Quote:
Originally Posted by mfblume
Not unless man has a choice in the matter. Calvinism seems to me to be brain candy (it's fun to figure things like God out), as well as an alternative to not understanding that we can overcome sin through the power of the Spirit. I say this about overcoming sin because Calvinists always resort to finally saying sin is simply something we can never overcome. Paul clearly taught differently in Rom 6. |
Blume, do you believe in triumphalism? One day we will
finally overcome, and in large part, we have overcome now. However, that gap between imperfection and perfection is still glaring and real. Sin is present with me everyday. I am able to avoid "living in it" with the help of the Spirit in my life. Still, there are times I live according to the flesh, and I make a mess. What Paul "clearly" taught in Romans is anticipated response to Jewish Christians that this powerful message of Grace, though it sounded like we could sin and it wouldn't matter (where sin abounds, grace also more abounds), it certainly doesn't mean we should continue on living in rebellion to God. On the contrary, we are now slaves to righteousness, and the Spirit is our way to new life. Paul never trumpeted "Real Christians will never sin." The reality is, like sickness, sorrow, a creation travailing, we are all waiting for our final day of redemption.
Brain candy? Pot shot IMO. Some of the finest brains in theological circles are Calvinist. Hardly people trying to categorize God or "figure him all out." They are honest, bible-believing brothers, who love God, love His Story, and this is what they see in the Story.
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