By Jack Weaver
A couple of days ago I received an email from Miami International Theological Seminary (MINTS), promoting the seminary. MINTS is a moderate in size but is an influential seminary located just a few miles from my home.
I received the email because MINTS founder and President, Dr. Greg Hauenstein was a friend who testified to having trusted Christ as his Savior some 34 years ago at a youth meeting in my home. Soon after testifying to being a believer in Christ, Greg enrolled in and attended Florida Bible College (FBC). FBC is my alma mater, and I believe it was Biblically sound at the time Greg attended. But, while he was attending FBC, Greg was lured away by a charismatic Presbyterian preacher who, to my dismay, had been invited to be a guest speaker at an FBC Chapel service.
This should be a stern warning to anyone who thinks we are being “picky” or “pedantic” or “argumentative” when we insist that we have no fellowship with people who teach false doctrine. False doctrine can spread like wildfire. That is why the Bible tells us:
Romans 16:17: Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Under the protective wing of his new friend and pastor, Greg attended a Calvinist seminary, came back and became lead Pastor of the Calvinist Presbyterian church that had been pastored by the man who lured Greg away from the faith. While pastoring the church, Greg founded MINTS and later resigned his pastorate to focus his attention on building and supporting MINTS. By man’s standards, Greg has been quite successful in building MINTS. There are now over 510 study centers/schools in 68 countries in multiple languages with over 13,000 students in degree programs.
Aside from the number of new Calvinist teachers, the most distressing part is that MINTS is one of many Calvinist seminaries that is producing Calvinist leaders and teachers by the thousands. Each of these new leaders and teachers has the potential to create even more converts to the vile false gospels of Calvinism and Lordship “salvation” (LS).
Our mission at ExPreacherMan is to preach and teach the gospel clearly, and to debunk the false gospels of Calvinism/LS. It is frustrating to watch thousands of lives ruined by groups such as MINTS.
If you are reading this, and are unfamiliar with Calvinism or LS, let me provide some quick definitions:
Calvinism – a series of false tenets that starts with the false notion that God has selected some people to go to heaven, and others to be consigned to hell. The individual has no choice in the matter. It follows with the false belief that someone whom God has chosen to be saved will automatically persevere in a lifetime of good works and following Christ in discipleship and obedience. If that doesn’t happen, according to this false belief, it proves that a person was never saved. So, the focus becomes not what Christ has done, but the works that a believer has done.
LS – the unsupportable belief that the PERFORMANCE of works, the PROMISE of works, or the EVIDENCE of works must accompany faith in Christ in order to establish, or provide evidence, that such faith has resulted in eternal life.
Some of the people lured by MINTS are believers who have turned from the Christian faith to the counterfeit Calvinist/LS lies. The Bible speaks of believers becoming bewitched by false gospels, and the devastating consequences. While such people remain eternally secure Christians, they have set aside all power for Christian living and witnessing. If they teach the accursed gospels they have adopted, they are also under God’s curse, essentially “playing for the other team.”
As they attempt to replicate themselves, Calvinists/LSers have two groups upon whom to prey. They can prey on believers, causing some to fall from grace. Or, they can prey on unbelievers who try to become Christians by believing their false gospels, and thus remain unsaved. Of course, they prey on both groups.
Meanwhile, we struggle to set Calvinists and LSers free of that bondage with the message of the free will Gospel of God’s Grace. And, although our ministry is small, and the numbers of Calvinist/LS ministries are great, we routinely receive entreaties, snarky, and derisive comments that tell us that WE are teaching a false gospel.
Tom Cucuzza touched on this in a recent sermon, which is excerpted below:
However, there are those, though, who are fixed on preaching error and teaching error. And when they are approached with the truth – and we try to make that clear – they say: “That’s not true! I don’t believe that. I believe you’re the one who’s teaching falsehood.”
Of course the perplexing question remains: why do Calvinists educate and send folks out to teach their accursed message when they claim that their god has already predestined those who would be “saved”, thus leaving the balance of the world to be condemned to hell by their god’s alternative choice?
And we wonder why Calvinism is taking the world by storm. They are eager to spread their false message. Why? Because they have been blinded to the Truth, and are deluded. They apparently seek for power, prestige and, not uncommon in some Calvinist circles, the financial profit that ensues.
Greg professed his decision to believe in Jesus as his Savior in my presence some 34 years ago. One wonders why he would, for years now, relish and promote a message contrary to God’s Word and the simplicity that is in Christ.
Distressing !!!!
If you have been lured by the false gospels of Calvinism or LS, and would like to know the truth of how to have eternal life, click here: The Real Story
Notes From A Retired Preacher 
“because most of the people when they believed were joyous.”
Holly, I was 14 when I came to Christ and I cried for at least the first week.
Tears of joy.
There is nothing like it.
BeholdaSon — sometimes it’s so ludicrous you have to laugh. They are a bunch of mini-me’s to the accuser of the brethren. They preach with their finger out so much I wonder if rigor mortis will set in one day and they won’t be able to bend their knuckle. They praise their ‘shocking’ sermons that they commend as having gone around the world several times. They say it is because they ‘tarried with the Lord’… (hmmmm – methinks they tarried with someone else.)
I despise their teaching as I’ve seen it’s first hand effects on people. And I also despise the character it assigns to our Lord and the accursed gospel that spreads like fanned flames. May we save some from the fire. I hate the stench of the garment.
Johninnc – I find it ridiculous they preach the reasons that people cannot come, the motives having to be in this or that place, but since they believe the elect were chosen to salvation or hell from eternity past, who are they to tell anyone how they can and cannot come from their theological perspective?
Sorrow is one of the ways people are drawn by God. Difficulties or death of a loved one or friend is another way, people start questioning their own mortality. Losing a job, or a divorce, or it may simply be a pretty normal person with a pretty normal life who simply believes. I don’t see any qualifiers for the motive or mood. If so these dour people like Paul Washer should suspect they are a false convert, because most of the people when they believed were joyous. 🙂
check out Grace conference “Non-Meritorious Faith”
http://standforthefaith.com/grace-sermon-audio-2014/
This made me laugh out loud.
“These guys would have preached that son right into starvation.”
Too funny.
Holly, I agree.
Many people try to imbed works into faith itself. At the heart of these gospel perversions are insistence that the right motive must accompany faith in Christ.
“You have to want to have a relationship with Jesus in order to be saved.”
“You have to want your life to change for the better.”
“You have to be sorry for your sins.”
These are man-made requirements that camouflage the gospel. It may sound noble to insist that one or more of these positive motivations must accompany faith in Christ, but it is entirely unbiblical.
Romans 4:5: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
God only justifies the ungodly. To insist that an ungodly person muster up some selfless, altruistic, or other motive beyond self-preservation is a subtle perversion of the gospel that makes receipt of grace contingent on one’s merit.
You know what I’ve also noticed about the son? His reason for going. He was perishing from hunger. You know how you hear Calvinist preachers tell you why you ‘can’t come’?
Marriage troubles
Happiness
Sadness
Financial troubles
Trouble in general
Etc., they don’t care, they say you have to come for the right reason.
So all that labour (to grow weary, tired, exhausted — with toil or burdens or grief)) and are heavy laden are allowed to COME according to Jesus in Matt 11:28-30.
His motive listed in the Word for coming was his extreme hunger.
These guys would have preached that son right into starvation. You can’t go with the ‘wrong motives’.
Preston,
Great comment! Luke 15:17 clearly indicates that the prodigal son has free will and it reveals that his mind is aware of his present situation which prompted him to take a “change in direction” to take another path which is good. It was a reality check for him.
The Satanic doctrine of Calvinism, on the other hand, falsely teaches that man has no free will and is spiritually annihilated and “predestined” to be the way he is.
Praise God BeholdaSon… He is good!
James 1:5-6 was one of mine my prayers too, and also Proverbs 22:17-21, as if He said, ‘even YOU Holly’…
17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee;
they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
19 That thy trust may be in the Lord,
I have made known to thee this day, even to thee(Holly).
20 Have not I written to thee excellent things
in counsels and knowledge,
21 that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth;
that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
That’s encouraging to hear God answered your prayer for understanding on His Word. I’ll start to pray more specifically about this.
About 9-12 months ago I too asked him to show me the Gospel clearly so I could totally ‘get it’, as I felt so confused by conflicting Gospel messages.
He showed me alright.
Now it’s as clear as it will ever be.
God is good.
Keep sharing what He is teaching you. It is a gift to those of us who are a few miles behind. ;-D
Beholdason,
you are giving me toooooo much credit. I will severely shorten the story. After 2 years and 2000 hours of study (meaning reading, listening to sermons, studying the catechism, etc) I was still confused. WHO studies that much with little “advancement”. I didn’t know what to believe (I did know Catholicism was wrong). to me, the bible was the MOST confusing; seeming to contradict itself book I have ever read. I was soo frustrated. one minute I felt secure and saved, the next minute I would read something that would “make me doubt”. I was literally “going insane”. I mean LITERALLY.
one day, I was reading James for the 10th time to try and figure it out because James “seemed” to contradict Paul. I got to verses 5-6 – which stated if I asked God for knowledge, He would give it to me if I didn’t waiver.
I immediately went to God in anger and blamed Him for my stupidity. Why did he make me sooooo stupid? I DEMANDED that He give me knowledge according to His promise. (that’s the short version). BEST prayer I ever had. Either my eyes were opened OR I just started getting answers. They were coming from everywhere.
Heb 6 and 10 – God showed me on His own
1 John 3:9 – yankee and the 2 natures
James 2 the imaginary man – on a blog called “on my walk”
God used many things to give me answers. I NEVER got any on my own. I think I got a 350-370 on the verbal portion of the SAT’s (im a math guy). This illustrates my stupidity.
I DO thank you for letting me know my posts are helpful. BUT, I cant take any credit at all. It’s only because God answered my prayer. Because I saw a “promise” and took Him up on His promise. Been trusting in His promises ever since.
blessings,
Preston, I secretly wish that I could see things like you see in my personal bible reading.
I’m totally underlining ‘he came to himself’. You make such a valid point.
William,
since nobody seems to thunder away at the “election” doctrine more then you, here is another “nugget” if you have not already seen it. I just saw it today.
Luke, the prodigal son.
while he was out “living it up”, look t what it reads is verse 17 (chapter 15).
17- And when HE CAME TO HIMSELF, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger
it doesn’t read “and God gave him a change of mind”; he came to himself.
Which has just lead me to another thought.
Mankind is told to repent (change their minds). How can a person change their minds if the are “totally depraved” to do so?
luke 13 – Jesus said, unless YE repent (change your mind) you too shall perish.
Jesus didn’t say, “unless I change your mind for you…..”. He told them, “THEY needed to change their minds”.
just a thought.
The word in Hebrew for Elect, can be chosen, choice, choosing, and is used with Jesus, with the choosing of Saul for King, in relationship to ‘His servant Israel’ – his ‘chosen ones’, or called ‘mine’ elect, or (same word) in relation to David being chosen in making His covenant with, used with Moses, and choosing prophets.
There is more than one word used in the Greek for elect or chosen, and they mean almost the same, and can be used as elect or chosen even in reference to angels and also Christ. It can refer to those who are of Israel in the NT, it can refer to the church chosen to be saved through belief in Christ, through foreknowledge. It also speaks to a generation, and we know also to Judas and the disciples, both went different ways we know…
Thanks Holly.
I’ll get my kiddies’ pencils out and get to work. 😀
Romans 9-11 speaks mainly to Israel. You might consider copying and pasting the chapters, then I put colors for Israel (say red), green for the Gentiles and blue for the church. Once a Jew has believed, he is a member of the body, the church. There are three people distinguished, the Jew, the Gentile and the church of God. Paul in Rom 9 speaks to the past election of Israel to a as a nation as His servants, for many reasons, the obvious is the Messiah and the promise of salvation. Then we see Israel’s rejection and yet, at the end of the chapter, a remnant will be saved.
Then going from 9:30 – chapter 10, we see Israel in the present having stumbled at that stumblingstone and rock of offence, Jesus Christ although in vs. 9:27 it still mentions a remnant shall be saved.
Chapter 10 is almost entirely about or to Israel. They are still seeking to establish their own righteousness. They have not submitted to Christ’s righteousness. They have not all obeyed the gospel, for Esaias (Isaiah) said, ‘Lord who has believed our report? After faith cometh by hearing, Paul asks, have they not heard. Then did Israel not know?
Then chapter 11 is mainly again about Israel and God not casting away His people. Gentiles as a nation are addressed as being grafted in to the promise, but warned that individuals too will be cut off through unbelief.
Try going through it, and really only color first the ones that are spoken to the church or believing Gentiles as blue. Then really look to see who is addressed. When you make it red, you’ll be surprised at what you might find in looking at who, when, what, why, where, etc of those three chapters.
Hope that might help some to parse it out without using commentary.
I also think Jesus was elected to be the sacrifice for sin, before the foundation of the world. wish I could pull the verse off the top of my head.
correct, elect does not always mean saved, although Israel was elected as a nation, it is obvious, most jews at the time of Christ were not saved; they rejected him. The Pharisees were jewish.
chosen is the first definition in the “strongs concordance”. I really don’t like to make blanket statements that words mean the same thing all the time. You should be ok with “chosen” as the other definitions mirror “chosen”.
– an example – not too long ago, I was discussing the bible with a preterist. my mind told me to check the strongs concordance for the word “some”. Did you know that “some” can also mean “certain one”????me neither.
– “certain one” answered the question presented at the time.
Nathan, “whosoever” was spoken by Jesus to Nicodemus prior to the church age.
One thought about the “elect” I think I heard of this before, I can’t remember. Could “elect” be referring to a dispensation of time. The “elected” for that time of the age of Grace. Those elected to be living at the time of the age of Grace. This would allow for the “whosoever.”
Or the “elect” as those who were the first fruits of believing the Gospel when it was first introduced following Christ’s resurrection. They were elected to be ones that hear the Gospel of that time?
Has anyone else ever heard of this?
Thanks guys. Yes Preston, excellent use of CAPS! haha.
This minute I’m of the opinion that elect simply means chosen. Whatever the context is will determine who is chosen. Chosen doesn’t necessarily have to do with salvation. Is this correct?
1 Timothy 5:21 features some elect angels.
Work that out. haha.
Another thought: it seems that elect does not necessary equate to a saved person. It’s simply referring to someone who is chosen. Is this correct?
Angels don’t need saving but there seems to be some elect angels right? Not all of Israel were saved due to unbelief but they’re referred to as chosen and elect in Romans 9 aren’t they?
I need a coffee.
Dino,
I think it depends on the passage and context.
Israel was was elected by God – content of Romans 9.
I also believe that a believer is part of the “elect” in other passages. For example “God, predestined, before the foundation of the world, to elect whosoever would believe. – Eph 1
so i would say…..depends on the passage.
my two cents
Dino,
Galatians 2:8 I believe can back up this idea that Peter is reaching out to his Jewish brethren since it says he was directed to reach the circumcision with the Gospel.
Galatians 2:8
For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles
Nathan,
I heard a preaching from pastor Ralph Arnold stating that the elect is chosen by foreknowledge. According to him (If I remember it right) this is not exclusive to the Jews, but to Gentiles also. You have a point though. I guess I’ll have to dig in my bible to study about it
I’ll actually have a chat with my mentor. A pastor who graduated from Day spring bible college from Dr. James Scudder. I’ll ask him about who is the elect on Saturday morning manila time.
Good day,
Beholdason,
the “big” portion on election in Romans is in chapter 9. Romans 9 is talking about the “elected” Israel.
Yes, Israel was “elected” by God.
Romans 9
– In the first few verses Paul’s heart is heavy. He is hoping that his own people (ISRAEL) would come to repentance (change of mind). The law was given to them. The covenant of Abraham, all the promises, the messiah!!! Israel was ELECTED by God.
o Deuteronomy 7:6 says, “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has CHOSEN YOU out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession
– Paul begins to go through the lineage and OT scripture. This was very early in the Covenant made with Israel (Paul is still addressing his concern for the ELECTED nation) He then brings up the OT of Esau and Jacob….still referring to nations –
o And the LORD said unto her, Two NATIONS are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger – Gen 25:23
– Paul begins to talk about God. Is he unrighteous? He will have mercy on whom he will have mercy. Bringing glory to God through power, wrath and mercy. Verse 24 – including the GENTILES apart from the ELECTED Israel.
– In verses 20 and 21. They should not say to God, why hast thou made me like this? He references the potter and the clay.
o Jeremiah 18:6 – O house of ISRAEL, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
If you read and understand the context of Romans 9, you can clearly see that this passage is about the ELECTED Israel. It has nothing to do with individual salvation.
ENOUGH CAPS FOR YOU? 🙂
John and Dino,
Couldn’t 1 Peter actually be addressing the Jews who were scattered throughout and originally part of the “elect” or the originally chosen people of God, the nation of Israel? Couldn’t he actually be trying to reach out to those who need to now hear of the great salvation that was promised and fulfilled through Jesus Christ?
Thanks for your thoughts Dino.
Your perspective is what I was taught at the IFB assembly.
If God does determine who will believe, then it would seem to make two free gifts. One would be the faith with which we are required to believe, and then the eternal life which results from the faith.
haha. My brain explodes.
I like the side note. I believe I do also have a finite human mind
I agree 100% That’s how I understood it. Maybe I wasn’t just clear with what I was saying. Thankyou so much John.
Dino, it’s kind of hard for my finite human mind.
I think His offer of salvation is a genuine offer to all mankind. He knows who will believe, but I don’t think He determined who will believe. Then, I think He predestined that all who believe will receive eternal life, justification, sanctification (positional), and glorification.
Hi John.
Yes I do believe that. and so am I right with saying that those he knew would believe in the future, he predestined because he knew the choice they would make?
Dino, I think God has forknowledge of who is going to be saved, but leaves the decision up to each person.
I got that same idea as to why we elect people to office or positions in power. they are elected to serve.
Hello Beholdason,
I want to give my stand on how I understand Elect.
Anyone who wants to correct me are welcome. I’m as much a bible student as anyone is and I have a very long way to go..
1 Peter 1:1-5
King James Version (KJV)
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Peter is writing to saved people. In verse 2, he said Elect according to foreknowledge. Here is my take in predestination and election.
Predestined FOR salvation and glorification
Elected FOR service
Am I right with that?
Those who God elects are those who he has predestined to be saved according to foreknowledge. If he saved a person by predestination, He elects that same person for service.
1 Peter 5:11-14
King James Version (KJV)
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Beholdason, I know what you mean. And yet, I see other passages that talk about “whosoever” and “good tidings to all people”. I don’t believe the Bible could contradict itself and be the word of God.
I don’t know how we could be commanded to repent and believe the gospel if we are given faith, and if faith is only given to the predestined elect.
As far as scripture that I don’t understand, I am trying to learn not to “press” and ask for God to teach it to me on the schedule that He thinks is best.
Johninnc/Holly, I’ve just read through Romans and in some chapters it’s rather confusing to me. I don’t understand many portions of Romans but I can see why Mr Lybrand might see things the way he does (whether right or wrong).
There are many passages of Scripture which seem to indicate some type of ‘mystery’ in regards to election. Now, I am no bible teacher nor am I a keen follower of Calvin or anyone in his camp.
But when I do read some passages I come away wondering if God does elect (in any sense, I have no idea) because those Scriptures seem to indicate that he does.
I often read my Bible and come away with more questions than answers. We choose not to go to an Assembly because most have false Gospels. So we’re left with the Bible and the Holy Spirit to guide.
How do Christians like me deal with those portions of Scripture which seem to say things which don’t make us feel comfortable?
Holly, given some of the other comments I have seen at FGA, or linked to FGA, this doesn’t surprise me. Notice the following quote by Dr. Fred Lybrand.
Here’s the deadly trend— we have folks in our Shire who are saying that the Doctrine of Election cannot be true because “What love is that? How could a loving God who can elect whomever He wishes elect some to hell? What love is this?” I believe that there are many assumptions in this argument that don’t match the record or Calvinism; however, the BIG ISSUE is that the love of God is being elevated above His sovereignty (at least). Indeed, I have friends who try to argue that sovereignty isn’t much of an issue because it isn’t mentioned the Bible (counter arguments: see the word *Trinity*). Of course, even the definition of love is warped a bit in the argument as well (a different post should address this).
In any case dear friends, please consider that what is happening is an elevation of one attribute above the others in the very nature of God. God’s nature is complete and balanced unto itself. This is why the Cross makes such sense given the character of God. Justice and love are perfectly balanced in the death of Christ for us.
Rob Bell has elevated one attribute above the rest, and so he is off to sup with universalism.
However, are we much different? Are we elevating one attribute of God above the others? It doesn’t take much math to see how this trend leads us astray. Are our accusers on to something? Are we forcing categories on God to make our own theology work? I find comfort in mystery, not knowing how it all works. I find fear in tampering with the Word of God.
Thank you Jack, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
Beholdason
Thanks for your account of sharing the Gospel with a friend. It is exciting to see believers who care enough to talk about the Gospel.
Yes, pew-warmers are a problem. Most have no idea what their church teaches — as they listen to and swoon at flowery speeches.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Jon
That is a sad situation about that Mega Church — but not at all unusual..
Pastors use fear and ignorance to keep the members in line.
I will pray your in-laws will see the Truth, abandon the heresy and be free in Jesus..
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Out of curiosity I checked out the website of the local mega-church where most of my in-laws attend. I wanted to know how they could be so against God’s grace(unmerited favor). I was shocked to see just how adamant they are that a Christian can lose their Salvation. They have a lengthy “theological paper” that attacks eternal security and supports the idea of losing one’s salvation through sin/failure to endure. They quote almost entirely from the ESV or NIV. I couldn’t finish reading it all, it was very discouraging. I don’t know how people attending there can be reached when they use scripture to condemn and attack any scripture that assures. They seem to want their congregation to be in constant fear of hell. It’s very disturbing and sad to me.
I was chatting to a friend the other night and we read Ephesians 2 together. I asked her what the gift was and she said, “eternal life”.
I then asked her why her church believes and teaches that it is FAITH which is the free gift.
Got her thinking.
Me thinks a lot of pew warmers know little about Calvinism and it’s dirty little heresies.
One addendum:
I knew that Lewis Sperry Chafer leaned Calvinist, but I didn’t realize until I read it tonight that Chafer seemed to believe that faith (not eternal life) was the gift of God. I say “seemed to believe”, because of the scriptural reference to Ephesians 2:8.
Following is an excerpt from an article entitled “The Terms of Salvation” by Lewis Sperry Chafer:
Apart from the new birth, the unsaved “cannot see the kingdom of God” john 3:3), their minds are blinded by Satan (2 Cor 4:3-4), and they can exercise faith toward God only as they are enabled to do so by the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:8).
Nathan, I love it!
I was thinking about the calvinism doctrine yesterday. When I boiled it down in my puny mind I came to the conclusion that it is no different than being in an exclusive type club. An analogy kept passing through my mind.
In the big cities there are nightclubs where people stand outside hoping they will be chosen to go in and party. The bouncers scan the audience searching for the “cool” ones who are worthy to be in the club based on how they act or look.
There are also those the exclusive golf clubs, social clubs and any other club where a person has to be chosen to join based on worthiness. This is the way of the world. God is not like man that He would favor one person over another. No way!
Romans 2:11
For there is no respect of persons with God
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Amen
Study your workmanship
ist’s , ism’s and ites out to establish their own righteousness , they seldom wish advice but to be confirmed in their own opinion and ensnare you in it as well
Take heed what ye hear ( be careful how you hear )
Mar 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
Johninnc, true, and they also miss that they were envying one another and striving in the spirit and provoking one another, which is striving and variances. We live by the Spirit we don’t always walk by the Spirit. We should not do these things, no doubt, but we need to walk by Him, not by our own power or pride in doing right, He works in us, we cannot finish in the flesh.
Isn’t their translation ‘practicing something’ doing it more than once? How puffed up or blinded they have to be to not realize their own wrath they display… Or in Romans 1, sins worthy of death, one is ‘without understanding’…. covetousness…. envy….
They don’t understand, and if they read the Word, vs. letting these hirelings trickle out the Word to them, they’d be living in fear the rest of their days (if they were honest with themselves at all….)
Holly, I had never really thought about it the way you framed it.
A five-point Calvinist, even if he is preaching the gospel accurately, is preaching it deceitfully.
John John, I have to thank the Lord for really impressing over and over 1 Thess 5:21 on my mind so many times. I still miss in proving all things, but it has sure helped understand the error when I go search first. Years of contending with different religions has sure helped me see the commonality of the ‘isms’. Calvinism is just as in error as Catholicism, Mormonism, Socialism, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.
Facebook… well, I came kicking and screaming, I had no interest in being there, and even less when I saw the ‘Christians’ and their posts by these religious, pompous prigs pointing their finger and crying out, “false convert”!!
I never can stop thinking that their prayers have to be so similar to the Pharisee in the square, “Oh God, I thank You that I am not like them”…
Anyways, all those times made me get out my Bible to search and they weren’t speaking truth, the Lord continues to show me in His Word, for which I am so grateful, He will show any of us who will to do His will. We just approach the Scripture with His approval in mind, He’ll guide us into all truth. (Took me a little longer than some others, I was pretty protected or busy growing up and I really didn’t run across these things until in my teens).
Preston, what was funny, the first real threat was a man that had a Middle Eastern name. It was someone I didn’t know, long story short, it was because he quoted Spurgeon saying Calvinism was the gospel, and I refuted that. Back in that day of Facebook, people could email you that you didn’t know and were not friends with. He was furious.
The ones I do know via a friend, I have asked that very question, but I wait until they’ve shown the condition of their heart enough for people to understand there is something terribly wrong.
I might share this from Mark 7.
20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 all these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
What seems to trip them up the most is when I ask them to share the gospel as if I were an unsaved person. Most can’t or won’t, and they dance all over the place when you insist. Except for one time, a man shared 1 Cor 15:3-4. When I asked him if it was right to be dishonest, he asked me how he was being dishonest, (he had already identified himself as a 5 pointer). I told him because it was dishonest to use that Scripture when they did not know one was the elect, they needed to be honest and say, Christ might have died for your sins….
John John, once we address whatever “plausible arguments” the LSers come up with, they come up with more. Our “Difficult Verses” section is largely a response to such “plausible arguments.”
Jack and I receive lots of e-mails from believers trying to help address “plausible arguments” from LSers, and lots of e-mails from LSers trying to assail grace.
Holly and Preston, I think I heard Tom say something about this in one of his recent sermons on Galatians.
One of the works of the flesh mentioned in Galatians 5:20 is heresies. There are lots of people who wrongly interpret Galatians 5:19-21 to mean that those who “practice” the works of the flesh were never saved, or have lost their salvation through sin. Such a wrong interpretation is itself a heresy. Kind of makes you think.
Holly, at least in all this you aren’t swayed from the Gospel! I think of so many who KNOW the works religion is a lie, but are unable—as of yet—to be SURE when they are attacked with “plausible arguments”. Plausibility will always address the flesh. We, however, believe in what we have not seen.
Holly,
I can only feel some of your pain. Never really been threatened….yet. This is probably bad advice, but if a Calvinist threatened me, my polite response would be…….
– “are you sure you are one of the elect? One of Gods chosen surely wouldn’t act this inappropriately. John Macarthur would say ” this is evidence that you re not one of His elect (saved).
Matt 5:11-12 – 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven
To all my brethren here, we will lose some, depending on our audience, we might lose a lot. I have gone through a lot of pastors. Who knows what they might have heard. Yesterday, on FB, I saw that a long time friend, (unbeknownst to me) de-friended me. I have known her 17 years, she was in the hospital room when my last child was born, never having any of her own. I have no idea, her behavior to me has been harsher of late, and I can only surmise it’s the things I post she does not like. It’s hard to lose personal and long time friends, it hurts, but if I have offended it Christ, and not myself, I rejoice to be able to partake in His sufferings.
Family have de-friended me on facebook for bringing up Billy Graham’s lordship teachings and works gospel. One pastor told me to shut up and be silent on FB for touching on MacArthur. Another called me a false accuser and slanderer for speaking on Rick Warren. It goes on, whenever you question one’s gospel, suddenly the spiritual battle is on.
Recently one gave me and another friend a veiled threat of ‘seeing us around’ (he lives in our town), and added to my friend, ‘in the flesh’, ‘you never know’. This was for touching on his anointed (John MacArthur again).
I have been threatened for saying Calvinism is not the gospel, and quoting the Word from 1 Cor 15:3-4 and telling them, here is the gospel. I find it kind of surreal, these people are looking for performance in others, yet don’t see the hatred or rudeness, a lack of tenderheart or kindness.
One time I loosely quoted Eph 4:32 (kind and tenderhearted towards one another) to one Lordship/Calvinist that was becoming very harsh. I spoke of sound speech that couldn’t be condemned (Titus 2). That Calvinist told me he didn’t have time for ‘girly girl stuff’. I wouldn’t even want to repeat even the vulgar curse words that have been spewed at me by those who think they are the ‘elect’. One wouldn’t p-ss on me if I was on fire and called me a f—ing something (I forget). I hope this is o.k. to share some of what they had said, but I just feel for them, I think on 2 Thess 1:6-10 and pray for them. If they ever believed, then where is the fruit of the Spirit of these ‘religious’ people. If they cannot convince you of their doctrine through flattery or deceit or sleight of hand, they become so angry, arrogant, condescending, and even worse, vulgar and menacing. I wonder how often they might wonder (if ever) that they are not the elect based on their own behavior (as much as they judge others not to be saved).
It’s why we get such kickback on the gospel, because the enemy is blinding their minds, “lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them”. He does it through dishonest and crafty pastors, teachers, author, and disciples of the aforementioned, who handle the Word of God deceitfully…
I thank the Lord for His truth, His goodness to us. It’s good to have the fellowship of the saints here, and may others be set free from this pernicious doctrine they have learned from these false prophets who deny the One who bought them….
BeholdaSon, Wayne Grudem is a popular charismatic Calvinist….There are a number of sects within Calvinism…. 🙂
Beholdason, the gospel is good news! The reason the gospel writers didn’t teach “turn from sins for salvation” is because that’s not the gospel.
And, if turning from our sins could save us, then Christ would have died in vain.
Galatians 2:21: I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Dino, you have done a good job expressing the extent to which people pervert scripture to concoct, or support, their false gospels.
And, there is nothing that can match the blessed assurance of knowing we are in Christ!
Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Eventually, instead of John 3:16, Many people are falling for the new “Gospel” which is not another, but a lie.
Lordship 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever makes him the Lord and the Master of their life, turns from their sin and believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life”
As I see what is taking place in israel as each day passes, I know were getting close to the rapture. It’s good to know that when I hear that trumpet sound, I’ll be assured of my new body in heaven simply because I trusted Jesus Christ Alone for salvation.
Everyday I pop on “Only Trust Him”. It is the slap to the face I need in the morning before my flesh kicks.
I’m so thankful to God that He saved me.
I’m reading through John’s gospel at the moment and everyday I find myself more and more encouraged by the simplicity of the Gospel. It’s just so super clear. So easy. Nothing confusing about it.
If we had to “turn from our sins” in order to be saved, one has to wonder why none of the Gospel writers focused their efforts on preaching THAT message instead of:
“Change your minds and BELIEVE on the Son”.
How many sins must I turn from anyway?
I still sin everyday. haha. I suppose they all think they’re sinless having turned from their sins? haha.
Talk about Pharisees.
Thanks Nathan. I agree with what you said
“The preciseness of the Gospel CANNOT be deviated from. Jesus declared it and HE is the ONLY WAY.”
This year I drank from the well and it quenched my thirst eternally. I don’t have to go back to the well again and again because ONE DRINK of that water is enough to quench forever.
John 4:14
King James Version (KJV)
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Beholdason,
you said
“Better to be alone and trust in Jesus, than have a million by your side and follow false prophets.”
Amen! Thank you for this very encouraging line. Yeah.. I am almost LITERALLY alone now.. and who are my friends? those who believed free grace. There’s only 2 of them. both are studying 1st year college and I feel like a Paul mentoring 2 timothy’s. It is indeed a blessing.
They ate the bread. They believed alone on Jesus and I am so happy for these kids. I keep on asking myself if it’s my calling to be an associate pastor or an evangelist. But I’ll let Jesus Christ do the leading and I will follow
John 6:35
King James Version (KJV)
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Beholdason
Thanks for your resolve NOT to compromise in order to save your fellowship. That is always a very stressful decision but honoring to the Lord.
You said,
As you have found there are some good Grace preaching IBC churches but I also agree that there should be no blanket endorsement if IBC. I have a distant relative IBC preacher who insists one must “repent of sin, turn from sin to be saved.” My discussions go nowhere except downhill.. Most of such preachers have it so ingrained they cannot see the contradiction between their false doctrine and God’s Grace. Very sad.
We pray your IBC church will not go down the broad path to LS but continue proclaiming the Truth.
I love your statement —
“Better to be alone and trust in Jesus, than have a million by your side and follow false prophets.”
🙂 As you know, a believer is never alone — we always have Jesus:
Some will listen when we teach — while others refuse — but either way He is with us always. To borrow a phrase, What a Friend We Have In Jesus.
Thanks for your testimony and courage.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Dino, it’s sad when you experience rejection from those professing Jesus.
I came to Christ at 14 and immediately told everyone about Jesus. My family thought me to be nuts (probably still do) and my friends slowly went away.
The first “Church” I was involved with preached Jesus. Jesus Jesus Jesus. Just no mentioned of sin, the Cross, our state as lost sinners before a Holy God, no wrath to come. I suppose you’d call this “The Crossless Gospel”.
It’s no Gospel at all.
When I was 17 I came to see this was the case and so I addressed the issue with the leaders.
I was told not to be divisive, so I left. Lost ALL my friends. My only Christian network, overnight.
By God’s grace I found an Independent Baptist Church (not endorsing all of them) which taught Free Grace. I believe they are heading down the “repent of your sins” LS nonsense.
I met a lady who was a former Pastor’s wife. She was the first person to show me that I can KNOW that I have eternal life.
I am weeping as I type these words.
Pray that we would be faithful to open to bible and show the SIMPLE and CLEAR truth that those who trust in the Son will pass from death unto life.
That we may KNOW that we have eternal life, because God cannot lie and because our works DO NOT justify us… no matter what the James twisters say.
Better to be alone and trust in Jesus, than have a million by your side and follow false prophets.
Phil R
Hers is one of our articles on the word “sovereignty” and other Calvinist catchwords:
https://expreacherman.com/2012/03/08/sovereignty-calvinist-and-lordship-salvation-crutch-or-catchword/
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Phil, the use of the term “sovereign” with respect to God is often associated with Calvinist/Redormed theology. Calvinists often object to the agency of man in determining whether or not to believe in Jesus as an affront to God’s sovereignty.
This leads to the attendant errors of “faith as the gift of God”, perseverance of the saints, and the other philosophical conclusions that Calvinists have drawn from their imaginations, rather than from the Word of God.
I also think tithing is a concept associated with lawkeeping. I think Christians should be cheerful givers, but not compelled to tithe.
This Bible church I am attending lately may be showing a couple of LS signs that concern me. This church states clearly that they are pure grace only salvation, and others I have met there seem that way also. But this Sunday they were having a missions talk at an adult Bible study and showing some slides from Ethiopia and this man next to me had a JM Study Bible. Now sometimes people who aren’t that familiar with JM will buy a Bible on sale, or it looks good, or they were just looking for a study Bible and the sales person recommended it…..who knows?
Also, from time to time, I have been hearing God is “sovereign”. Should I be concerned?
Also, the speaker at this Ethiopia talk mentioned something about tithing. I believe that if a person chooses to tithe that’s ok. But I don’t believe that the Christian believer is commanded nor should be compelled to tithe. Tithing was part of the law of Moses and we are told we are no longer under any of the law, we are under grace alone. The believer is instead to give offerings of the heart.
Dino,
I can relate to your experience here. It really does get down to brass tacks, if I can use that idiom. The preciseness of the Gospel CANNOT be deviated from. Jesus declared it and HE is the ONLY WAY.
John 14:1-6
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye BELIEVE in God, BELIEVE also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Beholdason
you said
“On a serious note: to be dogmatic about truth is to be the worst type of person in the world today. To be a CHRISTIAN who is dogmatic about truth… forget about having any friends.”
I was able to compromise on some things when I was still in our LS church before.. Right now being in a baptist church, I’m still adjusting to the hymn book and knowing how they sing the hymns. it’s unlike the CCM music we mostly hear today but I still do listen to some CCM songs. There are people in my former church who did not dress modestly but I still compromised for that… I even compromised for their preaching. I noticed that they were not preaching on anything about the blood and the cross. if they do, very rarely.
But when it comes to the Gospel, and when I approached my former church friends about it.. They immediately left me. It was like I’m dead whenever I’m with them.. I have every reason to doubt their salvation because they don’t even know that they are eternally saved… I mean if there is one thing that I HAVE to be dogmatic about, Then it would certainly have to be about our final destination after we die. I have decided this year and have convinced myself that if Jesus Christ was lying about John 3:16 then I would then go to hell with him and with all the other apostles.. there’s just no other way to go but to believe that He is telling the truth because he is God almighty. I don’t know if you get me but I came to that point of decision in my life because I had to challenge the doubts inside my head.
And so to those who accuse faith alone in Christ alone as “easy believism”, I challenge them to put their faith alone on God, who is Jesus Christ that they cannot see, a God they cannot “Audibly” hear, a God where in all they have left to rely upon are the words written in a book that is left for us… It actually is not easy..
Jack,
What you described about your friend Greg is indeed distressing and disappointing. He is no different from Calvinist/Lordship Salvationist J.I. Packer who years ago admitted that he once believed in the Free Grace gospel of John 3:16, but now does not.
He now firmly believes in and advocates John Calvin 3:16. I once met a pastor years ago who filled in for our pastor when he was out one Sunday. He told me that he was a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. I interviewed him after “his” sermon and he told me that on one hand he believes in eternal security and on the other hand he believes that a Christian can lose his/her salvation if they commit apostasy or fall into grievous sin. What a contradiction!
Then out of the blue, he tells me that he’s a 5 point Calvinist. Well, that explains the contradiction. Despite the many warnings in Scripture, people including pastors still embrace false doctrine. They are no different from the Israelites in the Old Testament who kept embracing false doctrine time and again as recorded in Joshua 22:10, 16,17, Judges 2 10-19, Judges 3:7,12 Judges 8:33, Judges 10:6, History just keeps repeating itself.
Colossians 2:8 – Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:3 – But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Beholdason
I agree, personal face to face fellowship of believers is the best — but you need not feel lonely, we have a great fellowship of believers right here at ExP.
And we thank you for being here and commenting.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
I was enjoying my coffee until I read “a charismatic Presbyterian preacher”.
Now I’ve heard of everything.
hahahaha. I am trying to visualize a conservative Presbyterian holding their hands in the air, to Hymn number 305.
Almost died laughing.
On a serious note: to be dogmatic about truth is to be the worst type of person in the world today. To be a CHRISTIAN who is dogmatic about truth… forget about having any friends.
The lonely life is by far the best way to go.
JaneLH
Welcome to our little Oasis of Grace. You can make some dear friends here.
I’m an “old guy” physically (85) and spiritually, 50 years this coming December 15th — so you are in good company, whether young and old.
I find that not only the younger generation of Calvinists are arrogant know-it-alls but that description fits most of the entire elite cult.
I have a burden that many of my family are hard core Calvinists. They are the sweetest folks in the world — until the subject of Faith is mentioned. It is often difficult to have a happy family get-together with that kind of situation.
But we continue contending for the Faith, trusting the Lord for the outcome. And we are content:
Philippians 4:11
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Nicely said Jane LH
That has been my experience as well and I was one who has been set free from that false teaching
JaneLH, thanks for your comment. I don’t think that it is possible to have fellowship with Calvinists, since at the core they are teaching a different gospel.
Thanks for your article. I am an older Christian who has been saved by Grace through Faith in the completed work Christ did on the cross. It is the Blood of Jesus plus nothing else that saves. I know a few Calvinists. They are mostly young and think they are all of “the elect”. The ones I know are very arrogant, do not have a teachable spirit and are very confrontational to the point of being rude and obnoxious to older Christians who have tried to reason with them. These are the attitudes of the young Calvinists that I have had personal contact with. I would not lump all Calvinists into this group as I have not had conversation with any other than those in my circle of “friends”. That being said, I have washed my hands and shaken the dust off my feet in regards to the Calvinists I personally know. I no longer have fellowship with them. They have chosen their path and the Lord will deal with them. Their false ideas are slowly creeping into my church and when it reaches the pulpit, I will be searching for another group of fellow Christians who believe as I do to worship with.
many believed on him
which believed on him
Joh 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Then took they up stones to cast at him
Joh 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
For me personally when im out in public and have an opportunity to witness I simply avoid doctrine and use Truth and simplicity . even to those i sense are saved but religious , or simply religious .
I picked up on another simple probing question from expreacherman thread i’m going to use sometime if it comes to memory
“are you a follower of Jesus or a believer ? ” that should strip some religious gears .
my favorite i have been using is ” Good people don’t go to heaven ” that fires things up.
It sure is something how truth divides souls I myself have witnessed souls I have known and fellowship with for some 15 years under LS simply turn away from me and the Truth and avoid me
Curtis
P.S. Nice post but sad to see , Jesus struggled with the same and no cops to call the stone throwers on . The stone throwers were the religious cops and according to scriptures some were believers
Correia did a Calvinist series with Fred Shea. Similar in fashion with recognizing Calvinists as our brethren, I’m not really in much agreement with him either. Not saying there are not saved Calvinists, but I’d rather not lump the whole group in since their gospel is wrong. Just my thoughts.
Jerry, welcome back and thanks you for your comment. We agree that we need to fight the proliferation of error, which is one of the central reasons for the ExPreachearMan ministry.
I am not intimately familiar with Molinism, nor do I intend to further educate myself on its tenets. However, I do have a couple of thoughts.
First, I see no need to reconcile supposed tension between the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. The word “sovereignty” or “sovereign” does not appear in the King James Bible (except for in the Apocrypha, which we do not recognize as canonized scripture). Everything that happens God either decrees or allows. God desires that all men be saved, but not all men are saved. Therefore, not all of God’s desires are met. God desires that Christians live holy, obedient lives. However, not all believers live holy, obedient lives. There is not tension. God leaves many decisions up to man. He knows what the decisions will be, but He does not make them.
Second, you have recommended books by a couple of authors, one of whom (Correia) I have not read, so I can’t recommend. I have read a couple of articles by Keathly and would not recommend him, based on the following excerpt from his article entitled “DOES ANYONE REALLY KNOW IF THEY ARE SAVED? A SURVEY OF THE CURRENT VIEWS ON ASSURANCE WITH A MODEST PROPOSAL”:
The genuinely saved person hungers and thirsts for righteousness, even when he is struggling with temptation or even if he stumbles into sin. In fact, this writer is not overly concerned with the destiny of those who struggle nearly as much as he is about those who do not care enough to struggle. Indifference is more of a red flag than weakness.
The absence of a desire for the things of God clearly indicates a serious spiritual problem, and a continued indifference can possibly mean that the person professing faith has never been genuinely converted. God is infinitely more dedicated to our salvation than we are, and He will not fail to finish that which He has begun.
My comment: One should not look for “red flags” such as indifference to sin. If one starts to stratify the motives for sin into “struggling with sin”, “stumbling into sin”, and “indifference to sin” in order to look for “red flags”, they are no longer fruit inspecting but inspecting the motives for fruit or lack of fruit. This is a red herring that is more consistent with Lordship “salvation” than it is with grace.
The notion that God will not fail to finish that which He has begun is often used by Lordship “salvationists” to prove their perseverance of the saints view. They will use a butchered interpretation of Philippians 1:6 in an attempt to prove the false view that scripture guarantees progressive sanctification in the life of the believer.
Please see our “Difficult Verses” section for a discussion of Philippians 1:6.
Unfortunately, there are very few Bible colleges left that teach the gospel of the grace of God. I think the number of colleges staffed by graduates of Dallas Theological Seminary (from their early years) was upward of 200! One of the few left, Frontier School of the Bible where I attend, still holds the line on the Biblical gospel but our numbers are few. Instead of simply focusing on planting churches, I think we need a new strategy to offset the proliferation of error. We should be planting Dispensational Bible colleges, starting Bible Institutes in our churches, etc. Additionally, we are losing the war arguing against Calvinism based on position and not focusing on hermeneutics. If we aren’t solidly entrenched in sound hermeneutics and force the discussion into this arena, we will continue to lose pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and teachers over to Reformed thinking. Somebody who’s doing something about this, albeit in a roundabout way is Paul Henebury, President of Telos Theological Institute. If there’s an irony here it’s that some Reformed folks are paying attention to him. Take a moment to read this compliment paid to him by a Reformed blogger:
(Note: Link removed by administrator)
Finally, if we can’t convince the Calvinist to embrace a consistently literal hermeneutic we may have to contend with them in the theological arena. For this I recommend taking up the discussion of Molinism or what is also known as “middle knowledge” as the alternative to either Calvinism or Arminianism. Instead of seeing the will of God in linear fashion as the Calvinist does, the Molinist presents the will of God expressed in terms of moments of time. God knows everything thing we would do, could do, and will do with respect to His will. Any decision we make within our free agency still works within the sovereignty of God over all things. The tension between the sovereignty of God and the free will of man is reconciled. God is still honored for being sovereign in a way the Calvinists can agree with and they agree to call us Biblicists, not Arminians. From there, real dialog can be opened on the hermeneutics discussion. Two excellent treatments of Molinism come in the forms of two books, “Salvation and Sovereignty: A Molinst Perspective” by Kenneth Keathley and “Refreshing Grace” by John Correia. Of the two, Correia’s book is the better introduction while Keathley’s is more in depth. I urge all grace believers to invest time and effort to become acquainted with Molinism and if convinced as I am of the position, begin educating our fellow Dispensationalists in the matter. All systems of theology carry some flaws but I find Molinism to carry the least.
Finally, I love this website for standing for the truth and combating error. May a hundred more of these sites spring up before the Lord comes to call us up into the clouds.
Interesting Addendum:
One day, ten to fifteen years ago I invited Greg over to my house to sit and talk about his faith.
He came by but declined to come inside. Handing me a book — he said, the best I recall, “Read this and you will understand what I believe.” And he left.
Being very upset, I don’t recall the title or the author. I trashed it almost immediately. Greg and I have not spoken since.
Now, I regret trashing the book, if for no other reason than to know what author could possibly have such a profound anti-Biblical influence upon him.
n Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Nitpicky, divisive, false, easy believer, antinomian, licentious, encouraging people to get a free ticket out of hell and live like the devil… I’m sure you’ve heard all those and more. But some are hearing, and we never know who will be reached, and also sow the truth vs. bad seed. Thank you both for all you do.
Great post and warning, dear brothers Jack and John.
Even is seeing leaders and god role models, supposedly unshakeable and steadfast in the faith, gospel, scriptures, etc. go astray, which I have undergone so many times now, that it actually strengthens my faith now dispite the sadness I feel for them, though it is a huge pity and loss for the brothers and sisters caught in those bad doctrines. [Romans 16:17-18; 1 Timothy 1:5-7, 6:3-5]