Subjects like Calvinism and Armenianism, God”s sovereignty, mans free will, election, calling, fate & destiny are challenging to comprehend but essential for understanding the christian faith, let’s metaphorically speaking, take a walk down these streets for the basics.
Important note: This study will be introductory in scope. I sincerely hope it will lead you into deeper studies on your own. You are going to find some very interesting things. One interesting thing is that “no one has cornered the market on God and His Word.” If anyone does claim, run and hide from them. ( smirk on my face) Having said that there are good, intelligent well meaning, God fearing and scholarly people on the many sides of the issues we will discuss. I would like to start by saying this from 1 Corinthians 13:12. For now, we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know Even as also I am known. ( KJV).
I am putting this effort forth to hopefully help myself and anyone who cares to know some of the “deeper thought processes” That have been richly debated over the centuries. Ultimately, my goal is to shed some light on the mysteries, truths, and wonders of the christian faith. I have found in my studies that the more I claim to know, the more I realize I don’t know. Also, remember that all the answers will not be found on this side of death. There are a lot of mysterious things, having said that God requires faith in Him. The clarion call of my heart is to tell people that the christian faith is a relationship with a loving living God, who is more powerful, wonderful, long suffering and loving than we could ever imagine. Sincerely seek Him, and you will find Him, He is knocking at the door of your heart, open up and sup with Him.
A summary of Calvinism: Salvation is accomplished by the almighty power of the triune God. The father chose a people, the Son died for them, the Holy Spirit makes Christ’s death effective by bringing the elect to faith and repentance, thereby causing them to willingly obey the gospel. The entire process (election, redemption, regeneration) is the work of God and is by grace alone. Thus God, not man, determines who will be the recipients of the gift of salvation.
A summary of Armenianinm: Salvation is accomplished through the combined efforts of God (who takes the initiative) and man (who must respond) — man’s response being the determining factor. God has provided salvation for everyone, but his provision becomes effective only for those who, of their own free will, “choose” to cooperate with Him and accept his offer of grace. At the crucial point, man’s will plays a decisive role; thus, man, not God determines who will be the recipients of the gift of salvation. REF: GOL
Look at DETERMINISM. The thesis that all events in the universe, including human decisions and actions, are causally inevitable. Determinism entails that in a situation in which a person makes a certain decision or performs a certain action, it is impossible that he or she could have made any other decision or performed any other action. In other words, it is never true that people could have decided or acted otherwise than they actually did. ( Some of this will make your head spin.) Determinism in this sense is usually understood to be incompatible with free will, or the supposed power or capacity of humans to make decisions or perform actions independently of any prior event or state of the universe. Those who deny the existence of free will on this basis are known as ” hard” determinists) There is ” soft” determinism. Please study for yourself.
Now, add to your studies Teleology. This will keep you searching.
I like what C. S. Lewis said: ‘Both the statement that our final destination is already settled (Calvinism) and the view that it still may be either heaven or hell ( Armenianism) seem to me to imply the ultimate reality of time, which I don’t believe in. The controversy is one I can’t join on either side, for I think that in the real (timeless) world, it is meaningless. (Collected letters, 2:703. My personal opinion is that it could be that we humans suffer under the “We see through a glass darkly” limited understanding of many things syndrome” I believe in the 1000 year reign of Christ from the NEW HOLY CITY OF JERUSALEM, MANY MYSTERIES WILL FINALLY BE UNDERSTOOD. Frankie The Earthman. I think I am mainly of the Armenian core of beliefs.
Frankie The Earthman 