The Christ of Arminianism

A Puritan's Mind ^ | unknown | Rev. Steven Houck

[nobdysfool]

The Christ of Arminianism

The Bible warns us that in the last days in which we live there will be many false Christs-those who claim to be Christ but who are imposters. Jesus said, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ; and shall deceive many." (Matt. 24:4-5). We who profess to be Christians must take heed. We must be very careful that we are not deceived. Our calling is to trust, love, and follow the true Christ and Him only. We may have nothing to do with the false Christs who are so numerous in our day.

We know about the Christ of the cults and other religions. He is a good man, a prophet, the first creation of God, a great spirit, a divine idea, or even a god himself. But he is not true and eternal God. He receives his existence from another who is greater than he. He is not the Christ of the Bible. We are not deceived by this Christ. He is a false Christ.

We know about the Christ of Roman Catholicism. They profess that He is true God. He suffered and died for the forgiveness of sin. He arose again, ascended into heaven, and is coming again. But he is not a complete Savior. The Christ of the Roman Catholics can not save sinners without their own good works and the intercession of priests. He is not the Christ of the Bible. We are not deceived by this Christ. He is a false Christ.

There is, however, another false Christ who is much more dangerous than the Christ of the cults and the Christ of Roman Catholicism. He has deceived people for many years and he continues to deceive millions. This Christ is so dangerous that, if it were not impossible, he would deceive the very elect (Matt. 24:24). He is the Christ of Arminianism.

This false Christ is extremely dangerous because in many ways he appears to be the True Christ. They say that he is true God, equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. They say that he died on the cross to save sinners. They even say that he saves by his grace alone, without the work of man. This Christ will have nothing to do with the Christ of the cults and the Christ of Roman Catholicism.

But watch out! Be warned! The Christ of Arminianism is not the Christ of the Bible. Do not be fooled!

1. The Christ of Arminianism - loves every individual person in the world and sincerely desires their salvation.

The Christ of the Bible - earnestly loves and desires the salvation of only those whom God has unconditionally chosen to salvation. (Ps. 5:5, Ps. 7:11, Ps. 11:5, Matt. 11:27, John 17:9-10, Acts 2:47, Acts 13:48, Rom. 9:10-13, Rom. 9:21-24, Eph. 1:3-4)

2. The Christ of Arminianism - offers salvation to every sinner and does all in his power to bring them to salvation. His offer and work are often frustrated, for many refuse to come.

The Christ of the Bible - effectually calls to Himself only the elect and sovereignly brings them to salvation. Not one of them will be lost. (Isa. 55:11, John 5:21, John 6:37-40, John 10:25-30, John 17:2, Phil. 2:13)

3. The Christ of Arminianism - can not regenerate and save a sinner who does not first choose Christ with his own "free will." All men have a "free will" by which they can either accept or reject Christ. That "free will" may not be violated by Christ.

The Christ of the Bible - sovereignly regenerates the elect sinner apart from his choice, for without regeneration the spiritually dead sinner can not choose Christ. Faith is not man's contribution to salvation but the gift of Christ which He sovereignly imparts in regeneration. (John 3:3, John 6:44 & 65, John 15:16, Acts 11:18, Rom. 9:16, Eph. 2:1,Eph. 2:8-10, Phil. 1:29, Hebr. 12:2)

4. The Christ of Arminianism - died on the cross for every individual person and thereby made it possible for every person to be saved. His death, apart from the choice of man, was not able to actually save anyone for many for whom he died are lost.

The Christ of the Bible - died for only God's elect people and thereby actually obtained salvation for all those for whom He died. His death was a substitutionary satisfaction which actually took away the guilt of His chosen people. (Luke 19:10, John 10:14-15 & 26, Acts 20:28, Rom. 5:10, Eph. 5:25, Hebr. 9:12, I Peter 3:18)

5. The Christ of Arminianism - loses many whom he has "saved" because they do not continue in faith. Even if he does give them "eternal security," as some say, that security is not based upon his will or work but the choice which the sinner made when he accepted Christ.

The Christ of the Bible - preserves His chosen people so that they can not lose their salvation but persevere in the faith to the very end. He preserves them by the sovereign electing will of God, the power of His death, and the mighty working of His Spirit. (John 5:24, John 10:26-29, Rom. 8:29-30, Rom. 8:35-39, I Peter 1:2-5, Jude 24-25)

As you can see, although the Christ of Arminianism and the Christ of the Bible may at first seem to be the same, they are very different. One is a false Christ. The other is the true Christ. One is weak and helpless. He bows before the sovereign "free will" of man. The other is the reigning Lord Who wills what He pleases and sovereignly accomplishes all that He wills.

If you believe and serve the Christ of Arminianism, you must recognize the fact that you do not serve the Christ of the Bible. You have been deceived! Study the Scriptures and learn of the True Christ. Pray for grace to repent and trust Christ as your sovereign

[Corin Stormhands]

I'm sorry you're confused. But I'm out of time.

[Gamecock]

Hmmm, that was confusing. Ping me when you get back and I'll try again!

[conservonator]

You're wasting your time.

[CCWoody]

Whilst you're at it, take a look at the taglines for Woody and nobdysfool. ~ CS

You sure do moan and wail a lot.

Woody.

P.S. You aren't even close to grasping my point in #115. And, it ain't "My Jesus is better than your Jesus." You want it to be this so you can dismiss my argument. But, its not.

Arminianism really has created for itself an irreconcilable problem when they assert that it is God's expressed will and desire to save all men. After all, you can't even honestly address this scripture verse from that construct:

• And He said unto them, "To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables, that they seeing, may see, and not discern: and they hearing, may hear, and not understand, least at any time they should turn, and their sins should be forgiven them."
  (Mar 4:11-12 GB)

Clearly the Lord Jesus Himself has declared to speak in parables so that a great many people will not discern or understand. You would think that if the Lord Jesus really desired their salvation He would have spoken plainly to them so that they could understand and at least have the opportunity to repent of their sins. Arminianism has no answer to how God could purpose and desire their salvation, while at the same time deny them the means of that salvation. It has essentially turned God into a kind of Pharoah, who said (essentially): "Let them build bricks without straw."

And, this you are not allowed to do. You cannot set the Father to war with the Son over Election for when you do, you...

deny the ontological NAME of God. Whereas God has declared to us "I am that I am," meaning that "I am what I have been" and "I will be what I am," you are declaring that God is not even faithful to Himself. This is a fundamental denial of the Most High Himself. It's like saying, "Well, the Father is faithful and true to the Godhead and the Holy Spirit is faithful and true to the Godhead, but that bratty Son is just out there thwarting the will of God."

So, you are free to engage on your "seagull attacks" if you must. But, don't pretend you actually understand the point I am making. You ain't even in the ballpark of being able to argue scripture with us.

[dangus]

" So it is God that does the work that are necessary for your salvation and the works that flow from it"

Once again, not disagreeing with you there...
But this passage is addressed to Christians.

"Make you perfect."
Proves my point. My participation IS necessary. Doesn't say "God will make you perfect," or "You are made perfect," but rather, "Make you perfect." (Ya know, in English the unspoken subject of all commands (grammatically speaking) is "You.") But I cannot supply the power to do it, only the willingness. My only answer is, "Be it done to me according to thy will."

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. "

Doesn't say we cannot reject our ordination.

[Frumanchu]

Doesn't say we cannot reject our ordination.

I think you are confusing salvation (monergistic) with sanctification (synergistic).

[biblewonk]

You might be an arminian if:

You think the bible has a lot of examples of praying for people's salvation.

[ksen]

Free will. (And of course, Christ's love for us, but I'm answering your question in context.)

Thanks for your patience.

Ok, Free Will is required for love to be present. I'll grant that, but what is Free Will? Would you define it please?

(I'm not playing games, I do have a point I'm trying to get us to)

[CCWoody]

***Well said, except for one little thing, show me freewill in the Bible as it pertains to salvation. I'll wait, I have all eternity.**** ~ Gamecock

Here is a dirty little secret of the Arminian and their Papist parents: If true love really can't be love unless it can be rejected, then the Son really can't love the Father unless He can reject Him. This too, is a denial of the ontological NAME of God "I am that I am." For, it is always possible that at some point in the future the Son might actually deny the Father, otherwise it really can't be love.

So, the best these "free willers" can hope for in the NAME of God is "I might be who I am." And, that is to count Him neither faithful nor true, which is the very heart of UNBELIEF.

Nevertheless, we should pity the poor Arminian. After all, he really doesn't know he wallows in such doctrine. He really does think we are mean for pointing it out. But, alas, it is our duty to be reviled by the very creatures who don't know their right hand from their left, doctrinally speaking.

Woody.

You Might Be an Arminian If....

You think that "Calvinism" is arrogant for saying that God elects some and not others, but you think you are really humble for saying that God elected you because He knew you'd think He was a pretty swell dude for offering you a life preserver even though you were only in the shallow end of the pool anyway, and that in your niceness, you'd accept His offer of your own "free will".

[Texas_Dawg]

All I can do is receive.

Which is you doing something on your own.

[ksen]

Arminianism really has created for itself an irreconcilable problem when they assert that it is God's expressed will and desire to save all men.

I think the Arminianist would say instead that it is God's Will that all men be saved, not that He would save everybody.

As for Mark 4 I'll need to look but that may have to do with His mission at the time. He was preaching the Messianic Kingdom to Israel and so He spoke to them in parables so that they would not accept Him yet and so usher in the Kingdom. He spoke to them in parables so they would reject Him and He would die at the hands of the Romans.

However, that argument gets us back to our Eschatological differences so it probably won't be fruitful to go down that road.

[CCWoody]

***You might be an arminian if:
You think the bible has a lot of examples of praying for people's salvation.***


You might be an Arminian if...

You think the Bible teaches you to pray for the salvation of all men everywhere without any exception, even if that means you are praying for the removal of the prophecies of the Revelation of John.

[Wrigley]

Keep posting Corin.

[Frumanchu]

I think the Arminianist would say instead that it is God's Will that all men be saved, not that He would save everybody.

I agree, but the result is the same. There is still ample Scriptural evidence that God a)withheld what would have brought a person or persons to repentance, and b)operated in a manner and purpose to bring about repentance in a specific person or persons.

[biblewonk]

You might be an Arminian if you are not keenly aware that Paul said "if anyone does not love the Lord Jesus than **** them" or something to that effect. That's what newgeezer lovingly calls biblewonk's RHV or revised homie version.

[dangus]

***Him that calleth, not their own choice??***
I see no contradiction between the choices you present as in opposition.

***God can do what he wants, He is God***
But of course. But he WANTS to give us free will so he CHOOSES to delay his almighty power.

***God can do what he wants, He is God***
Yes, I cannot save myself; I can only choose to receive grace.

***God created Pharoah for the purpose of displaying His power?***
Yes, but Pharoah could not have known Christ. He is not guilty, therefore, of rejecting Christ. I do not know the state of his soul, do you?

***God made people for his Glory, to carry out his will, didn't you say this isn't in here?***
No, I didn't. But I did say you read one thing, and believe it says something else. I never said God didn't create us for his own Glory. In fact, the first line of the Baltimore Catechism is "Why did God create me? To Give Glory and Praise to God." Are sentence meanings so indiscriminate to you that you cannot tell the difference? What I said was: "God didn't create people, just so he could destroy them and torment them forever in hell."

I'm trying to see what logical leap you made, but it seems like you've equated "giving glory to God" with "eternal torment"!

[dangus]

"You think the Bible teaches you to pray for the salvation of all men everywhere without any exception, even if that means you are praying for the removal of the prophecies of the Revelation of John."

You might be a Calvinist if you can't tell the difference between working towards a goal, and presuming that goal has already been accomplished.

You might be a Calvinist if you equate the Universalism (which is false) with the supposition that Christ offers his love to everyone (which is true), incapable of comprehending any subtlety in logic or language.

[Frumanchu]

But of course. But he WANTS to give us free will so he CHOOSES to delay his almighty power.

Chapter and verse, please.

***God created Pharoah for the purpose of displaying His power?*** Yes, but Pharoah could not have known Christ. He is not guilty, therefore, of rejecting Christ. I do not know the state of his soul, do you?

And there you have it, folks. Salvation apart from Christ. Salvation by ignorance.

What I said was: "God didn't create people, just so he could destroy them and torment them forever in hell."
I'm trying to see what logical leap you made, but it seems like you've equated "giving glory to God" with "eternal torment"!

Already addressed, dangus. We have never said that God creates people for the express purpose of tormenting them in hell. You've attributed this to us when we do not hold to this at all. It seems to me that you are the one making the logical leap here.

[CCWoody]

As for Mark 4 I'll need to look but that may have to do with His mission at the time. He was preaching the Messianic Kingdom to Israel and so He spoke to them in parables so that they would not accept Him yet and so usher in the Kingdom. He spoke to them in parables so they would reject Him and He would die at the hands of the Romans. ~ ksen

Hey, you know that I like you, but I think you need to drop the last bits of Arminian weed which cling to your body. One of them would be to actually simply let the Lord's own words be the final authority in the matter:


• And He said unto them, "To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables, that they seeing, may see, and not discern: and they hearing, may hear, and not understand, least at any time they should turn, and their sins should be forgiven them." (Mar 4:11-12 GB)

The Lord himself clearly tells us that we are given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God (a.k.a. the gospel - See Mark 1:14-15), but the rest are given parables "least at any time they should turn, and their sins should be forgiven them."

But, even if I fully grant your assertion completely, you still have done nothing but simply say: "Well, the Lord had a more important purpose than saving them. He needed them to reject Him so that He could usher in the kingdom." Well, however you slice it, Jesus denied them the means of accepting Him, whether you ascribe this to a dispensational Premill purpose or an Amill purpose it matters not. Dispy Premill dead and Amill dead is, how shall we say it, dead.

However, that argument gets us back to our Eschatological differences so it probably won't be fruitful to go down that road. ~ ksen

Dispy Premill dead and Amill dead is, how shall we say it, dead. Whatever the reason the Lord denied them the means of repentance, they still wound up dead. I mean, you may think that Dispy Premill is all that and then some, but your dead ain't any less dead than the Amill dead.

Woody.

[CCWoody]

ROTFLMAO! I don't think that the Calvinists have it in mind to create the Eubonics translation, but I could be wrong.

Woody.