preacher4truth
Active Member
* "Evangelistic" Effort rather
Each of us have heard some arguments against Calvinism, in that, in fact, being Calvinistic in doctrine, we are labelled non and/or anti evangelistic. This is typically given to those who hold a "hyper-calvinistic" theology, yet, this label of "hyper" is generally applied to anyone who accepts this Biblical position by those who oppose it.
First off, I believe our Lord Jesus Christ Himself knew of His Sheep, that He specifically came to save as expressed in John 10, some in John 11, especially 52, and in His mission to His people specifically in Matthew 1:21. Certainly there are only a number who will be saved, these are also referred to as "the elect" or "chosen" depending on which Bible version you use. Thus, the driving factor for Jesus was dying to save the elect, His people, those chosen before the foundation of the kosmos.
Paul also was driven by this to "save" the elect, and a matter of fact, it is this specifically that he argues as to the reason why he preached even doing so through great persecutions and other abuses, as he describes in 2 Timothy 2:8-10:
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, sothat they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory."
Evidentally, in this passage, Paul knowing Gods elect were "out there" drove him to preach, knowing that these would be saved. So he sought to preach and save God's chosen people, and was driven by this knowledge. All those that would respond to the message and be saved by Grace would only be, and will only ever be, those chosen by God. None that are saved are non- elect, none that are elect will be missed or lost. All will come to Him who are His.
Note also, in verse 19, that God knows those that are His, implicating those who are not elect as not His. A factor that gives us a clue as to who are truly His and those who are not is shown in the holiness exemplified in their lives, although this is not an absolute proving ground. Those who will willingly not turn from iniquity who name Him are perhaps cast as doubtfully His to some extent here.
So, let's not say calvinism is purely non-evangelistic, nor generally, as we can see in Scripture that the knowledge that there are elect remaining to hear and be saved, drove the effort and zeal to preach.
Does knowing that there are elect around you, awaiting a Spirit led evangelistic preordained meeting of the evangelist (you) and the elect, drive you and give you greater confidence that your efforts will result in seeing some saved?
Each of us have heard some arguments against Calvinism, in that, in fact, being Calvinistic in doctrine, we are labelled non and/or anti evangelistic. This is typically given to those who hold a "hyper-calvinistic" theology, yet, this label of "hyper" is generally applied to anyone who accepts this Biblical position by those who oppose it.
First off, I believe our Lord Jesus Christ Himself knew of His Sheep, that He specifically came to save as expressed in John 10, some in John 11, especially 52, and in His mission to His people specifically in Matthew 1:21. Certainly there are only a number who will be saved, these are also referred to as "the elect" or "chosen" depending on which Bible version you use. Thus, the driving factor for Jesus was dying to save the elect, His people, those chosen before the foundation of the kosmos.
Paul also was driven by this to "save" the elect, and a matter of fact, it is this specifically that he argues as to the reason why he preached even doing so through great persecutions and other abuses, as he describes in 2 Timothy 2:8-10:
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, sothat they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory."
Evidentally, in this passage, Paul knowing Gods elect were "out there" drove him to preach, knowing that these would be saved. So he sought to preach and save God's chosen people, and was driven by this knowledge. All those that would respond to the message and be saved by Grace would only be, and will only ever be, those chosen by God. None that are saved are non- elect, none that are elect will be missed or lost. All will come to Him who are His.
Note also, in verse 19, that God knows those that are His, implicating those who are not elect as not His. A factor that gives us a clue as to who are truly His and those who are not is shown in the holiness exemplified in their lives, although this is not an absolute proving ground. Those who will willingly not turn from iniquity who name Him are perhaps cast as doubtfully His to some extent here.
So, let's not say calvinism is purely non-evangelistic, nor generally, as we can see in Scripture that the knowledge that there are elect remaining to hear and be saved, drove the effort and zeal to preach.
Does knowing that there are elect around you, awaiting a Spirit led evangelistic preordained meeting of the evangelist (you) and the elect, drive you and give you greater confidence that your efforts will result in seeing some saved?
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