As we look upon history I believe that many times when religious men take sides, we will find G-d in the middle trying to mediate the peace and truth. Many times when both sides have different verses they use for theology and not a right understand of context and history. I’ve heard the debates for and against Arminianism and Calvinism and have always took a more balanced approach than either side takes this is not a new discussion just one that needs to be revisited in favor of balance and real reform, not just “Reformed” Catholicism. Martin Luther’s goal was to Reform Catholicism not repent and return to pre-Catholic biblical faith.

“Calvinist theology is sometimes identified with the five points of Calvinism, also called the doctrines of grace, which are a point-by-point response to the five points of the Arminian Remonstrance.” – Wikipedia

Calvinism is a response to Arminianism. So I want to take a look at both sides and the points that they make. I think we may find a pile of broken of falling flower petals, the tulip isn’t as solid as some would pretend it to be. Lets take a look at each point as they were presented, in the order presented, side by side, discuss how they relate to each other and look at the balance we can find in scripture. The TULIP was formed at the Synod of Dordt as a reaction for Arminians Remonstrants and Dutch semi-Pelagian’s. To understand the Calvinistic Order of Salvation (Ordo Salutis) you have to understand the Catholic Ordo Salutis and Catechism. According to Calvanism there is an entire list of requirements that are necessary to meet the sufficient requirements of salvation. Calvinism makes Acts 16:30 obsolete.

“And brought them out and said ‘Sirs what must I do to be saved?’” (Acts 16:30)

According to Calvinism, one make ask what I must do to be saved, however it makes no sense to ask what one must do to be elected? Due to the person being dead in trespasses the person can not simply comply with a want to repent and be saved and thus become saved or elect despite scriptures references showing the opposite. Man has nothing to do with the process of election therefore one can’t be elect by their own actions or choosing. G-d picks a favored few and the rest are screwed. The person who is dead in trespasses and sin simply cannot read the word of G-d, seek His will or pray in a way that will result in becoming born again due to their hostility to G-d. The dead in trespasses sinner is passive and incapable of action toward salvation and faith in G-d. Being totally depraved the carnal man is unable to take part with the Holy Spirit, it is all G-d and non of mans ability. Calvinism teaches Monergism. If a  person wants to come to G-d yet is born in iniquity, thus totally fallen and depraved, then salvation ultimately must be a free or unconditional gift. G-d chooses a select few of special elect ones to give life to. This picture is just disturbing and sad. This isn’t true salvation is a relatively easy gift to accept, to all who would call upon Yeshua’s name and seek His will. We have dominion over sin that we might rule over it.

“If you do well, will it not be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7)

“Kefa said to them, “Repent, and be immersed, everyone of you, in the name of Yeshua the Messiah for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh.” Acts 2:38

“”Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord,” Acts 3:19

“Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.” Acts 8:22

“The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all men everywhere should repent,”Acts 17:30

“But declared first to them of Dammesek, at Yerushalayim, and throughout all the country of Yehudah, and also to the Goyim, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.”Acts 26:20

The First Fallen Flower Petal

Arminian Article I: Conditional Election

“That God, by an eternal, unchangeable purpose in Jesus Christ his Son, before the foundation of the world, hath determined, out of the fallen, sinful race of men, to save in Christ, for Christ’s sake, and through Christ, those who, through the grace of the Holy Ghost, shall believe on this his Son Jesus, and shall persevere in this faith and obedience of faith, through this grace, even to the end; and, on the other hand, to leave the incorrigible and unbelieving in sin and under wrath, and to condemn them as alienate from Christ.” – Arminian Today

Arminian Article One states that before the foundation of the world G-d determined who would be saved, who shall believe and whom G-d shall preserve in faith and obedience. On the other hand G-d has chosen to leave the incorrigible and unbelieving in sin condemned under wrath to receive no mercy. This point seems to point to the Calvinistic idea of “Unconditional Election” and that the only difference is that those who put faith in Him are the Elect. Yet I see little difference between Arminian and Calvin on this point ev en though there is minute differences. They both seem to point to limited atonement and limited grace that the atonement was set for a limited group of individuals predestined before time. On one hand faith is the factor on the other hand G-d is the factor faith isn’t required G-d chose and man has no choice. Both stances explain things further than “foreknowledge” that scripture speaks of. Those who through grace of the Holy Spirit believe upon Yeshua and shall per server in faith and obedience, shall be saved and elect.

“Arminianism, on the other hand, maintains that God predestined, but not in an absolute sense. Rather, He looked into the future to see who would pick him and then He chose them. Jesus died for all peoples’ sins who have ever lived and ever will live, not just the Christians. Each person is the one who decides if he wants to be saved or not.” – Calvinist Corner

Calvinist would insist that those who are elect have faith in Yeshua as well and that if they walk away they never had faith in the first place. I do not see a contention or difference at this point, its mere semantics on this point. Whereas the term “conditional election” is offensive the concept the election is based upon response to conditions that Yeshua espoused in the gospel, is still true. I would avoid calling it conditional election though it’s based on covenantal conditions because it is G-ds unconditional love that makes this conditional covenant available to those who freely choose His will. No covenant is without conditions. The idea that a covenant is without conditions that one is elect without any action of his own and unable to take part himself, that one is “once saved always saved” leads to many lazy, lackadaisical and impotent “Christians.” Some contend for active evangelism while others say its unnecessary. As Calvinist teach if I’m saved without any work of my own, without any effort of my own and I can’t get unsaved once I’m saved, why would I have to do anything. Evangelism is a moot point because if those who will be saved are already chosen and will be saved no matter what, then there is no need to evangelize. There are those who believe you shouldn’t evangelize because you don’t want the sinful, debase and totally depraved to taint the elect which is a very extreme point of view. There are those who believe that they do have an obligation to evangelize as a witness to their good works and a sign of their election as the “elect.” Both are extreme positions that others would argue against. If you find yourself a Calvinist and wanting to argue or debate and defend yet would espouse that you’re not one of those extreme’s then you are not one of the extreme’s and its pointless to start a vain debate. Don’t start a debate about something you will later disavow. Its pointless.

Calvinism’s First Tulip: Total Depravity (aka Total Inability and Original Sin)

“Sin has affected all parts of man. The heart, emotions, will, mind, and body are all affected by sin. We are completely sinful. We are not as sinful as we could be, but we are completely affected by sin. The doctrine of Total Depravity is derived from scriptures that reveal human character: Man’s heart is evil and sick. Man is a slave of sin. He does not seek for God. He cannot understand spiritual things. He is at enmity with God. And, is by nature a child of wrath. The Calvinist asks the question, “In light of the scriptures that declare man’s true nature as being utterly lost and incapable, how is it possible for anyone to choose or desire God?” The answer is, “He cannot. Therefore God must predestine.” Calvinism also maintains that because of our fallen nature we are born again not by our own will but God’s will; God grants that we believe; faith is the work of God; God appoints people to believe; and God predestines.” – Calvinist Corner

Calvin’s first point asserts that the entire human (body, and soul, intellect and will) are fallen and helpless, passive and dead. That man is unable to volitionally desire good and is enslaved to sin making them actively hostile toward the things of G-d. The doctrine of Total Depravity which is also called Total Inability teaches that man is fallen due to Original Sin and enslaved to sin and dead to G-d. That man is by nature not inclined to love G-d with their whole being and rather serve sin, thus rejecting the rule of G-d. All humanity is deemed incapable of following or serving G-d and thus can not be saved of his own volition because he is Totally Unable to do anything, at all. A response isn’t even possible without the help of G-d, no desire, no need, nothing. Basically every man is evil to the core with no hope, need or desire for redemption without G-d. Calvinism asserts that Man’s heart is evil and sick which is true. Man is a slave of sin which is only true when one gives themselves over to sin, one is capable or resisting. All men are totally depraved and no one is innocent, not even infants and children who haven’t come to the age of accountability yet. Everyone carries Adam’s quilt and everyone comes after Adam is deserving of punishment of G-d. The doctrine of total depravity doesn’t mean we are all mass murders but that all parts of our beings are corrupted by sin and are opposed to G-d. Calvinist deny that man has a natural desire or hunger to know G-d, that no one freely chooses G-d. This is a rather morbid and dead ideology, void of life.

As G-d told Cain “Sin seeks to have dominion over you but I have made that you would rule over it.” Calvinism falsely asserts that man does not seek for G-d which is false. Adonai says “If you search with all your heart He will be found by you” and yet in another place “Then men began to call on Yahweh’s name.” They further claim man can’t understand spiritual things yet scripture says that there is no prophecy of scripture that is open to private interpretation (2 Pet 1:20) and that all scripture is beneficial for instruction in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). Sin makes one at enmity with G-d yet we see in Romans 1 that a man can live like he knows the love and be judged righteous even if he does not know the law. The wold clearly tells us to choose this day who we will serve. Its clear in scripture that there are choices to be made daily and that those choices decide whether we follow sin or G-d. When we are practicing sin we are children of wrath, however a son can choose not to sin the sins of his father and not be a child of wrath. No scripture say man is incapable of coming to G-d actually scripture asks us to consider our ways, to repent and put our faith in Yeshua. Many times G-d says “choose” therefore there is a choice involved. The false assumption that sin makes one incapable of coming to G-d end with the false conclusion that G-d must predestinate. This is utterly false and baseless. We are born again by the Holy Spirit, by G-ds will, G-d grants those who choose and believe salvation in response to their obedience and choose to follow His calling them to repent. If they don’t choose to repent they can not be saved. Without freewill and no choice to repent there is no salvation.

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20)

”Every writing inspired by God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction which is in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Every man is born with a sinful, corrupted nature, which is fallen and debase due to original sin yet it may not be completely opposed to or in opposition to G-d and is not totally enable to come to G-d. We are all born in iniquity and in sin. Through the generational sins of our parents and the fall of man (genetically) through Adam. All men are total depraved before yet the story doesn’t end their man is not totally enable to come to G-d. G-d has provided promises and a way to come to Him. Though born in sin not all men are inclined to reject the rule of G-d. They maybe inclined to sin which means to miss the mark or fall short however G-d has given man the desire and ability to come to G-d. Yahweh says “If you search for Me with all your heart I will be found by you.” Man in his sinful nature still seeks to know the G-d who created him and G-d draws men to self. Yeshua said that G-d reaps a harvest where he has not sown. G-d will take anyone who calls on Him and not reject anyone who calls upon G-d. Yes man is sinful and falls short. That does not mean all men reject the rule of G-d some actually seek out the rule of G-d, along with the hand of G-d drawing them to Himself. It’s a divine romance, a divine dance if you will. Romans says that if a man lives by the law of G-d he will be treated as if they knew the law. G-d enjoys to play hide and seek and is easily found like a father playing hide and seek with his daughter. The bible says “Choose this day between blessing and cursing.” That scripture alone and the many like it would negate the idea that people are unable to choose to follow G-d. Yeshua said “count the cost,” we should way the cost of discipleship and choose life and not death. It’s a choice love will not force a decision on you. Man is in sin, born in sin, and falls short without G-d. Man in his sin can seek G-d and find Him and be found by Him. G-d says “Choose this day whom you will serve.” It is a choice, without freewill there is no purpose to the exercise of faith. The idea may offend intellectuals who seek to be dogmatically right but morally it is true and right. Man is born totally in sin, but not without hope to make choices to be free. Just as scripture says that if a father sins a sin, that the son can choose to not take on the sin and practice it and therefore negating the generational curse. Choice is central to scripture. Without it we have no part in doing anything, choosing blessing over cursing, choosing live over death, are no longer choices we make, they are things we are forced to do like robots programmed to serve only their builder with no conscious, no freewill, no emotion, no point of existence. Simply put those he “foreknow” those He “ predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29).

The Debate Between: Conditional Election VS Total Depravity

“Article I disagrees that election into Christ is unconditional. Rather, in this article the Remonstrants assert that election is conditional upon faith in Christ, and that God elects to salvation those He knows beforehand will have faith in Him.” – Wikipedia

The connection between Article 1 and Total Depravity don’t seem to be direct responses to each other though you would think since Calvinism is a response they would. Election (or Salvation) is based upon those who freely put their faith in Christ and that choice is made of a freewill. Man is totally depraved and capable of approaching G-d, even coming boldly before the throne of G-d through Yeshua’s blood. Salvation is free and a freewill offering. Sinfulness doesn’t keep you from seeking G-d it only shows you to be fallen or born in iniquity. Sinfulness doesn’t keep you from coming to G-d it gives you reason to be cautious and have a godly fear to approach G-d with reverence. All sinfulness isn’t rebellion some sin is trying to get it right and missing the mark.

“For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” – Romans 8:29

G-d who lives outside of time and space knows who is going to “choose” to put their faith in Messiah and when they will make the choice before they will. Foreknowledge does not equate to control or manipulation of ones will. Man is given freewill. As scripture says that man who was made a little lower than angels was put over the works of G-ds hands. G-d has given us a conscience and freewill. Those He foreknew He also then predestined those he foreknew to be conformed into the image of His Son. Predestination is toward good works once we choose to follow His way not some manipulative means of forcing G-ds will upon people. Those who come to G-d of their freewill G-d predestines them to do good works. God does not predestinate sin therefore there are things that happen that G-d has not predestined. Foreknowledge is based upon those who choose to accept Christ, predestination is that they would be conformed into the image of the His Son. Yes, Man is sinful and totally depraved but not without the ability to come to G-d because they desire to have a right relation with G-d. As it says in Genesis “and men began to cry out to G-d everywhere.” Adonai says many times “choose this day” and to “count the cost.” Salvation is a weighty matter and we must choose with freewill and follow our conscious. Man has a choice. The choices he makes are not pre-chosen for him. G-d who lives outside of time

“There was also born a son to Seth, and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on Yahweh’s name.” – Genesis 4:26

The Second Fallen Flower Petal

Arminian Article II: Unlimited Atonement

”That, agreeably thereto, Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, died for all men, and for every man, so that he has obtained for them all, by his death on the cross, redemption and the forgiveness of sins; yet that no one actually enjoys this forgiveness of sins except the believer.” – Arminian Today

Yeshua provided salvation for the whole world and for every man, no man enjoys this salvation without putting faith in Christ. Yeshua died for the sins of the world and is thus the Saviour of the whole world. He has obtained for them redemption if they would receive the propitiation for their sins. Unless you become a believer you will not receive the forgiveness of sins promised to them that believe. The election of man comes through the choice made through freewill not through a pre programmed subroutine, one of which you have no choice in. Yeshua died for the “the sins of the whole world” not just the elect. G-d died for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD and not some.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.” – John 3:16-18

The word is true. Let G-d be true and every man a liar. Any doctrine based on the commentary of one man or the opinions of a whole denomination that are not found in the text of scripture are in fact “doctrines of men.” No matter how right and good these doctrines may seem.

“Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.” – 2 Peter 1:20

Calvinism’s Second Tulip: Unconditional Election

“God does not base His election on anything He sees in the individual. He chooses the elect according to the kind intention of His will without any consideration of merit within the individual. Nor does God look into the future to see who would pick Him. Also, as some are elected into salvation, others are not.” – Calvinist Corner

God doesn’t base His election on anything a man does, not even when the world calls men to “repent” and “choose this day.” Calvinist overlook these scriptures as not pertaining to election or salvation as G-d does everything and man does nothing. Salvation can not be based upon ones worthy actions. G-d chooses to soften the sin sick, rock hard heart. Repentance comes with a promise

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Despite that promise Calvinist believe that G-d doesn’t respect what a man does, G-d just chooses and elect few before time and they have no say in the matter. Thus believers have no reason to boast about their actions. That Judas and Esau never responded to G-d in faith they say that no one has any way of coming to G-d on their own for they are totally depraved. The doctrine of unconditional election asserts that G-ds choice is not based on foreseen virtue and merit, or faith in those people, despite scripture saying that those He “foresaw” He predestined for “good works.” Yes all men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of G-d however G-d has provided a road to salvation, that you repent of your sins and put your faith in Yeshua and you will be saved. Calvinist deny the reality of freewill. G-d and man do work together in salvation in a synergistic fashion, Yeshua provided propitiation for our sins and ask that we repent of our sins, confess Christ and accept His gift of salvation. When G-d foresees that you will choose life and not death, G-d predestines the steps of the righteous. The steps of the righteous are ordered of the L-rd.

Some Calvinist believe “double predestination” that states a belief that G-d elects the damns, while others believe G-d merely overlooks those whom are not elect and therefore the depravity and sin damn them to hell. This doctrine has created many rifts in Christianity. Many have left the Church because they can’t understand how a loving G-d would predestinate sinners to hell and the special to a glorious hope. It seems like an unfair punishment from and unruly G-d. There is no scripture that specifically states that there is an unconditional election. Stringing a few scripture verses together out of context isn’t going to make a foundational new doctrine but a dogmatic ideology that isn’t foundationally solid. To imply scripture says something that it explicitly doesn’t say is to add to scripture which scripture clearly admonishes us not to do with the fear of judgment. The founders of many pseudo Christian cults (Jehovah’s Witnesses & 7th Day Adventist for one) have used this doctrine as a spring-board to start anti-Christian doctrines. This is not a sure bet for solid theology. The word does say that “no one” can take us from G-d hand, and that G-d will “keep” them from falling away, yet it says that those who have tasted so great a salvation can walk away by choice. Some would argue they were never saved but how do you explain the “Blaspheme of the Holy Spirit,” that clearly states there we’re saved, knew and practiced the truth and yet walked away. G-d does not unconditionally elect a select few and G-d doesn’t predestine anyone to hell. G-d gives men a free choice of whom they will serve and to choose where they will go when they die. You man want to debate the semantics but the argument that G-d created or predestined evil is flawed and unbiblical. My points are sound even if you don’t like the message.

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Hebrew 6:1,4-6 “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ” … “For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, and then fell away,”

Joshua 24:15 “If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”

The Debate Between: Unlimited Atonement VS Unconditional Election

“Article II espouses unlimited atonement, the concept that Christ died for all. This stands in contrast to the limited atonement of Calvinism, which asserts that Christ only died for those God chooses to be saved.” – Wikipedia

Unlimited Atonement, is an odd statement. Yes, salvation is made available for the whole world and specifically for those who freely choose to accept Yeshua as messiah. G-ds love is unconditional and open to all not just an elect few. The inappropriate and false teachings of predestination have caused many to turn to false religions and paganism and as such are doctrines that do cause offense. We are admonished to avoid things that would cause a brother to stumble. If this doctrine is a stumbling block then we should leave the whole debate of election and freewill to G-d and not turn seekers into unabashed sinners because they are hurt and offended by a “Church” position or a bad “representative” for a doctrine of any specific group. Scripture make it clear that our election is conditional, that we are to make sure our election and to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. You don’t have to fear and tremble something that is sure, and you wouldn’t have to make sure something that is certain. Yeshua died for all even those who would reject Him. The man who laid on the cross next to Yeshua had an opportunity at salvation. Everyone has a choice its free and available to all.

Philippians 2:12 “So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.”

2 Peters 1:10 “Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”

The Third Fallen Flower Petal

Arminian Article III: Total Depravity Of Man

“That man has not saving grace of himself, nor of the energy of his free will, inasmuch as he, in the state of apostasy and sin, can of and by himself neither think, will, nor do any thing that is truly good (such as saving faith eminently is); but that it is needful that he be born again of God in Christ, through his Holy Spirit, and renewed in understanding, inclination, or will, and all his powers, in order that he may rightly understand, think, will, and effect what is truly good.” – Arminian Today

As already discussed man is Totally Depraved however not totally incapable of calling upon G-d for salvation. Calvin makes this his first point as a point of contention yet they seem to be in agreement at least in essence in the first part that man can not save himself. In the end the points differ on what happens with the depraved state. According to Arminian teaching man can come to grow through coöperation of the Holy Spirit, in Calvinistic teaching man can’t come to G-d, G-d must bring man to Himself. The truth is no man can do any thing “good” to merit salvation. G-d made it available to all who would choose by grace through faith freely by choice. G-d does draw us with His loving kindness. He does allow man to come freely to Him as he chooses and when he chooses. G-d doesn’t impose on man’s free will. True love will not force you to do anything, true love educates you and gives you all the tools you need to make the right choice, but leaves the choice up to you. It’s not love if it forces itself upon you. G-d will is unchangeable, whether you choose it or not is upon you. Salvation isn’t a respecter of your view on election, it’s a respecter of your response to the gift of Christ. If you respond to Christ favorably then He will profess your name before G-d, yet if you deny Christ He will deny you before His Father. The choice is yours and the power is in your hands.

Calvinism’s Third Tulip: Limited Atonement (aka Particular Atonement)

“Jesus died only for the elect. Though Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient for all, it was not efficacious for all. Jesus only bore the sins of the elect.” – Calvinist Corner

Calvinist teach that some were made to be vessels of dishonor and some vessels of honor, some to be sheep and some to be goats. However the bible clearly states that a vessel of dishonor can become a vessel of honor. So that even if one is a goat or a vessel of dishonor they can become a vessel of honor.

“If a man therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)

Yeshua blood, entire life, death and resurrection isn’t just for a few, He took the sins of the whole world upon Himself. Salvation is only applied when you repent and put your faith in Yeshua. It is provisional as you have to repent and confess Christ as savior to be saved. The idea of a particular redemption or limited atonement says G-d grace is limited in the scope of who can be saved and who will be saved. It states that salvation is not open to all its limited to a special few. Atonement is sufficient for all people and efficient for anyone who calls upon Yeshua’s name. Salvation under limited atonement is solely based on G-ds desire and has nothing to do with man’s desire to want to be saved, to want to know G-d and to not want to go to hell. It seems they believe G-d chose to save those He determines are Elect and has chosen to damn the remained of people to hell. Despite the fact that scripture says that God is “willing that non should perish and that all would come to repentance.” Yeshua died for the whole world including those who reject Him to find their fate in eternal damnation. This is a sick and sad doctrine lacking scripture support completely, that says Yeshua didn’t die for the sins of the World. Yet Scripture says Yeshua died for the “WHOLE WORLD” not just a part of the elect. Scripture also says that “God is NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH” but that “ALL WOULD COME TO REPENTANCE.” How is G-ds will is ignored and disobey? Freewill! Lucifer or ha’Shatan freely rejected G-d he lead the first rebellion against G-d, he then spoke to Eve through a serpent whom then convinced Adam to allow sin to enter humanity. It wasn’t until Adam ate the apple that sin entered into humanity and allowed humanity to be like “elohim’s” knowing “good” and “evil.” Adam and Eve already knew G-d so they knew good, the temptation and lust was to know what they didn’t know namely “evil” and be like the “gods” of the ancient mystery religions to have access to the gnosis that they believed would give them power. The truth is they fell for a lie and gave ha’Shatan access to speak to them on the spiritual (or Theta) level through the Body of Sin. Yeshua is the second Adam who came to undo all the first Adam did. Yeshua died for all the sins that came into mankind (the human race) through the sin of Adam. Yeshua was fixing the error that Adam had created. Salvation is for all the sons of Adam. Yeshua died once for ALL SINS. Not some sins. Yeshua died for the WHOLE WORLD not just some elect few. Election is based on choice, once you choose you are predestined for good works. G-d has a good, well-pleasing, and perfect will. So it is possible to choose to be in something other than G-ds perfect will. We are created to do G-ds will once we accept His calling. Once we are saved we are predestined to do good-works. Our predestination is not in eternal security but in doing good-deeds that G-d has prepared of us to do. Accepting our assignment isn’t the end but the beginning.

Ephesian 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.”

Romans 12:2 “Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

The Debate Between: Total Depravity Of Man VS Limited Atonement

“Article III affirms the total depravity of man, that man cannot save himself.” – Wikipedia

Man is totally depraved and the atonement is made available to all. There is a balance between the two views. As I’ve shown there are flaws in both views. The bible provides the only solution. Sola Scriptura is a statement that many Reformed like to tout yet they rely upon dogma, doctrine and false arguments above all scripture. Its time that scripture be our only source not any group whether Reformed Catholic or Protestant Arminian. Martin Luther never sought to leave the Catholic Church, therefore all his followers are Reformed Catholics whether Episcopalian, Lutheran or any other form of Reformed follower of Martin Luther or his disciples. The true Church existed before the Catholic-Orthodox-Universal Church in Rome was set up as a universal pagan priesthood. Reforming the Catholic Church isn’t the end, the reformation needs to go back to Sola Scriptura. Sola Fide or only by Faith is only true if that faith include Obedience and is Active.

John 10:15 “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (Hosea 6:6; Psalms 40:6)

Hebrews 10:16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them: ‘After those days,’ says the Lord, ‘I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind;’”

James 2:17-20 “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead?”

Philippians 2:12 “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

2 Peters 1:10 “be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”

Ephesian 2:10 “for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.”

Romans 12:2 “that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

The Fourth Fallen Flower Petal

Arminian Article IV: Freewill

“That this grace of God is the beginning, continuance, and accomplishment of all good, even to this extent, that the regenerate man himself, without prevenient or assisting, awakening, following, and co-operating grace, can neither think, will, nor do good, nor withstand any temptations to evil; so that all good deeds and movements, that can be conceived, must be ascribed to the grace of God in Christ. But as represents the mode of the operation of this grace, it is not irresistible, inasmuch as it is written concerning many, that they have resisted the Holy Ghost.” – Arminian Today

The truth is that G-d is the original, the beginning and end of all good, even the regenerated man is transformed through the grace of G-d into the image of His Son, Yeshua. Man is born and found dead in sin, yes alive to choose Christ. This grace is not irresistible, you can resist the grace and will of G-d. There would be NO SIN if GRACE was IRRESISTABLE because G-D Is WILLING THAT NON SHOULD PERISH, THAT ALL WOULD COME TO REPENTANCE. We have been given a freewill, been told to count the cost, to weigh the purchase of the pearl of greatest price, to choose life and not choose death.

Calvinism’s Forth Tulip: Irresistible Grace

“When God calls his elect into salvation, they cannot resist. God offers to all people the gospel message. This is called the external call. But to the elect, God extends an internal call and it cannot be resisted. This call is by the Holy Spirit who works in the hearts and minds of the elect to bring them to repentance and regeneration whereby they willingly and freely come to God.” – Calvinist Corner

Yes G-d is sovereign and G-d has also shown His nature to us by making Covenant and Promise’s to constrict Himself to uphold His Word above His Name. G-d does draw sinners to Him in kindness and with an everlasting love. This doesn’t mean man has no freewill, just means G-d loves them and seeks to lead them if they will follow. Love doesn’t force you to do anything, it give you options and allows you to choose for yourself. Why would G-d pleasure himself in saving a few and damning the masses, this doesn’t sound like a loving or benevolent G-d. A person who is born again is changed in their heart and nature prior to conversion which leads to regeneration. Despite scripture saying “repent and then be converted” they believe G-d saves the person before there are saved, odd. The bible shows us that Pharaoh, Esau, even the nation of Israel rejected G-ds will and grace over time. There are many biblical examples of fallen men having a choice to follow G-d and rather rejecting him. Saying there is no one who is willing to reject G-d’s effectual grace denies the reality of sin, Lucifer sinned against G-ds will, Adam & Eve sinned against G-ds will, Cain sinned against G-ds will and so on and on. It is by G-d’s grace that salvation is made available to anyone who would choose it. By grace alone did Yeshua died to make salvation available to anyone who would freely call on His name. If man is depraved and inclined to rebel against G-d then he would be inclined to reject the grace of G-d, yet this is not true. Many seek to know G-d and find Him. G-d have mercy on those He “foresees” that will repent and put their faith in Him those He “predestines” for good works. G-d is the one who saves the soul upon the response to repentance and faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word of G-d. To as many as call upon His name he gave the right to be saved.

“But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name.” (John 1:12)

G-d does draw us in His everlasting love, no one can be saved outside His Grace. Man can search for G-d with all his heart and be found by G-d. It is His kindness that leads to repentance. If people taste and see that the L-rd is good they will want to know Him more. G-d grace is a good thing, many grieve the Holy Spirit and resist G-ds grace. If it was not so there would be NO SIN. SIN is the result of RESISTING G-D’s GRACE. Sin in the world is proof that humanity can resist G-ds grace and will. Saving Grace is applied to those who believe in Yeshua and receive His atoning and mediating sacrifice. Does G-d overtime overcome and force His will on humanity? No, It is not possible if He did so He wouldn’t be a loving or benevolent G-d. He’d be an unjust G-d who takes advantage of humanity, who creates evil and causes people to disobey G-d, to rebel and do evil. In G-d there is no evil. Evil was conceived in Lucifer’s heart when he exchange his image for the image of G-d and sought to make others worship and follow him. That is what these theologians do, they make doctrines in their image and it paints a painful picture of lies and distrust. They try to thread a camel through the eye of a needle. The weave such a sundry tale that no one can make sense of it, they claim to be the true enlightened or illuminated ones, the elect who know the true way and the rest of us can’t ever come hither because we are not the “elect.” I say to them “make you election sure,” if you even be elected. You may be saved and may get in heaven by the skin of your teeth but the fruit of your lips says you’re not the elect but a fraudulent mass of hypnotized sheep who follow men and not G-d. The first sign of brainwashing is the denial and argument against. Another sign of brainwashing is the paradox in which one says they believe one thing and yet practice another. If these two signs of brainwashing are present it matters not how reasoned a man they will not listen to the truth or scripture, they resist G-ds grace calling them deeper because they consider themselves the true enlighten, illuminated ones, the elect and they believe us to be all lesser non elect for we do not see as they do. Their short slightness shows us the lies of the false doctrine and the dogma or their brainwashing. If only they could see how convinced by man they are and come to a saving and growing faith in Yeshua.

The Debate Between: Freewill IV VS Irresistible Grace

“Article IV repudiates the Calvinistic concept of irresistible grace, contending that mankind has the free will to resist God’s grace.” – Wikipedia

As I’ve clearly shown, Yeshua died for the whole world, that all man have freewill, men can choose to do good and receive G-ds grace or to reject G-ds grace. Men can choose to walk with G-d or walk away with G-d. Many say they walk with G-d because they speak in theological terms. If you describe the attributes of G-d this doesn’t mean you known him, it means you know about him. One who knows him speaks in terms of relationship, of knowing what G-d says and seeing what G-d does. To know G-d is to relate to Him, which will bring you before great men, make a way for you and enable you to do great and mighty things. You words and deeds expose you to be a fraud, resisting G-ds grace if you reject the TRUE SOLA SCRIPTURA. Not the Reformed Catholic doctrine but the true ONLY SCRIPTURE based faith. Not the pick and choose, smorgasbord verse faith, the accept the whole scripture as infallible, inerrant word of G-d and only rule for faith and practice. Any mans opinions or devotions that are not the text of scripture are not divine and are FALLIBLE. This would include me and the text on this page. Only G-ds word is infallible. I challenge you to throw out your pet doctrines, resist the peer pressure of any dogmatic group and seek truth as it is only in G-ds word and become a student of History, G-ds words, G-ds movement and becoming a listener to G-ds still small voice. G-ds grace is good and yet by His covenant’s He has constricted Himself and bound Himself by a covenant to use He promised to keep in which He gives us freewill and paths the way for us. If Christ did nothing other than die for our sins and preach the message in which we must receive to become saved then we need nothing more. As many say. The truth to that is, all we need are in the Words that the Word of G-d spoke the world into existence by and frames them by. He is the Word, His Words are life. His Words are unchangeable and immutable. To know Him is to know His Word and become His word in action.

The Fifth Fallen Flower Petal

Arminian Article V: Remaining In Christ

“That those who are incorporated into Christ by a true faith, and have thereby become partakers of his life-giving Spirit, have thereby full power to strive against Satan, sin, the world, and their own flesh, and to win the victory; it being well understood that it is even through the assisting grace of the Holy Ghost; and that Jesus Christ assists them through his Spirit in all temptations, extends to them his hand, and if only they are ready for the conflict, and desire his help, and are not inactive, keeps them from falling, so that they, by no craft of power of Satan, can be misled nor plucked out of Christ’s hands….But whether they are capable, through negligence, of forsaking again the first beginnings of their life in Christ, of again returning to this present evil world, or turning away from the holy doctrine which was delivered them, of losing a good conscience, of becoming devoid of grace, that must be more particularly determined out of the Holy Scriptures, before we ourselves can teach it with the full persuasion of our minds.”  – Arminian Today

The key to being Kept from sin is to Remain in Christ. According to Arminianism remaining In Christ keeps your from falling from Grace though some may lose Salvation. If we hide ourselves in Christ and walk according to the Spirit we are no longer condemned. If we do not hide ourselves in Christ and do no walk in the Spirit then we may indeed walk in condemnation. If you are IN HIM and DO NOT BEAR FRUIT the FATHER will TAKE YOU AWAY. If YOU REMAIN in Him, then HE will ABIDE IN YOU. Its conditional and relational. The condition is that we per server and remain in the vine. Unless we remain in Yeshua then we can not remain in the true vine. If we remain in Him we will bear fruit, we are clean if we listen to His words and accept the truth He speaks to us. If a man doesn’t abide in Christ he will be thrown, wither and be gathered to be thrown in the fire. If we do in fact remain, abide and per server then we will have whatever we desire. If we abide in Him and per server in Him this is the sign that we are His disciples. Its is conditional upon our seeking to abide and be obedience. Salvation is in grace and in faith, that are predestined to be obedient and do good works. Works and obedience do not save the only show your fruit and are proof that you are seeking to remain in Him, to Abide in Him. The key to salvation is endurance, being one who runs the race with endurance, he that endures to the end is truly saved. We must set aside every weight and sin that easily besets or entangles us.

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Matthew 24:13 “But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved.” (Mark 13:13; Matthew 10:22)

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

John 15:1-8 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. “In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.”

Calvinism’s Fifth Tulip: Perseverance Of The Saints (aka Once Saved Always Saved)

“You cannot lose your salvation. Because the Father has elected, the Son has redeemed, and the Holy Spirit has applied salvation, those thus saved are eternally secure. They are eternally secure in Christ.” – Calvinist Corner

Yeshua promises to complete the good work He has started in you. God through the Holy Spirit joins you in the walk of sanctification. The Holy Spirit can be grieved. There are many examples of men grieving the Holy Spirit and resisting the goodness of G-ds grace. G-d does promise to keep you if you “conditionally” abide in Him then He will abide in you. He will keep you if you remain in him. John 15 shows us that you can be grafted into the vine yet if you don’t bear fruit they will be cut off the vine. You can be grafted in and yet be fruitless and be trimmed out. The story of wheat and chaff, shows there are parts of the wheat that are beneficial, the husk or chaff serves a purpose for time and then is cast off and burn in the fire of purification. G-d has called man into covenant with Him and communion with G-d requires commitment and obedience. There is no scripture that says one is “once saved always saved” rather scripture says “he that endures to the end shall be saved.” Salvation is a process, yes you can have an assurance of your salvation and you can turn your back on G-d if you so choose. The bible says “no one” can take you out of G-ds hands, yet it makes it clear you can turn your back and walk away. It’s clear that good intentioned men can grieve the Holy Spirit. It simply is not true that a Christian can’t fall however G-d promises that if you are tempted to fall there is no sin that is not common to man for G-d if faithful to provide away out if you take the way out. You must choose to walk with G-d. It is clear in Hebrew that one can taste so great a salvation and turn their back on G-d. It simply is not true that you can not lose your salvation. You must work to seek to keep your election sure and work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

G-d is sovereign, He has also bound himself to the covenants He has made. The covenant He has made show His nature to us. He is sovereign yet He has bound himself to His promises which He will not break. G-d does call us into communion with himself. However we can walk away from Him and we can resist His grace. The proof is in the pudding, Lucifer rebelled against the will of G-d, Adam & Eve rebelled against the will of G-d. Sin in the world, such as murder, rape, incest, sex slaves, human trafficking and witchcraft among many other sins are proof that people can resist against and rebel against G-ds grace. There is no scripture that says “once saved always saved.” Scriptures says “He that endures to the end shall be saved.” We must run the race set before us with endurance, we must abide in the vine, we must hide ourselves in Christ, we must make sure our election, we must endure to the end, we must walk in the spirit (not the flesh), The gospel calls us to count the cost, to learn what it means to be obedience. It’s a powerful opportunity given to us to obey G-d, to seek to know His will, to know Him and be known by Him. The term saint was used for believers who were walking in the way of the Sect of the Nazarene, some came and some went, they are the foundation for the true Church. We should seek to truth and seek to walk in G-ds love and give it away.

The Debate Between: Remaining In Christ V VS Perseverance of the saints

“Article V, rather than outright rejecting the notion of perseverance of the saints, argues that it may be conditional  upon the believer remaining in Christ. The writers explicitly stated that they were not sure on this point, and that further study was needed. The text of the articles is given below.” – Wikipedia

The perseverance of the saints is conditional to those who obey G-ds commands and seek to follow after him. Scripture makes it clear that we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, to be conformed to His image, to call on His name, to believe on His Son’s Sacrifice, to come to repentance, to run the race endurance, to abide in the vine, to hide ourselves in Christ, to come to repentance, to not leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ, to partake of the Holy Spirit, to taste the good word, to serve Yahweh, to choose this day whom we will serve, to be diligent to make our calling and election sure, to keep G-ds commandments, to have active faith, to endure to the end, to walk in the spirit (not the flesh), to persevere and seek out His good, well-pleasing and perfect will of G-d. This sounds like a life of obedience, sacrifice and relationship with a true and living G-d. You don’t need an active faith in G-d to believe or pretend your election is sure, then you don’t need to be diligent to make you election and calling sure, you don’t have a need to work out your salvation for you are elect there is no fear and trembling, there is no need to do anything that the following and preceding scriptures say because if you elect your elect, if you’re not elect then you’re not and there is nothing you can do. So just give up and move on. That is the end result of such bad teaching and theology. I understand the desire to have an assurance of your salvation and the Holy Spirit provides that. Do not misconstrue what I have said to say that you can lose your salvation as easy as a sneeze. No many will get into heaven for the simple fact they have called upon the name of Yeshua and never lived a pleasing life to Him, but they had faith in His atoning blood and believed and it was accounted unto them as righteousness. This doesn’t mean practicing sinners have found favor in G-ds eyes it just means that man is not the L-rd of salvation Yeshua is. His grace is sufficient, His mercy endures forever and His loves is everlasting. Great is G-d faithfulness. We should seek out G-ds will and make our election sure which we can do. If you are reading this you are interesting in knowing if your election is sure or believe it to be, if that’s the case you are on the right journey. Let this be a catalyst for you to continue to grow and change and be conformed to His image. G-d is faithful to answer those who repent and call on His name. He is faithful to save. May HaShem bless you as you seek to know Him more. He upholds His Word above His name. You can take G-d at His word. Seek Him and He will be found by you. Trust Him. Believe in Him. Get to know Him. Hear His voice and follow His lead. Learn to read His words to know His ways. Seek the truth that sets you free. Blessings in the name of the G-d who is from ever lasting to every lasting. Simply put those he “foreknow” those He “ predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29).

To Summarize:

Romans 3:4 “Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written, “That you might be justified in your words, and might prevail when you come into judgment.””

“For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” – Romans 8:29

“There was also born a son to Seth, and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on Yahweh’s name.” – Genesis 4:26

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.” – John 3:16-18

“Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.” – 2 Peter 1:20

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Hebrew 6:1,4-6 “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ” … “For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, and then fell away,”

Joshua 24:15 “If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”

Philippians 2:12 “So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.”

2 Peters 1:10 “Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”

John 10:15 “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (Hosea 6:6; Psalms 40:6)

Hebrews 10:16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them: ‘After those days,’ says the Lord, ‘I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind;’”

James 2:17-20 “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead?”

Philippians 2:12 “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

2 Peters 1:10 “be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”

Ephesian 2:10 “for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.”

Romans 12:2 “that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Matthew 24:13 “But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved.” (Mark 13:13; Matthew 10:22)

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

John 15:1-8 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. “In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.”

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