Sunday, April 30, 2023

 It is insufficient to view this as a mere proclamation of the gospel within a Calvinistic society. Rather, there are additional principles that must be integrated systematically in order to ensure that the society operates in a manner that aligns with Calvinistic beliefs. Specifically, if our society fails to promote a distinct type of grace that diverges from pragmatic practices, we risk allowing practical theology to infiltrate and undermine the prominence of Calvinism as a mainstream practical theology.The expression "Who are you to talk back to God?" holds considerable significance as a cautionary message for individuals. It is frequently observed that individuals adopt a submissive demeanor owing to their conviction that God will ultimately guarantee a favorable result. This outlook can influence their temperament and approach to existence. Nevertheless, there are unfavorable consequences for challenging the tenets of Calvinism.There has been a longstanding interest in understanding why Calvinists often abandon their beliefs and view acts of kindness as a hindrance, despite their strong conviction in the authority of God's word. This occurrence is frequently linked to passivity, which could indicate a sense of inferiority. However, even though Calvinists maintain that human desire does not determine one's salvation according to divine decree, they continue to trust in the unerring nature of God's pronouncements.From a theological perspective, individuals who reject the concept of divine sovereignty are likely to suffer negative consequences, akin to the metaphorical "breaking" of oneself against a rejected stone. This is not to suggest that those who hold an Arminian viewpoint should be excluded from the faith community. However, if we fail to approach our theological debates with a sense of self-respect and sound reasoning, we risk dishonoring God.The concept of curses is introduced, stemming from the belief in God's absolute sovereignty. It is argued that we should not live as though God is a mere pragmatist, but rather acknowledge that our understanding of His sovereignty and our responsibility to uphold the doctrines of grace determine the radical nature of these concepts. The religious environment in which we live influences our behavior, as there are repercussions for holding a false view of God and humanity. Such erroneous beliefs can have a detrimental impact on the community of Calvinists.The widespread adoption of pragmatic attitudes in our religious practices can be compared to an infectious disease, leading to a deficiency of spiritual certainty in both our communal worship and interpersonal affairs. This incapacity to attain a more profound religious encounter is a source of divine disapproval. The maintenance of theories relating to human capabilities can have far-reaching consequences, often stemming from the prioritization of our relationships over our commitment to worship. The Psalmist's declaration that his devotion to God's dwelling superseded all earthly connections serves as a prime illustration of this phenomenon.In essence, the suffering experienced by Christ during his rejection by humanity was akin to that endured by the Psalmist, including rejection from family and those who treated him with contempt. Such a radical experience can even lead to curses in one's perception of reality, regardless of religious affiliation. Therefore, it is important to maintain a strong adherence to Calvinism, as it provides a sense of security in the midst of such pain. This is because worship and Calvinism are inherently radical, and we can trust that God's promises will be fulfilled because of our unwavering faith in His sovereignty.

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