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.
Meant to ping you all to the great link in post 3,975.
Pink’s work does not leave men unchanged.
I can adhere to all the teachings of Calvin and think they’re right and that still wouldn’t be enough to save me.
Salvation is through Christ, not man.
If I happen to agree in some points with someone else’s doctrinal position, that happens.
Catholics seem to be singularly incapable of differentiating between putting your faith in God and man. It has been so ingrained into the Catholic mind that one must follow the pope, the IM, certain doctrinal positions, practice certain sacraments, that they cannot conceive of someone who does not follow man and man’s dictates for reaching God, or that those are all ineffective in obtaining salvation.
Salvation is about a relationship between fallen man and his forgiving Creator. It’s not do and don’t and rules and regulations. It’s about forgiveness and adoption into God’s family through faith based on God’s grace and mercy, not buying your way into it by works.
“The point about being’
The point being the difference in one’s idea of salvation. Is it institutionalized, The Church, or is it personalized, all individual believers of today, tomorrow and ages past.
If one believes that salvation is institutionalized and only found in “The Church” then the creeds or statements of faith of particular denominations or churches are important. If salvation is open to everyone who believes
(1Ti 4:10.....because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.)then it is the witness of one’s faith that is important.