Arminian Hopelessness: STTA!

January 22, 2019 by Michael Coughlin

Something To Think About!

The Arminian doctrine which denies the perseverance of the saints (in order that man’s “free-will” may remain sovereign and autonomous) is detestable to the people of God. A God who would hold you in His bosom against your own will is not a God that the unregenerate mind can worship. Free-willers and Arminians have even used the analogy that a God who would interrupt the course of your best judgment and your will—in order to save you from your sin—is most comparable to a rapist. This errant view of God is obviously despicable—and intentionally crude.

Now I want you to think about this view of salvation which says that God will respect “man’s decisions” and thus allow saints to fall away from saving faith in Christ. How often have you (even in momentary anger or depression), entertained faithless thoughts? Have those thoughts ever evolved into serious doubt about God’s goodness and grace toward you? If so, there is a way in which you’ve stopped exercising faith and would be reprobate by the logical conclusion of the free-will gospel. What a horrid thought that God would abandon His children during their time of weakness!

Finally, what about dear Christian saints whose flesh has failed them near the end and they suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s, or something that affects their ability to actually hold dearly to the faith they once professed? Have you met a person who near the end of their life seemed confused and unfaithful—possibly as the result of a disease that has ravaged their brain to the point where they can no longer communicate the gospel or exhibit faith? The “free-will-respecting” God must not hold a person like that tightly to Himself until the Last Day! He must respect any decision they make regarding salvation, no matter how foolish and perverted by failing flesh it is! What a tragedy!

Thankfully, God is not like that!

See all posts in the Something to Think About! series:

Arminian Hopelessness: STTA!
What Will it Cost You: STTA!
Unfathomable Submission: STTA!
God is Unchanging: STTA!
Patience vs Passivity: STTA!
Discernment: STTA!
Don't Mention the Tension: STTA!
Lifestyle Creep: STTA!
Careful With Your Mocking: STTA!
God Hears Your Prayers: STTA!
Serving Two Masters: STTA!
No Remorse: STTA!
God's Desire for All: STTA!
Corona Virus, Conspiracy, and the Kingship of Christ: STTA
There is No Free Lunch: STTA

Michael Coughlin

Michael Coughlin lives near Columbus, OH, and leads local outreaches to glorify our Lord and reach the lost with the gospel. Michael’s joys are spending time with his dear wife and children, programming computers, and studying and discussing God’s Word. He is a member of Covenant Bible Church.

Chuck Ivey

By God’s grace, Chuck Ivey grew up in a Christian home and came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age. He has been married to his wife Ashley for 20 years. They have seven high energy children by adoption (yes seven), also by God’s grace. Chuck works full time in local law enforcement as an investigator and chaplain. He serves as a deacon and teacher at Beech Haven Baptist Church in Athens, GA. Chuck is a graduate of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Masters of Theological Studies. Coffee and books are involved. You can follow hi...

Michael Coughlin

George Alvarado

George Alvarado is an almost retired member of our Armed Forces (yes, he's older than he looks). He has a beautiful wife, a very tall son, and currently teaches at Pilgrim Bible Church in Washington. He is also an author, blogger, apologist, evangelist, and podcaster. He loves spending time with his family and friends, traveling, photography, and continuing his studies in linguistics and theology.

Allen Nelson IV

Allen S. Nelson IV is the pastor of Perryville Second Baptist Church in Perryville, Arkansas. He and his wife Stephanie have been married since 2006 and have 5 children. Besides enjoying time with his family, Allen loves teaching the Bible, reading good books, and time outdoors. He is the author of From Death to Life: How Salvation Works and Before The Throne: Reflections on God’s Holiness He is an avid Dallas Cowboys and Arkansas Razorbacks fan, which means he's always excited about 'next year.' You can follow him on twitter @cuatronelson.

Garrett O’Hara

Garrett appears to have originated the term, but not the theology, "dispybapticalvinistic-expialidocious." He is a husband, a father of four children, a U.S. Navy veteran, and a semi-truck driver. He also holds a Th.M. in New Testament paid for mostly by the Post-9/11 GI Bill (don't tell Mikey Weinstein).

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Something To Think About!

Thankfully, God is not like that!

Michael Coughlin

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