I would like to point out that for thirty plus years I never heard of Reformed theology. There are many parts of scriptures that did not make sense to me. Instead of accepting winds of doctrines (and there were plenty over these years), I simply decided to reserve judgment until I could understand these pieces of scriptures and how they fit together. My desire is to know God as He truly is-not the way I would like him to be.
When I first encountered Reformed theology on this site I was shocked to hear about this. Instead of going back to Calvin and the Reformers, for who I thought would taint my theology, I went back to many of the early church fathers-particularly Augustine. The early fathers only confirmed what the Reformers were stating. Many of the people who have know me on this site for the last several years will give testamony to this evolution.
I don't just come from a "Calvinist" view but I understand both points of views very well. I'd suggest becoming familiar with the Protestant confessionals. You will find many of the very early confessionals of the Protestant religion give clear and detail scriptural references of the doctrines I'm laying out. I have no hidden "Calvinist" agenda or some affinity for Calvin. In truth all I'm doing is reading the scriptures and the confessionals for what they say. Whether you accept or reject these is your decision.
In truth I know very little. What I do know I know very well. God is sovereign, holy and just; and He elects and choose His own.
I will point out that while I believe Augustine documented my arguments in "A Treatise of the Predestination of the Saints", everything can be summed up in the question the early church father Cyprian asked Augustine, "What do you have that has not been given to you by God." If you can answer this question truthfully, you will become a Reformer.
My sins. But for Christ, they would have me.
When I first encountered Reformed theology on this site I was shocked to hear about this. Instead of going back to Calvin and the Reformers, for who I thought would taint my theology, I went back to many of the early church fathers-particularly Augustine. The early fathers only confirmed what the Reformers were stating. Many of the people who have known me on this site for the last several years will give testamony to this evolution.
I don't just come from a "Calvinist" view but I understand both points of views very well. I'd suggest becoming familiar with the Protestant confessionals. You will find many of the very early confessionals of the Protestant religion give clear and detailed scriptural references of the doctrines I'm laying out. I have no hidden "Calvinist" agenda or some affinity for Calvin. In truth all I'm doing is reading the scriptures and the confessionals for what they say. Whether you accept or reject these is your decision.
In truth I know very little. What I do know I know very well. God is sovereign, holy and just; and He elects and choose His own.
I will point out that while I believe Augustine documented my arguments in "A Treatise of the Predestination of the Saints", everything can be summed up in the question the early church father Cyprian asked Augustine, "What do you have that has not been given to you by God." If you can answer this question truthfully, you will become a Reformer.
Amen, Harley! As I've told you before, each time I hear your faith journey it makes me happy. When we leave self behind, what remains is God's amazing grace and glory.
"(JESUS) answered and said to His disciples, 'Because it is GIVEN TO YOU to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is NOT GIVEN.'" -- Matthew 13:11
Not for anything in us or by us. For God's good pleasure alone He has brought us to Him. Grace is everything.
Without a due sense of predestination, we shall lack the surest and the most powerful inducement to patience, resignation and dependence on God under every spiritual and temporal affliction. How sweet must the following considerations be to a distressed believer! (1) There most certainly exists an almighty, all-wise and infinitely gracious God. (2) He has given me in times past, and is giving me at present (if I had but eyes to see it), many and signal intimations of His love to me--both in a way of providence and grace. (3) This love of His is immutable; He never repents of it nor withdraws it. (4) Whatever comes to pass in time, is the result of His will from everlasting, consequently (5) my afflictions were a part of His original plan, and are all ordered in number, weight and measure. (6) The very hairs of my head are (every one) counted by Him, nor can a single hair fall to the ground but in consequence of His determination. Hence (7) my distresses are not the result of chance, accident or a fortuitous combination of circumstances, but (8) the providential accomplishment of God's purpose, and (9) designed to answer some wise and gracious ends, nor (10) shall my affliction continue a moment longer than God sees fit. (11) He who brought me to it, has promised to support me under it, and to carry me through it. (12) All shall, most assuredly, work together for His glory and my good, therefore (13) "The cup which my heavenly Father has given me to drink, shall I not drink it?" Yes, I will, in the strength He imparts, even rejoice in tribulation. I will commit myself and the event to Him, whose purpose cannot be overthrown, whose plan cannot be disconcerted; and who, whether I am resigned or not, will still go on to work all things after the counsel of His own will.
(Jerome Zanchius 1516-1590)
“What do I have that has not been given to me by God?”
A sinful nature prone to sin.