Who Chose Who?
The debate between Calvinism and Arminianism is alive and well in my heart and mind these days. In a very basic nutshell, Calvinism says that God chose us to be saved and Arminianism says that we chose God.
In my opinion, both have valid points and scripture to back the theological bend they are trying to achieve. And both have their problems.
In regards to Calvinism, I agree that we are totally depraved (I’m a classic example of this) and that on our own, we are incapable of seeking God.
In regards to Arminianism, I concur with a tonne of Scripture that God is willing to accept anyone who confesses and repents and turns to Him.
And just by saying that, I realise that I have just totally contradicted myself! Hence the debate in my heart and mind.
I lean more towards Calvinism for a number of reasons. But this also makes me wrestle with so many issues that it messes with my mind. For example the other day, I was talking with my 6 year old daughter and and thought in my mind, “what if she isn’t one of the elect? What if she hasn’t been singled out by God to spend eternity with Him?”
If this was the case, the moment she was conceived, she was doomed to burn in hell. And that messes with my mind. Or another example, many times, I struggle with sin on so many different fronts and Calvinism makes me ask the question, “Am I really one of the elect? Or am I just kidding myself?”
One thing I never question is God’s integrity. I take comfort in the song of Moses mentioned in Revelation. Here, when everything is said and done and God’s plan for salvation has come to a close, the words used to describe God’s ways are “just and true.” I like that. I like that a lot.
Just being honest and transparent. Or maybe both schools of thought should be swept away in my heart and replaced with a solid chunk of Jesus instead. Yeah, I think that’s way better.
Anyway, in light of this, I thought I may share the following two video’s of evangelism gone wrong from both camps. Hope you enjoy…they are meant to be funny.
Arminian Witnessing
Calvinist Witnessing
Great thoughts! As I get older I am becoming more and more Reformed, or Calvinistic. But, echoing your sentiment, the best thing is just a "solid chunk of Jesus." I like that.
Blaine – you are my most prolific poster of comments and I cherish all of them. I checked out your post on predestination and I get where you're coming from. Tell me – do you have kids? And as a Calvinist, how do you deal with predestination when it comes to your kids? I value your opinion.
I've followed the debate myself. Best blog I've read about it is this:
http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2009/05/one-arminian...
And the funiest is this:
http://calvinisticcartoons.blogspot.com/
Grace and Peace!
Eddy
What are you're thoughts Eddie? Where do you stand?
I'm definitely a Calvi. I'm not an expert on the subject but I understand enough to thank God for enabling me to choose rightly the path that leads to eternal life, i.e. Christ. Without the Holy Spirit intervening, I would have been hopeless in my attempts to reconcile with God and even if it were possible, it would be impossible to keep it.