In and Out of Calvinism Part 1 | Finally, The Whole Story 

I appreciate that. I have never been a preacher, but the result on my life was the same. As soon as someone says they don't believe in double predestination, then you know their rational thinking has gone out the window. If people are created as unable to respond to the gospel on any level, even in their hearts or souls, and then are given no opportunity to respond to the gospel, it's irrational to pretend that's not predestination. I can accept that a yearning in a person's heart may be needed to move the Holy Spirit to help the mind, but for there to be no free will involved is far more like robotic entities than images of God who can genuinely love their creator. I'd say to take a look at Dr Heiser's book called ”What Does God Want.” I read the criticisms of Dr Heiser, and went in cautiously, but quickly discovered that the ones criticizing didn't actually listen to what he says. They are criticizing their own interpretations and assumptions.

Calvinism always eventually leads to fatalism. Why even have the Bible at all? Everyone will be who God made them to be. It’s bad theology. I’m so glad that people do get out of Calvinism, there’s no hope in it.

@@MINDWARDEN it is linked to gnosticism for a reason. Fortunately, I believe that God overlooks theology errors in those who are loyal in faith to him, but the doctrine makes that faith more difficult.

@@suzannedebusschere1607 I do believe God is merciful and knows what is in our hearts. If your intention is truly to glorify Him and you truly meant to do right by Him, He knows.

@@MINDWARDEN I think that's the key. God knows the heart. He knows we all screw up royally, but he knows what's really going on inside.

I’m so sorry. When did he accept Calvinism? How’d it come into his life?

I am praying for your husband.

I feel your pain. I didn't know that my husband is a Calvinist when I married him and it's been a sore spot in our marriage since. (We married a little over 3 years ago.) I was in our church for over a year when they did a 4-wk series on Calvinism (actually Piperism - my term - as it's Piper's version). All of our couple friends fall into it also, but they say that they aren't 5-pt Calvinists. I do have a friend who is not a Calvinist so I have a little support. I've been told that I'm stubborn, asked why I don't believe that God is sovereign and why do I think I'm right and that everyone else is wrong. It gets tiresome often but I'm steadfast on the truth and am not backing down. However, like Alana, I'm learning to stay calm and try to argue points. I would like her lists that she did that Thanksgiving weekend!!! I'm still going to the church so that I can be with my husband, but I pray often for the truth to be taught there. Not likely soon as Piper lives nearby is revered by most. Remain steadfast. Keep praying for your husband. Lean on God! God bless you!

So did the gifts and miracles still cease also?

Amen!

Are you saying Calvinists are not filled with joy the fruit of the Spirit. Not the ones I know.

@@raywinsor3948 Anyone can be joyful. But there is a difference between being happy, and confident in false claims - and true joy that can be shared with anyone. To be joyful in the predetermined destruction of people outside of their control, while one is confident they themselves are not, takes a special kind of blindness. The Gospel is for everyone. No one is predetermined for hell. Salvation is a free gift. A gift must be received or rejected because it is offered. John 3:36 “Look the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. It’s true Ray. But that gift BY ITSELF did not save you. IT WAS NECESSARY… (If I could put that in flashing bold letters I would). It was necessary because we could not save ourselves. See John 3:16 You were saved when YOU humbled yourself, repented, and believed God and His Gospel (His message). And no one can do that for you.Luke 13:3.5. (Unless YOU….YOU will) your choice, and the consequences are future. Nobody has been pre-determined for heaven or hell. You have response ability (responsibility). Jesus said that, not your pastor or favorite author. He even told the Pharisees the same thing. He warned them John 8:24 so they were not without hope. Yes, even the Pharisees. The only time Jesus was full of joy was when the 72 returned. Why? Because they understood that Jesus was indeed the long awaited Messiah and they were beginning to share the Good News of another kingdom that anyone could be a part of. Anyone - but sinners were entering ahead of those who thought they had their own exclusive theology. There is no true joy in that. And before you respond remember…Faith is NOT works.

Wow!!

I was going through the same thing. I was so confused and fearful. Am I Saved? Am I chosen? How do I know?

Sb @17:29 & ff> @Alana L > " I was asking my husband how come I was predetermined/predestined to commit sin by God...". My Reply> My dear Sister Alana, as opposed to your "Calvinistic" claim, We (believers in Christ) were predetermined/predestined to be His children, belonging to the Kingdom of God, bearing the fruits of the HS & enjoying serving the LORD in the church and sharing the Gospel to the lost. Do you have problems with that Sis?

Really?

Calvinists who are miserable and judgmental are doing it wrong, simple as that.

If the anti-Calvinist were right there would have been no Gospel for the last 1400 years and even not before that. Origin of men’s free will goes back to Pelagius about 400AD. And the heresy of the pope around 700 AD About 20 to 30 million people died by the hand of the Spanish Inquisition for not giving up their faith. The Queen of England at the time was Called Bloody Mary for her cruelty against the Calvinist, I rather say reformed because we don't follow a man. William Tyndale was burned at the stake for translating the Bible and being a Calvinist on 6 October 1536. Do you claim his faith he died for was a heresy???? The Catholic church became a Heretical church in about 700 - 800 around the same time Mohamed killed all the Christians in Asia Minor. After 700 to the reformation, there was barely any preaching of the Gospel. The Waldensians from about 1100 were persecuted by the Catholic church and joined the reformation under William Farel who became good friends with Jean Calvin. From the reformation to begin 1800, all preaching was Calvinist, The begin of decisional regeneration was with Charles Finney around 1800 followed by Billy Graham and him ending with Universal redemption ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hrf60-zHl9A.html check the video. All of Arminius writings were forbidden in Holland and never printed in Dutch. First published in English 1875. Calvin brought the Bible back in the church. In the Catholic church, the Bible was a Forbidden Book for the lay people even up to 1950. Calvin Luther, Zwingli, John Knox and so many more opposed the teaching of the pope; one of those was conducting all worship in Latin so people did not understand a word of it. All the reformation did in opposing the Catholic [church]. What Leighton tells you goes back to Pelagius and did barely exist after that till about 1800- 1900 with Decisional regeneration. Arminius his real name Jacob Hermanszoon [Arminius is a Latinized name] never said much during his life because he was a professor in Leiden and could have lost his position. Dirck Coornherd after Arminius dead brought out his teaching and Uitenbogard wrote the 5 articles against the Remonstrant. After that as an answer, the Synod of Dordrecht 1618 made the 5 articles against the remonstrants. Calvin or even Arminius had already past-away. Calvin 80 years earlier. NO_ONE who studied history can oppose the Reformed teaching. That is because Historical bashing of the reformation does not make sense. THIS IS HOW CALVIN PREACHED THE GOSPEL (Calvin's Wisdom p119-120) He calls all men to himself, without a single exception, and gives Christ to all, that we may be illumined by him. When we pray, we ought, according to the rule of charity, to include all. God invites all indiscriminately to salvation through the Gospel, BUT THE INGRATITUDE OF THE WORLD IS THE REASON why this grace, which is equally offered to all, is enjoyed by few. Other than the result of men’s refusal. Calvin as you can see and put the responsibility by men. What about 70 M Buddhist in Thailand. 95% of the population of Thailand are Buddists and 4.5% Islam. Do they have a freewill to accept the Gospel? Did God give them a free will The children born in Thailand will grow up being Buddhist. For any to ever get out of it, there is a powerful miracle needed of a work of the Holy Spirit. NOT A CHOICE.

@@MariusVanWoerdenlol what? Freewill was unanimously taught by all the church fathers before Pelagius. Get your facts straight.

@@bryanlovesjesus2204 Get your ideas straight. you don't have the Facts. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard an Arminian make this claim, without ever have studied themselves, and I don’t suppose it will be the last. Regardless, what should we make of your statement, Is it true? Did you read the Institutes of Calvin or the Confessions of Augustine. Augustine was baptized by Ambrose in the church of St John the Baptist at Milan 383 AD and did not return to his old live and beliefs. I did study it. And read the Institutes 3 times. Even Augustine got his teaching from the early church, and did regret and held not on to his early life. The Heresies of the Christian church started by Pope Leo 2 around 600AD. Catholic means: Universal Christian. The frustrating thing about this claim is the manner in which it is framed. If anyone has read through the apostolic fathers, for example, they’ll know that they simply weren’t concerned with expounding the doctrines of sovereign grace, or nearly any other doctrine for that matter! Did the Early Church Believe the Doctrines of Total depravity and predestination? There are a number of websites and RU-vid videos that attempt to dissuade investigative readers to believe that, except for Augustine, or at least until the “time of Augustine”, that the early church did not believe in the depravity of man, in unconditional election and/or a sovereign predestination, Clement Of Alexandria (A.D. 190): “The soul cannot rise nor fly, nor be lifted up above the things that are on high, without special grace.” Origen: “Our free will…or human nature is not sufficient to seek God in any manner.” UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION Clemens Romanus. A.D. 69: “Let us therefore approach Him in holiness of soul, lifting up pure and undefiled hands unto Him, with love towards our gentle and compassionate Father because He made us an elect portion unto Himself…Seeing then that we are the special elect portion of a Holy God, let us do all things that pertain unto holiness…There was given a declaration of blessedness upon them that have been elected by God through Jesus Christ our Lord…Jesus Christ is the hope of the elect…” (P) “Let us therefore consider, brethren, out of what matter we are made; who and what we were when we came into the world, as out of the grave and darkness itself; who, having made and formed us, brought us into his world having first prepared his good things for us, before we were born,” (Epist. ad Corinth. 1:p. 88.). (T) “All therefore are glorified and magnified, not by themselves or their own works of righteous actions, which they have wrought out, but by his will,” (Clement, Ep. 1, ad. Corinth. p. 72.). (T) “‘not by ourselves, nor by our wisdom, or understanding, or piety, or the works which we have done in holiness of heart,’ but by faith by which God Almighty hath justified all from the beginning, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen,” (Ibid). (I) “He that is chaste in the flesh, let him not be proud or insolent: knowing that it is another who furnishes him with the gift of contingence,” (Ep. ad Corinth. 1, p. 78.). Barnabas (A.D. 70): “We are elected to hope, committed by God unto faith, appointed to salvation.” Ignatius to the Ephesians A.D. 110 “Ignatius... to the church at Ephesus in Asia, blessed with greatness through the fullness of God the Father, predestined before the ages for lasting and unchangeable glory forever, united and elect through genuine suffering by the will of the Father and of Jesus Christ our God...”. To the predestined ones before all ages, that is, before the world began, united and elect in a true passion, by the eternal will of the God. Justin Martyr: “In all these discourses I have brought all my proofs out of your own holy and prophetic writings, hoping that some of you may be found of the elect number which through the grace that comes from the Lord of Sabaoth, is left or reserved [set apart] for everlasting salvation.” Ignatius speaks of two sorts of persons, signified by, “two pieces of money; the one belongs to God, and the other to the world; which have each their own characters upon them, and every one shall go to his own place,” Irenaeus (A.D. 198): “God hath completed the number which He before determined with Himself, all those who are written, or ordained unto eternal life…Being predestined indeed according to the love of the Father that we would belong to Him forever.” Clement Of Alexandria (A.D. 190): “Through faith the elect of God are saved. The generation of those who seek God is the elect nation, not [an earthly] place, but the congregation of the elect, which I call the Church…If every person had known the truth, they would all have leaped into the way, and there would have been no election…You are those who are chosen from among men and as those who are predestined from among men, and in His own time called, faithful, and elect, those who before the foundation of the world are known intimately by God unto faith; that is, are appointed by Him to faith, grow beyond babyhood.”

Doctrines of demons, glad you were saved from that heretical system. God Bless

Wow:) praise God!!!

I can relate to that too;)

Such as?

I lost my sister to Calvinism, sadly it looks like a boys cult that oppresses and abuses women. I can't understand how TULIP ever got matched up with the whole of scripture.

@J C AW is a terrible false WoF teacher.

@@Serpents_and_Doves This is the kind of comment that boggles my mind...boys cult!?

@@Serpents_and_Doves Obviously you truly don't know or believe what your Bible explicitly says. Read Ephesians 1:4-5; 2 Thess. 2:13; John 6:37, 39, 44, 64, 65; Acts 13:48; John 10:26, 27-29; etc. John Calvin did not write these verses , God's Spirit did through holy men of God who were moved/guided by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21)--and the Holy Spirit can't contradict himself in scripture (all scripture is inspired or God-breathed -2 Timothy 3:16).

@@Serpents_and_Doves It doesn't. TULIP is Satan's favorite poisonous flower.

Calvinism also (very nearly) destroyed us as well…. Took years to recover.

Wow. Ladies. I’d love to hear your stories. I’m so sorry, but glad you’re out and it’s behind you.

Calvinism nearly destroyed my family, too. But Praise God we are coming out of that false doctrine!

@@AlanaL3 I’m happy to share my story. I can email it to you if you’d like.

@@nessjoy44 I’d love that:) hectoralana@gmail.com tell me when you do. I’m BAD at checking emails:)

God bless you. You should pray and tey to live a Godly life. You need a church. I dont know if youre old enough to go to church by yourself or if youre even alllowed. I recommend studying all kinds of denominations and praying to God to lead you to a church. I am Orthodox Christian.

Wow!! God even used that silly video?! Lol praise the Lord

Praise the Lord

I'm be very glad that you exited Calvinism.

let God help you! I'm in the same situation right now! I was never a Calvinist! I didn't know what does the "reformed" mean. That's how I started to attend Reformed church, I just thought it is the same. But it is not! This is very different from what I see in The Scripture! It's a hard period of time for me...

Calvinism is not of God, period.

No scriptural support , as usual.

@@raywinsor3948 Not the place for it, Ray. Why would I need to? It’s all over scripture from beginning to end.

I'm not a calvinist but total depravity is absolutely true. Jesus said we cannot and we will NOT come. God does not owe us salvation. Him that cometh to me l will in no wise cast out---- just come to be saved and if you do HE chose you

No one seeks God -- just bow to scripture

Amen, even as a Calvinist I am grateful she started reading her Bible more.

London Neal same here I'm 60 Yr old live in uk we also as new believer got led into word of faith.over 20 Yr ago now..after coming out of seeker friendly we got led by a pastor into calvinism/lordship salvation Ray comfort john Mac Paul washer..I got depressed because there was no assurance in a works gospel to the point I was confused in despair and wanted to end my life.since finding online grace gospel teachers the Lord has been so good..most churches teach works by front loading or back loading works some of it is sneaky..its been tuff but am now at peace with the Gospel that saves..

Do you completely keep the 10 Comm. including the Sabbath? And, Rev 2nd chapter seems to refute Paul. If you refute Paul, think of what you must do then. You must go back to Yeshua and what was ended after He left earth as far as to lifestyle(also non-Pauline writers/writings)...

@@pattrell5257 ?? Please say more to explain. And what about Yeshua when He left this earth? He did tell where he was going and why right? I’m interested in your thoughts as I have never heard this. 💕

@@Mtnmamma5251 I was referring to, if Paul is refuted. Then, your biblical clock must go back to a time when Yeshua went back to heaven. This would exclude Paul's writings and those that vouched for him. And, there would be a few more authors in the NT other than 3 of the gospels that would remain. Please compare 1 Cor 8(from Paul)* to Rev 2nd chapter. It sounds as though Paul allowed foods sacrificed to idols(not condemning or making it a law), but Yeshua seems to condemn it outright! And, if Paul is refuted, then circumcission is no longer an option, eating what you want is no longer is an option, the law is no longer nailed to the cross, etc. *If I'm not correct on that chapter number, it's the one that Paul talks foods sacrificed to idols.

Hi Robin. Thank you for your honest comment. I am working on something on why I believe Calvinism cause people to walk away from the faith so I am kindly asking, if it's ok with you to share in what way Calvinism almost caused you to lose your faith. Thank you

@@Rileyed Love this! ☺️

What was it exactly that caused you to almost lose your faith in the “Calvinism” you believed?

May I suggest you read the writing of Calvin and the scriptures and stop judging a doctrine by the self professed followers actions.

Cost you your faith? Strange

Yes, he’ll definitely set them straight 😂 I love listening to him.

God is sovereign over all things, including salvation. Just had to throw that in there.

You put an argument out there. Leighton ain't here for the duscussion. Defend yourself.

I believe God sovereignly chose to give me free will. 😂

@@jerrylisby3440 Amen! That's exactly what the Lord did with His Sovereignty 🙏

Thank you for sharing! ☺️

Thanks for sharing. Excuse me, which church do you attend now? Where is it located? I want to go to a church where they don't have Calvinist doctrine. I would greatly appreciate it. 🥰

what a beautiful story , all of this is helping me with my theology . I listen to Dave Hunt all the time and I must say He was so on the Money about Calvinism . THANKYOU for your testimony . AMEN.

Wow. Insane story! I won't say it is the case for all Calvinistic churches but that behavior of a pastor saying that Satan is gods puppet and moreover that you need to" NOT READ YOUR BIBLE, but commentaries!?" That is literally a cult at that point. Control info. Suppress dissent. Keep people busy with the approved narrative

You obviously did not understand the biblical doctrines of grace. Your mom was right about God choosing us (read John 15:16; Ephesians 1:4-5; 2 Thess. 2:13; Romans 8:28-30; Acts 13:48; John 10:26 ; many more verses) but that does in no sense mean that sinners all of us) do not freely and willingly chose Christ (human responsibility for sin), through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. of course.

@J C with your own words...how do you hear God? And how do you pray?

@J C you people....posting links to your teachers and refering others to them on topics..... that's how you avoid dialog/discussion. And when you are asked to explain out of your own mouth what you learned.... crickets chirp. Very typical...you don't understand yourself what you are on about. Better sit down and let other people that actually want to discuss things chat.

But humble servants of Christ who were greatly used by God to win thousands/millions for Christ are not seeking for truth, just to be right. Right? Give me a break.

@@raywinsor3948 please mention at least one...

@@savedwretch Most Calvinists treat the word "humble" as a profane word.

But according to your worldview don't people (including born again Christians) reject Calvinism because God does not want them to believe Calvinism?

Very true. Just because some Christians stumble over it doesn’t make it untrue. The inverse also applies: it doesn’t make it untrue. Everyone must compare to scripture the claims of Calvinism. I reject Calvinism not because it’s a “stumbling block” but because the supposed scriptural support for it is completely unconvincing to me.

How terrible. I’m so sorry. I know the Lord will help you recover from this. We are happy to chat if you ever need someone to talk to about it all.

That list of pastors: McArthur, Piper etc, they're all super rich, multi millionaires. The same goes true for other deceivers like Joel Osteen who is not a calvinist but prosperity. Just a different deception. Too many people listen to mega pastors, and I have a hard time that someone who is close to God can be so loved by this world that they will make millions of dollars.

@@kennygee2715 slander..

@@kennygee2715 You compared those pastors to Joel osteen? Wow.

Calvinism teaches their is no condemnation in Christ. I’ve noticed people who are negative towards Calvinism do not understand the doctrine.

I don't apologize for what the Bible says--and says explicitly--because people don't like it .

"because they hate the idea that they are not in control" Are you serious? I used to accept Calvanism myself, but no longer. It would never even cross my mind that I reject Calvanism because it puts me in control. I reject Calvanism because it makes God Himself the author of evil. It suggests that God has scripted everything out. Which then tears down the authority of scripture...for then EVERYTHING and every situation becomes something from which I can pull doctrine.

@@jeffengstrom8657 he's right Jeff

@@jeffengstrom8657 and it does not make God author of evil

Calvinism means you have zero control and that whether you're saved or not has to do if you won the lottery. I know that if calvinism were true, I would be screwed, because I never won anything in my life. What are the chances that I would win the saved lottery?

I AGREE WITH YOU JOHN! We are responsible for our actions!! God’s ways are not our ways. I’m so glad to understand that we need Faith to accept what we need to understand.

He’s speaking to the apostles In The verse you’re quoting there. So I guess those who can grasp the 5 points are super Christians? The rest of us are less than. Sounds like a “higher” gospel after the true one.

@@AlanaL3 Self righteousness blinds; people convince themselves that they have something to do with their New Birth, when they do not. This is pride. Nothing inherent in a human being APART from His Holy Spirit would cause a fallen, wretched, hell-bent human being to desire Him - nothing. Again, until the New Birth, Father makes it very plain and elementary in His Word that You, Me, ALL OF US are dead people - there is no spiritual life in us at all, and nothing about us worthy or meriting His mercy. Do you even know what sin is? Why did Christ have to shed His life's blood? Why was the Arc of the Covenant underneath Skull Mountain where He was crucified? Pride cannot permit you to believe that we all deserve hell, that we have earned it, and that we are born predisposed to and the inheritors of a sin-nature, and are His enemies, with His wrath abiding on us as children of disobedience. Yet, He chose to save those the Father has given Him, and He will not lose one of them. The self-righteousness of people prevents them from seeing the obvious. John 17 is the real "Lord's Prayer". Now, as it pertains to evangelization, I do not know, nor does anyone else, who among us are His Called and Chosen, this is the great treasure hunt; it is my obligation in Love for Him, to help others see their impending destruction and guilt before the Holy Adonai, that they are deserving of His wrath for transgressing His Law, that then the cross, the blood, the righteousness, the propitiatory atoning sacrifice of Jesus the King above all kings, will become to them as it is in Truth, the most amazing display of Mercy and Love embodied in the One who is God in the Flesh.

"Recovering calvinist"... so what about Whitefield, Spurgeon, and Edwards? Having lead so many to the name of Christ... what do you do with our nation's history as we were settled by Puritans and Presbyterians who were all "Calvinistic"?

@@toddcote4904 Calvinism is theological sociopathology.

@@paulmoore-LPC-LMFT-NCC Soo, bury your head in the sand then? You're calling these great men sociopaths? Really? I don't think you really understand the doctrines of grace or Christian history.

Praise God for freeing you from Calvinism! It's both entertaining and sad to see a Calvinist's automatic response to your being a recovering Calvinist was not to invoke Scripture, even in the grotesquely out-of-context way Calvinists use Scripture, but to invoke some of the usual Calvinist idols, and acting as if Calvinists' role in US history is somehow evidence of Calvinism being correct. (Is the fact that Western Civilization had its beginnings in pagan Greece and Rome evidence that Greco-Roman paganism is correct?) You're definitely right about it being "theological sociopathy"!

@@DamonNomad82 HAHAHA 😆 Imaging mentioning our Christian history or particular men and being falsely accused of idol worship. Scripture? If we can't even have a conversation on recent history, I'm sure quoting texts isn't going to produce anything good either. What's the "for" and "so" mean in j316?

Whether or not God loves your children (or mine) has nothing to do with their believing the Gospel and trusting Christ to be their personal Lord and savior from sin (human responsibility--Acts 16:31) . Sinners do not come to Christ in repentance and faith because they believe they are elect, but rather they do so because Christ has commanded people everywhere to repent of sin and believe the Gospel. They find out they are God's elect AFTER they have trusted Christ to be their personal Lord and Savior from sin and scripture is very clear that all to do that (believe in Christ for salvation) are His elect (John 10: 16, 26; 27-29; John 17:2, 6, 9; Acts 13: 48).

Unreal. You should definitely share your story online somehow. People are NEEDING these testimonies so they know they’re not alone. I’m so sorry you walked through all that but so thankful that the Lord has blessed you!! So much more I could say. You touch on many things I didn’t share that are VERY true.

Yes let’s chat anytime. Hectoralana@gmail.com

@@AlanaL3 Hi Alana, I appreciate you and your love for the Lord. You are blessed with the Joy of the Lord and a love for your family that’s contagious and honorable. What a beautiful person you are! In love, I want to encourage you to be careful going down the road you seem to be on. I didn’t want to use the email you provided for this young woman but wanted to encourage you in a different direction. There is a lot of “indoctrination” out there. And sometimes we over correct and take another wrong path. That’s what I want you to be aware of. Like I said and shared I’m not a Calvinist but I also don’t completely agree with Traditional teachings either. However, I’m careful about not calling them “indoctrinations”. I found if I just share what I believe and point out the differences without additional statements people are still receptive and I can’t be accused of being unloving towards other brothers and sisters. My difference is I don’t believe we possess the ability to “choose” Christ but we do have the ability to “choose” to reject him. The example of choice is not used for the Gospel. The call is to “Repent and Believe in the Work of Christ”. Try something real quick. Love God more right now. Go ahead and do it. Can you? You can’t. I can’t. Try this. Have more Faith right now. Are you trying? Can you do it? I would submit your seeing you can’t. So how does Love for the Lord and Faith in him come alive in us? It’s through “HEARING” the Word only. It’s the work of the Gospel alone. I was (without) Christ until someone shared him with me. I did nothing. I had no desire to know him or obey him because I didn’t even know him until someone “SPOKE” about him. I did nothing. As someone “Lifted Him Up” to me because he had been “Lifted Up” in them, he began to (come alive) to me and in me. I did nothing As I “Heard” more about him, he began to grow in me. I did nothing! The one sharing him with me was doing the work and the Truth began to do it’s (really his) work in me. (The Truth is Christ). Ok… at 12 the (Fear of the Lord) came alive in me. This fear “caused” me “compelled” my mouth to open and confess I was a sinner and in desperation I said the words, “Jesus come into my heart”. I don’t believe I was saved at this point because my life was not transformed. It however was the being of Wisdom. (Christ is the Wisdom and Power of God) BUT! The the Word began to his Work in my life. I rejected and suppressed him but I couldn’t deny him. The battle was on for my soul. My life progressively got worse and worse until I found myself at 24 in bondage to sin at such a level that there was no way out but murder and suicide. In the Mercy of God. A 16 year old girl who was a friend of my brother, herself caught up in sin and desire for me called me the night before I had made my plans to kill my self. Because my focus wasn’t on sex that night, it was on my plans, I could think clearly for some reason. I asked her what she did that day. It was a Sunday and she had been to church. I asked her what he preached on. (I’m tearing up right now reliving it) As she shared, God came alive in me in a way I had never experience before. At that moment I knew he was real, I knew he loved me and I knew what I was about to do was evil. I knew for real this time I was in trouble, I knew I was in bondage to sin and couldn’t get out. I knew I didn’t have a choice or any other Hope but him. In my desperation after the phone call ended I couldn’t help but call out to him for help! God help me! I can’t stop this! I need your help! I them moved from my bed to the floor never more humble in heart as I called out for his Mercy, his Forgiveness and his help to stop living the way I was living. I began to weep because for the first time the Value of Christ came to life in me. I knew his death was God’s only way of reaching me. I could see God so clearly that night! It’s like I was given eyes to see the fullness of God for the first time in my life. I could see his hatred for sin and his anger and wrath poured out upon His Son for me. I could see his righteous Justice I deserved taken for me. I could see his live, Grace, mercy and forgiveness in the Cross of Christ. Alana, I could see God! A New Spirit came alive in me! It was God alive in me! I knew him for the first time, I knew his love for me and a New Spirit of Love for Him was now alive in me. Because of Him and this New Thing in me. Because of This new appreciation and thankfulness I now had for him, through my lips burst forth, this statement… Lord I don’t want to know what others think about you. I want to know the Truth about you! I want to know you! I will do anything you want me to do, just let me know you. For the next 8 months I set in a room in another brothers house and read the New Testament all the way through, the Old Testament and the New Again. One thing that had changed in my reading is that I wasn’t reading to know what I was supposed to do. I just sat at the writers feet hearing, wanting to know Him, what he did, what he was doing today and had promised to do. I just heard Mathew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Moses etc “Lift Him up” in my heart, mind, and soul. That was 30 years ago and 10 years have past since my wife went to be with him, And Love for him and Faith in him still comes alive in me more and more as I HEAR him “Lifted Up” in his word. It’s not by choice we are saved but by the Word of God doing his work in us. I believe we minimize his Word when we place the weights of choice on their shoulders. It’s not their responsibility, it’s my calling to “Lift Him Up” in their hearts until he does his work in them. Yes they may choose to reject him but if they don’t, I believe they will be saved by hearing the Word of God, yes the Gospel. God bless you!

Wow Gadiela I feel your pain. Right now I have no Church that I can find that does not suck up to the Heresy of Calvinism to one degree or the other. I have hope that there will be one that I can find. I would never attend even one service unless I could meet with the Pastor and elders and point blank ask them questions first. May God overly Bless you for your courage and stand for Him no matter what! Truth in Love

@@truth7416 There is much that has gone wrong in the institutional church. Calvinism is a big one and there are many other issues as well that have compromised Christianity. I haven't been back to church since 2014. I am not against the gathering together. I do wonder though how sitting in a pew, week after week, facing a pastor constitutes growing in ones relationship with God. How is that the definition of a living body? People become all about their Sunday morning service and bible study and treat people terribly the rest of the time. I don't want to live a life where I need to get "filled up" spiritually on Sunday and midweek. I want to live everyday in the presence of Christ. I need Him every second. He is my breath. I am very much a lover of books and self education. I believe the bible is true and most certainly not outdated. We need to be living and active in our lives. If our Christian life is stale something is wrong. Institutions do not generate life and closeness to God. They become an entity unto themselves and end up owning the people. Somehow we need to find a way to gather and encourage one another while not getting ground up in the machine of church.

What is e-free?

No gospel in Calvinism? That’s just not a true statement.

​@@mrsmelross there truly is no good news. You're either pre determined damned or saved. Why bother with anything. Just lay down and rot.

@@Arvak777literally no one who is Calvinist believes that. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation and His Word alive and active and sufficient for everything we need.

​ @mrsmelross "The gospel is the power of God unto salvation-" Indeed. Therefore the gospel is *not* God creating billions of people predetermined to hell and damnation forever without "choosing this day life or death". Good grief, satan done a terrible thing-twisting Scripture-so wickedly as to make our Loving Father look like a capricious ogre.

Yep…midlife crisis on the way, but it’s ok. Jesus is truly God and will be with you the entire journey and beyond:)

In my experience, it's really not that bad once you finally break free from it. Some people will still attack you for it, but I've found most are kinda relieved. I'm still protestant, I'm just not calvinist or arminian.

Been there. I knew God was revealing to me that was not right. It began to make me puffed up with knowledge somehow and it honestly reminds me of a phariseical spirit. He lovingly corrected me.

Hi Lindsay, Just rest in what The Lord Jesus said in John 3:36:- He (or she) who believes in The Son HAS everlasting life (present -continuous tense), and he (or she) who does NOT believe The Son shall not (even) see Life, but the wrath of God abides on Him (or her).

God is a tyrant in Calvinism. Not sure how leaving false teaching is going to depress you! Should bring joy!

I’m so sorry. Has there been healing in that yet? Praying for you sister.

we are called to follow the Lord Jesus Christ FIRST. May the Lord our Shepherd bring you and your husband together in Christ.

That's such a proof that it's a cult - being resented by family for questioning it. My heart goes out to you. I hope you've found some support outside the family.

Thank you so much. I can tell my hesitation is a manifestation of fear that has been put there by others. I really appreciate your words and thankful you did not walk away from Jesus!! I had a friend who learned about Calvinism and almost walked away too because she did not want to follow that god. So incredible to hear how differently everyone responds to this doctrine.

" JESUS IS EVERYTHING WE THOUGHT HE WAS! The Gospel really is "good news to ALL people". Thank God!" I read this just now to my husband and choked up with tears!!!

@@AlanaL3 Thank you for not judging me. Some, on both Calvinist and non-Calvinist, don't understand the cognitive dissonance involved with believing one thing in your head very strongly, while intuitively knowing the opposite in your heart. I just turned my wife on to your channel. God bless you!!

@@jeanb3920 God bless you guys. I'll never forget when the Spirit spoke those words to me one day. I'm not a rigorously religious person anymore but, oh how i love Jesus now :)

Isn't it funny how when you make a good scriptural argument against Calvinism, a Calvinist will just say "you just don't understand Calvinism" ? LOL. It's their go to default when they have nothing.

Thank you so much for your comment. I try very hard to always be gracious, but people STILL get offended. I’m open to your feedback on the other vids too. You bring up some excellent points about Calvinism.. thank you

Well, sadly, the majority of humanity will CHOOSE the broad road that leads to destruction. Here's the thing: the LORD Jesus knew this and it BROKE HIS HEART. He warned and warned, DON'T do it bc you will end up in hell where the torment and suffering will not cease! It's forever. The average Calvinist does not really understand the HORROR of hell. When and if they learn that unconscionable lie that GOD is heartless, they gloss over it, bc hey, it's God's will to just leave most of humankind choking in their own blood. So according to Calvinism GOD is NOT the Good Samaritan in that parable. Imagine that! There is hope. We can speak God's Word and pray that the lost will repent. :))

I’m happy to talk anytime. ;)

Cindy, I have been a Christian for over 50 years, and the EXACT same think happened at our Church... I wondered... 'have I been wrong about the love of Christ, for all these years???" I have been investigating this strange doctrine since then, and am glad to know I am not alone. my best, Jane

It’s more common than people realize. It’s a wicked thing to do to a non suspecting bunch:( I think everyone should know this ugly truth.

@@jeanb3920 What the Calvinists are doing to non-reformed, unsuspecting, unprepared congregations is deceptive, intentional, and immoral in my opinion. If you don't as very specific questions in very specific ways they will intentionally hide what they believe and never give a straight answer in the hiring process... even know they are fully aware of what you are trying to find out. It's happening all over the country. My best friend of 50yrs is going through this exact situation. The 'new' pastor has hidden his agenda, my friend called him out and later felt the need to resign his long held eldership. My friend's son is the youth pastor, and has signed on to TULIP hook line and sinker.

Nice!

I don’t know any of those answers for sure. I will say I lean towards, but could be wrong, that we sleep when we die, until we are raised at the end. I also believe there are no second chances and that those thrown into the like if fire are judged according to their deeds, then destroyed. I don’t know how the judgment looks, but I read they’re thrown into the lake of fire as well as they are judged according to their deeds. I’m glad you have been closely walking with Jesus. Continue to:)

@@Isaac-wl6wu I have read those. I read the Bible daily. It says that whoever calls on him and believes will be saved.

@@Isaac-wl6wu not sure how you read that I did not understand that Christ’s death wasn’t a fully successful atonement that we cannot earn. It is his by grace he gives to us. Understood.

Thank you for your encouragement and for sharing your story! It is so helpful to have as many stories as possible for people to read. It’s amazing that you knew something was wrong as you learned about Calvinism in your pres church. The Lord is so good and has held us through all things long ongoing journey. He is LOVE

Alana, as working one's way to understandings related to Reformed teachings can seem overwhelming and complex - as people simply don't know where to start, as theology can be very intimidating - especially to one not well-versed in it. So, just to further note, Norman Geisler's "Chosen But Free" book (I referenced) makes the understandings of the issues and problems surrounding Five Point Calvinism / Reformed teachings straight forward and logical to grasp, as he walks you through them in a natural sequence, always contrasting the various Reformed contentions with wider, important nuances found across Scripture that contradict them. And as he does so, you quickly begin to grasp where Scripture has been selectively used to fit Reformed contentions' "logic box," while simultaneously showing how they contradict other key Scriptures - and especially, God's Holy Character, love and mercy. He also reveals the issues with Arminianism - very important as well. And thus one begins to realize that a human logic has been applied via a twisting of God's Word - typically / tragically, by otherwise wonderful and well-meaning Christians.

Isn't it ironic that when asked to describe their understanding of God many, if not most ,atheists do so in Calvinistic terms. Many have only seen the portrait of a god which Calvin paints and they rightly reject it. However, believing it to be accurate, they throw God out with the portrait.

Romans 9 is a good place to see it

Philippians 2:12-13 Lights in the World [12] Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is 👉God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

@@ShepherdMinistry need to know how to rightly divide-> 2 Timothy 2:15. Jesus was minister of circumcision not gentiles (uncircumcision). Jesus came to fulfill the promises made to the fathers. (Abraham, and will bless your seed). We are body of Christ , Israel is separate nation

@@EzequielAdames I’m confused as to the point you’re trying to make with my comment?

If you can't see what Calvinists teach in the Bible, you are blind.

So sad:(

You’re blessed. Yes, I rode the wave of the explosion and now the exodus…I think since I had very little time as a Christian and I was so young, it “made sense” to me and I accepted it. I didn’t consider all of the implications and check those out with scripture. Now I see….

It's because many people were fighting against the seeker movement and the health wealth gospel nonsense. Many people especially right-brained analytical people, namely many men find it very satisfying theologically and philosophically and thus adhere to Calvinism seeing it as the better rubric to understand the scripture. And in one sense that's correct. Except for it then becomes lazy because people just quote others who sound smarter than them so that they will sound smart and sophisticated. Instead of having a robust biblical theology for themselves they rely on other people. Dead or alive they rely on many calvinist pastors to do their theological heavy lifting. Calvinism is actually researched about four or five times in the last five hundred years. It grows and then diminishes and grows again. Like many other trends within society.

Don’t buy into it. Just cling to Jesus and the Bible, do away with man

Calvinists worships Satan... they don't lead people to the 'Gospel'...

Ironic.

God created people and wired them differently, and then tells us to love your neighbour. That is his grace to us because how else we are going to learn that we need a savior. I am a calvinist too. It also helped me see the gospel more beautiful than I thought. I am wired differently, when I hear Calvinism, I think that Grace is more undeserved, Jesus death more costly, when I know that my own state is more depraved than I once thought. Then when I know that God perseveres with me until the end, his grace becames more irresistible.

@@sae4842 this is a beautiful way to put it and expresses exactly how Calvinism has helped me to see that we’re not that great, so that my heart was truly ready to receive the gospel.

I would like to add-I am now attending a Baptist, Reformed church and they are transparent about what they teach, including TULIP and the pre-mil position. In their membership classes, they are very upfront about what they teach and make it CLEAR that we do not have to believe everything about secondary issues/Calvinism to be members. They are very rooted in scripture and coming from that hyper Charismatic Movement, our family feels safe knowing we are actually being led and fed properly. Knowing that the pendulum can swing too hard the other way, I’m very cautious about accepting any doctrine that I haven’t read/studied for myself in scripture. I trust the Holy Spirit to guide me in all truth. I don’t need Calvinism to be true to have The Truth. Jesus is everything 🙌

Praise God!!! Thank you for sharing!!

I agree with your terminology of belief in reformed theology, same 🙋‍♀. I also don't like the term "Calvinism"... I think of 1 Corinthians when Paul says ... "when you say 'I'm of Paul', or another of Apollos, or another of Cephas".... It's the context of a rhetorical question reminding them that none of these names died for them, but rather Christ was crucified. We are all in Christ by means of His work. ❤

@@Shark_fishing Amen! That’s a great scripture reference and I agree. Im convinced Calvin himself would be appalled at this label as well but it seems to be “how it was done” in those days. Naming a position someone holds after the most notable theologian who famously held or articulated it (Pelagius=Palagianism, Arminius=Arminianism, etc) it’s a straw man to say that any one who holds any of those views means they are a “follower” of that historical person on a personal level. I hold to the doctrines of grace as articulated in the 1689 confession (for example) or by historic reformed theology. As I see that position to be biblical and most well articulated in that position.

And He lead me into the doctrines of grace....weird

The serpent is the most subtil beast of the field. Satan buries dangerous lies that lead people to damnation inside a neat package of truth. The Reformed pastors she mentioned in the video are servants of Satan! 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 King James Version And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works --I havent watched the whole video but I will. Many people come out Calvinism. Fine. Did they finally get saved? So they believe the gospel? Sadly many leave one false cult to join another and never get saved. It's sad! But true. The following passage is one of the best I know to show an individual how to get saved Romans 10:9-10 King James Version 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation

Washer and MacArthur are liars. God has a special place in hell for men like that who don't repent.Why respect them? They have led likely countless people to hell. They cunningly speak all kinds of truth but seriously deceive people into false conversions through deception. They gain people's trust by speaking lots of truth but when moment is right they attack spiritually with a false God. Scripture says, "A little leaven, leaveneth the whole lump"

When you really understand Calvinism you see it is false - woven in is a pride and arrogance in teaching the unbiblical doctrines and deceptively making them sound higher and better than the simple humble gospel, thus many feel an unmerited respect and admiration for the leaders. They seem biblical and high minded, but they are, at the least, deceived by a false system that garners them praise and awe instead of the focus off of themselves and to faith\belief in Jesus for all things and only Jesus.

@@melissaschubert1653 When I think of those false celebrity pastors this passage comes to mind... Bible > Psalms > Chapter 12 > Verse 8 King James Bible The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted

@@melissaschubert1653 John Calvin is referred to as the "Protestant Pope" Apparently he and his followers persecuted and even killed those who opposed his false beliefs Calvinism us often referred to as "Augustinian Calvinism." Calvinism comes from Augustine of Hippo a 6 Century Catholic monk. Calvin openly admits he took his twisted philosophy from Aigustine.