I apologize for the possibly inappropriate break in your reasoning, but I have to finally post this:
Fascinating exchange. Thank you for posting this series.
Since leaving the Arminian and Dispensational frenzy years ago, I have been fascinated with the question of how I got there in the first place.
Keep posting.
Since leaving the Arminian and Dispensational frenzy years ago, I have been fascinated with the question of how I got there in the first place.
LOL. God takes us on many circuitous routes before He brings us home. I remember being filled with a dark malaise when I turned 20. I thought I had the world figured out and there were no questions left to answer. The world was a chunk of stardust and I just another speck. LOL. What a doofus. I didn't have a clue.
And then later when my Presbyterian father was dying, much too young, I told him I had found my faith again because it was important to him. But it was a lie to make him feel better. I was still very far away from God.
Then I sort of grew up and married and had children and responsibilities and solely by the grace of God, I returned to my faith. Only this time, with my ex-RC, vehemently Calvinistic husband's prodding, I read it again through new eyes, Reformed eyes. And it was like reading it for the first time.
We've talked about the assurance verses on this thread. While some insist they are not binding or particular, I find enormous security in believing they were written to me personally...and to everyone personally who believes Christ lived and died and rose for them because God wanted it so.
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer (have courage); I have overcome the world." -- John 16:33
"For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death." -- Psalm 48:14