Tuesday, October 3, 2023
With unwavering devotion, I embrace the tenets of Calvinism, steadfastly upholding its five points. Yet, Calvinism has evolved, transcending mere intellectual discourse confined to scholarly realms, to embody an intricate elucidation of eternal salvation. When we endeavor to enlighten others about Calvinism through a structured approach, we run the risk of oversimplifying it, reducing it to a handful of overarching precepts. It is imperative to discern between a superficial acknowledgement of these principles in a bureaucratic manner, which may distort the essence of Calvinism, and an all-encompassing understanding of its practicality. The latter necessitates delving into the wider fabric of human struggle, within which Calvinism finds its purpose.From dedicating more time to the profound works of influential theologians and immersing oneself in contemplation of the sacred biblical text, a certain application problem arises naturally. Deliberately reintroducing the concept of the everlasting curse into the Calvinist argument serves as the impetus for this occurrence. A comprehensive exploration of this concept shall be expounded upon in my scholarly articles. The absence of effective guidance regarding the eternal curse would result in a scarcity of stringent principles that dissuade responsible individuals from embracing a pragmatic mindset. When we reluctantly permit pragmatism to infiltrate our thoughts, Calvinism is reduced to a mere political doctrine centered on personal ideals, to which we reluctantly adhere. We firmly maintain the conviction that, devoid of Christ, we are powerless to attain any triumph. Our physical and spiritual existence is profoundly fractured.Nonetheless, these teachings hold significance solely within a particular realm where God is unequivocally perceived as an unwavering force forever rescuing us, thereby enabling our complete immersion in eternal existence. From my personal standpoint, this perspective falls short in truly comprehending the very essence of love and the sensation of being cherished, as well as the notion of genuine animosity in the face of hostility. As a follower of Calvinism, it is effortless to misconstrue the official doctrine of utter moral corruption as validation for fostering and harboring self-loathing. However, I firmly dispute that self-loathing is an indispensable prerequisite for repentance. We frequently accentuate the absence of inherent virtue within ourselves, utilizing it as a foundation to venerate and exalt God. I pose this question: If our former desires have been eradicated and supplanted by God's creation of new aspirations, are we not undermining His work by resurrecting the old internal struggle?In this quest for greater love for Christ, a divine battle emerges. It is imperative that we intertwine the eternal curse with our moral doctrine. Rather than debating the concept of complete corruption, let us instead embrace the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice. Let us perceive total corruption as a previous chapter that Christ valiantly confronted upon the crucifix, thereby extinguishing our age-old combat against our sinful nature.In order to free ourselves from the harsh battle, we must embrace a distinct stance, one that allows us to fully comprehend the profound purpose behind Christ's destructive labor. It is within this unique position, particularly in the realm of everlasting damnation, that we find solace and are gently enticed by genuine self-love. The past turmoil of anxiety, shame, and sorrow must perish, making way for a new beginning.No other approach exists to effectively tackle these perplexing concepts. If the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice on the cross is truly immeasurable and exemplified by his ultimate act, then we would face condemnation. Instead, it is suggested that we demonstrate God's supremacy by actively contemplating the sorrowful past and transforming it into a renewed struggle. Without a doubt, this interpretation of Christ suggests that we should treat others with the same affection and concern as we do for ourselves. The main incentive to extend love to others naturally arises in order to overcome any potential resistance. How can we genuinely love others if we have not experienced love ourselves? This serves as the underlying force behind a flourishing marital relationship. If an individual possesses a strong self-worth, they will genuinely love their spouse. Conversely, if self-hatred exists, it will be directed towards their partner. The Bible earnestly advises us that if we prioritize anything above our committed marriage, then we harbor animosity towards our long-term spouse and consequently towards ourselves.The art of cherishing oneself in a graceful manner entails finding the inner drive to wholeheartedly cherish others. The notion of self-admiration encompasses fulfilling our own desires and indirectly witnessing the extraordinary achievements that sprout from our personal ambitions. As articulated in the Psalms, genuine self-consciousness necessitates a profound connection with the Divine, for it is He who uniquely crafts us. Hence, were anyone to eavesdrop on our intimate conversation with the Divine, they would perceive it as a genuine menace. If the Divine possesses the magnificence we all yearn for, then only He holds the power to fulfill the yearnings of every soul, establishing Him as the sole bestower in existence.Time after time, we are reminded of the sacred purpose of delving into spiritual scriptures, which is to attain a deep wisdom of both the divine and our own souls. However, we wonder how one can truly understand the depths of their being without showing genuine passion for heartfelt communion with the divine, while also nurturing our personal growth as we seek fulfillment from the divine. Failing to grasp this essential essence and neglecting to actively pursue it can only be seen as laziness. Consequently, this self loathing sharply contradicts our longing to release our pride and embrace a spiritual transformation in our pursuit of genuine self-awareness and a profound connection with the divine.
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