I am a bible believer, and I'm a bit of a calvanist as far as my view of free will, I believe we have free will, but our sinful human nature prohibits us from choosing God. I believe that no one can be saved unless God chooses to save them. I am very interested to hear some other views!
Scott
2007-02-16 05:15:23 · 10 answers · asked by florescentlight 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
AMEN! I agree, it does not say anything about free will, but that we all have a sinful nature that does prohibit us from accepting the truth of God--but I also know God predestines us beforehand, as Ephesians 1 says--and that nobody can come to Him unless he is drawn --John 6:44
God chooses us-- Nobody is good or seeks after Him- Romans 3:10. and Romans 9 is a great chapter on this.
And apart from Christ we can do nothing! So yes, it is God who works in the hearts of men and women, and it is US who share His wonderful truth with others as He commands us to, because we do not know who He will draw. But nobody should give themself credit when being saved---it is ALL God! Praise Be to Him! All Glory belongs to Him!
2007-02-16 05:20:26 · answer #1 · answered by Mandolyn Monkey Munch 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
What you're assuming about free will is absolutely true about Calvinism, we do have free will, but it is nothing to be desired since we have a sin nature and cannot possibly look to God for salvation. To think that man has the ability to seek out God is to say that God himself has given up his omnipotence, and I find this to be a form of arrogance and humanism leading to a God that is not worthy of worship if he bows to us and our decisions. This becomes servility, not love.
Your premise of God choosing to save his own is well supported by Scripture. May I recommend that you acquire a copy of a reformed study Bible for more insight into how Calvinism works, and works well.
2007-02-16 14:15:43 · answer #2 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I study a lot from Blaise Pascal, theories his famous pensess, treatise and so forth, he was consider by Christianity as well than by the Pope and the Catholic Church the best true representation of Christianity at the time, this reputation of Pascal which by very young at 33, in France, gave me something to think, so I learn from him, most all of what I know to day about my self been religious without compromising my self with any establish organization so call church.<< Your Q. have making me think a bit deep, it doesn't seam to me that God will deny you his Attention, just because and to my knowledge of God and his divine and sublime understanding for all his creation and for what I see you are part of such, should we say creation?, your perspectives of God, is perhaps off focus, although lol..., if I was to exercise such humble though about HIM(God), I will at least ask for some attention!, I know HIM(God), is a busy Man, but if I where you, I will consider the possibility's that He may be waiting for you to offer your self to HIM(God), as well than your services, so, we may can get closer first in Spirit, and secondly in mind in a near Future, this is my offer to you, open, only if you decide to make the Jump. << God bless you, in the name of his Son Jesus. Amen.
2007-02-16 13:33:59 · answer #3 · answered by paradiseemperatorbluepinguin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scott,
Well the Bible says choose life. Which indicates to me that God want's all to be saved, and have eternal life. He doesn't pick and choose but since He's outside of time, He knows who will and who won't choose Him. He knows therefore what to put in our path that will help us to choose Him.
Blessings my brother in Christ.
2007-02-16 13:28:33 · answer #4 · answered by Jan P 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The free will store is down at west third and Main next to the RxR,
across the street from the masonic hall. PS:: Thet have a new supply of cool shoes and boots.
BTW:: Calvan gave up the jiffy lube and has opened a hardware for B,SM&D
2007-02-16 13:30:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Free will was the Church's way of trying to reconcile the idea of omnipotence, omniscience, and benevolence. They can't coexist in the Chritian construct and that bothered people, either God lacked the ability to accept everyone into heaven by affecting their knowledge or he is a sick sick being.
2007-02-16 13:31:52 · answer #6 · answered by Huggles-the-wise 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How about reading more than one book on the subject. Then decide for yourself. Why do you need to be saved? From What? You would probably not be concerned about any of this if you had not been taught to be afraid of God. You can think for yourself, but you have to open your mind to alternative ideas. Religion is mind jail. Break out!
2007-02-16 13:25:41 · answer #7 · answered by Vlasko 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Choose life!
2007-02-16 14:01:43 · answer #8 · answered by mzJakes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scripture says He brought life to every man. Some can say this refers to this present life, I don't believe so. We can choose, but only in His power can we do any good. Fortunately He offers that power to "Whosoever will".
2007-02-16 13:20:55 · answer #9 · answered by hasse_john 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If I were to accept what you just said, then I would have to conclude that it is possible for a person to spend their whole life searching for God and his love, but if God doesn't want them to find him, it's too bad for them , and they go to hell. That's not saying much about God, and I think it's bullshit, myself.
2007-02-16 13:21:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋