Weighing God's glory in doctrine

Ya know. No one has ever asked me that question before.

Calvinism was drilled into me as a child, and there is no way in the world I will ever let go of it because of my fear that I might make a mistake by turning my back on the teachings that drove, and have driven my daily life since early childhood in Sunday School.

I am surprised that I actually admitted that here on BB.com

 

Ya know. No one has ever asked me that question before.

Calvinism was drilled into me as a child, and there is no way in the world I will ever let go of it because of my fear that I might make a mistake by turning my back on the teachings that drove, and have driven my daily life since early childhood in Sunday School.</font>[/QUOTE]Really? I came from an opposite background - not totally Arminian, but much closer to it than to Calvinism. For me, the most difficult part of accepting Calvinism was the thought of leaving behind all that I had been taught as a child. There are worse things that you could do, though, like to keep 'believing' something that you don't really believe.

I am too. No telling what all you will see around here.

 

My testimony is like that of whatever. I was not totally Arminian, but much closer to it than Calvinism. When I began to consider certain passages that were troubling to me because they did not match up to what I had been taught, I began to reform my postion.

As I have accepted the doctrines of grace more and more, I have increased my view of His glory. In fact, I have found myself being consumed by the idea of glorifying Him in all I do. My life's driving purpose and passion is doxological. This is somthing that I did not posses when I was more Arminian in my view.

 

You know, Whetstone, It is more glorifying to God for man to choose to believe in Him, than for him to make man to believe in him.

What glory can there be in the dictatorship mentality? The world hates dictators!

Why do you think God would be glorified by "forcing" through imposed regeneration, man's faith in Him?

My father God has set the table provided the feast and has invited those who will to come and partake of it! He has not gone out on the byways and forced people to come!

Your line of thinking is convoluted and incoherent with reality.

 

You ARE saying that God doesn't enable all mankind to believe? Prove that to be true!

Excuse me? I think you will discover that Lazarus was CALLED BACK to life, not merely enabled to live again!

Granted, once that Lazarus was restored to life, his mental thoughts and emotions were those of gladness and joy, exceeded perhaps only by Jesus' and his sister's joy. However I do not accept that Lazarus even wanted to be restored to physical life. He was a good friend to Jesus, much loved even, so it is right to conclude that He left this life the first time firmly in the grasp of personal salvation. Jesus would not have been friends and loved him as he did if he did not have a "right spirit". So Yes, Lazarus was "forced" to return among the living, most likely without his willingness. He certainly could not have done it alone.

 

I have already searched and read over and over again, and researched, and gone over it and my beliefs more times than I will ever know, not counting my education. I know what I know, and I am perfectly happy. My point was that I will never allow myself to abandon my beliefs, because of the trust I have placed all my life in my pastors, teachers, and God Himself leading them. I know them by their fruits, and they are mighty fine trees that have given much.

 

OK!

You ARE saying that God doesn't enable all mankind to believe!

Prove that to be true!