R.C. SPROUL

[Work in Progress]

I, too, am glad to see RC Sprouls be praised and get the credit he deserves. IMO, he is credible and an excellent teacher. And, being that he is a Reformed Calvinist is just gravy.

[boblandis]

I like Mr. Sproul myself. Thanks for the heads up.

[Adstar]

Hello all :il:

Having said that, he is strong in the Reformed-Calvinistic school. I disagree with him here, but still find his writings practical and helpful.

Hey i might regret this but what exactly is a "reformed-calvanist"????

All Praise The Ancient Of Days

[godrulz]

Reformed is a theological category and/or group of denominations (Christian Reformed; Presbyterian, etc.) that emphasize the sovereignty of God and other doctrines. Other differing views include Catholicism, Arminian, Wesleyan, Anabaptist, Lutheran, Liberal, Existential, Neo-orthodox, etc. It comes out of Martin Luther's Reformation against the Catholic Church in the 1500s. Calvin's Institutes (writings) also developed this theology= Total Depravity, Unconditional election, limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints. Calvin's teachings influenced the Reformation and are basically synonymous with it (Hence Reformed- Calvinism).

Reformed Theology is 'politically' influential and dominating in literature in Christian circles, and often assumed to be biblical. It may be self-consistent, but I feel it is inaccurate in several key ways. This tends to cause a ripple effect. i.e. if election is conditional to man's responses to God, then the atonement was unlimited (for everyone, not just the elect); if God's grace can be resisted, then perseverance of the saints is not unconditional eternal security.

The bottom line is which theological system (Reformed? Arminian? Catholic, etc.) is biblically consistent?

[martyr]

Just to clarify, my reasons are slightly different. I do believe the Bible shows that if you have been truly saved, you will never be in danger of losing your salvation. However, the reason I am not totally Calvinistic is because of the lack of emphasis on free will. I see predestination and free will existing together, like fingers interlocking two hands together.

All in all, Sproul is a great theologian. There's a lot to be learned from his teaching. Of course, learning from and blind trust in a human are two different things.

[Catsmeow]

This is an excellent discussion. Godrulz, you've done your homework... you've been listening to Sproul's tapes for sure. Remember, "TULIP"? LOL!

Martyr: Agreed...Predestination and free will do seem to co-exist together yet in God's sovereign power, Sproul notes that God clearly says that before either Jacob and Esau were even born, God favored Jacob and held Esau in distain, {putting it nicely}.

Sproul emphasizes God's supreme and sovereign right to decide who He will bestow mercy to; likewise whom He will harden.

He goes on to explain that "mercy" isn't a moral obligation...that is, God isn't compelled to show mercy....it's HIS call.

Scripture clearly explains how God is the potter and no one can challenge Him with regard to His creation; He can create vessels for different purposes.

Mercy is basically grace... unearned favor. God has no moral obligation to grant mercy to anyone; mercy is an act of His good will and pleasure.

Having Sproul teach concepts such as the Holiness of God and concepts on God's sovereignty stretches the mind to a deeper understanding of God's Word.

I'd put Sproul right up there with Francis Shaeffer and Oswald Chambers.

[Work in Progress]

Godrulz, do you really feel that it dominates Christian literature? I don't see that at all. In fact, I see it dismissed and shunned often. Put down as "unbiblical" with all the usual stuff about a "monster" God and all that.

The bottom line is which theological system (Reformed? Arminian? Catholic, etc.) is biblically consistent?

Why, Reformed of course, silly! LOL

Martry - I am 100% reformed and a Calvinist. I see predestination and free will existing together also. (like you). Don't you think our buddy (Calvin) taught and belived that also?

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Thanks for the definition godrulz

I just wanted to know if there was a difference between a calvainst and a reformed calvanist I now know there is no difference. Thanks

So you are all calvanist then?

All Praise The Ancient Of Days

[BlindSeeker]

Limited atonement? Why don't you scripturally explain that one to us . . . .

[martyr]

BlindSeeker, I've been waiting a week to hear the answer to this one also. I guess I will have to do the homework myself.