1st, Eph.1 :4-5 doesn't help you either - ALL men are chosen in Christ but they must choose to receive Him in order for His sacrifice to be efficacious. Job 42:2 & other verses about sovereignty don't help prop up Calvinism - God has sovereignty decreed that salvation will be offered to mankind as a GIFT, & as such it can be refused. God doesn't force a relationship with Himself on anyone nor does He deny it. Salvation is by invitation NOT by decree - CALVINISTS reject God's sovereign plan!2nd, not all verses contain the entire salvation process, Acts 13:48 is a just a proof text which Calvinists misuse to ADD their false doctrines to. Men are "appointed to salvation" by ONE very specific process - God convicts ALL men of their sin, calls them ALL to repentance & draws them ALL to Christ. Those who CHOOSE to respond are then given to Christ for regeneration. Calvinists search for such incomplete verses to try & force their false doctrines between the lines - it's a ruse.3rd, you continue to run from verses that directly refute your heresies - Lk7:30, Rom5:18, Rom11:32, Rev3:5, 2Pet2:1, Ex6:6-8, Acts17:29-30 & Jer7:31. "The argument seems to be based on the idea that If God is going to be a fair God in all he does in this area of saving people. Then God must also give man the choice to choose whether they will accept or reject his offer, this is part and parcel of the free will argument that is put forth by many non reformed Christians of late; but this does not even come close to the reformed position which is that man does make choices every day of his life. In reality, they can only conform to his fallen nature they have adopted from the first couple; they can not please God nor can they choose Christ. as the bible declares in bold words in John 6 :44- 45, 65 and Romans 8 :7-8. It is important to recognise that the bible presents one picture; God is the one who is in control, man can not contribute to salvation in any manner as Ephesians 2 :8-9 makes clear
For it reads as follows, "For by grace you are saved through faith. This is not your own doing; it is a gift from God, not a result from your own doing, so that you may boast." In other words, this is a divine work; God is the one who does the activity, and man is in the passive stance. Therefore, salvation is a monergistic work and not synergistic one. And this argument is seen to be in error on this level.
However, to be fair we shall consider it very closely to see if there is any real merit to it. Here is the first part of this argument;
1st, Eph. 1 :4-5 doesn't help you either - ALL men are chosen in Christ but they must choose to receive Him in order for His sacrifice to be efficacious. Job 42:2 & other verses about sovereignty don't help prop up Calvinism - God has sovereignty decreed that salvation will be offered to mankind as a GIFT, & as such it can be refused. God doesn't force a relationship with Himself on anyone nor does He deny it. Salvation is by invitation NOT by decree - CALVINISTS reject God's sovereign plan!
The first problem in this is found in these words, "Eph.1 :4-5 doesn't help you either - ALL men are chosen in Christ but they must choose to receive Him in order for His sacrifice to be efficacious." It assumes many incorrect things, a) that the text actually speaks of human ability and choice. When In fact, there is no choice being presented in the context at least on the human end of the result, the sole choice is Gods alone. b) the position assumes that the term "all" as found in many texts is every single person to ever live; when in fact, that is a claim that needs to be proved. Even more, how does it even find itself being hoisted into this text is not clear. c) finally on what basis does one assume that the atonement in Christ can only work if we accept it. The truth of the matter is this, it works because it is God who designed with a purpose in mind and that is to actually save those it was attended for.
Let's consider this text more....
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
Upon reading these verses one must asking how one can insert "all" in a context which it does not appear. This is simply bad reasoning and false logic to do so, it is a sign that ones beliefs are not in line with the bible, the terms used in this context are "us" and "we" which means it has a specific range to its application. Those who God chosen before creation of the world itself, and those for whom Christ died. In other words, the elect that Paul speaks of else where such as Romans 8 :28-30.
While it is true that God has sovereignly given us salvation, there is no scripture that speaks of refusing it. In fact, the scripture speaks of the opposite being the case, notice Jesus own words on this matter;
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6 :37-40.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10 :27-30.
In both of these passages it speaks to the same truth that Paul speaks to in Ephesians 2 that being God's sovereign grace in mans salvation. God chooses those whom will come to saving faith in Christ; and the security of the believers life in Christ. The question is does the security Christ provides to those in him by the work of the Spirit, can it be lost or rejected; the answer is absolutely not since Gods intention can never fail. What God sets out to do he will complete to its fullest.
The fact remains is that the Calvinist does not deny Gods sovereign plan of salvation, he fully affirms every step of the real plan that the bible teaches; it is the non-Calvinist who does, as does the commenter of this this objection.
Now lets consider the second part of this argument to see where this objection leads;
2nd, not all verses contain the entire salvation process, Acts 13:48 is a just a proof text which Calvinists misuse to ADD their false doctrines to. Men are "appointed to salvation" by ONE very specific process - God convicts ALL men of their sin, calls them ALL to repentance & draws them ALL to Christ. Those who CHOOSE to respond are then given to Christ for regeneration. Calvinists search for such incomplete verses to try & force their false doctrines between the lines - it's a ruse.
In this second part of the argument, it's based upon erroneous and fallacious based reasoning which has led some to conclude that the doctrines of grace are not biblical in nature. However, it would be fantastic to actually have a counter-argument based on the scripture(s) rather than human philosophical reasoning. Notice the argument's opening words; "not all verses contain the entire salvation process, acts 13 :48 is just a proof text.."
Firstly, I would say that all Calvinists are in agreement that not all verses contain the entire picture, but the whole sweep of scripture is vital to our understanding of the topic. This includes those which are hard to accept not understand such as the predestination texts.
Secondly, I make a differentiation between the clear theological teaching found in the fourth gospel and the epistles; over against what i call the snapshot statements in the synoptic gospels and acts. By snapshot I refer to a statement that is said in passing which is a given.
Now lets consider the acts text in question ...
The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. -- Acts 13 : 44-52
It is because the Jews unbelief and hostility toward the message of the glorious salvation found in Christ; of whom died for mans sins upon the cross, which is the very power of God unto salvation. the words "Judged themselves unworthy." is best understood as pointing to the fact that God has chosen that these individuals would not have the capacity to respond to the out ward call of the gospel. And in doing this, God had decree some men not to come to faith and in this they make the choose to remain in sin.
Next, God decided the message of salvation would have a wider acceptance in the gentile nations. Luke words; "and as many appointed to eternal life believed." Here is the most important point, their belief was not what lead them to have eternal life, it is the opposite these people first were appoint to eternal life "predestined" which means they were regenerated by the spirit and word of the apostle and then believed, had faith and came to repent.
The next point to address is this false idea that "Calvinist search for incomplete sentences to try and force their false doctrine in." Well this is not true, a baseless assertion made by the one who is doing what he is condemning. All Calvinist are bound by the truth of scripture and our theology is based upon the whole bible and not parts of it. I have to note in this objection acts 13 :48 and its immediate and overall context has been ignored.
This could be due to the fact that this mans understanding is based on false beliefs that cannot be substantiated by all the scripture and as he said is "based on incomplete and textual distortions" exegetical leaps of assertions such as "calls them ALL to repentance & draws them ALL
to Christ. Those who CHOOSE to respond are then given to Christ for
regeneration." When dealing with these type of statement we only need a few scriptural truth to settle the issue.
First, in John 6 "Jesus state man has no ability to come to him unless it is given to him by the father in verses 44-45, 65. Meaning man is in no position to even choose Christ, he can only choose that which he is by nature "SIN." Second, Paul states in Romans 3 "no one can please God" obviously pointing back to Psalms 14 and 51; nevertheless, Paul had a specific person in this; which was that the unregenerate sinner can not even please God in and of himself. this point is further clarified 5 chapters later in Romans 8 :7-8 where it says "the mind set to the flesh (the unbeliever) is hostile to God, it cannot submit to the laws (it continually breaks it) nor can it please God" ... the Greek speaks of an inability in this manner.
Let's consider the last point of this argument to see if there is any grounds for it;
This point is based on the quick fire tactic throw out as many verses as possible which you believe refute the subject at hand, without giving a second thought to the validity of the argument itself; even to the point of twisting the many passages you are selectively ripping apart to cobble an argument together from.
Lets consider these few passages for a moment to see what is being said and what is not being said;
Only citing one verse from a context which span's a total of 17 is dishonest and shows the desperate need to make a point on something where you truly have no place in doing so; the passage for one is about John the baptist and men's rejection of him. This has no bearing on the topic of salvation; it plays no major role in salvation as it is not even addressing Jesus Christ. Of course men can reject things outside of salvation such as a particular form of baptism or any number of things, however, when it comes to the eternal truths of salvation which is something God starts and finish and has no bearing on man; when God draw one of the chosen ones to Christ, God is in complete control of it and will fulfill his desired will. And in fact, a close examination of the verses before verse 30 reveal this very thing.
The next passage offered is Rome Paul treatise on Gods sovereign election of individual in Romans 5 :18 -21;
When basing an argument upon a verse from a context of scripture make sure the whole verses supports your view; otherwise one is left with a bigger problem in his own view rather than the one he is trying to prove false. Notice what Paul says; "All men" is contextually defined in the next verses as being, "The many" who were made sinners by one man, and justified in and through the work of another.
While the first "all men" can be seen as universal there is absolutely no reason to assume the second "all men" carries the same meaning; especially when it is clarified in the next verses as being "the many" of whom God graciously redeems in his son.
Next we will deal with Romans 11 :28-32 to see what Paul is teaching to the believers in Rome;
The key to understanding this is the passage as a whole it is speaking of the gospel; and the fact that for sake of the gospel, many Jews are not enabled to share in the gospel, this is to bring in the gentiles believers based on the same manner of work, the sovereign power of God. If ones interpretation is universal, than the first "all" has to mean every single person was consigned to disobedience, but since Paul is speaking to believers at Rome, this is hardly the correct definition of the term. It is likely to be seen as "all kinds or types" of Jewish believers were kept from the gospel, in order that He could have mercy on all kind and types of gentile unbelievers.
Next, we have a passage from 2 peter 2 :1-3 which is being used to discredit the reformed beliefs;
The key to understanding this scripture lies in the words being used to describe something which will come upon the church; however, one looks at it is hard to push reformed theology into the context and saying it is a "heresy." Since not one single teaching of the reformed beliefs can be used to present a denial of the Lord. Firstly, the central words here are, "denying the master who brought them." To read into this anything about salvation is a gross error, as it is actually speaking of an entirely different situation, the term Lord here is not "kurius" which is used of Christ but in reality is "despotés" which carries a very different ideal to .. it could be understood as creator. Second, The false teachers, Peter is alluding to are the same ones that both Paul and Jude speak of; it is initially the Gnostic's. This however, can also be stretched to include those who actually deny that God saves people by himself such as arminians and universalists, as well as open-theists.
Next, we will deal with acts 17 :29 -30 to see what is going on in that scripture;
The argument is as follows : If God commands "all people everywhere" to repent, therefore, all people are capable of doing such a thing. Firstly, it misses the point the same word of God also tell every one to obey the laws of God; does that however, mean every person has the ability to do such a thing, no. It is simply a command and we cannot use commands to over throw the theological nature of Scripture. Second, does the fact that the speaker of this, Paul, elsewhere speak of repentance as being a gift of God; counter-act the claim that all people can do it. Notice the following passages, first one is from the same writing only a few chapters before in chapter 11,"If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”" Here we have God granting repentance; showing that the natural man, the sinner cannot do such a thing with out God working in him, this very fact is seen in Romans 8 :5-8, Philippians 2 :12-13.
The next passage under consideration is from revelation 3 which states the following;
It would appear that this scripture is not being read correctly by this universalist; for it does not even say that people will fall away from Christ by having their names blotted out of the book of life. In fact, this is a scripture of great assurance; notice what is being said, First, "people who have not soiled their garments" In other words, these individuals will be the redeemed elect, as they will have no sin nature in them. Second, "they will walk of with me in white, for they are worthy" this is speaking of the the fact that these individuals have been regenerated and have been granted faith and repentance which leads to life. Third, "the one who conquers" meaning the individual will be led by the spirit to perfection.
And the promise in this is that those who fit these 3 points are those who Christ will not blot out of the book of life, for they are his elect. in fact, the words "I will never blot out your name..." coincides with the same promise from Christ in john 6 :37 where he states, " All that the father gives to will come to me, and whoever comes to me I WILL NEVER CAST OUT." it is evident that eternal security of the believing ones is taught by Christ himself.
The final passage under consideration is from Jeremiah 7 which states the following;
Here is the complete context of this important section that speaks out against practice that is condemned in the law (Leviticus 18 :21, 20 : 1-5), so in this Judah are breaking these commands. They were doing something that was inhumane, which kindled the anger and wrath of God in a single instant. From this factor we should understand Gods holiness was being violated through such a perverted concept and practice it should be noted that it is not to be identified with that of Christ's sacrifice as that was a holy display of grace.
A couple things need to be mentioned; firstly, the passage has nothing to do with Gods eternal intentions of election or predestination, not even his decrees. Second, the words in the passage; "something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind. So beware, the days are coming, declares the Lord," the first words give us the indication of how to understand this "I did not command..." this is about Gods Law being applied accurately.
conclusion
In the above argument given by the non-reformed opponent the conclusions one is forced to consider are the follows : A) He has no real idea about reformed theology in light of his constant misrepresentations of it. B) His understanding of scripture is lacking in such a foundational area of scriptural truth. C) The consistent abuse of scripture is alarming and reveals the fact he is not a lover of truth but mocks it; that he is an enemy of the faith by his low view of scripture.
The amazing thing in all of this is that the doctrines of grace are once again not even touched in any series manner; this attempt has only proven that non-reformed ideologies are seriously lacking in any real truth of the gospel.
Let's consider the last point of this argument to see if there is any grounds for it;
3rd, you continue to run from verses that directly refute your heresies - Lk7:30, Rom5:18, Rom11:32, Rev3:5, 2Pet2:1, Acts17:29-30 & Jer7:31.
This point is based on the quick fire tactic throw out as many verses as possible which you believe refute the subject at hand, without giving a second thought to the validity of the argument itself; even to the point of twisting the many passages you are selectively ripping apart to cobble an argument together from.
Lets consider these few passages for a moment to see what is being said and what is not being said;
I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)
Only citing one verse from a context which span's a total of 17 is dishonest and shows the desperate need to make a point on something where you truly have no place in doing so; the passage for one is about John the baptist and men's rejection of him. This has no bearing on the topic of salvation; it plays no major role in salvation as it is not even addressing Jesus Christ. Of course men can reject things outside of salvation such as a particular form of baptism or any number of things, however, when it comes to the eternal truths of salvation which is something God starts and finish and has no bearing on man; when God draw one of the chosen ones to Christ, God is in complete control of it and will fulfill his desired will. And in fact, a close examination of the verses before verse 30 reveal this very thing.
The next passage offered is Rome Paul treatise on Gods sovereign election of individual in Romans 5 :18 -21;
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
When basing an argument upon a verse from a context of scripture make sure the whole verses supports your view; otherwise one is left with a bigger problem in his own view rather than the one he is trying to prove false. Notice what Paul says; "All men" is contextually defined in the next verses as being, "The many" who were made sinners by one man, and justified in and through the work of another.
While the first "all men" can be seen as universal there is absolutely no reason to assume the second "all men" carries the same meaning; especially when it is clarified in the next verses as being "the many" of whom God graciously redeems in his son.
Next we will deal with Romans 11 :28-32 to see what Paul is teaching to the believers in Rome;
As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
The key to understanding this is the passage as a whole it is speaking of the gospel; and the fact that for sake of the gospel, many Jews are not enabled to share in the gospel, this is to bring in the gentiles believers based on the same manner of work, the sovereign power of God. If ones interpretation is universal, than the first "all" has to mean every single person was consigned to disobedience, but since Paul is speaking to believers at Rome, this is hardly the correct definition of the term. It is likely to be seen as "all kinds or types" of Jewish believers were kept from the gospel, in order that He could have mercy on all kind and types of gentile unbelievers.
Next, we have a passage from 2 peter 2 :1-3 which is being used to discredit the reformed beliefs;
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
The key to understanding this scripture lies in the words being used to describe something which will come upon the church; however, one looks at it is hard to push reformed theology into the context and saying it is a "heresy." Since not one single teaching of the reformed beliefs can be used to present a denial of the Lord. Firstly, the central words here are, "denying the master who brought them." To read into this anything about salvation is a gross error, as it is actually speaking of an entirely different situation, the term Lord here is not "kurius" which is used of Christ but in reality is "despotés" which carries a very different ideal to .. it could be understood as creator. Second, The false teachers, Peter is alluding to are the same ones that both Paul and Jude speak of; it is initially the Gnostic's. This however, can also be stretched to include those who actually deny that God saves people by himself such as arminians and universalists, as well as open-theists.
Next, we will deal with acts 17 :29 -30 to see what is going on in that scripture;
Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
The argument is as follows : If God commands "all people everywhere" to repent, therefore, all people are capable of doing such a thing. Firstly, it misses the point the same word of God also tell every one to obey the laws of God; does that however, mean every person has the ability to do such a thing, no. It is simply a command and we cannot use commands to over throw the theological nature of Scripture. Second, does the fact that the speaker of this, Paul, elsewhere speak of repentance as being a gift of God; counter-act the claim that all people can do it. Notice the following passages, first one is from the same writing only a few chapters before in chapter 11,"If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”" Here we have God granting repentance; showing that the natural man, the sinner cannot do such a thing with out God working in him, this very fact is seen in Romans 8 :5-8, Philippians 2 :12-13.
The next passage under consideration is from revelation 3 which states the following;
Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
It would appear that this scripture is not being read correctly by this universalist; for it does not even say that people will fall away from Christ by having their names blotted out of the book of life. In fact, this is a scripture of great assurance; notice what is being said, First, "people who have not soiled their garments" In other words, these individuals will be the redeemed elect, as they will have no sin nature in them. Second, "they will walk of with me in white, for they are worthy" this is speaking of the the fact that these individuals have been regenerated and have been granted faith and repentance which leads to life. Third, "the one who conquers" meaning the individual will be led by the spirit to perfection.
And the promise in this is that those who fit these 3 points are those who Christ will not blot out of the book of life, for they are his elect. in fact, the words "I will never blot out your name..." coincides with the same promise from Christ in john 6 :37 where he states, " All that the father gives to will come to me, and whoever comes to me I WILL NEVER CAST OUT." it is evident that eternal security of the believing ones is taught by Christ himself.
The final passage under consideration is from Jeremiah 7 which states the following;
“‘The people of Judah have done evil in my eyes, declares the Lord. They have set up their detestable idols in the house that bears my Name and have defiled it. They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind. So beware, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when people will no longer call it Topheth or the Valley of Ben Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter, for they will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room. Then the carcasses of this people will become food for the birds and the wild animals, and there will be no one to frighten them away. I will bring an end to the sounds of joy and gladness and to the voices of bride and bridegroom in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem, for the land will become desolate.
Here is the complete context of this important section that speaks out against practice that is condemned in the law (Leviticus 18 :21, 20 : 1-5), so in this Judah are breaking these commands. They were doing something that was inhumane, which kindled the anger and wrath of God in a single instant. From this factor we should understand Gods holiness was being violated through such a perverted concept and practice it should be noted that it is not to be identified with that of Christ's sacrifice as that was a holy display of grace.
A couple things need to be mentioned; firstly, the passage has nothing to do with Gods eternal intentions of election or predestination, not even his decrees. Second, the words in the passage; "something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind. So beware, the days are coming, declares the Lord," the first words give us the indication of how to understand this "I did not command..." this is about Gods Law being applied accurately.
conclusion
In the above argument given by the non-reformed opponent the conclusions one is forced to consider are the follows : A) He has no real idea about reformed theology in light of his constant misrepresentations of it. B) His understanding of scripture is lacking in such a foundational area of scriptural truth. C) The consistent abuse of scripture is alarming and reveals the fact he is not a lover of truth but mocks it; that he is an enemy of the faith by his low view of scripture.
The amazing thing in all of this is that the doctrines of grace are once again not even touched in any series manner; this attempt has only proven that non-reformed ideologies are seriously lacking in any real truth of the gospel.
