Page 119 - Bible Writers Theology Original
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God. What we have to do on our part is to throw away our human efforts, for we cannot save ourselves. On the other hand, we have to stretch out our faith towards the guiding light of our holy God and admit our failures, weaknesses, wickedness and shortconungs. Then we should thankfully receive the salvation that God provided through the atoning death of Jesus Christbyanacceptablefirmfaith. Godisthelightwholeadstheobedient followers to salvation.
Reverend Gray in his book, "Doctrines of the Bible", teaches us the dif ferences between the Bible truth, Calvinism ,and the idea of Arminianism.
"There are two major schools ofthought concerning grace, election, andfree will: the Calvinist and the Amiinian. The differences between the two are as follows: Those who follow the Calvinistic teaching concerning salvation recognize common
grace as "that manifestation of the provision and plan of God for all mankind." Theyalsoindiaitethatthiscommongracemayberesisted,thereforeabused. Saving gracetheybelievetobeirresistibleforthosewhoaretheelect. WhenGodmoves
toward them, or in behalf of their salvation, they are compelled to yield.
Those usually identified as being Arminian in beliefs hold to the view that there
is little or no difference between common and saving grace. God exercises His benevolent oversight in behalfofall, andfully exercises His saving influence toward
all- but instead of saving grace being irresistible, its benefits result from the deci sionmadebythewillofman. TheSpiritdraws,butmanmustyield.
Contrary to Calvinism, the Scriptures reveal that everyone has the power to nrr^torreiectGod'ssavinggrace. Revelation22:17says,"Andwhosoeverwill,let himtakethewateroflifefreely." Theplanofredemptionisthesameforeveryone alike, and all without exception are invited to comefreely.
Jesus made this truth plain even before He went to Calvary to purchase salvation for humanity: "In the last day, that great day of thefeast, Jesus stood and cried, say-
Thescripturehathsaid,outofhisbellyshallfowriversoflivingwater (Widths
Tnake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him ^^ould receive: for the H^^^^ Ghost was Lt yetgiien; because that Jesus was not yet glorified)" (John 7:37-39).
All humans have the power to respond to the gracious invitation, put on the natureofChrist,andtodrinkofthewatersofsalvationfreely. Anyindividualam believe the gospel, obey its terms, and let God save, empower, and transform . Prevenient grace thus becomes saving grace when byfaith the gospe is accep , received, and obeyed (Ephesians 2:8-9). (Gray, 132-134).
5.4 The Effects of Salvation on Human Nature
A Second Birth
The effects of salvation on the born again human nature does not literal-
Anthropology - The Origin of Man ♦ 103


































































































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