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Calvinism's Heartless "Gospel"

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Hopeful:
Hello guys. For the last few years, I have been heavily under the influence of Calvinism. I must say, it was absolutely horrible. I kept trying to convince myself that predestining countless billions to eternal torment was somehow "justice". When I brought these issues before my fellow Calvinists, all I ever got was "Who are you oh man that replies against God?". The heartless cruelty my fellow Calvinists displayed was utterly horrific to my rather tender heart.

For instance:

"Anyone who thinks that God's glory is not worth the death and eternal suffering of billions has too high an opinion of himself and humanity."
-Vincent Cheung

Their attitude was something like this:

We are the Lord's elect few
Let all the rest be damned
There's room enough in hell for you
We won't have heaven to be crammed

I saw them rejoicing at the idea of the eternal suffering of babies. This utterly appalled me. And yet they told me that if I didn't do the same, I was obviously one of the non-elect who was predestined for eternal torment. So, in great fear, I kept trying for months and months to convince myself that this was somehow justice. As you can imagine, my conscience was in full revolt against this. I sank deeper and deeper into depression. I admit, the only reason I didn't kill myself was my utter, paralyzing dread of God and of hell. I was utterly terrorized on every level. I wondered in my heart of hearts (not that I would ever say it out loud, of course) to whom could this possibly constitute "Good news of great joy which shall be to all people". Only utterly heartless sociopaths, it seemed, could possibly make it into this "heaven".

Coming from this background as I did, you can imagine how Ray's teachings struck me. Here, at last, was really "good news"! This made me happier than I had been in years. At last, I did indeed experience the "peace that passes all understanding"! My fear was cast out by perfect love, at last!

Unfortunately, it seems my Calvinistic indoctrination will not pass so easily. Lately, my fears seem to be reasserting themselves. My mind keeps asking me "what if all doesn't really mean all?" what if this, what if that. I don't know what to do. I have prayed, fervently and often, for my fear to be cast away. I have studied the Bible as well as Ray's teachings, and yet it still will not go away. I sense that I am slipping back into bondage to fear. Please help me. I don't want to go back to that world of swirling misery and torment. Please help. If nothing else, can you pray for me?

believerchrist100:
Of course and give this article a read and you'll see how you can prove all will be saved without using the word "all":

http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,5605.0.html

September 2007 Bible Study: Does All Mean All?

Nan:
I will pray for you.

Hopeful:

--- Quote from: John from Kentucky on March 05, 2011, 10:11:49 PM ---
--- Quote from: Hopeful on March 05, 2011, 08:07:34 PM ---Hello guys. For the last few years, I have been heavily under the influence of Calvinism. I must say, it was absolutely horrible. I kept trying to convince myself that predestining countless billions to eternal torment was somehow "justice". When I brought these issues before my fellow Calvinists, all I ever got was "Who are you oh man that replies against God?". The heartless cruelty my fellow Calvinists displayed was utterly horrific to my rather tender heart.

For instance:

"Anyone who thinks that God's glory is not worth the death and eternal suffering of billions has too high an opinion of himself and humanity."
-Vincent Cheung

Their attitude was something like this:

We are the Lord's elect few
Let all the rest be damned
There's room enough in hell for you
We won't have heaven to be crammed

I saw them rejoicing at the idea of the eternal suffering of babies. This utterly appalled me. And yet they told me that if I didn't do the same, I was obviously one of the non-elect who was predestined for eternal torment. So, in great fear, I kept trying for months and months to convince myself that this was somehow justice. As you can imagine, my conscience was in full revolt against this. I sank deeper and deeper into depression. I admit, the only reason I didn't kill myself was my utter, paralyzing dread of God and of hell. I was utterly terrorized on every level. I wondered in my heart of hearts (not that I would ever say it out loud, of course) to whom could this possibly constitute "Good news of great joy which shall be to all people". Only utterly heartless sociopaths, it seemed, could possibly make it into this "heaven".

Coming from this background as I did, you can imagine how Ray's teachings struck me. Here, at last, was really "good news"! This made me happier than I had been in years. At last, I did indeed experience the "peace that passes all understanding"! My fear was cast out by perfect love, at last!

Unfortunately, it seems my Calvinistic indoctrination will not pass so easily. Lately, my fears seem to be reasserting themselves. My mind keeps asking me "what if all doesn't really mean all?" what if this, what if that. I don't know what to do. I have prayed, fervently and often, for my fear to be cast away. I have studied the Bible as well as Ray's teachings, and yet it still will not go away. I sense that I am slipping back into bondage to fear. Please help me. I don't want to go back to that world of swirling misery and torment. Please help. If nothing else, can you pray for me?

--- End quote ---

Hello Hopeful,

One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:6 "...Do not worry about anything..." (Concordant Literal New Testament version).  Read the rest of verses 6 through 9.

When God is with us, we do not have to worry about anything because there is no greater power.

God brought you here for a reason.  Don't trust in yourself or others.  God will bring you the peace you need.  Take care,

John

--- End quote ---

True. But I am in need, and I also believe that "The prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16). It seems to me to be worth a shot, at least. I do not wish to go back to how it used to be, where every day was nothing but an endless vortex of pain and misery, and I had to do worldly things to take the horrors off of my mind just to keep sane.

Ninny:
Hi Hopeful!
I'll pray for you...I understand the pressure and the pull of old beliefs..I was a 7th Day Adventist for 20 years and it took me many years to get over the legalism in my mind!  I learned many truths in the church along with the error..but the truths I learned have blessed me very much in the years since I left..I went to many churches before I found BT and realized that I was one of those "square pegs in a round world"!! God loves you and He has you in His hand..don't worry and don't be afraid..just hold fast and depend on Him to lead you!!
Kathy ;)

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