in presenting your view, it would be considerate to express how you might have agreement (up to a point) with a view you generally argue against.
For instance: In the thread (now closed) on Hunt/White, I posted in brief how if removing the "extremes" of the views, there is a certain level of agreement.
Of course, there were two that didn't agree, but I consider that it may be helpful to pursue where we might all agree, and (if only in attempting) come up with some common ground.
Here is the typical "TULIP" for a reference start along with what I consider a common ground on which BOTH views might find agreeable.
Depravity - Both views hold that humankind are depraved and incapable of even having any desire of salvation outside the purposed and direct work of God. Is it not the degree of that depravity that is really argued about?
Election - Both views hold that humankind are elected to salvation. Both views also hold that the election is not based upon any speciality or station of the one to be saved, but by the total mercy and grace of God. Neither side holds that God is ever surprised when one is converted, and that some are (to be) saved while others may actually continue their whole life mocking and spurning.
Atonement - Both views hold that Christ is the ONLY way to the Father. Both views have some limit to atonement to only the saved (or there would be no need for eternal death and hell). Both also agree that the death of Christ is sufficient to all who who have, are and will be saved. Again, is it not the degree of the "all" that is contended over and not the limit of atonement?
Grace - Both views hold that God extends mercy and grace to one who will be saved. That outside of that direct and purposed work, the individual cannot even self determine to come to Christ for Scriptures are clear that no man seeks or even cares outside of this grace of God. Is it not the degree of just how "resistible" or not the work of God is in the individual who will be saved?
Perseverance/preservation of the saints is a none issue on the BB. We all hold to once saved always saved, although the extremes of the Arm. view do not.
Folks, I understand the elementary (basic, simple) form of the TULIP that I have posted.
However, for this discussion, I would like for it to be on unity and agreement, not of areas of disagreement.
In doing so, remember that in presenting your view, it would be considerate to express how you might have agreement (up to a point) with a view you generally argue against.