John Calvin -- Ardent , Evangelistic Preacher

[Rippon]

A Golden Oldie Reprised

There have been several threads about Calvin since I joined a couple months ago . There are quite likely dozens more before my time here . I just wanted to start a fresh thread about his soul-winning words and ways .

I know the following will burst some cherished bubbles for those who seek to cast John Calvin in a cold , uncaring , non-evangelistic manner .But so be it . Let the myths fall . Timber !

DISCLAIMERS : Calvinism is not about John Calvin . But I thought I'd put the record straight on some points about this unique man of God .

I do not want this thread getting derailed into unsavory things completely unrelated ( and most likely lies ) to the issue-at-hand .

If we see then a poor soul going thus into perdition , ought we not to be moved with compassion and kindness , and should we not desire God to apply the remedy ? ( Ephesians sermon 6:18,19 ).

We ought to pray that this and that and every man may be saved and so embrace the whole human race , because we cannot yet distinguish the elect from the reprobate ... we pray for the salvation of all whom we know to have been created in God's image and who have the same nature as ourselves ; and we leave to God's judgement those whom He knows to be reprobate . ( Remarks on John 17:9 )

Therefore , we may be so much the more assured that God taketh and holdeth us for His children , if we endeavour to bring those to Him who are afar off . Let us comfort ourselves , and take courage in this our calling : ... though we seem to be miserable creatures , utterly cast away and condemned , yet we must labour as much as possible to draw those to salvation who seem to be afar off . And above all things , let us pray to God for them , waiting patiently till it please Him to show His good will toward them , as He hath shown it to us . ( sermon on 1 Tim. 2:3-5)

... for though God might bring each person to himself by a secret influence , yet he employs the agency of men , that he may awaken in them an anxiety about the salvation of each other . ( Isaiah 2:3 ).

... nothing could be more inconsistent with the nature of faith than that deadness which would lead a man to disregard his brethren , and to keep the light of knowledge choked up within his own breast . ( Isaiah 2:3 )

... all the godly ought by all means possible to exert themselves in the work of gathering together the Church on every side ; for we are called by the Lord on this condition , that every one should afterwards strive to lead others to the truth , to restore the wandering to the right way , to extend a helping hand to the fallen , to win over those who are without . But if we ought to bestow so much labour on those who are yet aliens to the flock of Christ , how much more diligence is required in exhorting the brethren whom God has already joined to us ? ( Hebrws 10:25 ).

This thread is a counter-balance to what some are saying elsewhere on the BB.

 

[quantumfaith]

History is written (or rewritten) by the winners. Now that Arminianism and Pelagianism rule the day, John Calvin is demonized. Until the 1900's, John Calvin was considered a hero. Moral of the story? Don't trust everything that claims to be history.

History is in the eye of the beholder. Or at least, so it seems.

 

[quantumfaith]

doulous wrote:

Helen wrote:

Rippon - Need I say more?

And what claims are you making dolous, Helen is every bit as lucid and rational as yourself.

 

[quantumfaith]

Rippon,

You sure baited the hook well. It didn't take long for the predators to bite and bite hard.

Childish and immature.

 

[Luke2427]

No, not from me. People here know I consider Calvinism/Reformed doctrine heretical. I'm surprised I haven't been kicked off the board for saying that.

That said, Calvin wrote some wonderful things. What he lived, however, was different. He was so bound to legalism that grace seemed to have been forgotten in his life. History says it. I don't have to.

Only someone with very little educatioin on the subject could say such a thing.

Even the most ardent non-reformed on here do not say that the DoG are heretical.

 

[Luke2427]

And what claims are you making dolous, Helen is every bit as lucid and rational as yourself.

Not if shes throwing around the word heresy, shes not.

Quantum, you have started defending people and commending people who oppose Calvinism no matter how irrational they are.

You have some decent points, and even Webdog comes up with some pretty good arguments. Amy has a few good thoughts. Allen does pretty good. There are others.

But when winman and helen and some of these other guys say some of the most ridiculous stuff that is inflammatory and irrational- they are learning they can look to you for support.

 

[quantumfaith]

Not if shes throwing around the word heresy, shes not.

Quantum, you have started defending people and commending people who oppose Calvinism no matter how irrational they are.

You have some decent points, and even Webdog comes up with some pretty good arguments. Amy has a few good thoughts. Allen does pretty good. There are others.

But when winman and helen and some of these other guys say some of the most ridiculous stuff that is inflammatory and irrational- they are learning they can look to you for support.

Luke, with all due respect for you as believer. I DO NOT acquiesce to your reasoning and positions. Have not, do not will not.

BTW, by this post, what are YOU doing?

 

[quantumfaith]

Luke,

I apologize for my last posting. Letting my passions get the best of me from the way I read you chastising me.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

No, not from me. People here know I consider Calvinism/Reformed doctrine heretical. I'm surprised I haven't been kicked off the board for saying that.

Yes & I would beware.

 

[Gershom]

You guys replying to a post that is 4 years old?? I would think that there are enough recent topics about Calvin that y'all wouldn't feel the need to reply to posts written 4 years ago by a poster who has been active for the past 2 years.

It's almost comical.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Luke,

I apologize for my last posting. Letting my passions get the best of me from the way I read you chastising me.

Amen to that Brother:thumbs:

 

[Luke2427]

Luke,

I apologize for my last posting. Letting my passions get the best of me from the way I read you chastising me.

Thanks. Apology accepted.

There is no need for you to be impassioned against me. I am not your enemy.

I am not out to get you. I like you.

I just don't want to see your good reputation as an intelligent person pulled down by the fringe on here.

I did not mean to aggravate you. For that I apologize.

 

[rsr]

This thread is not about Baptist theology or Bible study and is hereby closed.