In the video below Paul Washer says that Calvinism is not the issue - regeneration is. While I am a strong Wesleyan-Arimian and have massive issues with Calvinism I have to agree with him on this issue. Of course I would imagine that I probably have a differing opinion of when regeneration occurs and how it occurs than Washer, but at least he's right about the importance of it.
If someone has been truly born again and regenerated - having turned from the way of sin to following Jesus they are a brother or sister in Christ. Because of various reasons they may be a Calvinist but I can still have fellowship with them because of what God has done and is doing in their lives.
Where there's a problem is with people who claim to be Christians whose lives have never been changed because they've never been truly born again, or since being born again they have returned, like a dog to its vomit, to a sinful life all while still claiming to be a Christian because they were "once saved always saved." My primary concern then is not to convert people to Wesleyan-Arminism but to get them converted! (Of course, I think God will eventually "convert" their minds as well :-)
HT: Arminian Today
In totally unrelated news I've been considering deleting this blog. I've lost interest/haven't had the time/realized I have less of a perspective than I used to/use Facebook now, and so I'm considering doing away with it - not that anyone probably cares, I just thought I mention what I've been thinking about.
Pastor, Do we really believe different than Calvinists...regarding salvation? Getting saved...then supposedly shaking our fist at God...rejecting holiness of heart and life, acting like brats...attitudes with the smell of smoke on them...covering immorality as long as the costume is in place...living totally self-absorbed lives even under the guise of sacrificial ministry...the devil still has a hold on our heart..we call it carnality instead of sinning every day in word thought and deed...a nice semantics dance. "The fly in the soup", "the little hidden rooms" A partial salvation until we really line up and do the formula, routine, and costume as defined by our particular connection or geographic tradition. A denial of the power of the cross...a denial of the Trinity...
ReplyDeleteFor sure, we best agree with Washer...a good case of salvation would solve most of the problems in his circles and in ours. As Aaron McCarty sings, "Embrace The Cross..."
BTW...don't quit blogging...
For what it's worth, I still check your blog every morning. I also don't write enough on my blog, and am involved in facebook and twitter. But I thought I would give you some feedback, and indicate that there are people who would notice.
ReplyDeleteHey John,
ReplyDeleteJust so you know, I am one that does check on your blog frequently. But, I do understand why you would give up blogging. Congrats on the coming baby! We enjoy keeping up with what is going on in your lives.
God Bless,
Stephen Mills
P.S. Facebook is much better than blogging!!
I think your blog is an invaluable resource to the CHM and I'm not overstating it. You're almost our Keith Drury...and we need one.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous, I'm afraid you definitely overstated it! I laughed out loud when I read your comment! :)
ReplyDeleteIn case anyone is wondering I didn't post that comment anonymously about myself! :)
I like your blog too, even if I'm a little slow on the draw. ;)
ReplyDelete