Abiding In The Vine

"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." - John 15:8

In recent conversations with an old friend known to many in WFA, the topic of Calvinism arose in our discussion. This involves an age-old debate over scriptural issues developed in the 16th century from older doctrinal arguments about whether Christian believers are still saved even if they backslide and lead a sinful life. Those who oppose this view are often said to take the Arminian position that holds that you must continue walking with Christ after receiving Him as your Lord and Saviour.

Calvinists believe that once you are saved, you are forever saved no matter what, using many scriptures to support their view, among which are John 6:37-39, Jude 24,25 and John 10:27-29. Most Church leaders I know understand these scriptures well and embrace them but do NOT agree with the idea that you are totally saved whatever you do and however much you deliberately sin after becoming a Christian. There are of course other aspects of Calvinists thinking that are sound where they hold on to the absolute and unlimited sovereignty of God that is central to their teaching.

The modern day theologian and pastor David Pawson once said "The Arminian position is accurately portrayed by someone throwing a lifeline to a drowning man and saying 'grab hold of this and keep holding on tightly until I pull you to safety'. I would maintain that no one rescued this way would dream that he had saved himself or even made a 'contribution' that merited his rescue. He would be filled with gratitude towards his rescuer." I tend to think that our role as someone being rescued from drowning in the sea is, at the very least, to hold on to that rope with our all!

It is vital that Christians do not become overly caught up in this or any other debate that can cause division in the Church. Sometimes reading strongly worded opinions on this issue can bring on reactions like someone just having enjoyed a meal of very hot spicy Madras style beef curry. Not everyone likes curries too fiery hot and some prefer a fragrant rich spicy chicken korma that is not hot. The important thing is not to insist that everyone agrees with your choice and to make sure all the ingredients used are wholesome and healthy - otherwise you may end up with an upset tummy.

Reading the Bible is in some ways like this because scripture is neither Calvinist or Arminian. It is important not to isolate the issue of the sovereignty of God to the exclusion of other truths in the Bible. John 15:5-7 are clear about a need to abide in Christ since withered branches are cast out and thrown into the fire. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. " (John 15:8) The apostle Paul talks about running a race and discipline in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 that compares the Christian life to that of an athlete running to win a prize. Just as athletes must give up certain things in life to excel, we too need to be disciplined.