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  1. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    Wondering, this response makes me think you need to slow down your reading. I explicitly wrote I made an assumption in adding "always", yet your statement here sounds like you are pointing it out to me as if I was unaware. Regardless, does God ever override a person's free will? If not, then...
  2. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    To be fair, I think those believing in free will would not deny that they receive their moral guidance from an external source and did not come up with it on their own, i.e. autonomously. They would say that they exercise free will - as defined in my conversation with Wondering - in choosing...
  3. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    In due time; right now I want to focus on getting a clearer understanding of your doctrine. At some point, I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have on my doctrine. (Though in prior posts, I get the sense you believe you already know what I believe, therefore have no need to gain a...
  4. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    Looking over what you have written, I see you have made two points about God's role in your choices: He always allows you to have free will. He provides you an understanding ("in our hearts") of good/evil ("moral rules") via the Bible ("His word"). Note I am assuming a bit in these two...
  5. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    For the sake of keeping things moving, I am going to assume it's safe to believe you accept the definition for "free will." Next question I have is "What role does God play in the process of someone exercising free will to make a choice?" (Of course, I am assuming you believe God plays a role.)
  6. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    Necessary means that the "choosing" cannot happen unless the person autonomously provides decisive moral willingness. If this is clear, do you agree with the definition?
  7. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    Would it be right then to say that you see God's higher will - greater than His will that all be saved - is that we have free-will?
  8. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    This is aside from our other line of discussion: To what degree do I need to agree with Calvin's Institutes to be Calvinist? Or if you agree with parts of Institutes, to what degree of agreement would make you a Calvinist? If I agree broadly with the Canons of Dort (not written by Calvin)...
  9. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    JLB, just to let you know, I have no hesitation in believing that God wills all to come to repentance. But I also believe that God, like us, has a hierarchy of wills. I did not will to punish my son - I hated doing it - but I had a higher will that he grow to become a good man. My higher will...
  10. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    Given what you have written above and my definitions below, would the following be an accurate definition of free will? Free will is the ability for a person to autonomously provide the decisive moral willingness necessary for choosing between two or more choices? ability - power or capacity...
  11. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    First, thanks for this. It spurs my thinking. You are right that we can make choices to do something that we do not have the ability to successfully do. If I am lifting weights in the gym, I may decide to lift a barbell loaded with 500 pounds, but I do not have the ability to do it. I am free...
  12. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    Good gracious! I ask Wondering for a definition and everyone comes out or the woodwork to offer definitions! (My apologies to anyone not knowing the American idiom "come out or the woodwork"
  13. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    The problem with this definition is that it is much too easily understood and lacks the required number of words. Any true sophisticate would immediately see it is inadequate and would reject it outright. You should be ashamed for even passing it on. :wink
  14. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    Jasonc, I have known people who believe that foreknowledge of a choice somehow does not limit a person's choice, but I just can't understand it. At the time a person is faced with choice, can they choose anything other than the single choice that God foreknows? If they can't, then how can they...
  15. Hospes

    The Value of Evangelism in Reformed Theology

    Okay, Wondering, I will do my best to engage you, but let's move in small steps. Let me first try to be sure I understand you. Will you give me your definition of "free will"?
  16. Hospes

    Bible Study whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, "unworthily,"

    She wrote "Vs, 29-32 actually teaches what being unworthy is as many take communion without discerning the body of Christ. They take no thought, but just go through the motion. Same as only giving lip service to the Lord." I assumed she simply meant "Vs, 29-32 actually teaches what being...
  17. Hospes

    Bible Study whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, "unworthily,"

    I think FHG was simply stating what she understood the passage was telling us, so I am confused by your response.
  18. Hospes

    How I Defeat my Demons

    Surely you don't think that was just an advertisement, do you?
  19. Hospes

    Bible Study whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, "unworthily,"

    Just to pile onto what you have pointed out, the word "discern" seems to have an element of "contending with" or "mentally wrestling with", i.e. not flippant, careless, or shallow thinking.
  20. Hospes

    Bible Study whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, "unworthily,"

    Does the context of the verse provide any insight into the meaning of "unworthily"? Seems there's a lot of good clues in the passage, i.e. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
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