The work of God is one of Redemption. Sadly we often replace this with a cheap salvation. God's redemption is relational, but it is also one that involves all of creation becoming like God intended. This salvation that we too often speak of is personal, but it ends there, with the individual.
The pitfalls of a God who is only focused on individuals are many. We may become focused on comparing ourselves to others, judging their actions while excusing our own. We can become focused on rejoicing in our own perceived ends and fail to see God asking us to help in the struggles of our world. We might see this world as nothing more than that which is here for us, personally, as reward for being "God's chosen." All of these have a commonality - a focus on self.
We must realize that Jesus tells us time and again that it's not about us, but about Love and service. The call to love others and serve them as if they are God is what Jesus speaks of when he speaks about separating sheep from goats. Of course none of us always see everyone and treat them as we would if they were God incarnate. This means we're all goats, aiming to be good goats, but goats covered by grace regardless. So, if we are all goats, and if all are to be seen as God incarnate as well, then we end up right back at Redemption. We're all working as God, for God, covered by God, who is working to redeem and renew everything through our labors and God's grace. This is the core of our faith, the work of redemption as seen in Jesus Christ, God incarnate and continuing through us who are called by that name.
UNCONDITIONAL DAMNATION
ReplyDeleteThe five points of Calvinism should be expressed as unconditional damnation.
The premise of Calvinism that men have no free-will and that men can only be saved if God predetermines each person for salvation.
Calvinism teaches that men are saved are by unconditional election.
The antithesis of unconditional election is unconditional damnation.
THE FIVE POINTS OF CALVINISM
1. Total Depravity: Man is totally depraved so he cannot choose or desire God.
If total depravity is true, then unless men are unconditional elected for salvation, they are unconditionally damned to hell for all eternity.
2. Unconditional Election: God unconditionally elects those whom He has predetermined to save.
If unconditional election is true, then conversely all others are unconditionally damned, lost outside of Christ.
3. Limited Atonement: Jesus died only for those who have been unconditionally elected for salvation.
If limited atonement is a Biblical fact, then all who are not unconditionally elected for salvation will die in their sins because they will face unconditional damnation.
4. Irresistible Grace: When God calls the elect for salvation, they cannot resist.
Those who are not called by irresistible grace will be unconditionally damned and will spend eternity in the lake of fire.
5. Perseverance of the Saints: Once you have been unconditionally elected for salvation you can never be lost. Once saved always saved.
If God did not unconditionally give you the faith so you could believe and be saved, and you have no free-will to believe or reject Jesus; then you are unconditionally damned. You are once damned always damned.
God does not unconditionally save anyone nor is anyone UNCONDITIONALLY DAMNED.
THERE ARE NO POINTS OF CALVINISM THAT ARE SUPPORTED BY SCRIPTURE. [Read the whole New Testament and understand God's plan for mankind]
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