RC Sproul Why Are Reformed Christians Influenced by Arminianism

From Ask RC Live - taken from internet questions;

Why are Western Reformed Christians so influenced by Arminian Theology?

Category:

Education

Tags:

• RC
• Sproul
• Reformed
• Apologetic
• Theology
• Arminianism
• Calvinism
• Pelagianism

[MrTruthSword]

@StAugustine79 Lutherans and Calvinists were the Reformers that practiced drowning Anabaptists. Since they felt that Anabaptists loved baptizing so much, it was their ironic way of demonstrating their displeasure with being disagreed with regarding infant Baptism. I don't esteem anyone except Jesus Christ and neither should you, and that's according to Paul.

All men are sinners. Martin Luther was a Jew hater and was quoted by Adolph Hitler.

[mellamogoose]

@MRKetter81 @MRKetter81 Yes you are correct Jesus in Matt12:34 calls the Pharisees "brood of vipers" in a context that they were blaspheming against the holy Spirit. So to a brother in Christ who you have not meet or talk more than what youtube allows through these responses your method to show the truth of His sovereignty is to be verbally hostile an offensive? Paul in Romans 9:3 mentioned he wished to be anathema for his brethren. Are you demonstrating this type of love while speaking truth?

[MrTruthSword]

When Jesus stated that He was amazed by the centurion’s faith, Matthew 8:10, how then can anyone say that in order for a man to have faith it must first be predestined by God? Do Calvinists think Jesus had a memory lapse and forgot that the man’s faith had been predestined? Why was Jesus so amazed by the man’s faith if it was predestined?

[brettcav]

Of course. But you can't negate the Jewish audience from the discussion of the letter..and at times, Paul is directly talking to his Jewish audience. My original point is that RC Sproul was using Romans 9 to prove His Calvinist perspective. Yet Romans 9, in context, was Paul's proof that God is Sovereign to make decisions according to His will and purpose....that He has chosen to extend salvation to the Gentiles.."I will call them 'my people' who are not my people.." Ro 9:25 (Hos 2:23).

[MRKetter81]

@brettcav Hit letter is to the CHURCH in Rome; NOWHERE does he right he's speaking to ONLY JEWS!

[brettcav]

@MRKetter81 Since the Diaspora. It shouldn't be a surprise that Jews were dispersed thoughout the Roman Empire....Paul himself was a Roman citizen born in Tarsus, which is in current day Turkey, Asia minor.

[StAugustine79]

Arminian theology is a form of reformation theology historically. Calvinism is not the only form of reformation theology. There was Lutheranism, Anabaptists, Sacramentarians, Calvinists, Wesleyans, Arminians.

[MRKetter81]

@brettcav "Paul is talking to a Jewish audience"

Since when did the Jews live in Rome?

[MRKetter81]

@mellamogoose I am bound in love to God and His truth. There for how can I put on the false modesty like you do? Certainly Christ called the Scribes and Pharisees brood of vipers, hypocrites, white washed tombs. Now tell me, how is it by lying and not calling out evil for what it is, do you honor God?

You are putting on an act which is not true.

[MRKetter81]

@tango9jeff "My heart hurts from the way you speak to me"

Jeremiah 17:9

The heart is deceitful above all things,  and desperately sick; who can understand it?

[StAugustine79]

Arminianism is not unbiblical. I totally respect Dr. Sproul, but here I disagree with him. For certainly Arminius was not adopting any "pagan" ideology. God is sovereign, but he granted human beings free will and there is no in scripture notion that grace is irresistable, as if God is compelling us against our will. "If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us." 2 Timothy 2:11-12

[biblebasics100]

What about the Holy Spirit- Has He not lead most believers into this doctrine!!!!!!! Or is it a matter of this that and the other that has influenced the believe. I rather chose to think it is the Spirit...

[brettcav]

I really can't believe the misapplication on Romans 9 here. His understanding seems to indicate that God saves individuals regardless of their will. The bigger context seems clear that Paul is talking to a Jewish audience who are having a hard time accepting the Gentile Believers. This is not an application of irresistable grace or unconditional election. In fact its broadening God's Sovereign election/calling to include the Gentiles ..you and me...."I will have mercy on whom I have mercy."

[mellamogoose]

@tango9jeff

I do agree that we sometimes focus too much over difference but the terms Calvinist/Armenian are terms use to easily describe your doctrinal foundation based on previous theologians that have thought likewise. These fundamental differences effect how you live your life not the ultimate factor regarding your eternal location.

@mrketter81

we are required to take a stand and no matter how correct you are, your words will fall to death unless binded by love.

[tango9jeff]

@MRKetter81 My heart hurts from the way you speak to me. I don't worship any made up Jesus but the Christ of the bible. I just desire for us all to not divide anymore over theological differences. I'm not an arminian either. I just simply read scripture and continue to grow and learn. I'm shocked at the lack of love in the way you speak. Where are these qualities in your life? Love, joy, peace, Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self control. Peace be to you mate!

[MRKetter81]

@tango9jeff Christ is Lord, not a beggar.

[MRKetter81]

@tango9jeff I don't make assumptions, and you are acting the hypocrite. You weren't making any point at all. The whole some of argument boils down to not caring, so long as what; you worship a neutered God who can't do anything unless you say so?

I don't worship whatever "Jesus" you do. My God is sovereign over all things including my will. My God saves and doesn't fail to do so because he's limited to someone's feeble human desire not to.

No I don't worship your convoluted idol.

[tango9jeff]

@MRKetter81 So because I don't subscribe to a set theology formula that makes me intellectually lazy? Oh brother you should not make assumptions like that which you have no idea about. I was simply stating a point that so many people are making their theology formulas idols over Jesus Christ himself. God bless you mate!

[MRKetter81]

@tango9jeff So your idea is to be intellectually lazy? Yeah lets all leave our brains at the front door when we worship... by no means!

"Worship the Lord your God with all your soul strength and MIND".

We are called by God to BE MINDFUL of such things. How then do you claim someone is your brother if their understanding remains hostile towards you?

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and work according to His good pleasure.

[tango9jeff]

@physicist21 See its this entire mentality that is wrong to me. You're a Calvinist by Gods grace? How about your a disciple of Jesus Christ By Gods grace! May we stop dividing over such things. My stance is this, No one deserves salvation but I believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ and prayer releases Gods grace and power to anyone who then has a responsibility to act on it. Whatever side you agree with, you are all my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus!! =)

[physicist21]

I agree... many statements made by arminians today like "It's your hability to allow god save you...." or "make a desicion for Christ ..." or "accept christ in your heart..." are all human innovations. I start to leaving arminianism by readings Romans 9, when I read that passage i realized that something in my theology was wrong.... and now I am a Calvinist by the grace of God....

[dandom01]

This guy, RC Sproul is believing in the doctrine of "Devils" like all Calvinists. Such twisted garbage (Calvinism) it had to be started by the Devil.(the great deceiver) This servants of Satan whenever someone speak against this doctrine of the Devils"Calvinism", they respond to you like you're an Arminian! even though most people read the bible and follow what the bible is saying not Arminius they think that people are not allowed to discern for themselves.Dumbing down uneducated people.

[storpas]

If man (including Christians) had a proper view of himself (a depraved "worm"), which are fallen humanistic nature doesn't allow for... If people really had a high view of God and His HOLINESS as the Bible teaches and the reformers upheld, there wouldn't be any argument and the scriptures would be understood as clearly as they speak! But man (Arminian) will deny what I just said...like I said catch 22 until God opens eyes and hearts! P.S. pursuing not pursueing... Correction from previous post.

[storpas]

It's a catch 22. Our sinfulness prevents us from realizing and acknowledging how sinful we really are until the Holy Spirit opens our eyes. Of course an Arminian (which I was because we all are by nature) will deny this, and if he says he truly understands his sinfulness, he wouldn't be an Arminian. God is LOVE because He, without any motivating factor except for His sovereign Love, chose to save many, THOUGH WE ALL DESERVE HELL!

[storpas]

Arminians don't like the God of the bible, so they create one that makes them comfortable. I use to do the same thing until I understood and acknowledged my (humanistic) sinfulness. Then I decided to honestly look at scripture and apply proper (historical/grammatical) hermeneutics along with truly studying church history. After MANY years of diligent study and prayer, pursueing the Truth (not my emotions) to wherever it lead me HONESTLY.