OldRegular
Well-Known Member
Amy, that is an excellent post. Thanks for the way you worded it. My knowledge of Greek and Hebrew which most posts are saturated with, is looking the words up in a dictionary, so I find myself at a disadvantage debating the precise words.
One of the best examples to me is the conversion of Paul. Can you imagine Paul (Saul) being able to choose to put his faith in Jesus Christ before his encounter with the Risen Lord on a trip to persecute Christians and have them executed. I think it is kind of ridiculous to say that Paul, half way through his journey, would say, "Gee, I think it is time to accept the Lord, so I am going to exercise my faith, join the Kingdom of God, and stop persecuting Christians" without an encounter with the Lord first. There was no ability there to do that apart from the Lord.
I also think the charge that Calvinists (I hate that term) are saved without Christ because of regeneration coming before salvation is a word game. The regeneration is a gift of God, which is having Christ, since Christ is God. Also, the span of time is emphasized between regeneration and salvation. Again, a word game, or a lack of understanding of time between where we live and eternity. In the time element, it could happen at the same time, and if not, what difference does it make in eternity?
I think the label Calvinism honestly causes sharper and more aggressive posts. I wish we could come up with a decent label to describe what we are trying to say about God's sovereignty and grace. Calvin's life and some of his theology does not merit an entire doctrine to be named after him.
Again, excellent post.
Very well put S/N. I particularly like with your comments about Paul. Your comments about regeneration are spot on. I believe that those who reject the Doctrine
I have indicated for years that I am not Calvinist. There were a number of positions held by Calvin that I disown. Spurgeon stated that Calvinism was just a nickname for the Biblical Doctrine