IS THE REFORMED FAITH BIBLICAL?

[Ritajanice]

A dead person can only do what his nature allows him to, and that is to serve sin and Satan and nothing else, because all dead people are enslaved to sin and Satan.

How can a dead person only do what his nature allows?....when they are dead as you are saying / typing?

A dead person to me , ceases to exist, stops breathing, please clarify what dead means?

Is a “ dead person” biblical......remember your wording, you said a “ dead person “.

 

[Ritajanice]

I'm not sure what you mean by "a dead person has free will" and then followed by "what is a dead person".

That was my question, I think I quoted you...you said a dead person, ....what is a dead person?

Please clarify, using the Bible what a dead person is in the written word?

Where does God say a “ dead person “ in the Bible?.....I love to be fed the word from the Bible....and my head is full of questions......

Sorry for the confusion, text is often hard to understand,imo.

 

[Ritajanice]

There is no verse in the bible which suggests that anyone is saved by faith. But there is a verse that was spoken to born again believers, which says "for you were saved by grace", but there is no verse that says you were saved by faith. I had to correct you there, before we run with something that is not true.

Where did you correct me?

There is no verse in the bible which suggests that anyone is saved by faith. But there is a verse that was spoken to born again believers, which says "for you were saved by grace", but there is no verse that says you were saved by faith. I had to correct you there, before we run with something that is not true.

Where did I say we were saved by faith?....I asked what saved means, as to me if it’s not in its right context it makes no sense....Born Again ...as the minute we are Born Again ( our spirit) we are then immediately saved from eternal damnation/ Gods wrath.

Gods purpose for saving some for Himself, is not so we can be saved from eternal damnation, (although tat is one of the benefits of being saved).

Of course that is one of the reasons why we are Born Again so that we are saved from eternal damnation/ Gods wrath.....that is one reason why we are Born Again....if we aren’t Born Again and saved from eternal damnation.....then we would still be alienated from the Spirit of God? there are other reasons.

God elected some for salvation before time began, He knew mankind would fall and become subject to Satan's rule over their lives. He knew that mankind had no hope of being liberated from slavery to Satan, so He elected to save a remnant for Himself.
The reason He chose to save some, is so the elect would glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.

That’s interesting, to Glorify Him in what way?

Does the self Glorify God.....or does only the Spirit Glorify God?

How would we know how to Glorify God....just by reading the written word?

What are the differences between the two?

So He didn't save me because He saw something in me that He liked.
He saved me to transform me into the image of His Son, so I had to die and receive a new spirit which does the work of transformation in and thorough me. The only thing I bought to the table was a totally depraved wicked heart, in a filthy stinking corpse.

Sorry my friend, how can you die and receive a new spirit?....when you are dead?...

You are being transformed you say into the image of his Son?

When we “ all” get personal, which some seem to do do more than others, ...what’s that all about?

When we throw stones and rocks at a Brother or Sister?

Would you say that is glorifying the Lord?

Should we be concerned after walking many years with the Lord that, if our behaviour doesn’t change, do you think that we should check to see if we are in the faith?

I can assure you that a stinking corpse cannot manufacture faith within itself, then quicken itself to life, then repent to cash in on Gods promise.

Gosh, is “ stinking corpse “ biblical?

The false Arminian gospel teaches that corpses come to life all by themselves with no help from God, and that is pure Demonic doctrine.

Wow!...they teach that corpses come to life, isn’t a corpse a dead corpse, what’s your understanding of a corpse?

The reason so many skip the "born again" part is because Jesus confirmed that it's impossible for man to be born again. when Nicodemus asked Jesus "what must I do to be saved" Jesus answered "you must be born again" then Nicodemus replied by stating the obvious and said "that's impossible" and Jesus confirmed that it is impossible for man to be born again, but He went on to say that all things are possible with God.

Born Again comes by divine revelation, just as Gods word says.....you can’t see the Holy Spirit birthing our spirit into His.....it most certainly is a mystery how he does it.....

So salvation is impossible, unless God saves you and that decision was made before time began. God wrote the names of every single person He elected to save and nobody can add their name to His book because it has remained closed since the the time He wrote it.

Well, I don’t think anyone is disputing that only God can make our spirit Born Again, I think everyone is clear on that.

God elect are saved "by grace" through faith" and that not of themselves lest anyone boast, it is the gift of God. So both grace and faith are received as gifts, they're not something one earns or conjures up within themselves.

Are you an elect of God ,if you are how do you know so?

And who are the ones that aren’t elect?..can you post scripture please to support this...thank you.

I’ve just come to understand Brother, that the elect are the chosen ones I believe by God, I do agree with that as it’s biblical.


What about those who believe they chose God and invited him into their heart....inviting God into one’s heart isn’t biblical is it?...not sure just trying to understand how one chooses God?

I mean my conversion was completely by the will of God.

I would like to know or try to understand how some chose God, what does that mean even?

Shall I start another topic on this question?

As I’m off topic I believe..sorry @GodsGrace ...if Christian Soldier is in agreement I will start another topic.

What do you think?


Look at this.

What does water symbolize in Jesus?
Among the meanings of water in the New Testament, water is a sign of renewal, and of new beginningsas told through the baptism of Jesus in the gospels. God's eternal sustenance, as found in Revelation 22:17: “Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.”

What does let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift?

Isn’t the water of life, Jesus?

 

[Johann]

How can using Bible verses to support a doctrine make it unbiblical?

Proof-texting without Context: When someone pulls isolated verses to support a doctrine, it risks ignoring the broader context, both within the immediate passage and the entire narrative of the Bible. For example, lifting Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me") out of its context of endurance in suffering can distort its meaning into an unbiblical doctrine of limitless personal achievement.

Cherry-picking Verses: If a person only uses verses that support a particular viewpoint while ignoring others that offer nuance or contradiction, they can form a doctrine that is unbalanced and incomplete. The Bible often presents complex and multifaceted teachings, so forming doctrine requires engaging with the full spectrum of biblical evidence (e.g., discussing faith and works together rather than only emphasizing one side).

Ignoring Cultural and Historical Background: Without considering the historical and cultural background of a passage, verses may be misunderstood or applied in ways that deviate from their intended meaning. For example, Paul's instructions to women in certain churches (1 Corinthians 14:34-35) may reflect specific cultural circumstances and shouldn't be universally applied without understanding those contexts.

Forcing the Text to Fit Preconceived Theology: A doctrine becomes unbiblical when someone tries to fit verses into an existing theological framework instead of allowing the text to shape their beliefs. This was a common problem in debates surrounding the early church, where heresies emerged by misusing scriptures to bolster false teachings (e.g., Arianism, which misused verses to deny the full deity of Christ).

Neglecting the Role of Genre and Literary Style: Biblical texts include poetry, prophecy, history, parables, and epistles, each with a different purpose. Misapplying the genre can distort doctrine. For instance, using apocalyptic imagery from Revelation to create highly literal future predictions without recognizing its symbolic nature can lead to doctrines that deviate from biblical intent.

To avoid forming unbiblical doctrines, it is crucial to interpret Scripture with a holistic approach, respecting its context, genre, and the unity of its message as a whole. Letting Scripture speak for itself rather than imposing external ideas ensures that doctrines remain true to God's revelation.

J.

 

[Ritajanice]

In reformed theology there is NO good news, except of course for those few lucky ones that God chose,
and for no reason that any of them can determine except that it's God's pleasure

What does that mean there is no good news?

Except of course for those few lucky ones that God chose?

Plenty of why God chose us in this scripture, is there not?

You have probably answered this question, so, apologies as I’m asking it again, are you saying that God doesn’t choose some?

Doesn’t the Spirit himself testify with our spirit that we are his children?

John 15​

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King James Version​

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15 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.
23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

 

[Lambano]

All denominations teach the gospel of Jesus Christ...the good news.
In reformed theology there is NO good news, except of course for those few lucky ones that God chose,

Maybe this gospel?

(For the non-Americans in the audience, the cartoon references a mass-mailing campaign from Publisher's Clearinghouse advertising their sweepstakes.)

 

[Lambano]

What does that mean there is no good news?

Except of course for those few lucky ones that God chose?

What is the Gospel? Paul describes his understanding of the Gospel this way:

15 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, ... (1 Corinthians 15:1-6)

What's called a "four-point Calvinist" can honestly proclaim this Gospel to the Whole World, as can an Arminian. A standard TULIP-believing Calvinist CANNOT proclaim this Gospel indiscriminately without KNOWINGLY LYING to the "non-elect" because he believes that CHRIST DID NOT DIE FOR THEIR SINS. The last time I checked, lying was a sin.

Jesus commanded us to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15). @Ritajanice, what do you understand the "Gospel" to be?

 

[Ritajanice]

What is the Gospel? Paul describes his understanding of the Gospel this way:

15 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, ... (1 Corinthians 15:1-6)

What's called a "four-point Calvinist" can proclaim this Gospel to the Whole World, as can an Arminian. A standard TULIP-believing Calvinist CANNOT proclaim this Gospel indiscriminately without KNOWINGLY LYING to the "non-elect" because he believes that CHRIST DID NOT DIE FOR THEIR SINS.

Jesus commanded us to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15). @Ritajanice, what do you think the "Gospel" is?

I know what the gospel is my friend, it’s the good news all about Jesus.

Trust me I preach the word, or maybe that should read sow the seeds of Gods word.

I knew all about Jesus, and was brought to initially believe in Jesus by God, of course there was repentance etc, even then God brought me to all of it...I’m not saying I didn’t search my heart, did that for many years,

You only need to believe in Jesus which I’ve just explained , then I was Born Again by Gods Spirit who gave me the faith to believe in Jesus in my spirit, the Spirit testifies with our spirit ( Living Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are Gods children) that is the Living rebirth , that God testified with my spirit...mind Blowing...no words are good enough to explain the mighty power of Gods Spirit...which is very much Alive and Active...his word will always accomplish what is pleasing to Him..I think that is biblical, his word is Active and very much Alive in Spirit, that is what I’m trying to say.

May I ask if you understood what I just posted?

 

[Lambano]

I know what the gospel is my friend, it’s the good news all about Jesus.

@Ritajanice, what IS the "good news all about Jesus"? Explain it to me as if I had never heard it before.

 

[St. SteVen]

I got nothin'.

Nonsense!

If you have Jesus, you have EVERYTHING!

[

 

[Ritajanice]

@Ritajanice, what IS the "good news all about Jesus"? Explain it to me as if I had never heard it before.

@Ritajanice, what IS the "good news all about Jesus"? Explain it to me as if I had never heard it before.

If Jesus hadn’t come down to earth as God in the flesh, how could we be reconciled back to God?

We are reconciled back to God by becoming Born Of The Spirit.

It’s because of Jesus death and resurrection that we can become children of God, Spirit children that is.

That’s the good news my friend.

We are Born Of The Spirit, whose Spirit are we Born Of?

Born Again of imperishable seed/ incorruptible seed...whose seed are we Born Of?

Whose Spirit gives birth to our spirit?

Spirit gives birth to spirit?

Only flesh can give birth to flesh?

Now, can you please answer my question...do you understand what I post?

Quite a few on here don’t understand my posting..do you, that’s all I’m asking?

I have answered as I believe I was led to......the death and resurrection of Jesus doesn’t make our spirit Born Again now, does it?

It’s because of His death and resurrection that we can receive His Spirit...do you agree with that @Lambano ...or does that make no sense to you?

We must be Born Of The Spirit....nowhere in scripture does it say we are Born Again by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

 

[Ritajanice]

Nonsense!

If you have Jesus, you have EVERYTHING!

[

Can you explain what that means.

If you have Jesus, thanks.

 

[Lambano]

If Jesus hadn’t come down to earth as God in the flesh, how could we be reconciled back to God?

We are reconciled back to God by becoming Born Of The Spirit.

It’s because of Jesus death and resurrection that we can become children of God, Spirit children that is.

You might have to elaborate on that. How does Jesus's death and resurrection enable us to become Born of the Spirit?

And more to @GodsGrace's point, if I wasn't already one of God's favorite people, would you be telling me a lie? Does Jesus's death and resurrection allow Joe Skeptic and Jane Cynic out on the streets to also become a Spirit child of God? Should they believe it?

 

[Ritajanice]

You might have to elaborate on that. How does Jesus's death and resurrection enable us to become Born of the Spirit?

Ok, I will try...Jesus had to die and be resurrected..how are we reconciled back to Gods Spirit?...just by reading the Bible?...whose Living Spirit are we Born Again of?

Can we receive the Spirit Of God into our hearts as he is?

Why do you believe Jesus had to die and be resurrected?

What in Jesus was resurrected?

What in you has been brought from death into his glorious life?

Aren’t you Alive in Christ?..in your spirit?

Maybe this scripture will help you understand.. @Lambano ?

Ephesians 2​

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International Standard Version​

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God Has Brought Us from Death to Life​

2 You used to be dead because of your offenses and sins 2 that you once practiced as you lived according to the ways of this present world and according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now active in those who are disobedient.[a] 3 Indeed, all of us once behaved like[b] them in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of our flesh and senses. By nature we were destined for[c] wrath, just like everyone else. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love for us[d]5 even when we were dead because of our offenses, made us alive together with[e] the Messiah[f] (by grace you have been saved), 6 raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavenly realm in the Messiah[g] Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might display the limitless riches of his grace that comes to us through his kindness in the Messiah[h] Jesus. 8 For by such grace you have been saved through faith. This does not come from you; it is the gift of God 9 and not the result of actions, to put a stop to all boasting.[i] 10 For we are God’s[j] masterpiece,[k] created in the Messiah[l] Jesus to perform good actions that God prepared long ago to be our way of life.[m]

And more to @GodsGrace's point, if I wasn't already one of God's favorite people, would you be telling me a lie? Does Jesus's death and resurrection allow Joe Skeptic and Jane Cynic out on the streets to also become a Spirit child of God? Should they believe it?

No idea what you are saying here.

 

[St. SteVen]

St. SteVen said:
How can using Bible verses to support a doctrine make it unbiblical?

Proof-texting without Context: When someone pulls isolated verses to support a doctrine, it risks ignoring the broader context, both within the immediate passage and the entire narrative of the Bible.

I agree. But therein hides another problem.

Who determines WHAT is "the broader context"? (the whole Bible view)

AND...

While I disagree with "Proof-texting", it is still biblical. (not unbiblical)

"Proof-texting" is driven by BAD apologetics.
Misusing the scriptures to support your own agenda.

"Proof-texting" How To:
1) Choose, or create, a self-serving apologetic.
2) Scour the scriptures to find biblical support.
3) Use it as a weapon to divide the church.
4) Marginalize those who disagree.

[

 

[Lambano]

Why do you believe Jesus had to die and be resurrected?

Good question. How would you answer it?

 

[Lambano]

how are we reconciled back to Gods Spirit?.

Another good question. How would you answer it?

 

[Ritajanice]

St. SteVen said:
How can using Bible verses to support a doctrine make it unbiblical?

Just as he says, because we can take them completely out of context...then make the scripture say what we want it to say.

He was right in that instance,imo.

 

[Ritajanice]

Good question. How would you answer it?

Another good question. How would you answer it?

i already have my friend, I will leave it there..God Bless.....

 

[Ritajanice]

Another good question. How would you answer it?

I think you are trying to wind me up, LOL..I may be wrong...LOL...God Bless You, Brother in Christ.

The Bible says that Jesus “was put to death in the flesh but made alive [resurrected] in the spirit.”—1 Peter 3:18; Acts 13:34; 1 Corinthians 15:45; 2 Corinthians 5:16. Jesus' own words showed that he would not be resurrected with his flesh-and-blood body.