By registering with us, you'll be able to discuss, share and private message with other members of our community.
SignUp Now!Because Calvinists believe in that the "elect" (Christians) are ordained and chosen by God before they even existed, that there is no free will choice in the matter and they were saved before anything really had to be done.
Also, that since they are "elect" and ordained to be elect, that no matter what they do, they are always in a saved state. Those who are not ordained elect, no matter what they do, are always in a doomed state.
OSAS takes a form of this idea, and states that once you are saved, no matter what you do after, you will always be saved regardless if you never repent should one willfully begin down a dark path.
In all cases, whether they admit it or not, OSAS is usually tied to the idea that a Christian can NEVER fall no matter what they do regardless of what the bible says.
When a Christian falls away from God, they always make some excuse like "Oh, they never were TRULY a Christian in the first place".
Its actually quite similar to Calvinism and I would boldly claim OSAS is a branch off of that idea.
he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world
5 Having predestinated us
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God
many are called, but few are chosen.
This wasnt what your thread was about. My post in #63 was more to the discussion of your posts point.
However, you misunderstand that.
Since Genesis Chapter 3, Jesus has been foretold about. He would set up a kingdom in which the many are called yet few are chosen. He also said many will go on the broad path that leads to destruction and few will find the narrow path that leads to life. Many proclaim to be christians "lord lord havent we prophesied in your name" but because they do not obey the gospel he will say "depart, I never knew you, you who practice lawlessness".
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 says two groups of people will suffer everlasting punishment. Those who know not and those who obey not. Those who obey not are those who were christians, but turned away. Just like Demas, and just like those described in Hebrews 6:4-6.
Calvinists and OSAS people are in a losing side argument and it is really not debatable considering the plethora of text of warnings to Christians (example Revelation ch 2-3)
To state an absolute fact, churches of Christ are not protestant churches. If you had studied this subject as you say you have, you would have known this fact. Churches of Christ belong in the "restoration" category. Protestants are in the "reformation".
Protestants are considered "reformation" because in one way or another, they keep a base model of what Catholics taught. Thus, as reformation's definition dictates, they merely just "improve" upon an already faulty belief. Sure they speak truth in some areas. However, they still teach falsely in other areas.
You are wrong about Acts 8.
Only two times in the NT did the Holy Spirit descend upon people in this fashion, Acts 2 and 10.
Problem with the people who say you are saved ONLY with this method, is they forget Cornelius and his household and friends STILL had to be baptized into water.
Everyone in Acts 8 was also baptized into water.
John 3:7 :
"Born of water" - It was Peter himself who said to Cornelius (Acts 10) "can anyone forbid them water.... and he commanded them to be baptized"
The Holy Spirit was to do this because the Jews believed they were the only ones who would be chosen (See Peter's explanation in Acts 11). God had shown the Jews right before their eyes that gentiles were also chosen.
Peter had also said "baptism now saves us" right after saying that through water Noah and family was saved.
Paul agrees with Peter when he told Titus, "He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,". Peter basically said the same thing in Acts 2:38 "be baptized...and you receive the Holy Spirit".
"and born of the Holy Spirit" (jn 3:7) This is what happens when you obey that which was commanded of us to become Christians.
Hear
Believe
repent
confess
be baptized
[insert receiving of Holy Spirit here as in effect following baptism through our obedience]
remain faithful
Peter and Paul said this
Titus 3:5/Romans 6:3-5
Acts 2:38/1 Peter 3:20-21
Lastly, you are taking Acts 8:16 out of context.
(NKJV)
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Facts:
1-They sent Peter and John to Samaria
2- The Samarians had already received the word of God before Peter and John came (see previous verses)
But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
These are undeniable facts that you cannot disagree with. Now to the supposed discrepancy.
Peter and John came to Samaria to lay hands on them and give them miraculous gifts. Not to save them since they already were saved (verses 12-14).
So what you are propositioning, is that Peter and John came to "lay hands on" and "save" the Samarians through human means of "laying of hands".
This cannot be true. No one is taught to go around everywhere laying hands on people to save them. That is false and has no scriptural support.
What I see here, is that Peter and John came to lay hands and pass on miraculous gifts to the Samarians, who were ALREADY in a saved state aka Christians.
If we are saved by the laying of hands, then we are ALL doomed because there are no apostles alive that can do this for us. No, they were baptized in water just like the Ethiopian in the later part of Acts 8, and saved before Peter and John was sent. They merely were to receive miraculous gifts is all, by the laying of hands.
Scripture is instructive and encouraging to the Elect.
I agree with you that restoration "Christians" and reformation "Christians" merely just "improve" upon an already faulty belief.
en.wikipedia.org
I agree to half of this.
Restoration, as the definition would state, reverts back to the original form, just as it was suppose to be from the start. This is what ALL who broke from the Catholics should have done.
Reformation, as the definition would state, does not revert to the original. It merely just attempts to improve off of the already corrupted teachings the RCC had. They do not restore back to the original. They improve off the corrupted system. Which is all wrong.
In a nutshell...
Restoration = Good
Reformation = Bad
Anyway, I hope post #63 about addressing John 3:7 and what you said about Acts 2, 8, 10 were clear and understandable. I would be happy to address anything that might not have been clear or other concerns.
There is only one and only one true “congregation” of God! All other congregations are instituted by man [a fallen corrupted creature] . And I do mean “ALL” they will not stand the Fire of God, The day will come and all works will be tested yet by fire, All of your congregations will not stand. Always talking about going back to the original so called churches, some of those churches was just as corrupted as the ones that are today. Why do you think Paul had to visit them, write to them. One sayI am of Paul another say I am of Apollo ...ff., One has taken his fathers wife, Judaism had slip in. Who has bewitch you. People getting drunk at the Lord’s table, shaming other believers, going to law against one another instead allowing yourselves to be cheated.
You all here, know your bibles, need I go on. There are only two kinds of congregations in the entire world. There are only two kinds of people in the world and you know this, why, because God your Father has reveal this unto you by His WORD. The Reformation was not bad, they were slaughtered r, [Martyrs] for your sakes that you may know the truth! They did not die in vain! John Wycliffe, John Hus, John Calvin, Luther, William Tyndale, “Foxe Book of Martyr’s”. Thousands and thousands of others died violent deaths that you might learn the truth for yourself. These where you brothers and sisters in Christ that love not their Lives until death.
11And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death. (Rev. 12:11).❤
What has happen to you, no warmth no sadness no pain no sorrow no kinship for your brothers and sisters who died violently so you are able to have a Bible in your hand. Yet you say, you know the Reformation! Look at “The Book” in your hands, The Book Your children hold on their hands. Are they fearing for their lives, are you fearing for your life! NO! Why? “The Reformation”! The Reformation was never about a New institution’s . The Reformer’s knew it would happen, they said: so let it happen! That you may know “The Truth”! For yourself!❤
I am sorry but you have 5 point Calvinism wrong very wrong. You are not free to live a sinful life but a very strict life. Most people who even call themselves Calvinist don’t even know what it is. Here I will use my language to snap shot it for you. First you must learn the language of “Calvinese” what we mean by the term “free will” pertaining to choosing God’s will and what we will. Next concerning OSAS. If you are really His, He will bring to Birth fully, By. Chastisement, discipline, as a Father to his child. Sanctification will occur, if you are a born from above son of God. This what the “P” means in Tulip 5 points “Perseverance of the Saints”. You cannot jump into Calvinism just looking at words and statements, you see the word “Total Depravity” you jump and think you know what that means, or “ Unconditional Election” or Limited Atonement, or “irrestible Grace” or Perserverance of the Saints”!
You have to take the time to learn read the scriptures in each term, dissect each word.
Some of these Calvinist are not real Calvinist, most are “Hyper Grace” calling them selves Calvinist. True Calvinist and it’s doctrine is very strict. Teaching the Holiness of God!
Before you judge learn the language of a true Calvinist. Then you judge. Read a good biography of “John Calvin” you will find out how short you come in your Christian walk. And John Calvin would be “Horrified” to even thing a movement was name after him.
50Nicodemus saith unto them (he that came to him before, being one of them), 51Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear from himself and know what he doeth? (John 7:50-51)ASV.
.![]()
Institutes of the Christian Religion - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
The Church of Christ does, what Protestants Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses do, just merely claim they are doing something different.
Each church of Christ is autonomous of all the others. If one should fall away, and they can and do, they cannot be lumped in as speaking for all churches of Christ's. If you have truly studied this and been with them, you'd know this.
Secondly, churches of Christ are not reformationists, they are restorationists.
Thirdly, I cannot recall nor find one ounce of evidence you bring to the table here. All I see are opinions laced with speculation and conjecture. You boldly claim in post #21 That you "inquire" and you "listen" stating basically you are seeking, yet I bring you scriptures (evidence), I bring articles which also have scripture explanations, and not once have you "listened". All your responses never even addressed my post refuting your thoughts on John 3:7 and Acts. You side step and hope that I would forget (my assumption since you never respond to it).
Then you have the audacity to claim you know more about the congregations I attend than I do myself, even after admitting that you just float around from place to place.
Friend, are you willing to answer post #63 ? That relates to your OP thread topic?
Will you bring evidence, or just opinions again?
We cannot proceed further into your OP topic if you are not willing to listen, discuss, and respond to responses made against your claim.
Even your OP claim lacks evidence. Just accusations without explanations nor evidence.
Have a great Lords day my friend. God willing, may we discuss further.
The Church of Christ does what every denomination does...pick a few verses that make them special.
To state an absolute fact, churches of Christ are not protestant churches. If you had studied this subject as you say you have, you would have known this fact. Churches of Christ belong in the "restoration" category. Protestants are in the "reformation".
Protestants are considered "reformation" because in one way or another, they keep a base model of what Catholics taught. Thus, as reformation's definition dictates, they merely just "improve" upon an already faulty belief. Sure they speak truth in some areas. However, they still teach falsely in other areas.
You are wrong about Acts 8.
Only two times in the NT did the Holy Spirit descend upon people in this fashion, Acts 2 and 10.
Problem with the people who say you are saved ONLY with this method, is they forget Cornelius and his household and friends STILL had to be baptized into water.
Everyone in Acts 8 was also baptized into water.
John 3:7 :
"Born of water" - It was Peter himself who said to Cornelius (Acts 10) "can anyone forbid them water.... and he commanded them to be baptized"
The Holy Spirit was to do this because the Jews believed they were the only ones who would be chosen (See Peter's explanation in Acts 11). God had shown the Jews right before their eyes that gentiles were also chosen.
Peter had also said "baptism now saves us" right after saying that through water Noah and family was saved.
Paul agrees with Peter when he told Titus, "He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,". Peter basically said the same thing in Acts 2:38 "be baptized...and you receive the Holy Spirit".
"and born of the Holy Spirit" (jn 3:7) This is what happens when you obey that which was commanded of us to become Christians.
Hear
Believe
repent
confess
be baptized
[insert receiving of Holy Spirit here as in effect following baptism through our obedience]
remain faithful
Peter and Paul said this
Titus 3:5/Romans 6:3-5
Acts 2:38/1 Peter 3:20-21
Lastly, you are taking Acts 8:16 out of context.
(NKJV)
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Facts:
1-They sent Peter and John to Samaria
2- The Samarians had already received the word of God before Peter and John came (see previous verses)
But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
These are undeniable facts that you cannot disagree with. Now to the supposed discrepancy.
Peter and John came to Samaria to lay hands on them and give them miraculous gifts. Not to save them since they already were saved (verses 12-14).
So what you are propositioning, is that Peter and John came to "lay hands on" and "save" the Samarians through human means of "laying of hands".
This cannot be true. No one is taught to go around everywhere laying hands on people to save them. That is false and has no scriptural support.
What I see here, is that Peter and John came to lay hands and pass on miraculous gifts to the Samarians, who were ALREADY in a saved state aka Christians.
If we are saved by the laying of hands, then we are ALL doomed because there are no apostles alive that can do this for us. No, they were baptized in water just like the Ethiopian in the later part of Acts 8, and saved before Peter and John was sent. They merely were to receive miraculous gifts is all, by the laying of hands.
To state an absolute fact, churches of Christ are not protestant churches. If you had studied this subject as you say you have, you would have known this fact. Churches of Christ belong in the "restoration" category. Protestants are in the "reformation".
Protestants are considered "reformation" because in one way or another, they keep a base model of what Catholics taught. Thus, as reformation's definition dictates, they merely just "improve" upon an already faulty belief. Sure they speak truth in some areas. However, they still teach falsely in other areas.
You are wrong about Acts 8.
Only two times in the NT did the Holy Spirit descend upon people in this fashion, Acts 2 and 10.
Problem with the people who say you are saved ONLY with this method, is they forget Cornelius and his household and friends STILL had to be baptized into water.
Everyone in Acts 8 was also baptized into water.
John 3:7 :
"Born of water" - It was Peter himself who said to Cornelius (Acts 10) "can anyone forbid them water.... and he commanded them to be baptized"
The Holy Spirit was to do this because the Jews believed they were the only ones who would be chosen (See Peter's explanation in Acts 11). God had shown the Jews right before their eyes that gentiles were also chosen.
Peter had also said "baptism now saves us" right after saying that through water Noah and family was saved.
Paul agrees with Peter when he told Titus, "He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,". Peter basically said the same thing in Acts 2:38 "be baptized...and you receive the Holy Spirit".
"and born of the Holy Spirit" (jn 3:7) This is what happens when you obey that which was commanded of us to become Christians.
Hear
Believe
repent
confess
be baptized
[insert receiving of Holy Spirit here as in effect following baptism through our obedience]
remain faithful
Peter and Paul said this
Titus 3:5/Romans 6:3-5
Acts 2:38/1 Peter 3:20-21
Lastly, you are taking Acts 8:16 out of context.
(NKJV)
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Facts:
1-They sent Peter and John to Samaria
2- The Samarians had already received the word of God before Peter and John came (see previous verses)
But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
These are undeniable facts that you cannot disagree with. Now to the supposed discrepancy.
Peter and John came to Samaria to lay hands on them and give them miraculous gifts. Not to save them since they already were saved (verses 12-14).
So what you are propositioning, is that Peter and John came to "lay hands on" and "save" the Samarians through human means of "laying of hands".
This cannot be true. No one is taught to go around everywhere laying hands on people to save them. That is false and has no scriptural support.
What I see here, is that Peter and John came to lay hands and pass on miraculous gifts to the Samarians, who were ALREADY in a saved state aka Christians.
If we are saved by the laying of hands, then we are ALL doomed because there are no apostles alive that can do this for us. No, they were baptized in water just like the Ethiopian in the later part of Acts 8, and saved before Peter and John was sent. They merely were to receive miraculous gifts is all, by the laying of hands.