Calvinist dead

[DaveXR650]

Here is a truth for you. If you have never acknowledged the gift of God that Jesus Christ purchased for sinners, which is eternal life, and has offered to us all, and if you have never received it as your own and possessed it by faith, then it is not yours today no matter how much you talk about it, and the same applies for me and every other Calvinist or Baptist wherever they are on this globe.

That is true and the whole idea that exercising saving faith or receiving a gift can in any way be a "work" is a weak argument. I have read the argument spelled out by Owen and I know the concern was that if you play any part in it then you can distinguish yourself as being smarter or more virtuous than those around you which means your salvation is based now on merit. The reason I think that is a weak argument is that the definition of saving faith eliminates merit. However, I have heard people say "Well, at least I had sense enough to believe", so Owen had a point. And we live in the age of self esteem. And, being people, I have seen some in Calvinist circles with the same pride in their election. Sometimes those who are quickest to pronounce woe and declare the vast majority of others as reprobate seem awful sure that they are elect.

 

[Salty]

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