**They opposed Calvin’s teaching that grace benefits only the elect, that Christ died for the elect only,**
Good point. If that were true — How could Christ say to the Good Thief on Good Friday, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Surely, the thief was not among the elect according to Calvinism.
WE can not judge. Only God can judge. That is where I see an error here.
theologically inaccurate statement
>>WE can not judge. Only God can judge. That is where I see an error here.<<
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24
The Greek word for judge is “krino” and it means “to call into question”. This is what Jesus means when He says “judge with righteous judgment”. We are to call into question the unbiblical actions of individuals and discern for ourselves whether or not to follow such a person. This is something that is sorely lacking in the Christian community today. It seems everyone is afraid of being accused of judging others. When that verse is used it is always in relationship to someone condemning someone else’s seemingly judgmental attitude. Christians aren’t to condemn, but we are to judge/call into question the actions of others and use biblical discernment to do so.
>>How could Christ say to the Good Thief on Good Friday, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”<<
How would we know whether or not the thief was one of the elect? We would know only after it was obvious that the thief was saved. An example for all of us I would think.
I too have struggled with the Calvinistic concept of election but think I understand it by the above example.
***Good point. If that were true — How could Christ say to the Good Thief on Good Friday, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”***
Because, the thief was among the elect.