Open Letter To All Arminian And Calvinist

I believe there is one important biblical truth the Arminian and Calvinist had missed. There are so many debates, accusations, and arguments that have been going on in the past and until now, but it only focuses on the spiritual side. They both overlook the other side of the truth which is on the natural-physical side and it is all about their body-the human body. It is not the two opposing views are the real issue, but the body that is contrary to the Spirit. The main conflict is not on the two contested views, but on the body and Spirit. Gal 5:16-21

In the spiritual realm, there’s no problem at all and there’s no question at all, anyone who is in Christ is a new creation 2 Cor 5:17- forgiven, justified, blameless, holy and righteous in the sight of God because all sins have been paid by Jesus. It is finished nothing more to be done.  However, in the natural realm, in the physical body which is the mortal body actually lies the big problem that there must be something to be worked out.

In the area of the physical body there are sin-causing-parts namely the eye, the hand and the tongue where sin is active and living ever since at childhood. Everybody has an ingrained sin from birth.  And for as long as the “saved person”   is in the body, the part that causes sin can still live and be active at any moment anytime, anywhere and under any circumstances.

No one can’t deny it, those wretched and fleshly part craves for the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh. It’s totally has no desire for spiritual things only lustful desires Gal 5:16-25. Like an airplane flying on autopilot, the body yield automatically to its lustful cravings, always acting on its own and the more trying to control it, the more struggle it becomes Rom 7:14-20. For that reason, many who claimed they are truly saved or always saved were still slaves of the sin living in those parts of their body. Only a few are in the good ground and grow in the Spirit while many are with among the worldly Mat 13:7-9, enslave and entangled again and again by the sinful workings of those parts.

Let all be reminded that not all who say “Lord, Lord” will enter heaven Mat 7:21-23 that in the same way not all who   claimed they are “truly saved” or “always saved” will enter heaven. Why will they not enter heaven? Because they didn’t know that their eye, hand and tongue conceives sin little by little Jam 1:15, until sin reign and become their master again Rom 6:12.

Regardless of the views claimed by one and the other, there within their body are the dangerous parts- the eye and the hand with the tongue which is the most dangerous part Jam 3:1-8. All parts are restless evil. Everyone should always watch out their own parts. Charles Spurgeon said, “Beware of no man more than yourselves; we carry our worst enemies within us”.  Apostle Paul himself knows very well the condition of his own body and he always disciplined his body and put it into subjection. 1Cor 9:27

Both Arminian and Calvinist dwell in the same corrupted body, has the same flesh and blood and no bodies are “holier than thou”. In fact, the bible said “No flesh and blood can enter heaven” 1 Cor 15:50 and God are no respecter of person Acts 10:34 and that includes group, church, denomination etc.

Unless they both settle on these bodily issues, (saving the parts of the body) there would be more soul along with the whole body that might be put in danger. Mark 9:43-48

To learn more about this thing:
See The Paradox of Biblical Salvation

Calvin, Arminian vs. Apostles Doctrine

As far as the biblical stand of the doctrine of salvation is concerned, there is and there must be only one set of doctrine to stand in the church.  It is known in the book of Acts as the “Apostles doctrine” where all believers conceived a one mind in the knowledge and understanding of the doctrine of salvation.  They held it altogether without argument and no division among themselves. 

 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  (Act 2:42)

What apostles doctrine could it be in regard to the doctrine of salvation the believers held in their mind that at present all believers must held it too? Compare the 3 stand below:

1. Calvin stand on the doctrine of salvation:  Once saved always saved
2. Arminian stand on the doctrine of salvation: Those who truly saved can lose their salvation 
3.  Biblical and Apostle Stand on the Doctrine of Salvation: Work out your salvation (A saved person must work out his own salvation)

May it be clear in the minds of all saved person (saved by grace through faith) the term “Work out your salvation” is biblical (Phil2:12) and it is precisely the apostles doctrine. Both Calvinism and Arminian must work out their own salvation through the working of the “Law Now” by way of surpassing them.  But if they unwilling it means negligence on their part to give importance on what Jesus had given importance.

Understand what Jesus said about the law:

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  (Mat 5:19)

 How exactly a saved person should “Work out the salvation” in a logical and practical way which is good, pleasing and acceptable in the standard of God?  It can be done only through the surpassing of the law which is the Ten Commandments. They are the “Law” or the “Commandments” Jesus teach in Mat 5:17-20 and the same law or commandments which the Apostles established in their ministry. Rom 3:31.

Why” work out own salvation” through the  law? 

It is because the law is perfect to convert, reform, transform, renew, and change the mind (soul-psyche) of a saved person.  Psa 19:7. When the mind is renewed there would be a change of attitude and conduct. Keep in mind, what the mind conceive it manifest into oneself (such as lying, stealing, adultery, idolatry, anger-murder...) if good then good will come out but if evil then evil will show up.

Whether you are Calvinism or Arminian you must work out your own salvation through the “Law Now”, again by surpassing them. The law is perfect to renew the mind making the mind to become the mind of Christ. See "The Paradox of Biblical Salvation".

Modern Translation of 1 Corinthians 1:12

Original Translation:

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos… Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?  (1Co 1:12-13)

 Modern Translation:

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Calvin ; and I of Armenian… Is Christ divided? was Calvin crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Armenian?  (1Co 1:12-13)

When it comes in the doctrine of salvation both (Calvinism and Armenian) agree that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works of whatsoever. But when it comes in the issue whether salvation can be lose or not , conditional or eternal, division exist in the Body of Christ which is the church and it creates a big separation wall between of them.  There have been many debates and discussions over that matter until today and it seems will never end. They even pointing each other as unbiblical, heretic, inspired by the devil etc..etc.., Did they know that they are actually condemning and judging each other?

One thing is clear, both missed a very important issue relevant to salvation. All of those who claimed they are “truly saved” or “always saved” should know that the Law which is the Ten Commandments is the vital thing to give an outmost importance.  

Look carefully on the teaching of Jesus about the law:

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  (Mat 5:17-19)

What law Jesus is talking about?

It is not the Ceremonial law, not the Sabbath law and not even the Law of Moses in particular is the Ten Commandments written in the two tablets of stone. The law Jesus is talking about is the law called the law “But now I tell you”. Unlike the Law of Moses that must be caught in the act such as adultery, murder, stealing to be declared guilty of sin, the law Jesus teach doesn’t need to be caught in the act to become guilty.  The former committing adultery is guilty punishable by death while the latter to look with a lust is already adultery and shall be in danger of the fire of hell.

Jesus said, “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.  And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.  (Mat 5:29-30)

 All who claimed they are in Christ be reminded, ignoring the teaching of Christ regarding the “Law Now” is dangerous. Many think they are “truly saved” or “always saved” but in fact they are not saved at all because of their “hell-dragging-body”- (their eye, hand and tongue caused them to be in danger of the fire of hell).

It’s out of the Question

I believe it’s out of the question whether If one claimed that those who are “truly saved can lose the salvation” or others claimed “once saved, always saved”. It doesn’t matter what Christians hold in his mind for as long as the person believe that “salvation is by grace through faith” then I could say that there is no problem at all which of the two is right and wrong.

Claiming what you believe is not a guarantee that you are really saved. There is a simple question but has a big relevance related to salvation that must be answer by those who say they are truly saved or once saved always saved. After you accepted, believed and confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, are you growing and really becoming children of God? A person claiming he is a child of God should clearly understand of what the Apostle John said:

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (1Jn 3:8-10)

Note: Whosoever does not do the righteousness of God is not of God and can be distinguish as the children of the devil.

What then is the righteousness of God?

My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. (Psa 119:172)

The Ten Commandments is the righteousness of God and this then is what the Christian should seek first! (Mat 6:33)

Therefore, the guarantee that a person is really a children of God is not base solely on what he claimed but on the righteousness of God that he does. Surpassing of the Law is the righteousness of God.

The question now is, do you have the righteousness of God? Putting it in the other way:

• Do you have any grudges, hatred, wrath, bitterness toward others?
• Do you look with a lust to an opposite sex?
• Do you steal something even it is small of value?
• Do you lie and exaggerate?

If you do, then you have not sought and attained the righteousness of God and your salvation is questionable. “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother”. (1Jn 3:10)

We must have the righteousness of God and that can be made by keeping the law not the law we heard of long ago but the law that the Lord Jesus said, “Now I tell you…”.

To all Christians and particularly to all Calvinist and Arminist:

Those Christians who claimed that “once saved always saved”, how can they be sure enough that they are truly saved always? And those Christians who stated themselves that “Those who truly saved can lose their salvation”, what exactly was going to do to keep the salvation so it cannot be lost?
The precise and legitimate answers (for both of them) can be found on the following:

 They should be Merciful
• Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matt 5:7 NIV
• Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 NIV
• I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. Rom 9:15-16 NIV
• Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! James 2:13 NIV

 They should Humble Themselves
• Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matt 5:5 NIV
• For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matt 23:12 NIV
• God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. James 4:6 NIV
• Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Cor 13:4 NIV

The question that Calvinist/Arminist (and to the individual who claimed they are Christian) should ask to themselves is, “Am I being merciful”? Merciful to others particularly to those of whom sometimes (or oftentimes) am I getting angry with? No one can’t deny, it will not passed that within one week or a month that you are easily get angry and lose temper to someone. Maybe you think you have no hatred or not disgusted or not hot tempered with someone but surely as it was, if not those people inside in your church (Pastors, Elder, Workers and co members) definitely are the people living inside your own home (Husband and Wife, Father and son and daughter, including the members of the extended families). Those are the people you encountered with a friction.

One truth lies here, that any Christians who harbour hatred, bitterness, anger and wrath in their mind and in their heart towards their neighbour especially with their brethren, there is one thing they should mind about. And that is he/she is not being merciful and yet can be accounted as not being truly saved. The Bible said, Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him (1 John 3:15). Also the Bible said that those who are angry is the same as committing a murder (Mat 5:22). Therefore, those Christians who are angry with others are not truly saved because no murderer has eternal life in him. Take note, a murderer has no eternal life and therefore not saved. The Bible tells the difference, “ This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. 1 John 3:10. Therefore, anyone who claimed they are really Christians but has hatred toward others he/she is not doing what is right and is not a child of God-not saved!

One more question to all Christians, (also to Calvinist and Arminist) are you a kind of Christian who are down to earth- Humble? Have you become proud on the things you have? Are pride creeps in your heart that you are not aware of it? Better to check yourself and take this admonition, anyone who claimed to be the son of God that are not humble but becoming proud were putting themselves in danger of falling. If there’s any kind of pride build up in them they might end just like as what happened to Lucifer. Do you know why Lucifer who is formerly known as the “beautiful bright morning star” were condemned and rejected from heaven? It is the Pride!

Have you ever comes into your minds that Lucifer who led many angels to worship and glorify God has a position that is eternal? Lucifer is supposed to be eternally secured in heaven, it means he is eternally saved! . But because of his ambition and the more desirous of becoming like as of God, his pride led him to his downfall and in due time will be cast down into the lake of fire. With him to be cast down into the lake of fire are those people who claimed they are Christians, who said they are called by God, being led by God and can do miracles but found and prove to be having proud (pride) of themselves. ’’ Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matt 7:22-23. Being proud actually breeds many kinds of evildoing. In the same way evildoing breeds pride even more.

Therefore, those Christian who claimed they are “once saved always saved”, and “Those who truly saved can lose their salvation” must be careful and look themselves onto the mirror of the Ten Commandments. Because breaking even one of the law will conceived pride and if not aware it will give birth to a more pride (sin) and when it is full grown gives birth to (sting of death) death. (Jam 1:15). And the Bible said, “ God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6. Pride is very dangerous!

Therefore, so for a Christian to be “always saved” and that “salvation cannot be loss”, one must be humble always and must be merciful always at all times. Read The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Luk 18:9-14; The Parable of the Prodigal Son Luk 15:11-32