Semi-Pelagianism vs Arminianism

[quantumfaith]

I used to believe man had free will. I have since recanted that position in that I am not quite so convinced this is true. How did I conclude this? By taking an honest look at who God truly is in His Word, and in what dire need man is in, in his total incapability to even reach out to God. We needed God to do all of it. ALL of it. Scripture supports this, and this is what I did, I started to search the Scriptures. God even places the desires He wishes us to have, into our hearts.

It is all from Him and of Him.

An honest, genuine, respectful and kind recitation of your position. Thanks :thumbs:

 

[preacher4truth]

An honest, genuine, respectful and kind recitation of your position. Thanks :thumbs:

Thanks. Being honest.

I can't say I understand all reformed theology, although when one claims any of it, then come the accusations.

First and foremost, He saved me.

:godisgood:

 

[quantumfaith]

Thanks. Being honest.

I can't say I understand all reformed theology, although when one claims any of it, then come the accusations.

First and foremost, He saved me.

:godisgood:

He saved even me too!

 

[Tom Butler]

Tom

Came across the following in a book I am currently reading:

"The Bible emphasizes human choice and the graciousness of God's offer without a hint of concern about the two being in conflict, so the burden of proof is upon any theological system that infers one exists. It is one thing to say that without the Holy Spirit's enabling we cannot believe, but it is another to say the Holy Spirit necessitates we believe. Simply put, the doctrine or "irrestible grace" renders incomprehensible major portions of the Bible. Scripture gives to many examples of persons successfully resisting God's grace."

Yeah, I heard somebody ask an old preacher one time how he resolved the conflict between God's sovereignty and man's will. He answered, "Well, I didn't know they had a falling out."

I'm with you most of the way through the quotation. Then it's a matter of semantics. I would not say that the Holy Spirit's enabling grace means one must believe. It means one will believe. That, to me is consistent with Romans 8:28-29, where Paul says those whom God calls he justifies. I read that to mean all those whom God calls, he justifies.

Yes, all whom God justifies, he has called. But that leaves room for the view that some who are called are not justified because they did not respond in faith. That's not what Paul said, however.

No Calvinist denies that a man, in his fallen state, resists the Holy Spirit. Always. So why did you and I, one day, stop resisting, and freely repent of sin and trust Christ for salvation? I believe it is that enabling grace.

And it is a grace that does not necessitates belief, but assures belief, willingly exercised. Because a sovereign God gave us a heart of flesh to replace our heart of stone.

We were not saved against our will.