ARMINIASM/CALVINISM-IS THERE A MIDDLE GROUND?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on September 20, 2011 at 2:07pm

I have two discussions on the Subject of Arminianism and Calvinism. One is in my Theology group and the other is in the forums:

 

WHAT IS ARMINIANISM AND CALVINISM

http://www.allaboutgod.net/forum/topics/what-is-arminianism-and-1

 

WHAT IS ARMINIANISM AND CALVINISM

http://www.allaboutgod.net/group/theologygroup/forum/topics/what-is...

Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on September 27, 2011 at 11:20am

 

I hope you can view this vid for it explains very well what Calvinism theology believes. Most people only have a caricature of the doctrines of grace and have never taken the time to research them from sources who are not trying to debunk the doctrines, but to establish them. 

 

Arminianism and Calvinism are the prevalent two schools of theology, but there are others. Many see God's sovereignty and men's ability to choose according to the liberties granted to humanity and they do not feel a need to reconcile both truth, but are comfortable with their co-existence. They understand that we are finite and God's ways are above ours. He has no problem reconciling the apparent contradiction.

 

As everyone knows I align to Calvinism theology, for I see it clearly taught in scripture. I see that the doctrines of Grace that Calvin was used by God to compile in a system of theology, especially when dealing with matters of salvation explicitly and clearly come from the pages of the bible.  I see us choosing God only because God first opened up our hearts to himself, otherwise, I would have never chose him, I loved my sin too much.

Permalink Reply by Carla on September 27, 2011 at 12:22pm

Hi Grace by the Lake..

 

I believe the middle ground is keeping our eyes on Jesus.  God is Sovereign and He is all Loving..  He is both.  If there is a middle ground it is keeping our eyes on Him.

 

Sometimes we can get so distracted with trying to figure things out that we take our eyes off of Jesus.  I heard something by Max Lucado today.  He said "We can never study the life of Jesus enough, His is the life that changed History.  He is the ONE who is the model for us in every aspect of life.  One of the things that I find really fascinating in Christian circles is that we study everything else except Jesus.  We study prophecy, the epistles, and we study the OT, and well we should, but we have to Major in Jesus, we have to let Him be the primary focus of our study."  The context of him saying this was to tell about a book that he has just released 'Experiencing the heart of Jesus' ...  but I think that he also has an excellent point in that sometimes our studies will take us away from what God has set us on the path to do. 

 

I can see that you want to have some peace over this issue..  so I suggest that you take it to the Lord, and leave it at the foot of the cross that HE will give you some peace over it.  That is the best way to keep our eyes on Him, and not a teaching that seems to have many potentially divisive differences..  People in the church have split over it....  for that reason alone ...I leave it alone.

I have taken the issue to God myself and I have complete peace over what He has shown me regarding it.

Blessings, Carla

Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on September 27, 2011 at 12:54pm

Good word and reminder beloved Carla. 

   

When we study the word and doctrinal arguments (using the word argument in the positive sense of the word) we find that our desire to break every belief held by us to its most miniscule degree possible does dissipate and the urgency to preach and live as Christ lived while on earth are magnified.

 

I second Carla and would advise anyone looking at the differences between this two schools of theology to take it to the Lord in prayer.

Permalink Reply by Carla on September 27, 2011 at 1:41pm

Awesome Nancy..  God is faithful! :-D

 

 

Permalink Reply by Leonard T on September 27, 2011 at 2:19pm

Carla,

 

Amen ... "Keeping our eyes on Jesus."

 

Lord Bless,

LT