Dr. E knows just what I mean.
Nor am I an Arminian. My identity is not in my denomination, nor is it in the doctrinal positions of various men. It is IN CHRIST.
Calvin didn’t save me. Arminius didn’t save me. Christ did. I am HIS and His follower, not Calvin’s and Calvin’s follower nor Arminian’s and Arminian’s follower. I don’t agree with everything either of them teaches but I don’t disagree with everything they teach either, and guess what? I’m STILL saved.
1 Corinthians 1:11-15 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.
That Scripture in 1 Cor. is particularly pertinent since if you don't want to be known as as a follower of Paul there are still a few posters who want to push you into that box with terms like “Paulinist or Paulian”, whatever and that is simply a way of dismissing all that you say.
If one’s faith isn't their own faith, what's the point of having it?
I like to think I do, and that we share that perspective. The point about being a Calvinist on our knees is a shorthand way of saying no one prays "Dear God, give me the free will to save myself from the terrible calamity that has befallen me."
Instead, more likely men pray "Dear God, please save me from this terrible calamity that has befallen me."
"Thy will; not mine."
Ultimately, day by day, we come to realize that God's will is always superior to our own will and that one way or another, God's will is what comes about.
That's just the way of the world. He's God. He gets what He wants.
A great read for the weekend that will enrich our lives and faith...
And ultimately, exactly as Metmom said, the only name that matters is "Christian" and the only faith that saves is given by God's grace to undeserving men who are brought to the foot of the cross by the free gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
What is our part in all this? Paul tells us quite clearly...
Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." -- 1 Thess. 5:16-18"Rejoice evermore.