Predestination destroys legalism. If salvation is by Christ alone, it
leaves no room for boasting or trusting in ourselves, even a little. It
strips us bare and forces us to abandon all hope in our efforts or
rules ... man-made rules non-predestinarians tend to make to demonstrate
they are more worthy than others of God's grace (an oxymoron). The
Scripture declares: "It is because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who
became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and
redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in
the Lord.” (1 Cor 1:30-31)
This is not to say that Reformed people cannot be legalistic. Human
beings find any way possible to do so, Reformed included. It means to
say, rather, that if UNDERSTOOD CORRECTLY the doctrine of Grace ALONE in
Christ ALONE will have the real effect of stripping us of legalism etc.
Again only God's grace can do so. This likewise was not an attempt to
show Reformed superiority but the effect of a true understanding of the
Bible will have on someone who beholds the majesty of God and is struck
down by the fact that God will have mercy on whom he will have mercy.
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After I wrote this, I had the following discussion ensue which I believe worth posting.
Visitor: Please explain to me what you mean by
God will have mercy on who he will have mercy on. Would you try to say
that God would send someone to hell without a choice of accepting and
serving Him?
Response: Thank you for your question. First, "He
will have mercy on whom he has mercy" is not my words but a direct quote
from Scripture (Romans :9:15, 16). That being settled, let me answer
your question.... everyone who hears the gospel are presented with the
command or summons to believe. Continue at Reformation Theology
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