Previous Two Posts On Calvinism Between Matt Paulson and Kelly Powers

For those of you who have been here visiting and reading the previous two post discussions have been between Matt Paulson and myself concerning the doctrine of Total Depravity, which comes from the TULIP, also known as the 5 points of Calvinism or doctrines of grace. Below is some background information about Matt and Kelly's (myself) beliefs.

Matt Paulson is involved with www.carm.org helping with message board discussions and emails, and he has written a book called "Breaking the Mormon Code". www.breakingthemormoncode.com Matt holds to a reformed position known as the TULIP or what is called the 5 points of Calvinism.

Kelly Powers (myself) is the director of "Apologetics for Christians", and I have written numerous articles and have taught numerous audio teachings online to listen to. (Now www.rootedinchrist.org) I am neither a Calvinist nor an Arminian, and for more information on my views concerning the TULIP or other things visit my site.

Does regeneration precede belief in John 1:13 (Discussion between Matt Paulson & Kelly Powers)

"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. 9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, `He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.' " 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ." (John 1:1-17 NASB)

Welcome to our second discussion where Matt and myself are discussing Calvinism. Matt has asked for this to be our next Scripture and topic discussion. We both will have 3 comments to give to one another addressing what we believe John 1:13 means in regards to reformed theology and non-reformed theology.

Common questions that we will both discuss:

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Does regeneration precede belief in Jesus?

Does John 1:13 prove or disprove that we as humans have the responsibility to either accept or reject the message of Jesus Christ?

Can we as humans do anything to be saved or is it solely 100% the work of God and we have no choice in the matter?

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[For some people who may not be aware of the word "regeneration" here is another way to understand the word regeneration: it is being born again, a new creation in Christ.]

Hope you enjoy the discussion and that you take time to research these things out for yourselves.

The Wedding Invitation is for who? (Discussion between Matt Paulson & Kelly Powers)

In Matthew 22:1-14 it states: 1 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying, 2 "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. 3 "And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come. 4 "Again he sent out other slaves saying, `Tell those who have been invited, "Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fattened livestock are all butchered and everything is ready; come to the wedding feast."' 5 "But they paid no attention and went their way, one to his own farm, another to his business, 6 and the rest seized his slaves and mistreated them and killed them. 7 "But the king was enraged, and he sent his armies and destroyed those murderers and set their city on fire. 8 "Then he said to his slaves, `The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 `Go therefore to the main highways, and as many as you find there, invite to the wedding feast.' 10 "Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered together all they found, both evil and good; and the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests. 11 "But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, 12 and he said to him, `Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?' And the man was speechless. 13 "Then the king said to the servants, `Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."

Now we know this has application spiritually to Jesus being sent by the Father and that this has application to spreading the gospel.

1. Why or how did the invited ones not come, how were they unwilling if they were invited.

2. How could the invitation be sent out to whoever they come in contact with if that was not so?

3. How can the called not be chosen?

Kelly Powers