In 1976 I ascended the three steps into the Assemblies of God Church in Harfield Road and for nearly five years absorbed with my 'fragile egg shell mind' every word that was uttered by those who gave instruction. Though I had no idea at the time what the core beliefs of the Assembly of God were, or for that matter any details about Theology. But I was brand new, fresh as a flower, and within five years I had become a very, very unhappy little tulip.

Why? Well, unbeknown to me I had walked straight into a field full of daisies. Well, I was only eighteen and naieve as any young person.

What always frustrated me what the heavy emphasis on works. I just wrote it off as zeal or enthusiasm, but that was until a few minutes ago, when I decided to have a look see what the Assemblies of God teaches on the matter of eternal security in the 21st Century.

I sat their shocked as I read through their teaching. I had always been so proud of my roots and that I had been taught so well, etc..etc..etc. Perhaps there had been some teachers that were not as heavy, but the undercurrent was always heavy. Now I sit here feeling like someone just pounded my head in with a very heavy malet.

Ouch! I am actually dazed. I read the arguments and to be absolutely honest I have read rebuttals on every single position presented and well just to think I was going to take a journey up to the nearby village to attend a service where a friend of mine is going. She most certainly will not last too long there when she reads this. I am nodding my head. Well over to y'all...anyone have any thoughts about this ? Is Calminian Theology a legitimate position or is there something desperately wrong here ?

Quote
Arminianism teaches something different on each of these points: (1) Though born a sinner, mankind is given a spark of divine grace that enables him to respond positively to God. (2) God does not arbitrarily consign some people to eternal damnation; their willful rejection of God’s salvation makes them responsible. (3) Christ died for every person, even though some refuse to accept the provision for their salvation (4) No person is forced against his or her will to become a Christian. (5) One’s salvation can be lost through willful disobedience. Rather than the unconditional predestination of Calvinism, Arminianism teaches conditional predestination. We are predestined to eternal life if we accept God’s provision of salvation.

The Assemblies of God leans toward Arminianism, though it accepts scriptural truth found in both positions. We agree with the Calvinist emphasis on God's sovereignty or supreme power and authority. But we also firmly believe the Arminian emphasis on mankind's free will and responsibility for his actions and choices. We believe the Bible teaches both truths.
http://www.ag.org/top/Beliefs/gendoct_09_security.cfm

(A more detailed description of 'Security of the Believer'
http://www.ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_4178_security.cfm

My head feels like this...

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bash.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by straw; Thu Apr 19, 2007 5:59 PM.