re: “No, God cannot be a source of evil. He is perfect holiness.”
I agree, but the Calvinist’s view of God’s sovereignty does not allow for that. God has foreordained everything that happens. You sin and are a sinner because that’s all according to God’s sovereign will. God is ultimately the source of sin and evil because no one acts with a free will - only He has that ability.
Adam and Eve had no choice but to eat that fruit - it was ordained by God. Satan rebelled because God ordained that he do so. God created Adam, Eve, Satan, therefore God is the source of sin and evil. I don’t believe that, but logically if you follow Calvinism’s teachings that’s where we end up.
Look, what’s up, I know you love the Lord. I know you believe in Him and are just trying to live in accordance with His Word. I know you want to serve Him and I do too, although I fail many, many times. So, why don’t we just love our Lord and serve Him as best we can. We must answer to Him as His servants.
You don’t have to keep responding. I will not to you anymore if it is in regard to Calvinism. Let’s just let our disagreement be laid at our Lord’s feet and go on with our lives in service to Him. God bless you as you walk with Him.
Actually, it does.
I might allow my child to toy with the disobedience he is set on it just so he learns a lesson he would never learn by me just saying "no" all the time. I am in command of the agenda but he needs to get burned to learn the right course.
It doesn't mean that I am the origin of the temptation or evil he is toying with. It means I'm allowing it so he can be shown what's right in the end.
So, why don’t we just love our Lord and serve Him as best we can
Amen! And over the years I have learned that better works come from me as I rest easy knowing He has chosen me. He will keep me rather from me having to strive to make sure I am making the right choices to earn salvation. Not trying to be preachy...just real.
I know you love the Lord too. God bless.