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To: nobdysfool; thePilgrim; telder1; Corin Stormhands; GLENNS; suzyjaruki; Lexinom; RnMomof7; ...
The three of you have clearly and succinctly articulated the principles behind the error of Arminianism.

I believe any Arminian who repents and possesses the Trinitarian faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior is among the elect because that is what Scripture tells us truly separates the sheep from the wolves.

However, I believe Arminianism is a large portal to all kinds of mischief and error. And that's not good.

It would help if all Christians had a better understanding of the early Gnostics who sought to subvert Christ's teachings and God's sovereignty by re-introducing the Platonic ideal that man already contains perfection within him, if only he can distill it from its earthly, temporal casement.

The idea that man's true "goodness" is confined by the flesh and bones of his humanity is actually a terrible lie that leads to all kinds of philosophical perversions and is at the heart of ALL beliefs other than the strict understanding that ALL men are fallen, but that the elect (all believing Christians) are sanctified by His grace, and thus, are beloved by Him and are blessedly fruitful according to His will.

The Gnostics saw the earth as a confining weight that obscured man's true "inner light."

But the Christian should realize that the earth is God's gift to man, and He has instructed us to use this gift wisely as a means of glorifying His name.

Yet at the same time, the Christian should realize that NOTHING within himself is capable of doing anything God-pleasing unless and until that Christian is first transformed from a fallen, dead sinner and son of Adam into a God-fearing, righteous child of Christ.

And this perfect gift of salvation is not within us fallen creatures to obtain. It is wholly and solely the providence of God's eternal decree.

And thus, unlike the Arminian, a Christian cannot go wrong and lead others into Gnostic error if that Christian attests to God's will alone as the means of all salvation.

Christians would do well to read the history of the early Gnostics. By the grace of God, they will recognize it within the pages of Finney and Arminius and Schuller...

333 posted on 12/19/2004 1:35:51 PM PST by Dr. Eckleburg (There are very few shades of gray.)
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To: Dr. Eckleburg; nobdysfool; thePilgrim; telder1; GLENNS; suzyjaruki; Lexinom; RnMomof7; xzins; ...
Nice arguments from all of you, however the fact remains...

Under Calvinism...

~ Man cannot repent unless he is regenerated.

~ God does not regenerate everyone.

Therefore, the non-elect are prevented from repenting. If you must, they are prevented from wanting to repent.

But it is never their choice.

They are not allowed to choose otherwise.

It's that simple.

It's that horrifying.

And you say that makes God happy.

335 posted on 12/19/2004 3:05:19 PM PST by Corin Stormhands (CHRISTmas: One season. One reason.)
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To: Dr. Eckleburg

Finney?

Did someone say Finney? ;-)


379 posted on 12/20/2004 12:09:43 AM PST by Gamecock (Removed in the spirit of mutual love and understanding.)
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To: Dr. Eckleburg
The old Gnostic card, eh?


380 posted on 12/20/2004 6:14:44 AM PST by P-Marlowe
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