The Importance of Calvinism vs Arminianism

Southern,

Notice, Matthew 20:16 does say, 'So the last shall be first, and the first last; for many be called but few chosen.' This has nothing to do with calling all sinners, but then turning those called aside to the regions of Hell, while segregating the chosen.

Dr. Homer A. Kent, Th.D. and professor of N.T. & Greek at Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake Indiana says, 'This statement, repeated from 19:30, shows that the parable continued the previous instruction of theTwelve (19:27-30). The parable teaches that service for Christ will be faithfully rewarded, and that equal faithfulness to one's opportunity will be equally rewarded.'

Study Matthew 19:29-20:16. Context!


or

The 'inward' call, that go's to God's elect?
(1 Cor. 1:24;Rom. 8:30)

This theory was created probably by some Roman Catholic convert--being a Reformation student of the Word of God and obviously not a skilled theologian. This concept 'thumbs its' nose' to the unfettered love and justice of God. Almighty God's fairness toward human sinners remains free of bias. [Romans 2:11] 'There is no respecter of persons with God,' not even sinners.

Your I Corinthians 1:24 means that Christ's power and wisdom goes to Jews and Gentiles. He is impartial.

As to your Romans 8:30 it must be linked, contextually, with 8:29. God has always known who will receive the convincing power of the Spirit and His accompanying eternal salvation in those who believe.

Dr. F. Davidson, Rev. A.M. Stibbs and E.F. Kevan, in The New Bible Commentary, Eerdmans Publishing Co., p. 796, say, 'The point of verse 16 is that all Christians receive the same, the reward being everlasting life given on the ground of Christ's death for them. By earthly standards of judgment, expressed clearly in vss. 11,12, such action is regarded as putting the last first and the first last. 'For many are called but few are chosen.' vs. 16. Some texts (see RV) omit these words. They make, however, good sense and refer back to the Lord's words in 19:23-26, where He speaks of the difficulty that many experience in believing and obeying the Gospel because their minds are fixed on what they can get for themselves, whether in this world or the next.'

 

Look, I went to Grace College, BJU, NBBC. I know a little something about dispensationalism. If ever there was a man-made system of interpreting Scripture, this would have to be it!

Covenants? Clearly affirmed in the Scriptures.
Dispensations? Not so clear.

The history of dispensationalism is an eye-opener. And this is the grid from which you want to interpret Scripture? How sad.