DHK
When your description of salvation matches up more with the RCC than with the Bible it is more of a fairy tale ....
You were the one that said:
"God uses several means that HE has ordained."
--I believe that is heresy. That is akin to Catholicism. The Catholic Church has several means to attain salvation; they are called "sacraments." You never defined what your "several means" were. But both Calvin and Luther were also sacramental bringing that baggage over from the RCC. You are the one that follows Calvin and is the ardent defender of his faith.
However, the Bible teaches that there is but
one means, one and only one means to attain salvation.
Salvation is by grace through faith.
Faith is the means. It is the only means whereby salvation is attained. Now that is what the Bible teaches over and over again: Acts 16:31; 10:43; Eph.2:8,9; Rom.5:1; John 5:23; 3:16-18; 1Cor.15:1-4; etc. Salvation is by faith.
And you say:
You are becoming unglued DHK.....Everyone understands the supernatural element of our salvation except for you in this thread. You show no grasp of the biblical salvation and how it happens.
You are attempting to derail this thread and make it about works salvation, people's testimonies, and foolish side issues....I never said anything about owning bb....you are losing it
I have said quite clearly that salvation is all of God. It is a gift that must be received--God's gift; His gift of salvation. Yes, it is all of God. When have I ever said any differently? Why are you trying to accuse me of believing what I don't believe.
And to add to that: Who is the one using derogatory language here?
["becoming unglued...no grasp...are loosing it..."]
No thank you, Icon. I am still quite sane; I know what I believe. I am not a follower of Calvin and you don't like that. Well, the answer is not to call me names. Read my post. You unjustly accused me of calling you names when I didn't.
I state again: Salvation is:
in Christ, through grace, by faith.
--And if you think that that is not scriptural and I don't understand scripture then I am sorry Icon, but it is not me with the problem. There is a lot of truth in John 14:6.
Hang in there.....we will help you.
As your error is exposed think of it as cleansing an infected wound.
Typical "Icon response." Very condescending words. I am not in error Icon.
Salvation is by grace through faith. You seem to be denying this very basic truth.
In your next post you say:
You are speaking foolishness now. You are making unwarranted assumptions.
I never walked an aisle either. I never raised my hand either. God also sought me out. See all the false assumptions you have made.
The only false assumptions are by you. I did not say I was speaking about you.
Your anti Cal agenda has you on the defensive.[/quote]
This answer is basically a "non-answer." You have no defense. You previously answered my post with this response.
"You did not notice it because I did not walk the aisle.....or raise my hand with every eye closed....no.....God sought me in my sin and rebellion and regenerated me granting repentance and faith."
Don't accuse me of false assumptions. I am quoting you almost word for word. You infer that because you are Calvinist, that all non-Cals must walk the aisle and raise their hands, etc. That is your position. Otherwise you would have no reason to post what you just did here.
But the fact is, I didn't do any of those things either. In fact I wasn't even saved within the confines of a local church of any kind. You can't even relate to my salvation experience.
The sad thing is that most of you (Calvinists in general) are unable to give a personal testimony of your salvation. That truly is sad.
I mentioned Jesus teaching in JN 3.......you say it is a fairy tale. ....The work of the Spirit remains a mystery to you.
You misunderstand. I didn't say that at all. In fact that is an outright lie.
You started this thread with a quote of mine. That quote ended with "I don't believe in fairy tales." Did the quote describe "the new birth"? Is that what you believe the new birth is? Is that what you believe the bible teaches--what that quote says? Really? If you do, then yes it is a fairy tale. That is what was labeled a fairy tale. So be honest. Don't put words in my mouth. At least be honest Icon.
All the other men here see clearly the teaching and we barely scratched the surface....all except you.
I can clearly explain salvation to you and back it up with the Word of God.
It seems that not only you, but all your Cal friends can't even give a testimony of salvation--when, where, how were you saved?
What if your wife were to ask you the same questions concerning your marriage--when, where, how? Do you remember?
Do you think it might also be important to remember when you became a part of the bride of Christ?
You call names and falsely accuse again.
You have made three consecutive posts Icon, this last one accusing me of calling you names. Where did I call you any names?