Skypair,
I wrote:
There are SO many problems here I don’t know where to begin!
You replied:
BEGIN by dropping the Calvinist "airs." And you're saying "fellowship with Himself?" Isn't that narcisism at its extreme?! Perhaps you have similar feelings?
Our discussion has nothing to do with a Calvinism/Arminian issue. No, the issue is that the post to which I was commenting showed a lack of understanding of the biblical text. We are not talking interpretation or systems of theology, rather we are talking about simple text. (because the Bible talks about the sovereignty of God, not the sovereignty of man). Classical Arminianism affirms the Sovereignty of God and does not assign man any sovereignty.
Furthermore, my response to you had nothing to do with “Calvinist” airs. It seems that anytime someone who is a Calvinist, which I am, unapologetically, calls into question one of your positions, you accuse us of being Calvinists and you do not deal with the substance of what we say. Instead, you seem to retreat to comments that have to be deleted by the moderator. (and I am thankful I did not see what you wrote).
Additionally, I am a theologically educated person, I hold a Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theolgical Seminary and I have been through well over 100 credits of master’s degree classes with, arguably, the world’s finest theological faculty. I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I have had excellent teachers. In other words, I know what I am talking about (and I know the Arminian arguments as well as the Calvinist ones--I had to study both).
Now, I know you are entitled to your opinion of what scripture says, even if it is not correct. As a theologian, it is my job to interpret scripture and to point out where and why a less-than-accurate interpretation has been offered. That is what I have done in my post; you simply didn’t like that I called your idea of man’s sovereignty into question.
If you have a problem with what I have said, that doesn’t bother me. Allan and I disagree all the time (but we discuss it in civility). However, you will address me as a Christian brother, and that means with civility. And when you find my theology flawed, tell me why—but point to the text or Erickson’s Theology do not resort to the
ad hominem (or at-the-man) argument.
Also, for your sake (since you have taken offense), I will try to make my rhetoric softer. However, in doing so, I would encourage you not to take offense to everyone who questions your positions, which you seem to do.
Back to your post.
Certainly God is a rewarder of those who seek Him. However, what do you do with Romans 3 that says, “No one seeks after God?” Does the Bible contradict itself?
And, as another has pointed out, Sovereign, by definition, means in control. I would encourage you, again, to comment on the following passage:
Isaiah 46:8-11 (ESV)
"Remember this and stand firm,
recall it to mind, you transgressors,
[9] remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
[10] declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, 'My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
[11] calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have purposed, and I will do it.
If this is a declaration of the sovereignty of God (which it is), how then do you harmonize what you have called “The sovereignty of man?”
To other, pressing matters:
Neither my wife nor I are sovereign. The order in our house is a biblical order, and it is this: She graciously submits to my authority (which is not my personal authority, but is authority based on my role as her husband) as I submit myself to Christ as my authority (and that authority is doubly His because He is God and He is my Lord).
I do take offense at being called a "Control Freak"
Since you have called me a “Control Freak,” I invite you to graciously retract your comments. Why? Because you don’t know me; you’ve never met me; you have not set foot inside my home and the Bible requires a charge (which this is) to be confirmed by two or three witnesses, which you do not have. As you cannot corroborate your charge, I invite you to retract it.
Many Blessings,
The Archangel
