[D-fendr]

If there's no discernable reason for it - and that's key to your theology - we can only say it's arbitrary. Saying we can never understand it, it's way above us, etc. does not change this fact.

To take one chapter of Paul and make him a TULIP is proof-texting in the extreme. No doubt others have shown you scripture contradicting TULIP, so I won't.

I will say my view of man is more exalted than yours, but I think we would agree, there can be no less exalted view than yours. In your eyes God has created his most incredibly vile and horrible creature in man.

I also believe I have a more exalted view of God than yours.

What you describe God doing is still cruel and capricious. I can't see it otherwise; you disagree. You, I believe, say this view derrives from scripture; I disagree.

I've read all of Romans many times. I would ask you to read the whole of the Gospel prayerfully asking if the God there is the God you know.

But, I don't think either of our views are going to change soon. So, it may be that we're near the end of our discussion on this topic. If so, I do thank you for being courteous and for clearly communicating your very very wrong theology.

Just kidding.

thanks, Blogger, and may God bless you..

[Blogger]

If there's no discernable reason for it - and that's key to your theology - we can only say it's arbitrary
Just because we can't discern it doesn't mean it is arbitrary. God's ways are often beyond our understanding. Although, he gives the reason in Romans 9. I do not use Romans 9 as the only example of Election in Scripture. I have posted MANY verses which discuss how we were chosen by God. Scripture teaches this concept. But, I understand that you don't wish to accept it. This is fine. I do not consider being a "Calvinist" an essential to being a Christian. I thoroughly believe it is biblical. But many Christians do not believe in the doctrines of grace.