Quote
William said:

Quote
Kathy said:
. . . According to Calvinism, the ‘good news’ for mankind is that one’s eternal destiny hinges entirely on one thing. . .


Williams <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/my2cents.gif" alt="" />

According to Arminianism the "good news" for mankind is that one’s eternal destiny hinges entirely on one thing. We are the master and God is the puppet. We can handle Him and use Him as we will and when and where we will.


[color:"0000FF"]But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
John 12:37-41

.
[/color]


Kathy, I know you are being bombarded from all sides nevertheless I feel in good company for holding to a straw man statement but thank you anyway.

In Peace
William


Quote
Calvin said:


“Now while many arguments are advanced on both sides, let our conclusion be to stand astonished with Paul at so great a mystery; and amidst the clamor of petulant tongues let us not be ashamed to exclaim with him, ’O man, who art thou that repliest against God?’ For, as Augustine justly contends, “it is acting a most perverse part to set up the measure of human justice as the standard by which to measure the justice of God.”

History of the Christian Church
By Philip Schaff pg.460




Now when many notions are adduced on both sides, let this be our conclusion: to tremble with Paul at so deep a mystery; but, if froward tongues clamor, not to be ashamed of this exclamation of his: “Who are you, O man, to argue with God?” (Romans 9:20). For as Augustine truly contends, they who measure divine justice by the standard of human justice are acting perversely.

Institutes of the Christian Religion vol. 3
Battles Translation (1960) pg. 479


Finally, after all that has been adduced on this side and on that, let it be our conclusion to feel overawed with Paul at the great depth, and if petulant tongues will still murmur, let us not be ashamed to join in his exclamation, “Nay, but, O man, who art thou that replies against God?” (Romans 9:20.) Truly does Augustine maintain that it is perverse to measure divine by the standard of human justice,

Institutes of the Christian Religion
Beveridge Translation (1800) pg. 1096

.
Quote
[color:"0000FF"]Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Romans 9:20[/color]

.