Published by Actually I am a bible scholar who has not spent time in either camp, Calvin or Armenian nor do I desire to do so. I have looked at both of them from the outside as one who has some significant credentials in the word. I find the Calvin model impossible to support unless I am willing to take scriptures out of context, slice and dice them. I find the Armenian model somewhat better but seriously lacking. I will probably loose most of my friends with this statement.
Both try to put an infinite, omniscient and loving God into a nice box of man’s understanding. Neither cut it.
I have never tried to put together any model, don’t think it is possible and consider that the church would have been better off if the men who put these together had taken up farming or blacksmithing. Their works have divided the church, caused strife and brought no good fruit. This is the definition of the works of man, not the works of God. Anything that is the work of man ultimately stinks.
You can follow Calvin if you like. I do not. Neither do I follow any man. I follow Christ. Allow me the liberty to change a few words.
1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1Co 3:4 For while one saith, I am of Calvin; and another, I am of Amenuis; are ye not carnal?
1Co 3:5 Who then is Calvin, and who is Armenius, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
1Co 3:6 Calvin has planted, Armenius watered; but God gave the increase.
1Co 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
1Co 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Calvin; and I of Armenius; and I of Wesley; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Calvin crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Armenius?
I could replace the names with other names, Luther, Wesley, Graham, Roberts, and dozens of others who I respect. None of them died for my sin. None of them really understand the depths of Christ.
I am somewhat of a simple guy. I look at what works and say, “That is good.” I look at what does not, what brings strife and division and quote my granddaughter when we were looking at a dishwasher that was leaking water, “That’s not good pappy.” Many of these theologies are like a leaky dishwasher. It can sort of do the job but it makes a mess. Again when I look at these I go back to the scripture. Paul admonishes against strife and divisions and calls them carnal for them. What should I call those who increase the level of strife and divisions by preaching Calvin or Armenian? I will let it to those who preach them. Drop the names, let’s follow Christ.
I finish it with this. All of these things from Theologians are generally to make the gospel more complicated. Isaiah said it would be simple.
Isa 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
If it is not simple then it is not of God. My statement comparing Calvin and Wicca may be a little over. It is certainly not totally in error.
Very interesting approach. Some may object to the substitution of names, but I find it effective and appropriate. Yours is one of the best treatments of this dispute I’ve ever seen. Indeed, if we believe on Jesus and receive Him as our savior, then it matters not what somebody taught 300 years ago. We follow Him, not them.
My problem with those selling Calvinism is they seem to get caught up in selling Calvin and forget we are selling Christ.
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