Accidentally went to a church that believes in Calvinism that doesn't believe in either freewill or that Jesus died for everyone. Part of their justification of being right involved demonizing other Christians and assuming that others trying to follow God are "trying to be like God". They also said all effort is works that means someone must be trying to save themselves to bypass God. They seemed unconcerned about human effort to drive to church and eat lunch after or even do things to help homeless. My question is how do they decide what human activities is bad and why do they seem more concerned with obeying God too much than not obeying God. If everything is already predetermined with no freewill then why do they meet for church at all and do they see any value in following God or obeying the Bible, which could possibly be considered works to them? Maybe someone more experience in this faith can explain, bless you.
Hello Derek. I respond here as neither a whole-hearted supported of either Calvin's or Arminius' teachings (I see truth & value in both), but just giving here a simple reply. I would suggest you do a study on Calvin's teachings, as briefly summarized in the acronym of TULIP (search: Calvin - TULIP), to familiarize yourself with his actual beliefs rather than the beliefs & practises of the Church (you attended). As you know, there are many differences within the Churches even of the same 'genre', in their beliefs & practises, however minor; so what you have observed in that Church Fellowship may not be identical to others holding a reformed position. So, I won't add to it, unless you wish to continue, especially after you've learned further about those two great men, their beliefs, & the practises of the Fellowships that lean towards one or the other of those men's teachings. And you may want to look at hyper-Calvinism as well, as I suspect the Church you went to & by what you shared, they might be tending towards that position.
Indeed brother S. Spencer. Acquiring what we learn from people's (past & present) beliefs & then speedily finding support of it (or not) in God's Word, can only lead us into a proper understanding of the Truth, application in our lives & teaching it to others. Blessings to you too, both in your spiritual & secular labors.
Hyper Calvinist came to mind when Derek mentioned that Church.
It does well to study and get familiar with Calvin's teachings and the Hyper Calvinist teachings.
Blessings
Welcome to the site.
This is a debated topic with good competent people on both sides.
I would refer you to , Revelation 22:17.
Do you thirst?
Whosoever will come" is a phrase that means anyone who wants to participate is welcome.
This verse is interpreted as an INVITATION to all people to come to Jesus and receive eternal life.
Salvation is in the person of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
This sacrificial gift is a display of God's love to the WHOLE WORLD!
The Gospel is not hidden unless you refuse it. Believing and receiving in a "gift" is not an act of works if so then no one would be saved.
Blessings.
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