Another Question for Protestants

[FromTheCrossroa]

Thats been my point in other threads. “Protestantism” has a lot of differing teachings. Catholics shouldnt paint all non-Catholics with such a broad brush and deal with each according to theology/doctrine.

 

[Syele]

Thats been my point in other threads. “Protestantism” has a lot of differing teachings. Catholics shouldnt paint all non-Catholics with such a broad brush and deal with each according to theology/doctrine.

this was a soapbox I long ago gave up on around here. Good luck getting them to stop that.

FromTheCrossroa Is there no part of “Christendom” that teaches you have no chance for salvation?

Actually there is. One of the five points of Calvinism says that God chooses His elect, not based on anything you do or do not do. If you are one of the elect, you will be saved reguardless. Those who are not the elect will not be saved… reguardless.

I always thought it interesting that I never heard anyone claim to be Calvinist but not one of the elect.

 

[jim1130]

Syele:

Actually there is. One of the five points of Calvinism says that God chooses His elect, not based on anything you do or do not do. If you are one of the elect, you will be saved reguardless. Those who are not the elect will not be saved… reguardless.

I always thought it interesting that I never heard anyone claim to be Calvinist but not one of the elect.

Is this similar to those who believe in reincarnation and in another life they were always someone famous? BTW, how does a Calvinist know if they are part of the “elect”? Is it automatically assumed, i.e. Calvinist = Elect? I’ve not dealt with many Calvinists, but those I have encountered tended to be aggressive, assertive, and confrontational. Is that the norm? Or the exception to the rule?

 

[FromTheCrossroa]

this was a soapbox I long ago gave up on around here. Good luck getting them to stop that.

Here’s one that doesn’t. I came from Protestantism though so maybe I don’t count.

 

[simbagizmo]

All that talk about “assurance of salvation” is a lie. You can never be sure of anyone’s salvation, even your own, because people “fall away” all the time, and that means they were never really saved, since it’s impossible to “fall away” from Jesus if you’re REALLY BORN AGAIN!

Assurance of salvation is not a lie, but Faith in Jesus Christ. And I am really sorry you do not have Faith. Because Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. If you do not have assurance, you do not have faith. Hebrews 11:1

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Heb 11:2 For by it the men of old gained approval.

 

[simbagizmo]

All that talk about “assurance of salvation” is a lie. You can never be sure of anyone’s salvation, even your own, because people “fall away” all the time, and that means they were never really saved, since it’s impossible to “fall away” from Jesus if you’re REALLY BORN AGAIN!

Assurance of salvation is not a lie, but Faith in Jesus Christ. Because Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. If you do not have assurance, you do not have faith. Hebrews 11:1

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Heb 11:2 For by it the men of old gained approval.

I am sorry you believe this is a lie

 

[sandusky]

What a worthless faith! Pray a prayer, you’re a Child of God, going to heaven, no matter what sins you commit for the rest of your life! Once you’ve prayed “The Magic Prayer,” you’re solid.

No wonder so few people believe the Gospel (according to evangelicals). It’s full of holes! It’s like doughnuts without the dough! Just holes. Anyone can see that it’s pretty worthless. A prayer is your ticket to heaven. Nothing required from you–in fact, to “do” anything is a “work,” and “works” demonstrate that you are trusting in yourself instead of Christ to save you.

Just let go and let God.

The amazing thing is, I believed all this for 40 years.

In fact, you still believe that, but have merely transferred your faith from that error to another.

What is amazing to me, and pitiful, is that in 40 years of study (you did study the bible during your 40 year protestant excursion, correct?), your understanding of the Gospel is that which you have articulated above. That’s sad!

 

[Syele]

Is this similar to those who believe in reincarnation and in another life they were always someone famous? BTW, how does a Calvinist know if they are part of the “elect”? Is it automatically assumed, i.e. Calvinist = Elect? I’ve not dealt with many Calvinists, but those I have encountered tended to be aggressive, assertive, and confrontational. Is that the norm? Or the exception to the rule?

They believe they are Elect because non-elect wouldn’t be interested in God at all since they are not extended any of God’s grace allowing them to believe. They believe that since they believe in God, they must be part of the elected. I think the agressive, confrontational Calvinists just stand out more because of their attitude rather than it being a rule.

 

[happygal]

Do Protestants/evangelicals/etc. who believe one can fall from grace believe infidelity (meaning abandoning the faith) is the only mortal sin, or will other post-baptism (or post-act of faith) unrepentent sins lead to damnation as well?

(I hope that question makes sense )

Yes anything that is not right with God will cut you off from him and salvation will be lost.

 

[Unfinished]

In fact, you still believe that, but have merely transferred your faith from that error to another.

What is amazing to me, and pitiful, is that in 40 years of study (you did study the bible during your 40 year protestant excursion, correct?), your understanding of the Gospel is that which you have articulated above. That’s sad!

I was Protestant for a number of years. I think Cat was just being a bit exaggerated. The point, in essence, is still the same though. Sola Fide is full of holes, and after I realized that there was only one place to go - home.