Linda wrote

In reply to:
[color:"blue"] My pastor is always speaking of "our Baptist friends" (not Reformed Baptist) yet I have asked him if Calvinism is true doctrinal theology, then isn't Arminianism "another gospel". Would that not then be heresy, and not just a misunderstanding?



Timmopussycat meows

1) Some who do not use the label Reformed Baptist (such as myself) are Calvinistic in soteriology. Hence we are not Arminian. I don't really think you are overlooking us, but it is well to get the picture clear for others.
2) Those who want to prove Arminianism a damning offense in God's eyes rather than a forgiveable theological error need to show two things from Scripture.
First, they must show that God's way of salvation is by choosing and regenerating those he will save. This can be done without too much trouble.
Second, they must also go on to exegetically demonstrate from particular Scriptures that a sinner's mere faith in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins (i.e. trusting that God is willing, faithful and just to forgive our sins) is not in itself salvific but must be accompanied by faith in the way in which God provides salvation as described in point 1.
To date I have seen point 1 biblically expounded many times and point 2 not at all.


In Christ's love and service
Timmopussycat