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Bible Riddle: March 2004
Calvinism can... Most sim-pl-y... Be summ-a-rized... Acros-tic-'ly. When its points' first letters Are ordered just so, The resultant is "TULIP", Expanding we go: T's "Total Hereditary Depravity" — You're lost 'fore you're born. You can't choose salvation, A doctrine forlorn! U's "Unconditional Election" — You're only saved if God chooses. While man's nature can't obey Him, His offer you can't refuse. L's "Limited Atonement" — Christ's blood only paid... For the sins of the Chosen, No others, Calvin said. I's "Irresistible Grace" — Is how God changes you. With His indwelling Spirit Your depravity is through! P's "Perseverance of Salvation" — Or from grace you cannot fall. Since a perfect Indweller Is guiding you all. Oh! But wait honest seeker, If at birth you are lost, Why said Jesus, for Kingdom's entrance, Become as a child at any cost? And why does your election... Need YOU to make it sure? Peter warned what YOU'RE to do: To never fall; he gave the cure. Ole Calvin's view of atonement, Contradicts the Apostle Paul. Who wrote to young Titus that, Jesus gave himself a ransom for all! A PERSONAL indwelling... Of the Omnipotent Spirit, Could not have occurred since... Paul warned Christians not to quench it! Then Calvin's "irresistible grace"... Ignores the Hebrew writer admonishing, One who'd do despite unto the Spirit of grace. Now that's "logic" astonishing! Perseverance of salvation?? Salvation's AUTHOR had written, Tis ONLY given unto them: All them that OBEY Him! Read your Bible for blessings, Find those verses I've suggested. Your New Testament's the library... Where your time should be invested. ( Answer Next Month ) Answer to February 2004's Riddle — Jesus advising the miraculously-fed multitudes to believe on Him (i.e., men ought to work a work of God), rather seeking meat that endures to everlasting life and does not perish: John 6:26-29. Salvation is by a living faith with works, not a dead faith alone without works — not by faith only: James 2:14-26. |