The Narrow Path Ministries

Why does Calvinism provide comfort for some Christians but terror for other Christians?

I don't really understand why a Christian would be Terrorized, per say, by calvinistic doctrine.....(at least by what I call "reasonable" Calvanistic Doctrine).
the only reason I can think of why a Christian would be terrorized, is if they were not really living a life that was pleasing to the Lord, and if they weren't surrendered to Jesus. Then, one might fear, because they might think (innapproprietly) that they were not destined to live for Jesus.

Now I do fear "unreasonable" Calvanistic doctrine, that would say we have no way of knowing whether we are saved....and it would lead some to not even try living a Christian life, because if they are saved, then they are saved....and if they are not, they are not....... They can't do anything about it! That is scary!

I do believe that we are saved by Grace through Faith. And I believe that Grace comes in the form of the Lord giving us the desire to let go of our lives, and to surrender to His will. From our end, it really seems and is exactly as though, we are making all the decisions...striving to be servants of God, and entering into His presence by faith in Jesus Christ! From His end, it is only by His calling, and gifting us with the strength to do so.

This is where I stand right now.....I guess it would be labeled Calvanist, however, I don't believe in eternal security.....I do believe that people can loose their salvation.

I guess I don't really like the Calv/Arm debate all that much....it seems boring to me. I used to be really caught up in it. But I think we should just focus on running the race as hard as we can, so that we may obtain the prize. It will be clear to us one day, but when that time comes, we won't care because we will busy worshipping our creator with all of our hearts!

jeff

Because God cares for us.

Jude

Dear Jeff,
My question was meant to be somewhat rhetorical. I was interested in the audience here at the Family Bible Fellowship Forum. I'm glad you attempted to answer it, however. Let me attempt to reply to the issues you raise.
1)"I don't really understand why a Christian would be Terrorized, per say, by Calvinistic doctrine...(at least by what I call "reasonable" Calvinistic Doctrine).
The only reason I can think of why a Christian would be terrorized, is if they were not really living a life that was pleasing to the Lord, and if they weren't surrendered to Jesus. "
Answer: Just because a doctrine terrorizes you doesn't mean it is not true. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Paul said,"Knowing the terror of the Lord we pursuade men." Many people trembled with fear when they experienced God in the Bible. I have many times myself. R.C. Sproul ( a calvinist) often talks about God being the scariest being in the universe. I agree. You are correct. If we are not living for Jesus then we have every reason to fear. But this is true whether you are Calvinist or not.

2)"Then, one might fear, because they might think (inappropriately) that they were not destined to live for Jesus.
Now I do fear "unreasonable" Calvinistic doctrine, that would say we have no way of knowing whether we are saved.... and it would lead some to not even try living a Christian life, because if they are saved, then they are saved.... and if they are not, they are not... They can't do anything about it! That is scary! "
Answer: This is what I'm talking about. Unfortunately, I believe this is what Calvinism leads to in many lives. My brother is an example. I understand that at this point I will be accused of stereotyping. You are to be commended for using the word unreasonable as a modifier to avoid this charge.
3)"This is where I stand right now...I guess it would be labeled Calvinist, however, I don't believe in eternal security...I do believe that people can lose their salvation."
Answer: Then you are not Calvinist because the P in TULIP stands for perserverence of the saints which means all who God calls and predestines to salvation will perservere. If you don't perservere then you were never a Christian in the first place, according to Calvinist doctrine.
4)"I guess I don't really like the Calv/Arm debate all that much.... it seems boring to me."
Answer: I don't really like it sometimes either but boring? I would call it exhausting and at times troubling but not boring. There are times I have thought it produced a rather boring portrait of God, however.
5)"But I think we should just focus on running the race as hard as we can, so that we may obtain the prize. It will be clear to us one day, but when that time comes, we won't care because we will busy worshipping our creator with all of our hearts!
Answer: Amen! This attitude has certainly helped me through a lot of rough places in my walk.

May God bless you!
A Fellow Pilgrim on the narrow path,
John Barbour

Dear Jude,
Thanks for registering your vote. I agree. God does indeed comfort us. "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation." 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7
A Fellow Partaker of Christ's Suffering,
John Barbour

For GOD so LOVED the WORLD that HE gave HIS only begotten SON
John 3:16
Is this only some?
Is GOD a respector of persons?
How unfair to just choose SOME?
That does frighten me, why should I pray for a son that is unsaved because maybe hes not chosen?

Dear MOE,
I can sympathize. It is because of these thoughts AND a thorough study of Scripture that even though I was raised Calvinist, I do not consider myself one. I pray that you may know the love of Christ that passes all knowledge and be filled up to all the fulness of God. Keep seeking and you will find.
Love in Christ,
John Barbour

Dear Moe,
I am joining you right now in prayer for your son that God would bring an evangelist into his path with the love and boldness of Christ.

Father, I pray that Moe's son would be mindful of you at this very moment and be convicted of his sin enough to begin to come to his senses and turn his eyes toward you.
In Jesus name, Amen