Monday, January 22, 2007

Whilst wandering the weird, wide-eyed world of Arminians (starting at Ergun Caner's web page/monument to self-absorption. Need a few more pics of yourself looking thoughtful Dr. Caner?) I came across the faith & beliefs statement of the Ohio State Association of Free Will Baptists. I can't imagine this is a huge organization, but a few things are telling in their belief statement...

  • The Sinfulness of Man: Man was created innocent, but by disobedience fell into a state of sin and condemnation. His posterity, therefore inherit a fallen nature of such tendencies that all who come to years of accountability, sin and become guilty before God.
  • Election: God determines from the beginning to save all who would comply with the conditions of salvation. Hence by faith in Christ men become His elect. (i.e God loves us because we loved Him first!)
  • Freedom of the Will: The human will is free and self-controlled, having power to yield to the influence of the truth and the Spirit, or to resist them and perish.

Note the reference to our "tendency" to sin. You can't say we are totally given over to sin, dead in our sin, because that negates the whole idea of being a "Free Will" Baptist. There is a conspicuous lack of Scripture proofs in this listing, not sure why that is!

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