That is helpful, but what do you say about this Reformed pastor's example about the 5 point Arminian, who he says displays the marks of a true Christian?
Tom,
I would have to give the same answer.
IF such a person (5-point Arminian) outwardly demonstrates Christian virtues but this person really believes that the reason they are saved and his/her neighbors who had the same 'opportunity' to be saved are not saved is because HE/SHE chose Jesus and they did not, then this reveals that such a person is resting on a 'work', their free-will decision (aka: faith) and not the grace of God. In short, such a person holds to a synergistic soteriology wherein salvation is a combination of 'grace+works' (Lk 18:11,12). Jesus, John, Paul, Peter and James all have written that salvation is NOT of 'works' but of grace and grace alone.
As to this external appearance of living the Christian life, there are a couple of possible explanations out of several:
1. This pastor is attributing what he 'sees' in this type of individual as evidences of regeneration when in fact these evidences are not actually what the Scripture teaches concerning true Spirit-wrought sanctification.
2. What things which can be observed are counterfeit and the individual is self-deceived as to their spiritual state. (cf. Matt 13:3ff; Mk 4:3ff; Lk 8:5ff)
3. There is the necessity of holding to right doctrine in regard to salvation (Jh 2:23-25; 6:60-66; 8:30; Rom 16:17; 1Tim 1:3; 4:16; 2Tim 4:3;. The NT epistles in many places warn against those who do not hold to the one true gospel (Gal 1:7-9; 3:2), teach another Jesus and/or Spirit (2Cor 11:4), etc.
4. One cannot separate good works and sound doctrine: "in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity," Titus 2:7.
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