Your Theology

[Saved by Grace_06]

I was just thinking to myself and thought: "self, why not start a thread concerning the different systems of theology that people adhere to." So, that is what I've decided to do. Everyone, falls under some already-defined category, whether they know it or not. It's either biblical or unbiblical. My aim in this thread is to show why saying, "I am a Christian" will not suffice, as well as why having a specific label is important. That said, here's the question:

What is your system of theology?

[matheteou]

I was just thinking to myself and thought: "self, why not start a thread concerning the different systems of theology that people adhere to." So, that is what I've decided to do. Everyone, falls under some already-defined category, whether they know it or not. It's either biblical or unbiblical. My aim in this thread is to show why saying, "I am a Christian" will not suffice, as well as why having a specific label is important. That said, here's the question:

What is your system of theology? Dispensationalism (not the new "progressive" dispensationalism some have latched on to).

You should have stated your full position. Most people understand you to be Calvinistic, but where do you fall, 5-point hyper (or even "7-pointer" like Piper), sublapsarian, or infralapsarian?

[Saved by Grace_06]

Dispensationalism (not the new "progressive" dispensationalism some have latched on to).

You should have stated your full position. Most people understand you to be Calvinistic, but where do you fall, 5-point hyper (or even "7-pointer" like Piper), sublapsarian, or infralapsarian?

Do you mean your view on eschotology is dispensationalist or that your whole view of scripture as a whole? Also, which of the three Christian systems of theology (Calvinistic, Pelegian, Arminian) do you fall under? About me though, I have a Calvinistic view of scripture. By the way, the 7-pointer view of a Calvinist is a joke between Calvinist. John Piper, as well as Paul Washer, or CH Spurgeon, John Edwards, RC Sprol, John MacAuther, etc., are all 5 point Calvinist. There's no such thing as a 1-4 point Calvinist or a "hyper-calvinist." Hyper Calvinist are as much unChristian as the long-ago-labeled "Pelegians" who denied the doctrine of orignal sin. And, those who opt for being anything other than a 5-point Calvinist are still Arminians who struggle with their teachings.

[matheteou]

Do you mean your view on eschotology is dispensationalist or that your whole view of scripture as a whole? Also, which of the three Christian systems of theology (Calvinistic, Pelegian, Arminian) do you fall under? About me though, I have a Calvinistic view of scripture. By the way, the 7-pointer view of a Calvinist is a joke between Calvinist. John Piper, as well as Paul Washer, or CH Spurgeon, John Edwards, RC Sprol, John MacAuther, etc., are all 5 point Calvinist. There's no such thing as a 1-4 point Calvinist or a "hyper-calvinist." Hyper Calvinist are as much unChristian as the long-ago-labeled "Pelegians" who denied the doctrine of orignal sin. And, those who opt for being anything other than a 5-point Calvinist are still Arminians who struggle with their teachings.Now that you have narrowed the scope of your original question (should have been a poll) to three choices which are in your opinion (and most Calvinists) the only "valid" systems and only one which is, again in your opinion, correct. This is much like the earlier poll on "doctrine".

My answer given your choices is a write-in "None of the Above" although Calvinism comes closest.

Toodles and good "luck" on your "poll".

[Saved by Grace_06]

Now that you have narrowed the scope of your original question (should have been a poll) to three choices which are in your opinion (and most Calvinists) the only "valid" systems and only one which is, again in your opinion, correct. This is much like the earlier poll on "doctrine".

My answer given your choices is a write-in "None of the Above" although Calvinism comes closest.

Toodles and good "luck" on your "poll".

I didn't know how to do the poll thingy, thats why I didnt do it. As for the 3 systems, however. They are actually agreed upon by all Christians (the ones that know the difference), as they are the only ones that hold to the essential doctrines of the faith without going into heresy. Other systems, e.g., Pelagianism, Arianism (like the modern day Jehovah's Witness), etc., have long been deemed Heresy because of their warped beliefs, as well as their non-adherence to the core essential doctrines of the faith. About your answer, however, will you explain a bit more? You said that you fall into neither of the systems. Is your view on scripture from the presupossiton of free will or Predestination? The reason why I'm asking you all these questions is to show you guys that whether you know it or not, or whether you admit it or not, you fall into one of the systems. And, that isnt a bad thing, especially when we have Catholics and Mormons and Rastas, etc., who would all claim to be Bible believing Christians.

[BlessedinHim]

I dont have to adhere to any of those. I believe what the bible says, even the points I dont quite understand. The main thing is, I was born in sin, I heard the word, I believed what it says about who God is and who I am and accepted the gift Christ offers me for salvation. That is all that is essential, all the rest is a ground for the devil to play in. I dont have to know HOW or WHY the HolySpirit works like it does, I just know that He does. And that He does open the scripture to you as you grow in your faith.


Romans 10 (King James Version)
9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

[Saved by Grace_06]

I dont have to adhere to any of those. I believe what the bible says, even the points I dont quite understand. The main thing is, I was born in sin, I heard the word, I believed what it says about who God is and who I am and accepted the gift Christ offers me for salvation. That is all that is essential, all the rest is a ground for the devil to play in. I dont have to know HOW or WHY the HolySpirit works like it does, I just know that He does. And that He does open the scripture to you as you grow in your faith.

The reason why I'm asking you all these questions is to show you guys that whether you know it or not, or whether you admit it or not, you do fall into one of the systems.

I reciently had a chance to speak with a Jehovah's Witness who said the exact same things as you. He, however, wasn't saved since his understanding of theology is wrong. What's the difference between you and him?

[matheteou]

I didn't know how to do the poll thingy, thats why I didnt do it. As for the 3 systems, however. They are actually agreed upon by all Christians (the ones that know the difference), as they are the only ones that hold to the essential doctrines of the faith without going into heresy. Other systems, e.g., Pelagianism, Arianism (like the modern day Jehovah's Witness), etc., have long been deemed Heresy because of their warped beliefs, as well as their non-adherence to the core essential doctrines of the faith. About your answer, however, will you explain a bit more? You said that you fall into neither of the systems. Is your view on scripture from the presupossiton of free will or Predestination? The reason why I'm asking you all these questions is to show you guys that whether you know it or not, or whether you admit it or not, you fall into one of the systems. And, that isnt a bad thing, especially when we have Catholics and Mormons and Rastas, etc., who would all claim to be Bible believing Christians.And here is the biggest problem with your approach, you assume no one else has the correct answer b/c they don't line up 100% with you.

But to answer your question: man is free within his realm or sphere of existence. Unfortunately, that realm is fallen and therefore he needs to be brought up to a point where he can choose. A little verse which I think many in both camps (Calvinism and Arminianism) either miss or over look can be found in Acts 16:14One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.Compare this with Luke 24:45Then he opened their minds to understand the ScripturesWhat do you think one of the reasons for the giving of the Holy Spirit in John 20:22 was for? So they could understand the scriptures.

Some maintain that God looked down the annals of time to see who would choose Him and then predestined them to salvation, others just hold to pure predestination without understanding what the Decrees of God imply.

God in His infinite wisdom created a creation which would bring Him the greatest glory. PTL that He is transcendent in that He knows the beginning from the end (He is outside of our realm as the Creator), yet He is immanent (and working within our realm), in that He draws us to Himself.

He knows who are His (hence predestined) because that is how He created, yet because of our fallen nature He (must) "enlightens" us (see Heb 6) so we can truly make a choice (hence freewill). How many opportunities does He give? Pharaoh got a few before (he hardened his own heart and God hardened his heart), Judas had 3 1/2 years of opportunity, Pilot got at couple of opportunities, etc.

Romans 1, and 2 Thess 2 are great examples of opportunities people are given yet they eventually choose to believe the lie(s) and are finally given over (God hardens their hearts?) to the lie. They are completely and totally without excuse. Look at 1 John 2:19 for another example.

Call me an arminian if you like and "free-willers" can call me a calvinist if it makes you feel better, I have been called worse. I know whose I am (Rom 8:16) and He calls my name.

[CountryBumpkin]

I didn't know how to do the poll thingy, thats why I didnt do it. As for the 3 systems, however. They are actually agreed upon by all Christians (the ones that know the difference), as they are the only ones that hold to the essential doctrines of the faith without going into heresy. Other systems, e.g., Pelagianism, Arianism (like the modern day Jehovah's Witness), etc., have long been deemed Heresy because of their warped beliefs, as well as their non-adherence to the core essential doctrines of the faith. About your answer, however, will you explain a bit more? You said that you fall into neither of the systems. Is your view on scripture from the presupossiton of free will or Predestination? The reason why I'm asking you all these questions is to show you guys that whether you know it or not, or whether you admit it or not, you fall into one of the systems. And, that isnt a bad thing, especially when we have Catholics and Mormons and Rastas, etc., who would all claim to be Bible believing Christians.


You know. I don't see anywhere in scripture that we have to fall into a system made up by man. I do not agree with all of Calvinism, so you want to lump me with Arminiansm.:tsk

If I had to try and label myself I would be a fundamental, 4 point Calvinist, classical dispensationalist who is being changed into the image of Christ moment by moment and who knows that God is the author and finisher of our faith, not some system.

Pride can become apparent when we insist that others must fall into a dogmatic position that we believe is the only truth.

[Saved by Grace_06]

matheteou

And here is the biggest problem with your approach, you assume no one else has the correct answer b/c they don't line up 100% with you.

This thread isn't a "lets see who's system is right" post, but rather a "everyone, whether they know it or not, falls into a specific system," kind of post.

But to answer your question: man is free within his realm or sphere of existence. Unfortunately, that realm is fallen and therefore he needs to be brought up to a point where he can choose.

Good stuff! We're now getting somewhere. What you described here is called "prevenient grace" and is a teaching under Armimian theology. This is your system.

Some maintain that God looked down the annals of time to see who would choose Him and then predestined them to salvation, others just hold to pure predestination without understanding what the Decrees of God imply.

God in His infinite wisdom created a creation which would bring Him the greatest glory. PTL that He is transcendent in that He knows the beginning from the end (He is outside of our realm as the Creator), yet He is immanent (and working within our realm), in that He draws us to Himself.

Call me an arminian if you like and "free-willers" can call me a calvinist if it makes you feel better, I have been called worse. I know whose I am (Rom 8:16) and He calls my name.

I choose to call you beloved of the Lord. But, your system of theology is still Arminian. :wave