Well done kiwimatt!! 😇 Learning a verse every day for 2 years shows a LOT of determination and consistency! I think I will soon be sunk on the all time leader board 😩 Do hope/pray you are enjoying your meditation on God's word as you learn it, as much as I am.
Thanks Joshua and Lasher for your comments. These are complicated issues and doctrines- if they were simple all Christians would agree but we don't! Some of the greatest theologians and scholars over the ages have studied these things and still disagree. It is in many ways a matter of conviction. I'm really happy to continue this debate, not to convince you of my position but to explore these difficult issues (if you wish). However, I am mindful that this is a public site with children of all ages on it so we should be careful what we post, particularly around the difficult issue of babies. Some people may find it distressing and we should use the site to encorouge and strengthen. Yours in Christ.
Well, I will gladly take up the defence of Calvinsim, or more appropriately the Doctrines of Grace. People that adhere to the Doctrines of Grace do not follow Calvin the man, who during the reformation period simply rediscovered what the Apostles themselves knew and taught. They follow what they believe are revealed purposes, teachings and workings of God revealed in the Scriptures. The Doctrines of Grace are not man centred- they teach the total sinfulness and depravity of man, mans inability to save himself and the irresistible grace of God in calling and saving sinners. It is totally God centred which is why so many people struggle with it- because it deprives the proud heart of man any part in his own salvation. True Calvinists freely and fervently preach to gospel to all men everywhere in every situation because we don't know who are the elect of God. Ephesians 1:4-5: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. As the Apostles knew, it is of God's free will and good pleasure to save those who he chooses to save. Romans 9:18: Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he Hardeneth. God is not evil for not saving everyone, the miracle is that he should choose to save any at all. Every blessing to this group and no offence ment to any brother or sister in Christ.