Confessions of an ex-Arminian

Here is an observation for you. I am in the process of Looking for churches and in the spirit of full honesty and transparency I disclose to them that I believe in all 5 points of Doctrines of Grace. After that I don't get return calls. Guess from that point on I am marked. I'm really beginning to believe it scares people.

 

When Calvinist talk about the doctrines of Grace they need to understand that Arminians and all the Christians who fall in between Calvinism and Arminianism also believe in the bible's "doctrines of Grace". You kinda talk past non-cals when you believe Calvinism holds the doctrines of Grace and all others do not. Every true Christian believes salvation is all of God and all of Grace and God is totally Sovereign. :thumbs:

 

I want to thank you for this post. I would say that quickly dismissing an argument as unbiblical will lead to the perception you express in # 5. However, now feel like You may be someone with which I could have a decent discussion with on these issues.

 

Very good post. I would add my dad to the list in #1. Normally, just refer to myself as Reformed instead of Calvinist.

 

Have several reformed Baptists in our congregation. I guess they just found it to be a better fit. Or as they say, Baptisterians.

 

An excellent post.

 

Brother, then they really are not Baptists then are they?

 

One's stance on baptism is not the central doctrine of Christianity --it's not the main hub.

I can see if one isn't get solid biblical teaching in a Baptist church --even a Reformed Baptist church --then it's necessary to go to a Presbyterian church where there is 90% of agreement on biblical doctrines.

 

I never said it was but then again neither is sacrimentalism.

 

Amen :thumbsup: . I have a good friend who after wobbling on the fence about Calvinism many years has decided to swallow the hook. Now as long as he does not allow the theology to lead him where it must, he will stay loving and kind to all, especially the brethren. To be honest, I see more pride and arrogance built up in Calvinist than I do in non-cals. John MacArthur always comes to mind, and a few on here.

 

Why do you insist on using the singular form though it is ungrammatical? The proper usage for your sentence is "Calvinists."

 

:laugh: That always bothers you doesn't it? Could be a bit of that pride and arrogance I spoke of. May be Calvinist are just etter educated with propper grammers. :smilewinkgrin:

 

It is very inconsistent of you as well. You recognize that the plural form is needed when you say "non-cals." If you think Calvinists don't deserve an "s" then so be it. But you recognize that your group consists of more than one person, i.e. "non-cals." It is so strange of you steavers.

 

Define "Calvinists."

 

Thanks. You said it better than I could have. Also, agreement on baptism is not a requirement for membership in a Presbyterian church.

 

How bout eschatology? Do you have to be a Covenent Theology Believer....cause I aint:smilewinkgrin:

Seriously now, if you are truly "Reformed" don't you have to believe in Covenant Theology, Sacramental Infant Baptism, Communion & Confirmation? This is what my wife tells me, she was raised Dutch Reformed. Also if you are Reformed, don't your children also fall into the Elect family? If so, do they have to give testimony?

 

Eschatology is varied - with most pastors that I know being amil. Regarding salvation - for both adults and children, salvation is by grace through faith. Our own children went through a confirmation class, where the end result was them joining the church. The process included the pastor sharing key truths from Scripture and the kids providing their testimony of how they came to faith in Christ. See http://www.pcaac.org/what-we-believe/the-good-news/ for more information. Hope this is helpful.