Currently, part of my morning worship involves reading some sermons of Jonathan Edwards. He quoted a verse that had been under my radar. It is a good verse for those Calvinists who are into the U, L and I of TULIP. It drips with the undeserved, limited and irresistible.
(Acts 13:48 KJV) And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.If my total exposure to the Bible rested on this verse I would sign up at my local Baptist church. Or maybe I wouldn’t. It all depends on whether I was scheduled for it or not. Of course, if I was not scheduled for it, I won’t be interested. If I am interested, it is not because I am really interested but because I have been programed to be interested. My head spins with the circle I am locked into.
Anyway. As an Arminian, I am aware of selected verses that support the main points of Calvinism. As an Arminian, I am also aware of the multitude of verses that make it an incomplete understanding of grace and sovereignty.
I consider this a disagreement in the family. Please don’t throw me out with the bathwater, I might be elect and you just don’t know it.
homo unius libri
I don't even remember what an Arminian OR a Calvinist is supposed to believe. Frankly, I'm not sure it matters much, as long as they don't turn their back on Jesus, OR keep others from Him by their actions or teachings.
ReplyDeleteBoth your points are important. Neither word is used in the Bible but obedience and "millstone" are. Theology is like philosophy of life, we all have one even if we don't know the jargon and what we have makes a difference in how we live.
ReplyDeleteI know people who disagree with me on some of these points who put me to shame as a follower of Jesus. I can live with there obedience and want to improve mine.
Grace and peace.