NB3K
Puritan Board Sophomore
First of all, Arminians aren't heretics. Second, both seem to be equally hostile.
So you are saying that Arminianism is the Gospel, and Calvinism is the Gospel?
"The doctrine of justification itself, as preached by an Arminian, is nothing but the doctrine of salvation by works..." -- C.H. Spurgeon
Therefore what we have in Armianism is nothing short than what Paul dealt with at Galatian Chuch. (The Judaizers) I would label an Arminain as a Gentile Judaizer because they're mixing Law with Grace, and if one adds condition to grace, grace will than no longer be grace, but it will be debt!
agreed here. I once went on a mission trip with Armenians and once we got to talking about TULIP it got pretty hostile I guess you could say. The conversation was very strained when they told me they do not sin everyday. I had never heard this before. I guess if they sinned everyday they would "fall away." But one thing I noticed was legalism among them. From prayer, to music, to dress, etc., everything was legalistic. Of course one of them had tattoos from head to toe from before his salvation, they condemned him for that. And whether tattoos are wrong or right, it isn't right to condemn some one especially after they are trying to follow God. I just felt sorry for the guy. They just thought I was crazy from believing in eternal security. I showed them several scriptures to which they had no argument. They didn't like that very much. Yes, very much like independent fundamental baptists.
Yeah I actually can get along better with professed unbelievers than I can with my so-called Arminian brothers. When one of them found out that I like Yuengling Lager my faith was automatically questioned.
I must be De Debil because I like the porter
Now on a serious note: There are some Calvinistic Baptist brothers that look down their nose at those of us who point to CH21 of the LBC1689 who enjoy sipping a brew. I find that they may be coming out of IFBC backgrounds and still have certain things burnt into their thought patterns. They consider drinking a sin in their conscience.
We need to not fall into the trap of getting torqued up and turn to hostile conversation. When we get nasty, the ears close up. The Doctrines of Grace are a slap in the face to anyone who has a bit of pride left. They like to think they are in control of their life. The absolute Sovereignty of God is a concept that is foreign to anyone educated in a liberal American school, as well as a liberal American congregation.
This is why we are in desparate need of another reformation. What is sad is that folks are more willing to compromise the Gospel for the sake of "fellowship" That must be repulsive in the eyes of our Lord Jesus that was crucified for speaking the TRUTH!