I have not seen Dr. Who in years.
I think he dropped off the SyFy channel.
Actually, the subject of the thread would make a great episode of the Twilight Zone.
The choice, however, is not an autonomous determining factor to make up God's elect. We love Him because He first loved us. He chose us "before the foundation of the world." Therefore, our choice for Christ is a result of Him choosing us "beforehand."
...then go back to 1954(or 1956?) and see if you can get a "Pepsi Free". You'll find out you can get a pepsi, but you'll have to pay for it. I loved that when Marty didn't know he had went "back in time", and wanted a Pepsi Free. That pop wasn't around long, either.....:laugh:
Great, now I have "Heuy Lewis and the News" in my head now. Thanks Brother.....:laugh: :love2:
There is two theology choices, to most you are either Calvinist or Arminian. We can't be just a biblicists and come to your own conclusions you can up to dangerous conclusions without guidance. So people might not agree with all what Calvinist teach, but agree with like with the O.P. chosen from eternity past and does the other side? Most people who have to claim Arminian, claim so not because they agree with all they teach, but it gives all men salvation without going universalism, knowing not all men will be saved, but they are given the opportunity through the preaching of the Gospel. I hope I have not miss representing any group.
I give Spurgeon as a person I learned from because he doesn't try to reconcile all scripture into his doctrine or change words that God had translated into things that the Holy Spirit didn't have it translated to so it will fit his doctrine. I personal think those who do, their teaching isn't my cup of tea. I have found out that God will give men over to their own understanding, and if they want man to lead them God will give them men to lead them.
I can sit there and tell them all day long they are wrong and if God gave them over to their own understanding and their heart is hard and visa-verse I'm the one that way, it will do no good for them or me.
Only Christ is worthy to be chosen before the foundation of the world, so only Him and those in Him are chosen before the foundation of the world.
Would Paul tell an unbeliever that they were chosen before the foundation of the world and so deceive them?
No.
According to 1 Peter 1:2 the elect where chosen according to the foreknowledge of God.
God determined beforehand who the elect would be.
It's interesting that you title this "Unity Thread for Calvinists and Arminians" because there is no unity on this topic, nor should there be.
I believe Calvinists and Arminians can be genuinely saved, but there are vast and systemic differences in their theologies and we do the truth a disservice by minimizing them.
Yesterday morning - (22 May) the Yankees and Red Sox were tied for last place.
This morning (23 May) according to the newspaper only the Red Sox are in last place.
By listening to both games on the radio,(NY won, BSox lost)
and before the paper was even published, did I have the foreknowledge that only the Red Sox would be in last place?
Off hand this is the best analogy I can come up with.
Any other examples?
Actually, they are not as different as some think. They are both "Reformed" theologies, both believe in original sin, both believe in total depravity. That is why I am neither, although I do have a few things in common with Arminianism but none at all with Calvinism.
Michael, I disagree that Arminianism is in any way Reformed.
The major confessions and declarations of the Puritans and Reformers repudiate Arminian doctrine.
Add to this that Arminius' doctrines were soundly rejected at the Synod of Dordt
I appreciate that you consider yourself neither a Calvinist nor Arminian.
Most modern-day Arminians are not classical Arminians.
You cited one of the main reasons; an acknowledgement of original sin.
Arminianism today is used to describe any theological system that holds to a synergistic soteriology (man cooperating with God).
That view is actually closer to semi-Pelagianism, but Arminianism is the contemporary term of the day.