Thoughts on Calvinism and Evangelism
John MacArthur shares his thoughts on the doctrine of election, fatalism, the clarity of gospel, etc. in this audio clip. What do you think about what Dr. MacArthur is saying? Do you believe the Calvinist doctrine of election? Do you believe "the elect are only gathered together only one way, and that is through the preaching of the gospel?" What exactly is the gospel? Do some evangelists damn others by what they say, do not say, or how they say it? I had been a Calvinist for the most part since becoming a born-again believer; however, in the past few years the Holy Spirit has had me examining all things I had been taught carefully. Quite honestly I have called into question many of these teachings and traditions of men. God seems to be revealing that not everything I had been taught is the gospel truth! Are you in the same boat?
-
Comment by Connie on February 9, 2009 at 11:36pm -
I see that no one has commented yet on your audio clip. I listened to it, and really liked how Dr MacArthur explained it. I encourage everyone to listen to it, as it is so well presented. What do I think about it? I liked the last quarter of it the best, and his honesty. I went to an evangelist church a couple of times with friends and the first thing I noticed was how they tried to get the people caught up in emotion, thinking it was spirit, when it obviously wasn't to me. They had the band playing and you know the show. Anyway, it was a good experience. I got caught up in the emotion of it, I loved their music, but I couldn't help notice that as soon as I was out the door it left, unlike the spirit I feel when walking out of my own meetings.
My friends are still my friends though :)
-
Comment by Patrick on February 10, 2009 at 8:07pm -
I was a john student for over10 years...and I have since left the exclusivism that he teaches. I believe it is taught in sincere error now with traditions taking the helm. I believe it is to focused on doing the right things and making the right choices which diminishes the cross.
-
Comment by Miguel on February 10, 2009 at 8:25pm -
I didn't hear the word fatalism anywhere in this message. Fatalism and predestination are not synonymous. For the most part, he is right. I don't think he espoused any teachings of men, but a thorough biblical overview.
-
Comment by PerfectlyOne on February 10, 2009 at 9:29pm -
Miguel, fatalism is only really mentioned in passing in the first 60 seconds of the audion clip, but it is touched on by MacArthur.
-
Comment by PerfectlyOne on February 10, 2009 at 9:50pm
-
Patrick, I think I hear and agree with what you are saying. In that little video clip how many times does MacArthur use the words "we", "I" and "you" as "evangelists" are the "means by which God 'sovereignly' saves those that he has 'sovereignly' chosen." He also uses phrases like when "I do not get it right" yet he says he does not think his abilities have anything to do with anyone's salvation. To me, and maybe I am just misunderstanding his messages, it sounds like he is speaking out of both sides of his mouth. All I know for sure is that I am certainly looking closely at Calvinism (sometimes called the Reformed theology) and the 5 doctrines of total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints (eternal security). Likewise, the 5 solas of the reformation are other man-made teachings that I am also examining, though these are causing much less of an upset stomach for me. In fact, these are much easier for me to support scripturally.
Comment
Our Partners
Badge
© 2013 Created by Dale Interactive.
You need to be a member of SimpleChurch to add comments!
Join SimpleChurch