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The Christ of Arminianism (Freewillism) by Steven Houck
The Bible warns us that in the last days in which we live there will be many false Christs-those who claim to be Christ but who are imposters. Jesus said, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ; and shall deceive many." (Matt. 24:4-5). We who profess to be Christians must take heed. We must be very careful that we are not deceived. Our calling is to trust, love, and follow the true Christ and Him only. We may have nothing to do with the false Christs who are so numerous in our day.
We know about the Christ of the cults and other religions. He is a good man, a prophet, the first creation of God, a great spirit, a divine idea, or even a god himself. But he is not true and eternal God. He receives his existence from another who is greater than he. He is not the Christ of the Bible. We are not deceived by this Christ. He is a false Christ.
We know about the Christ of Roman Catholicism. They profess that He is true God. He suffered and died for the forgiveness of sin. He arose again, ascended into heaven, and is coming again. But he is not a complete Savior. The Christ of the Roman Catholics can not save sinners without their own good works and the intercession of priests. He is not the Christ of the Bible. We are not deceived by this Christ. He is a false Christ.
There is, however, another false Christ who is much more dangerous than the Christ of the cults and the Christ of Roman Catholicism. He has deceived people for many years and he continues to deceive millions. This Christ is so dangerous that, if it were not impossible, he would deceive the very elect (Matt. 24:24). He is the Christ of Arminianism.
This false Christ is extremely dangerous because in many ways he appears to be the True Christ. They say that he is true God, equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. They say that he died on the cross to save sinners. They even say that he saves by his grace alone, without the work of man. This Christ will have nothing to do with the Christ of the cults and the Christ of Roman Catholicism.
But watch out! Be warned! The Christ of Arminianism is not the Christ of the Bible. Do not be fooled!
1. The Christ of Arminianism - loves every individual person in the world and sincerely desires their salvation.
The Christ of the Bible - earnestly loves and desires the salvation of only those whom God has unconditionally chosen to salvation. (Ps. 5:5, Ps. 7:11, Ps. 11:5, Matt. 11:27, John 17:9-10, Acts 2:47, Acts 13:48, Rom. 9:10-13, Rom. 9:21-24, Eph. 1:3-4)
2. The Christ of Arminianism - offers salvation to every sinner and does all in his power to bring them to salvation. His offer and work are often frustrated, for many refuse to come.
The Christ of the Bible - effectually calls to Himself only the elect and sovereignly brings them to salvation. Not one of them will be lost. (Isa. 55:11, John 5:21, John 6:37-40, John 10:25-30, John 17:2, Phil. 2:13)
3. The Christ of Arminianism - can not regenerate and save a sinner who does not first choose Christ with his own "free will." All men have a "free will" by which they can either accept or reject Christ. That "free will" may not be violated by Christ.
The Christ of the Bible - sovereignly regenerates the elect sinner apart from his choice, for without regeneration the spiritually dead sinner can not choose Christ. Faith is not man's contribution to salvation but the gift of Christ which He sovereignly imparts in regeneration. (John 3:3, John 6:44 & 65, John 15:16, Acts 11:18, Rom. 9:16, Eph. 2:1, Eph. 2:8-10, Phil. 1:29, Hebr. 12:2)
4. The Christ of Arminianism - died on the cross for every individual person and thereby made it possible for every person to be saved. His death, apart from the choice of man, was not able to actually save anyone for many for whom he died are lost.
The Christ of the Bible - died for only God's elect people and thereby actually obtained salvation for all those for whom He died. His death was a substitutionary satisfaction which actually took away the guilt of His chosen people. (Luke 19:10, John 10:14-15 & 26, Acts 20:28, Rom. 5:10, Eph. 5:25, Hebr. 9:12, I Peter 3:18)
5. The Christ of Arminianism - loses many whom he has "saved" because they do not continue in faith. Even if he does give them "eternal security," as some say, that security is not based upon his will or work but the choice which the sinner made when he accepted Christ.
The Christ of the Bible - preserves His chosen people so that they can not lose their salvation but persevere in the faith to the very end. He preserves them by the sovereign electing will of God, the power of His death, and the mighty working of His Spirit. (John 5:24, John 10:26-29, Rom. 8:29-30, Rom. 8:35-39, I Peter 1:2-5, Jude 24-25)
As you can see, although the Christ of Arminianism and the Christ of the Bible may at first seem to be the same, they are very different. One is a false Christ. The other is the true Christ. One is weak and helpless. He bows before the sovereign "free will" of man. The other is the reigning Lord Who wills what He pleases and sovereignly accomplishes all that He wills.
If you believe and serve the Christ of Arminianism, you must recognize the fact that you do not serve the Christ of the Bible. You have been deceived! Study the Scriptures and learn of the True Christ. Pray for grace to repent and trust Christ as your sovereign Savior.
pristine grace web site www.geocities.com/mikekrall/grace/graceind.html
We know about the Christ of the cults and other religions. He is a good man, a prophet, the first creation of God, a great spirit, a divine idea, or even a god himself. But he is not true and eternal God. He receives his existence from another who is greater than he. He is not the Christ of the Bible. We are not deceived by this Christ. He is a false Christ.
We know about the Christ of Roman Catholicism. They profess that He is true God. He suffered and died for the forgiveness of sin. He arose again, ascended into heaven, and is coming again. But he is not a complete Savior. The Christ of the Roman Catholics can not save sinners without their own good works and the intercession of priests. He is not the Christ of the Bible. We are not deceived by this Christ. He is a false Christ.
There is, however, another false Christ who is much more dangerous than the Christ of the cults and the Christ of Roman Catholicism. He has deceived people for many years and he continues to deceive millions. This Christ is so dangerous that, if it were not impossible, he would deceive the very elect (Matt. 24:24). He is the Christ of Arminianism.
This false Christ is extremely dangerous because in many ways he appears to be the True Christ. They say that he is true God, equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. They say that he died on the cross to save sinners. They even say that he saves by his grace alone, without the work of man. This Christ will have nothing to do with the Christ of the cults and the Christ of Roman Catholicism.
But watch out! Be warned! The Christ of Arminianism is not the Christ of the Bible. Do not be fooled!
1. The Christ of Arminianism - loves every individual person in the world and sincerely desires their salvation.
The Christ of the Bible - earnestly loves and desires the salvation of only those whom God has unconditionally chosen to salvation. (Ps. 5:5, Ps. 7:11, Ps. 11:5, Matt. 11:27, John 17:9-10, Acts 2:47, Acts 13:48, Rom. 9:10-13, Rom. 9:21-24, Eph. 1:3-4)
2. The Christ of Arminianism - offers salvation to every sinner and does all in his power to bring them to salvation. His offer and work are often frustrated, for many refuse to come.
The Christ of the Bible - effectually calls to Himself only the elect and sovereignly brings them to salvation. Not one of them will be lost. (Isa. 55:11, John 5:21, John 6:37-40, John 10:25-30, John 17:2, Phil. 2:13)
3. The Christ of Arminianism - can not regenerate and save a sinner who does not first choose Christ with his own "free will." All men have a "free will" by which they can either accept or reject Christ. That "free will" may not be violated by Christ.
The Christ of the Bible - sovereignly regenerates the elect sinner apart from his choice, for without regeneration the spiritually dead sinner can not choose Christ. Faith is not man's contribution to salvation but the gift of Christ which He sovereignly imparts in regeneration. (John 3:3, John 6:44 & 65, John 15:16, Acts 11:18, Rom. 9:16, Eph. 2:1, Eph. 2:8-10, Phil. 1:29, Hebr. 12:2)
4. The Christ of Arminianism - died on the cross for every individual person and thereby made it possible for every person to be saved. His death, apart from the choice of man, was not able to actually save anyone for many for whom he died are lost.
The Christ of the Bible - died for only God's elect people and thereby actually obtained salvation for all those for whom He died. His death was a substitutionary satisfaction which actually took away the guilt of His chosen people. (Luke 19:10, John 10:14-15 & 26, Acts 20:28, Rom. 5:10, Eph. 5:25, Hebr. 9:12, I Peter 3:18)
5. The Christ of Arminianism - loses many whom he has "saved" because they do not continue in faith. Even if he does give them "eternal security," as some say, that security is not based upon his will or work but the choice which the sinner made when he accepted Christ.
The Christ of the Bible - preserves His chosen people so that they can not lose their salvation but persevere in the faith to the very end. He preserves them by the sovereign electing will of God, the power of His death, and the mighty working of His Spirit. (John 5:24, John 10:26-29, Rom. 8:29-30, Rom. 8:35-39, I Peter 1:2-5, Jude 24-25)
As you can see, although the Christ of Arminianism and the Christ of the Bible may at first seem to be the same, they are very different. One is a false Christ. The other is the true Christ. One is weak and helpless. He bows before the sovereign "free will" of man. The other is the reigning Lord Who wills what He pleases and sovereignly accomplishes all that He wills.
If you believe and serve the Christ of Arminianism, you must recognize the fact that you do not serve the Christ of the Bible. You have been deceived! Study the Scriptures and learn of the True Christ. Pray for grace to repent and trust Christ as your sovereign Savior.
pristine grace web site www.geocities.com/mikekrall/grace/graceind.html
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Steven on -
The fact is myself have run across many of these kinds of people that have been saved by this false christ and then some time down the road they learn of God's sovereignty and the gospel of grace. They have never come to true repentance and true faith. They claim that is growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. These preachers are preacher of righteousness’ angels of light. They are devil’s doing in providence what is written and trying to deceive the very elect. I personally know some that were of the “true faith” but came out from among us. I believe they, as many fall into Hebrews 6 Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Understanding to some extent the glory of God, in salvation. Beware of them, they are very kind and know very well the doctrine of Christ, but they do not abide in it. They will come to you saying peace, peace where there is no peace. They will tell you all you need too know is that you’re a sinner and in need of a savior. They are very cleaver and some of them might be of your own household. The Bereans’ checked the scriptures to see if these things were so as should we all.
I pray God use His only gospel, to save His only people whom Christ has already redeemed, and if any man brings to you another gospel, which you have not received let him be accursed Gal.1:19
Grace and peace to whom God has shown mercy undeserved
Steve
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Permalink Reply by Scott Price on -
Steve,
The topic for 2010's Christ-centered conference is "The Christ of Sovereign Grace". I am considering having Steven Houck, author of the article above, to speak for us.
Scott
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Permalink Reply by Chris on -
Hi Steven.
It's Chris from England, a close friend and brother in Christ of Bill parker, Craig Miklosik and Richard Warmack.
I am interested to know your thoughts on this subject.
Scott Price is having a man named Ward Fenley preach at his conference next week.
Scott believes that he is a true gospel preacher even though he believes the following.
Here is what Ward Fenley believes without any exageration.
1) that no Old Testament saints were regenerated
2) that Old Testament saints had the gospel hid from them
3) that Genesis chapters 1 & 2 are not to be taken literally
4) that there was no worldwide flood
5) that there is no future resurrection of the body
6) that Christ does not now have a body
7) that one must believe before God regenerates them
8) that there is no future second coming of Christ
Ward Fenley also believes that Adam was not the first man and that those who lived before Adam and who were living around the world just died and ceased to exist. They lived and died according to Fenley no different than the animals. They were not accountable to God, they just lived and died like animals.
He also believes that all who have ever lived who have never heard the gospel cease to exist when they die just like an elephant or a cow, and according to him they are "not accountable" for their sins.
He believes that Romans 3 is only speaking of God's covenant people and does not apply to the people who never hear the gospel.
And even worse than that (if at all possible).
He believes that in the future God may redeem the reprobate after they have died at some future point!
He also says he is studying to find if God can redeem a person after they have physically died.
http://www.newcreationministries.tv/Conference/theologyofmercy.htm
see "Round Table Session 2" above, it is an audio. Begin at around the 31 minute mark. Ward Finishes speaking at 39 mins.
According to Scott I am making minor/secondary issues into major issues that are not related to the gospel.
I have tried to reason with Scott be he will not repent of having this man preach at his conference.
Greg Elmquist, a gospel preacher from Florida he was due to preach at the same conference but was faithful to the Lord and refused to preach there with Ward Fenley.
What are your thoughts?
Chris
Jesus is Lord!
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Permalink Reply by Steven on
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Hey Chris,
Let me take a little time to study on this Ward guy, and call around. I know Scott and he stands and defends the gospel, as the saints ONLY do. So give me a minute (littler while) to check this out.
Do you know for sure Daneil Parks reason was coz this guy or coz he is in the Virgin Islands?
later bro Steve
you can email me at seb_1955@yahoo.com unless you want to air this discussion. If so start another Forum (discussion) if not this is fine with me
I'll be calling KK on this also
ps I have heard other GOSPEL preacher to go ANYWHERE just to preach the gospel!! as the lord wills
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Permalink Reply by E. D. (Doug) Stewart, Jr. on -
This is for Steven and Chris and anyone else interested in Creation. CREATION is REAL!
The first concept that the Spirit of God led me to as FACT, immediately after my salvation, was CREATION and the TRUTH of Genesis 1-11. Since that time in 1985, I first became involved with the Institute for Creation Research, and more recently with Answers in Genesis. They both have excellent DVD's and books on different scientific aspects of our world. If the first two books of the Bible aren't true, then why should anyone believe the rest of them are!! Preachers who oppose Genesis 1-11 should not be allowed into a pulpit! Ward Finley sounds like a heretic!!
I had been in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 30 years, when I was remarkably saved! After my conversion (which was startling both to me and to everyone around me), I became involved with many of the renewal groups in the denomination, until directed by the Spirit to leave and find a new Spiritual home, which I did. On the evening I was converted, I had been in the PCUSA for 30 years and knew NOTHING about Reformed Theology! Today, I'm a Reformed Baptist, loving Spurgeon!
SOLI DEO GLORIA,
Doug
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