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What is Reformed Theology? It is Presbyterianism and similar denominations. They believe in election and that the believer does nothing on his own behalf, in cooperation with God to be saved. Read what the Holy Writ says:
Peter's reply was simple: "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
Allow me to make several observations from this significant passage. First, do you see that Peter told the people to do something? The idea that man does nothing to receive salvation is wholly defeated right here. Such teaching has been done out of wrong concept of works and a failure to understand God's grace.
http://www.s8int.com/saved1.html
Last edited by bob_2 (04-24-10 3:45 am)
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Again from the same source:
Certainly all are saved by grace, and nothing can be done to earn that favor (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is impossible to work one's way into heaven, to do special deeds that catch God's eye and cause Him to bless one with salvation, or to do anything in any way that merits or deserves the priceless free gift of salvation.
However, eliminating works that earn grace does not eliminate every kind of human activity. God has been showering His grace upon people for centuries, but this has never meant that people were not required to obey Him and do as He instructs. Genesis 6:8 tells us that Noah "found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Hebrews 11:7 furthers our understanding of Noah's salvation when it says "By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household. . . ."
Notice that Noah was saved by grace and by faith, but neither of those eliminated his need to "prepare an ark." In other words, Noah's salvation came about as his faith led him to obey God.
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Just a note, Don't confuse this Reformed Theology with Tom Norris' Reformed Adventism or Reformed Sabbath, nothing to do with each other, the latter a concoction of Tom, Dexter, and Des???
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In this article, both sides of the Election doctrine are discussed and "flaws" of both sides discussed:
Reformed believers maintain that their view, as opposed to that of the Arminians, ascribes the glory of salvation fully to God and preserves His sovereignty.
On the other hand, Arminian proponents stress that salvation is completely the work of God and the faith or moral decision to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour that is required of each individual is not a good work in itself and hence nothing for which people could be credited.
The point of contention appears to be whether God's primary attribute is His sovereignty and mastery or His humility and service.
http://sg.christianpost.com/dbase/educa … 7C23/2.htm
Exactly, is God egocentric, needing glorification of all His acts, or does He create man in His image and glory in the choices made by His created beings?
This whole topic may not be too important to SDAs, but it is extremely important in Reformed Theology such as Presbyterianism, since they believe the Sovereignty of God is in jeopardy.
Last edited by bob_2 (04-24-10 5:56 am)
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