Zemirah wrote:
...Why would you so label them without listing one verse of Scripture to substantiate your accusation?...
You want me to substantiate my accusations? So be it…
The five points of Calvinism can be summarized by the acronym TULIP. T stands for total depravity, U for unconditional election, L for limited atonement, I for irresistible grace, and P for perseverance of the saints. In the interest of time and space, I’ll just address unconditional election.
Unconditional election is a phrase that is used to summarize what the Bible teaches about the predestination—or the election—of people for salvation. It is my understanding that in Calvin’s view, before the world began, God predestined some for eternal salvation (the Elect) while the others would suffer everlasting damnation (the Reprobates) regardless. The chosen few were saved by the operation of divine grace which cannot be challenged or be earned by Man’s merits. Conversely, you might lead a perfectly good life that was true to God but if you were a reprobate you remained one because for all your qualities you were inherently corrupt and God would know this even if you did not.
IMHO, these beliefs are in direct contradiction to the Bible which I will attempt to point out from a recent bible study of ours on Romans 8:28-30. This is the conclusion but if you want the scriptures, etc., I’ll be more than glad to provide them:
• Based on what we’ve just studied, I believe that the bottom line of the whole matter is this.
• Jesus died for the sins of the entire human race.
• His gift of salvation is freely offered to all men everywhere.
• In Isaiah 46 God declares the end from the beginning.
• And from ancient times things which have not been done.
• He says that His purpose will be established.
• And He will accomplish all His good pleasure.
• So, God knows the end from the beginning.
• Therefore, He knew before time who would and would not accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation.
• However, that does not preclude every man from being called or invited by the Spirit of God to salvation.
• And when God invites someone to salvation.
• He moves in their life in such a way that they are left with only two choices (free will).
o They can accept the free gift of salvation through Christ.
o They can reject the free gift of salvation through Christ.
• Therefore, God is absolutely Sovereign in the matter of salvation.
• Just as He is in every other matter of life!
• And Man’s free will is not violated.
• Just as it’s not in every other matter of life!
• God works in our lives to bring us to the place where we will surrender to or reject His will for our lives.
• Salvation is for all men.
• But no man can be saved apart from the call of the Spirit of God.
• Here is where we must put this matter to rest.
• Let it be stated that no one can be saved apart from the invitation of God.
• Let is also be said that God has chosen out no one specifically for condemnation.
• John 1:9 says, “There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”
• But the elect are the ones who respond to that light.
• They respond to this invitation and are saved according to God's eternal purpose.
• The whole point of these verses is this: In Jesus, we are absolutely secure!
• Why?
• Notice:
o Verse 28 tells us that God is working out His purpose in us.
What is that purpose?
He is making us in the image of Jesus.
Why do all that work and then throw us away?
o Verse 29 tells us that God has already decided that we will be like Jesus someday.
It is a done deal!
o Verse 30 uses several words to speak of our journey.
And, every one of them is in the "aorist tense” in the Greek and this tense is roughly equivalent to our past tense. Notice:
• We were predestinated – Past tense.
• We were called or invited – Past tense
• And some were justified (Declared righteous!) – Past tense.
• And those were glorified – Past tense
o In the mind of God:
We are already with Him in Heaven (Eph. 2:6)
We are already sinless
We are already glorified.
o We are as good for Heaven as if we were already there!
Calvin’s beliefs are in direct contradiction of this teaching!
Now about John MacArthur…I’ll be more succinct…
John MacArthur was asked if someone can take the Mark and still repent or be saved later? His short answer? YES! THAT is heresy!
Revelation 14:9-11 (NASB)
9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,
10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
The third angel angel warns that any who agree to beast-worship in any of its forms will suffer God's wrath now and eternally. The wine of His wrath will be poured out on the earth during the Great Tribulation. But that will be only a foretaste of the pangs of eternal damnation, where unbelievers shall be tormented with fire and brimstone. This passage reminds us that lake of fire consists of eternal and conscious punishment. The smoke of their torment will ascend perpetually, and there will be no relief day or night.