Serious question for Calvinists

[webdog]

Oh I think it's quite clear that the context of 1 Cor 2 is a comparison between the converted and unconverted, the natural man being unconverted.

(NKJV) 1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching [were] not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man (unconverted) The things which God has prepared for those who love Him (converted)." 10 But God has revealed them to us (converted) through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? (unconverted) Even so no one (unconverted) knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we (converted) have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we (converted) might know the things that have been freely given to us (converted) by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man (unconverted) does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him (unconverted); nor can he (unconverted) know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual (converted) judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we (converted) have the mind of Christ.

Paul goes on to say that he could not speak to them AS to spiritual, but as carnal (fleshly). He say "I have to speak to you as if you were not even converted". And that he does.

NKJV) 1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able [to receive it,] and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal?

A harsh rebuke indeed. "Why do you say you're converted but you act like you're not?".

Actually, "regenerate" and "unregenerate" would work better to understand these passages.

I think a more accurate exegesis of that text would be to substitute your "unconverted" with "old nature", and "converted" with "new creation" (new nature). In this letter to the Church at Corinth, Paul is addressing believers and the fact they are living by their old nature. I stand by what I said previously, this is not in regards to regeneration.

 

[epistemaniac]

hey all just a quick note to the folks I kniow from the forunms I post to occasionally… I am disabled the pain is realy getting out of control… trhey gave me triple the amount of morphine and kept me at the same does of flexaril, vicodine and added valium… but it looks like I am going to have to go into the hospital today… please pray… we have no insurance and that they would find something quickly and that whatever treatment might not be to expensive wither… blessings

 

[Brother Bob]

I will be praying for you Epistemaniac.raying: :tear:

 

[canadyjd]

So, would you all respond to the question of before you were saved did you know you were a sinner and lost in your own personal lives. Did you ever think to yourself before being saved that if I die this way I will go to hell? What did you feel when you were still a wordly person?

I long remember having an interest in religion, spiritual matters. I knew the story of Jesus. I believed God existed. I was "baptized" (just got wet, really) several times in various churches. I can remember saying that "wherever I end up, whether in hell or heaven, I know God is a righteous Judge and I'm getting what I deserve." And then I went right on trying to earn my way into heaven.

I know now that I was lost, even though I thought I was saved. This is a far bigger concern for me; not that the lost know they are lost and are going to hell; but that so many lost think they are saved.

Jesus said there will be "many" in that day who say "Lord, Lord" and He will say, "depart from Me, I never knew you." Up until that very moment, these people were deceived into believing they were saved.

Several years ago, there was a crusade in Kansas City, and some folks I knew went to training on how to be spiritual helpers or councelors or some such thing. I read some of the material they received. One booklet said, "If a person says they are not sure if they are saved, ask them if they have ever prayed to receive Jesus into their hearts. If they have, you should tell them they are saved".

I sometimes wonder who is being deceived and by whom?

peace to youraise:

 

[J.D.]

hey all just a quick note to the folks I kniow from the forunms I post to occasionally… I am disabled the pain is realy getting out of control… trhey gave me triple the amount of morphine and kept me at the same does of flexaril, vicodine and added valium… but it looks like I am going to have to go into the hospital today… please pray… we have no insurance and that they would find something quickly and that whatever treatment might not be to expensive wither… blessings

Hello Ken, we'll be praying for you. You must face your trial courageously for those of us that are to follow. Keep us updated.