Michael Hranek wrote:
tulipistheway
So if you are a Christian believe in and follow Christ if you are merely a religious Calvinist hold to and follow 5 Point TULIP Calvinism, John Calvin's Institutes, the WCF, Shorter Catechism, Council of Dort and other assorted Calvinistic/Reformed Scholars and pretend you are following Christ.

Michael Hranek wrote:
So briefly, "Tulipistheway" choice of moniker illustrates much of what I find amiss with "Calvinism/Reformed" theology

Notice how Jesus states "ye believe not *BECAUSE* ye are not of my sheep"

He does not suggest that anyone can believe, except those who qualify under the term "my Sheep" whom He further identifies as those whom He knows. See also Matt 7:23.

Further He states that ONLY His sheep hear His voice, thus teaching that the non-elect cannot receive His calling. Unconditional Election.

Jo 10:15 "As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep"

Here Jesus states that "He lays down His life for His sheep" = Limited Atonement.

Jo 6:37 and 44 teaches that the Lord's grace is irresistible.

I could go on Michael but I'm not convinced you will hear me.

Mike wrote:
Sin is sickness, not death. At least Jesus seems to think so.

"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

Miguel wrote:
The verse you cite about the natural man is refering to understanding the word of God,

It is a characteristic of the true believer to know thw way of God and walk the narrow path, in the light.

Miguel wrote:
I do not believe that that work is "irresisable" or that it is only for the "elect". In other words, God invites people to come who will resist and not come.

I'd like to see you prove with only the Bible that "dead in sin sinners" never experience these characteristics.

What a weedy little god you serve Miguel? Sin and it's servants can beat him??? What religion is this - the papist salvation by works whereby your god needs your permission and cooperation otherwise he cannot save???

The Bible I use states
"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
AND
"No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day"

BUT Miguel you deny Christ - In that you say in your book, that this is not true???

As for the "characteristics" NOT experienced by those dead in sin......

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned"

Nathan wrote:
Ask me a year ago and I would have said no. But I am now believing yes.

a] 1 Thes 5:23. • b] Rom 7:18, 23; Phil 3:12; 1 John 1:10. • c] Gal 5:17; 1 Pet 2:11.

3. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail,[a] yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome;[b] and so the saints grow in grace,[c] perfecting holiness in the fear of God.[d]

Miguel wrote:
(Matthew 11:28) COME unto me, ALL ye that labour and are heavy laden,

(John 7:37)..... If ANY MAN thirst, let him COME unto me, and drink.

(John 12:32) And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL men unto me.

(Rev 22:17) And the Spirit and the bride say, COME. And let him that heareth say, COME. And let him that is athirst COME. And WHOSOEVER WILL....

The "dead in sin" - sinners in their natural estate - do not experience these characteristics therefore cannot respond spiritually.
You have ignored these terms in the verse to qualify works based religions.

Miguel wrote:
Note how it would make absolutely no sence for Jesus to tell people who are unable to enter in at the strait gate to enter in. Was he just trying to mock them?

^^^^^^

Mike wrote:
If we would like to follow your suggestion, by what means do we decide to do so?

Matt 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,
# Note how Jesus does not teach that it is a simple effort to get onto the narrow path. Even the gate itself provides a restriction. The alternative path is much easier to traverse and clearly most take that route.

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that FIND it.
# NOT - few there be who "choose" it. The majority don't even know how to find it in the first place.

15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,
# Many alternative, seemingly genuine teachings are available to lead them down the wrong path. How then can a sinner "choose" correctly?

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns,
# How do you discern this fruit? Clearly there are many deadly traps around. But how does one choose correctly? Clearly you require the divine help of the Holy Spirit. Yet some will try to tell us man can make the right "free" choice all by himself. No chance!!