Let Me Explain
The post entitled “Is Salvation Man’s Choice?” has caused some confusion concerning my theology. I am sorry for this misunderstanding.
Some have understood from what I posted there that I don’t believe in evangelism or missions and I think that those who are going to be saved are going to be saved and those who are lost are going to stay lost and that there is no need for us to evangelize. Let me assure you, this is not what I believe.
That teaching is a heresy called “hyper-calvinism.” I am not and never will be a hyper-calvinist. The post in question showed one side of my beliefs. My next post was going to be called, “Is Salvation Man’s Choice? Part Two” in which I would have said, “Yes.” the post in question was written from God’s perspective. He knows all and has planned all, including salvation. My next post would have been written from man’s perspective which is ignorant of God’s divine knowledge.
Since we don’t know what God’s knows when a person is saved it appears to be man’s choice. This is what is meant in , “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” It is by God’s grace that anyone is saved. But that does not mean that faith has no value, because the Bible teaches that we are justified through faith. Man responds to the grace and calling of God by believing upon Jesus in faith.
The fact that God has planned it from the foundation of the world has no effect upon what we do now. Because I don’t know what God knows I am obligated to preach the gospel to all men. One of the reasons I am a Baptist is that we are such a missions oriented people. I have shared my heart for missions and preaching with many of you. This is a very controversial issue, and I happen to hold a controversial stance, which is odd to me because I only hold the same stance and many of the Southern Baptist founders. My aim in holding to a reformed theology is not to strip man of his will and turn God into a monster. I simply want people to realize as I have realized that man and God don’t work together to achieve salvation. Rather, salvation is a gift of God.
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I want to apologize. While it is true that theological debate is healthy, I would agree that this site may not be the appropriate place. It is obvious that we have different theological viewpoints. Out of respect, although I will continue to read it, I will not post any further comments on this blog.
There is no need for you to apologize. Theological debate is healthy, we keep each other accountable to the word of God. But this site is not the appropriate place for such controversial discussion. Our different controversial viewpoints should in no way hinder our ability to discuss nor should it cause division.
The greatest revival in history came about when Calvinists (Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield) and non-calvinists (John and Charles Wesley) came together for the purpose of preaching the gospel. I believe that there have been, and still are, great and godly men on both sides of this “argument.”
I would love to continue our discussion as it has been edifying to me and I hope it has been to you. You have my e-mail address and I have yours.