Here's the full quote from

http://www.frame-poythress.org/wp-co...8Interview.pdf


The last sentence is key and is the standard response from any Reformed theologian to the possibility of a Christian losing salvation - they were not Christians in the first place. If you challenged him to the SAT test he would tell you that no one who is truly regenerated and has saving faith can ever be lost.

Its too easy to get an 800 in the allotted time. But I will admit that I could beat people at speed SATs who have a little bit higher overall math aptitude than I have. The test just happens to be right up my alley.

And I would ask him about the ten year old Jewish boy dying of cancer who has been led to believe that God wants him to think that the Jesus resurrection story is erroneous.

Einstein, Newton and DS sit down to take the SAT math test. DS hands in his paper first and gets 800. And?

Newton beats me. Now what about the ten year old Jewish boy?

The question was even if you beat them both, so what?

I don't know what Poythress would say. I expect he would give a long, involved answer with many examples and details. I think fundamentally he would divide people into two groups - 1. Those who are accountable 2. Those who aren't - such as infants. Most Christians think those who are not accountable are saved by Christ's atonement. For group 1 that's just whatever their position is on salvation. What does this have to do with the Sat test?

The SAT challenge was only directed at those people who wouldn't make an exception for someone like that ten year old boy.

Why did this thread become a dick measuring contest?

Because Sklansky is proud of his, but nobody else understands why.

I wish He would come back to Earth as the Holy Bible promised He would, and do His part to fulfill His FATHER'S plan, explained to us in Revelation. I wouldn't mind if He would give non-worshipers a fair chance at Heaven. Heaven knows how to put a price on it's goods.

-Pancho

Unless it was an accident, I don't think it's fair that you left off the last sentence of his quote that basically disproves your whole point. Any real Calvinist (including myself) would uphold the 5 points, especially perseverance of the saints. In fact all legitimate Reformed denominations hold to perseverance of the saints and even among the huge field of baptistic evangelicals you will be hard pressed to find Christians who believe one can lose their salvation. The above quote about apostasy is dead on accurate.

I will not speak for the man in question but I believe many (most?) Calvinists would say that if the 10 year old Jewish boy you described would be counted among the un-elect. If you had said a pre-born baby or an infant, the answers start changing quickly but it's still a large disagreement. Many Christians, the Reformed included believe that all infants are elect.

I can't beat your math challenge so feel free to ignore everything I just said.lol

This is not true. It is only better disguised and more complex just like your quoted claim. Millions of intelligent people cannot see through it.

It is not like the believers or even the lost sons are secure. Everyone who thinks is intelligent such sentences are very sweet to his ears. But as they have a good teacher they instantly recognize most ego's tricks. As you can see all Jesus servants fall often into denials not only Peter.
Who has ears let them hear!
But they from time to time fall on their knees and cry for help:
"You most beautiful, you greatest forgiver, forgive my sins, forgive my denials, forgive my inner and hidden rebellions which are not hidden to you and forgive my open rebellions as you are the only impeccable and capable doorway and if I am too intelligent to accept your rituals than reduce my intelligence."