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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: IMPOSSIBLE (09/05/19)
Firstly I would like to state that God’s providence is an expression of God’s glory. I believe God gave us the gift of pondering his providence specifically so that it would point us to his glory.

On my views of Calvinism vs Arminianism, I believe Arminianism is good in a way because it calms the irrational fear I have that I have no control, and can’t make choices not to be used indirectly for sin for God’s purposes. It reminds me that I am not likened to some robot or puppet used by God to accomplish his purpose. Additionally, Calvinism is good because it assures me of my salvation and affirms my belief in perseverance of the saints.

I believe aspects of both views are valid because they both encourage me to trust in God and know he is working everything for my good. The important thing to remember when contemplating these views is that to trust God is of utmost necessity; not looking to ourselves, or our own wisdom.

We have to trust that God’s wisdom handles even this misunderstanding of this aspect of God’s glory from our perspective. I say this with full acceptance of the frailty of my own human intellect, brokenness, and lack of ability as a spiritual being as compared to God I am but dust!

Now to believe in one more than the other is to some extent to rely on our own intellect and wisdom and if there’s anything I’m against, it is relying on my own wisdom. I am a firm believer in looking to God and his wisdom instead of myself.

"No one ever attains clear knowledge of self unless he first gazed upon the face of the Lord, and then turns back to look upon himself."- John Calvin

I believe God left this a mystery for a reason, and if he intended for one view to be revealed to be correct then he would have let us know clearly; or at least Jesus, the prophets, the apostles, or even King Solomon would have said so. Moreover, I am but a tiny speck of dust as a spiritual being trying to contemplate the full entire power and force of God’s glory, of which I cannot do. God’s ways, and the concept of Calvinism vs Arminianism is all too powerful and vast for me to try and self actualize. In this matter I humble myself before the Lord.

Furthermore, studying Arminianism vs Calvinism makes us wiser, however it is truly impossible to know all the answers to this mystery and expression of God's glory. I will say If you truly seek wisdom, then meditate on God’s divine providence. Also the fact that having Christ in us does not yet give us a full understanding of Calvinism vs Arminianism is a clue from God that is intended to lead us closer to him. It's to show us that the pondering and meditation of Calvinism vs Arminianism is a gift and blessing from God .

The contemplation of Calvinism vs Arminianism should do nothing but give us an increased undying desire to see Christs face. It should make us turn from all other worries that we have while meditating on God’s providence, then letting go and finding peace in that God has control. It is almost a riddle from God pointing to his glory.

Pondering this subject reminds me of how small I am, giving me a complete, pure reverential fear of God, while at the same time it cultivates a healthy feeling of trust in him like no other. God is not a God of confusion but is a God of peace and I believe he wants us to have full peace when meditating on this subject. Thus, I have full peace when I surrender this answer to God, and look to him and his wisdom rather than my own.

To conclude this matter I believe the answer to this question is in this passage: As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. We will all know the answer when we see Christ's face one day.
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This article has been read 291 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Laurie Glass 
09/13/19
This is on topic with a clear and meaningful message. Keep writing.
C D Swanson 
09/13/19
Great piece, on topic, to the point with delivery and content.
Well done,
Blessings,
Camille~
Barbara Culler 
09/14/19
You do know your stuff!
Arlene Baker
09/14/19
Well thought-out writing. My only suggestion is to switch up "Calvinism vs. Arminianism" with other words such as "Differing theological views" and other such changes. Well done!
Janet Richey 
09/14/19
This is a weighty issue, and I like how you made it simple. I enjoyed the facts that you presented, and it did give me a better understanding of both theologies. Which, is what it's all about!