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Date:         Mon, 14 Sep 1992 12:52:00 EST
From:         "DRCV06::GRAHAM" <GRAHAM%DRCV06.decnet@DRCVAX.AF.MIL>
Subject:      The "P" word, unity, nature of posts and arbitrary.

The "P" word is predestination.  Earlier we were asked to refrain from such
discussions, then that stricture was lifted, but we are still careful about
it.

There were several posts this weekend about unity of belief, or aggrement
on basic points.  One poster, I didn't get the name, listed 8 or 9 things
that we should all be ablt to agree upon.  There is a basic problem here.
The Bible does not give any list anywhere of basic beliefs.

Every, and I mean every, attempt to make a creed or list of beliefs
distilled from the Bible causes problems.  For example, in the liist
mentioned, article number four was something like:  Jesus came to save all
from death and hell.  Well, you see, I am a devout predestinarian, and I
could not possibly accept such a statement.  To me, it is rank heresy.

The reason we get in such a turmoil over predestination is that it cuts
directly to the heart of all Christian beliefs, and I think most people
realize this, even if they haven't thought it in those terms.

I would love it if we all agreed, but I know this will not happen this side
of heaven.  Not to be obstreperous, but I wouldn't trade my predestinarian
beliefs for my life.  I cannot ever be one in belief with somebody who does
not believe in Sovereign Election, predestination and many other Reform
doctrines.  At the same time, I can certainly be one with them in love for
God.
This is going to sound terrible, and I don't mean it so, but am hamstrung
by the limits of our language:  Between those who believe in predestination
and those who believe in free choice, there will never be agreement, at
least, not on those topics.  How can there be?

If any person tells me they are a Christian, I will accept that at face
value, and treat them as one.  If they disagree with what I see as the
Biblical truth on predestination, I will still call them a Christian, but
one who is incorrectly holding doctrine.  See, there can't be complete
meeting of minds here, but there can be brotherly love.

Tom and Jess post articles that wrinkle noses a bit, that's as it should
be.  We all need to think,, and we aren't prompted to do so by pablam and
soft chit-chat.  If their posts sound harsh, remember they, as do I, believe
fervently in what they see as Biblical truth, and cannot, for a minute,
think of compromising it.

Now, I have heard some posters say that Calvinists and predestinarians
believe God makes arbitrary choices of those whom will be saved and lost.
This is not true.  I have never heard or read anybody say that, except
those who are deriding the doctrine of predestination.

God is never, absolutely never, arbitrary.  His choices are final and
perfect, and make perfect sense ... to Him.  We are not privileged to see
His decision making processes.  Juse because we are blind to that doesn't
make it arbitrary.

To me, it is pure blasphemy to even think or suggest that God is arbitrary
in His choices of the elect.  Surely, it may seem that way to us, but we
are feeble indeed in our abilities to understand the divine.

Finally this:  Is it okay for there to be differences, not really.  Only
one view can be right.  I accept all who claim the name of Jesus as
brothers and sisters, but I do not agree that we can disagree in perfect
harmony, we cannot.  I may love you, but I will not give in to what I know
to be false doctrine for the purposes of peace.  I think we can have peace,
but not at any price.

I guess I'm saying that I will never stop trying to teach truth as I see
it, even to my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Hope that's okay with
y'all.

Dan Graham
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