Read below and see if this is a biblical confession of a persons salvation experience and profession.

The Salvation Professions of John Calvin:

God by a sudden conversion subdued and brought my mind to a teachable frame, which was more hardened in such matters than might have been expected from one at my early period of life. Having thus received some taste and knowledge of true godliness, I was immediately inflamed with so intense a desire to make progress therein, that although I did not altogether leave off other studies, yet I pursued them with less ardor.

As with Augustine there is no mention of Jesus Christ. No mention of repentance or sorrow over sin.

In his second account he speaks of a long process of inner turmoil, followed by spiritual and psychological anguish.

Being exceedingly alarmed at the misery into which I had fallen, and much more at that which threatened me in view of eternal death, I, duty bound, made it my first business to betake myself to your way, condemning my past life, not without groans and tears. And now, O Lord, what remains to a wretch like me, but instead of defense, earnestly to supplicate you not to judge that fearful abandonment of your Word according to its deserts, from which in your wondrous goodness you have at last delivered me.

Here we go again. No mention of Jesus Christ. No repentance of sin just his groaning over it. His duty to take himself to your way.

I would never say that he had not been saved. But it is interesting to read.

Deborah (Discerning the World) wrote:

sylesa

Again you say you do not believe that God predestines anyone to Hell, (but that is not the important part Sylesa), the important part is that Calvinists believe God predestines people to be saved and THIS IS THE CRUX OF TULIP and CALVINISM.

Do you believe you are CHOSEN, YES or NO ?

Thanks for that. Once upon a time, some wise person taught me to keep my emotions out of it. That is not so easy for the female gender, but definitely possible. One thing I remember, is that the offence is to the gospel, not to me personally. I don’t hate people, I hate lies and deception. If we can hear what the Spirit has to say through his word, instead of our opinions, it helps to keep us on track. We don’t get side lined into politics, office or otherwise. Also, close to my remembrance are all my own mistakes and I’m so thankful for the way God has loved me in spite of my failures. Keeps me humble (sort of). We’re all learning as we go. I still have a long way to go before I reach perfection….

Jude 1:22-24 NIV
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

However, there is a pattern of behavior here that just looks for things to pick at instead of looking at the bigger picture. I would equate it to an art critic examining a painting. The picture viewed as a whole is a quality work of art. But if one takes out a magnifying glass and finds a flaw here and a flaw there and points it out and dwells on it, he fails to appreciate the work as a whole.

To quibble over a word is just plain silly. There are so few who stand for truth in this apostasy and we need to not go looking for flaws. We all have them. But unless they can cause someone to stumble, why not show love and not make an issue of it?

Making mountains out of molehills is not helpful or edifying for the Body of Christ. It can discourage someone who is seeking to serve the Lord.

Tom has written an edifying article here and it serves no purpose to pick out what one perceives to be a flaw and is distracting from the important work needed to expose an evil doctrine that is doing great damage.

I am not saying you are deliberately trying to do this, and that is exactly why I suggested you back off and make an effort to make truly constructive contributions to the discussion. I am sure you have much to say that would be helpful to us. That is what is needed Paul.

I have appreciated especially what Caroyn has brought to the discussion. She seems to try and look at the conversation objectively.

Again, I am not judging you brother, but I did issue a rebuke because I thought it was appropriate and necessary. Not because I am more spiritual, because I would shrink from even implying that. We are here to help one another and support those who are telling the truth and expose those who are not. Engaging in “friendly fire” is destructive rather than constructive.

I admit I tend to speak with uncontrolled zeal at times, but I am making an effort here to carefully state what is driving my comments.

Now Paul adds Thomas Lessing to his hit list. And again, he is straining at gnats and splitting hairs and devouring instead of discerning.

The more Paul speaks the clearer his modus operandi becomes and his critical spirit rears its ugly head…

I would be curious to see if Thomas Lessing would share your sentiment towards me if ever he read my inquiry about his article. I actually first tried to post my question on his blog directly, but comments were closed, therefore I posted it here.

@Thomas, if you echo what Redeemed wrote in #105, then I sincerely apologize. It was not my intention to “pick you apart” or put you in an imaginary “hit list” or “devour” you as alleged by Redeemed. I asked a sincere question, and thanks to Debs for forwarding my inquiry to Thomas, and I am very pleased that Thomas answered me and didn’t judge my motives.

This is too sad, as I don’t expect such an attitude from a person who otherwise is very gracious.

Thanks for bringing this out as it is important to see the testimony of one who has come out of this horrible deceitful doctrine. I sure don’t see any testimonies from people who say they have been delivered from the works of Dave Hunt.
His critics are those who say he is a false teacher because he believes in eternal security of the believer or other points of doctrine that are biblical truth. What does that tell us?

You are right and Dave is right. Where is the love? There is no love in TULIP. There was no love in Calvin. It is a false Gospel, plain and simple, concocted by Satan, twisting Scriptures the better to deceive. These are the TRUE deceivers.

Same goes for any Professing Christian…if the fruit of the Spirit is not evident, they are not filled with the Spirit, therefore they are not Christians.

Any other questions?

Paul

Oh, sorry I do apologise! Sorry.

Quote: “Once the stronghold of unconditional election was broken, I was finally able to comprehend what I had been involved with. I’ve spent a great deal of effort since that time educating myself about what Reformed theology is all about. I found that unconditional election is the entry point into this system of theology through Calvinism. Since Calvinism describes the way a person is saved, it becomes the gospel and foundation for Reformed theology.

Thankfully, the Lord has delivered me and revealed to me the true face of Calvinism. Today, I’m at rest in the love of Christ when I fail. I sleep well at night and no longer fear condemnation. Christ’s blood, shed for all men, completely cleanses my conscience of guilt by faith. The pure truth of His Word gives me great joy, assurance and life. Having been humbled, I am better able to give love and show mercy to others who sin. Suffering teaches me lessons about the deep and abiding love Christ has for all His children. I thank the Lord often for His goodness in forgiving and delivering me from entangling deception.”