|
|
Post by rejoice on Jul 22, 2005 16:44:21 GMT -5
Dear Bro. Ben,
I have a good friend who I just found out is a Reformed Baptist. She says she is not hyper-calvinist, but does believe in the five points of Calvinism. What is your stand on this and what is the best way to witness to someone like this?
Thank you so much for your consideration in this matter.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brother Ben on Jul 25, 2005 12:48:32 GMT -5
Dear sister Angel, Sorry I over looked this post. Darlene told me you had posted this question. I have written an article on this topic. www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=148170Let me know what you think. Bro.Ben |
|
|
|
Post by Brother Ben on Jul 25, 2005 20:15:45 GMT -5
As to your question:
When you say witness, I'm not sure what your intent is. If you mean as to win them to Christ, I don't see that Calvinism will keep one from getting saved, or means they are not saved. If you mean to refute their teachings, then you need to solidify what you believe and find the verses they use for the TULIP theology and try to refute them or explain their error in interpretation.
My feelings about Calvinism and Arminianism is a balance in bewteen. As long as a "Calvinist" or an "Arminian" is moderate in their interpretation, I would place them both on opposite ends of the spectrum of orthodoxy. Wesely was an Arminian and a godly man, and Spurgeon was a Calvinist and a godly man, both were greatly used by God.
When one goes into "hyper" anything, imbalance sets in, and they are on their way to error which begets more error. The TULIP (Calvinism) can be just as deadly as the DAISY, you know He loves me, He loves me not, I'm saved, I'm not saved. Both can be detrimental to spiritual growth or a proper view of salvation in the first place.
I met a hyper Calvinist once in Texas. She didn't like invitations to be saved. In her words, she was one of the elect and God "sucked" her into the kingdom," like some cosmic Hoover. Error! Real Bad! Likewise, I met a Charity affiliated (not Charity, I wouldn't want to hang this on them,) who said God's children are not born with a sin nature, but they are spiritually sick and they need to avail themselves to the grace of God and just kind of "move on in" to Christ. He also saw that you could flow in and out of salvation, depending on obedience. I call this "Interstate" theology, I'm merging on, I'm merging off! Error. Real Bad!
Can you see how both are seed beds for confusion, division, and ill feelings?
As for me and my house, we like a well balance flower garden instead.
For Love amonsgt God's children,
Bro. Ben
|
|
|
|
Post by rejoice on Jul 28, 2005 14:01:23 GMT -5
Dear Bro. Ben,
I understand what you're saying here. Yes, I guess there are a wide variety of people who consider themselves Calvanists.
I guess it just shocked me when my friend told me her beliefs and all of a sudden I felt compelled to "get her right!" But then, after much consideration, I wrote her an email and told her that I am just thankful she is my sister in Christ. She has given her life to the Lord and seeks to live for Him. I told her that the thing that bothered me so much about the belief she had is the affect it has on so many people that believe in this way. Most feel as though they do not have to be a witness to the world for Christ. They assume that people will get saved whether they like it or not and they are basically stuck with it too!
The example that you gave of someone telling you that "God "sucked" her into the kingdom," like some cosmic Hoover" is exactly the mindset I am referring to.
Thank you for your response. I do feel better now that some time has passed. I don't feel like she is unsaved, I just feel she has been misled.
|
|
