Featured The Right Meaning of Romans

Is God ever random?

Simply because God doesn't tell us his process, this doesn't make God random. It makes us rather prideful when we demand to know the thoughts of God.

 

What Austin said above is true. It's God doing what he determines to do - without consulting you or me. But all the reformers were trying to say was that God doesn't save people based on some merit or characteristic of the person. Even in the Old Testament God makes it clear that there was nothing special about Israel that caused God to choose them as His people. It doesn't mean God had no reason, or rolled the dice but that His reasons are reserved to Him, and he makes it clear he doesn't have to share his motives with us. Calvinism has a high view and respect for God. If you are unfamiliar with it read some Puritans or even Calvin before you get involved in the TULIP wars.

 

I would start with monergism.com. Also look for writings by Thomas Watson or John Bunyan. If you have or can get a kindle or electronic reader of some kind those old writings are super cheap - 2 dollars. Calvin himself is surprisingly easy to read too. Stay away from Jonathan Edwards or John Owen at first because they are hard to read and give the other sides argument in such detail that you will think it is their opinion and it can be confusing. Phil Johnson has a series of articles on the grace to you website called "Why I Am a Calvinist" which goes at it from the viewpoint of someone who is new to all this and it is very moderate and kind in tone.

 

You might have better luck if you do as Joseph Smith, who surmised that every church, and every doctrine therein, were altogether wrong.

I'm not saying he's right, but here's a very good question to ponder: would you rather have a viewpoint which makes a mockery of Paul's intelligence, writing skills and the "not random"-ness of God (as someone mentioned previously)? Or would you rather have a viewpoint which understands continuity of thought throughout large swaths of the epistle?

I'll tell you, if you follow any pathway through Rome and her wayward children, you will have the former.

 

Are you praising Joseph Smith? The man who invented Mormonism?

peace to you

 

Are you reading what I wrote?

 

I’m asking for clarification of what you wrote.

Peace to you

 

You're not clear on "I'm not saying he's right" ?

 

I don’t understand how anyone could say,

Please clarify what you mean?

Are you saying that a Christian struggling to understand a passage or a New Testament letter would have better luck following Joseph Smiths example of surmising every church and every doctrine therein is wrong?

peace to you

 

The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

 

That was a bit tongue-in-cheek.

I'm sorry. I thought that came out in my next bit, that I'm not saying he's right, but here's a good question.....

I see too many "learned" men make mince meat out of Romans. All that studying to fall headlong after error. Sheesh. Tradition stands. Biblical inquiry gets mocked.

I know I said it was tongue-in-cheek (and I meant that), but now I don't know how to pick the lesser of those evils

 

James! Good to see you back!

 

No. He's not. He's saying 'do as the Bereans', see for yourself, don't take others words for it hook, line and sinker as most do.

 

Sola scriptura!

 

Could you please clarify? I am not sure I understood you.

 

Thanks for clarifying. Smith fell headlong into heresy, so it seems an easy pick for me. There is nothing that he taught that should be followed.

Peter said Paul’s writings were difficult to understand. Very learned men and women have debated them for 2000 years.

However, I think considering a variety of ideas from people who have devoted their lives to study, especially original languages, can be helpful in understanding.

peace to you

 

The predestination of Romans 8 is unto a Christ-like resurrection body, not salvation.
Imagine an ordo salutis without redemption being mentioned.

 

Romans 8:6-8

Noone carnally minded can do anything to please God ie call out to God in faith

the carnal and carnal minded cannot please God in any way