Calvin & Arminius: There's no difference!

[jgb321]

Calvin & Arminius: There's no difference!

I spent nearly 2 years researching John Calvin and Jacob Arminus, and I was surprised to discover very little theological difference between the pair of them. What was apparent, however, was the violence, bullying and murder (60 people were killed in Geneva) that Calvin was guilty of, while James Arminius comes across as moderate and of a gentle nature.

My 60-page thesis is an in-depth exploration into the world of the French Reformer and his subsequent followers.

http://www.excatholicsforchrist.com/inde...amined.htm

[Jim]

I think I know where you are coming from on this James. Where I spent my studies between the two doctrines, it almost seems to be two people defending the same argument from two different sides.

I try not to determine a correct doctrine by the follower who either follows it or purports it. There are many claming "christians" out there that support christianity, yet I would not be numbered with them. And there are other heathens that believe our same doctrine.

I thank God that we are judged by our hearts, and not by our doctrines.

I do have to say that I do not believe the arminian belief that we have a complete and total "free-will" before and/or after salvation. That seems to me to be the most selfish doctrine I have ever heard. But then again, the interpretation of "free-will" can be just as confusing as the doctrine of "predestination" is to others.

I choose to position myself away from these labels, as they do not accomplish anything.

What I do try to tell people is that the critical aspect is neither one of these, but the identification of humanism in ones life. that is the battle we must combat.

We need to realize and live the doctrine of Christ over "self". We need to recognize our insult against deity. We need to realize our guilt before God. We need to repent against self, and turn to our creator who deserves nothing less than complete obedience to the one true Living God.

It's not about us, it's all about Jesus Christ.

Love in Christ,

Jim

[Raymond]

Amen!

In Christ

Ray

[Bob Hutton]

Sometimes it can be a question of semantics and approaching the same topic from 2 different angles. It is important to be balanced on this issue and simply get on with the job of evangelism.

Kind regards to all.

Bob

[candlelight]

Brother Jim's post said it all. "Humanism" is a battle that we all face. I like to think of humanism as EGO. When a person's ego gets in the way...God is not glorified, honored, worshiped...or let alone even put on the highest of pedestals. Jesus Christ is to have full reign in our lives, and when we do not allow Him to take control of our lives--- we are risking our lives to the flesh, the world, and the Devil. God Almighty should be at the "Steering Wheel" of everything that we do in life. We need to "walk by faith not by sight." That "faith" should be in the one who created us and saved us (if we are born-again)--- a Holy and righteous God. He doesn't want us to be unhappy, He wants us to be victorious...and, live a life that is honoring and pleasing to Him. That life should show in our witness to other people; whether they are lost or saved.

John Calvin and Jacob Arminius were merely men--- just like anyone else. When man gets in the way...he begins to "muddy the waters." The word's of God are not to be played around with. There is only one interpretation, and that is the "interpretation" of a righteous and Holy God. Man can venture to guess on what things mean...but, Jesus Christ has all of the answers in the KJV 1611 AV. Our faith lies in that of Jesus Christ! He is God and was God/man on earth. Why would I want to put my faith in sinful man? That does not register with me at all. The Bible states everything very clearly. As my pastor says..."Not only does the Bible save man from an eternal hell, but also hell on earth."

Modernism has been in our society far too long. I am tired of it. I want to walk the old path... and that "path" is that of the teachings of Jesus Christ. In other words, I will take my orders from God Almighty--- according to His KJV 1611 AV. I am not in the business of freelancing. That is way too dangerous for me. I am human.

Matthew 3:3...For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT. "John Baptizes Jesus"

[IM4given]

I see the Calvin/Armenian debate like two camps arguing about the two sides of the same coin - one side argues that the coin has the bust of Abraham Lincoln on it, and the other camp is arguing that no it doesn't you can clearly see that the coin has the Lincoln Memorial stamped on it! Who cares as long as 100 of them equal a dollar? To debate the coin itself is just silly, IMHHO.

As Bro Jim so eloquently stated "It's not about us, it's all about Jesus Christ."

Amen Brother!

[candlelight]

Yes...thank you for repeating that, sister.


As Bro Jim so eloquently stated "It's not about us, it's all about Jesus Christ."

When we put "us" in the equation we take out what God has to say. It has nothing to do with what "we" have to say. Period. We are His creation, first. Then, when we come to Jesus Christ "By grace through faith" we become His children. A child should not usurp authority over a parent--- lest that child may stumble and fall. Our Heavenly Father wants us to surrender all to Him...and Him, alone. First...for salvation, then... for obedience and faithfulness in His "Only begotten Son, Jesus Christ." Our hope lies in God, not man.

Psalm 119:73-75...73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. "Disciplined to Heed the Word"