|
Heavendweller -> RE: Reformed Theology Chat Thread (5/14/2008 11:30:06 AM)
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: faithfulservant1
As for me, here is what it comes down to. God chose man or man chose God. Believe it or not, many years ago, I used to actually think that man chose God. However, I realized this was not the case after carefully reading Genesis through Revelations. The bible reveals that God is and always has been sovereign over all creation. I believe that we were chosen by God before the foundations of this world, for His eternal glory.
Dear faithful,
Yes, I am aware of this belief. And what it comes down to (at least in my understanding) is that before the foundations of the world, God chose in His eternal plan to choose some, and damn others. And in the final analysis, there is nothing anyone can do about it. So even if one "thinks" himself to be a child of God, and may even at a certain point in his life desire to know God and live for him, God can arbitrarily damn him if that is His choice.
And as for the one who has been chosen by God, in the final analysis, it matters not how he/she lives in reality, because in reality if he/she is "chosen" by God, there is nothing that he/she can do to change that. So it is, I believe, that the very nature and definition of sin is insignificant. For before one is regenerated, they are punished for their sin. But after regeneration, they are no longer punished for their sin, since they are chosen. They are going to Heaven, destined for Heaven, regardless of any serious sin they might commit.
As far as holiness doctrine is concerned, I am not in complete adherance to all of the Wesleyan doctrines. However, I do believe in their teaching that "one must endure to the end to be saved." All the admonitions in Scripture instructing us how we should live and fight the fight of the faith are not there for no reason. Our manner of living should directly correspond to the faith we profess.
I am very much in "suspended animation" as regards finding a faith community with which to worship. Most of the churches around here are OSAS and both my husband and I cannot attend a church that believes this way - our consciences will not permit it.
So right now we are what you would call "churchless." But I pray often that God will lead us to a faith community with whom we can pray, worship and serve the Lord.
Heavendweller
P.S.:BTW faithful, I'm puzzled somewhat that you don't believe in the Trinity. Having known Reformed folk, attended a Reformed Church for 10 years, and reading Reformed material, I know that Reformed theology strictly believes in the Trinity. Unless I am mistaken and it is someone with a similar name on this forum other than you. BTW, James White a well-known Reformed theologian and debater, has written a book called "The Forgotten Trinity."
|
|
|
|