What impresses me much about the Highway forum is the overall diligence concerning study, and I believe sincerity and humility of the members. In trying to understand the Truth, in light of ALL of the revealed Word and this discussion (TULIP)I am processing many things said and unsaid, here and elsewhere.

To date, Calvin-ism to the dismay of its supporters bears the name Calvinism.

Beloved57’s thread is telling. The Gospel (that has always been the Gospel) is perfect, best said and realized... through Calvin. The Gospel=Calvin... Calvin=the Gospel.

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Spurgeon’s answer to Beloved57

"I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified unless we preach what is nowadays called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the Gospel and nothing else. I do not believe we can preach the Gospel... unless we preach the sovereignty of God in his dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah. Nor do I think we can preach the Gospel unless we base it upon the special and particular redemption of his elect and chosen people which Christ wrought out upon the cross; nor can I comprehend the Gospel which allows saints to fall away after they are called."
- Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)


To date (Day 3) Becoming a Calvinist is (surely many things); One of them is that likely everyone who came to the “TULIP” did so with an utmost humility, seeking to better understand God’s Word and the mystery of GRACE. Especially from other backgrounds like RCC or Easy-123 denominations... TBN, Benny Hinn, etc. and became convicted in their yearning that Repentance is a Gift -- and seeing clearly that their nature is not good but is at enmity with God... and maybe ‘getting it’ for the first time, in the deepest way, that Repentance is a Gift. Thus (my guess), believed that Limited Atonement explains this. All the time... All along, any sincere hearer is humbled, and should be rightly so. Jesus said the gate is narrow and to enter by the narrow gate. I contend that this humbling revelation and other revelations via God’s Word are known by other elect Christians in other denominations.

But, to date, what I taste here is often science, gnosis, and dissection. Like hearing a song, and picking away at it... analyzing each nuance and noise and note; and something is lost. Become a Calvinist and you will join the intellectual discussion that never ends... TULIP, Calvin, Spurgeon, Pink... defending isms and defining isms.... and this will be The discussion. Simple plain speech is irrelevant and is perfected now. Paul, John through the eyes of... Calvin. You will spend your time defending Calvin.

(This is where I'm at with this presently)

Last edited by Kathy; Fri Jun 16, 2006 7:22 PM.