... I pray this letter finds you in the best of health and in God's wonderful grace. The reason I write you this unexpected is because I'm a struggling Calvinist searching for answers. I was brought up in the Reform camp, and I was always taught that the doctrines of grace and salvation were based on the TULIP. That God doesn't love everyone but only His elect, really troubled me.
The doctrine of eternal security is another teaching that of recently has also troubled my soul. I have now begun to question the "P" in the tulip. Unconditional election doesn't make sense anymore in the light of Scripture. We are taught that sin doesn't ruin a soul and when someone is not walking as he ought, they label him a carnal Christian. So now we have a spiritual Christian and a carnal Christian. Both are saved, but one is allowed to indulge in the sinful nature. How can this be reconciled with 1 John 3:9?
I was recently told about your book, The Believer's Conditional Security." I'm requesting a copy of this book. Please understand that my church will not buy a book that will contradict their doctrines. I'm sent books by every Reform, Calvinist, teachers you can name. But these books contradict themselves and they contradict Scripture too. John Piper really causes confusion! Please send me a copy of your book? I know it will challenge my views but if this is what it takes to serve Jesus in spirit and in truth, then may his will be done in my life. I don't want to follow a system that is not biblically sound.
Please help me Pastor to search this matter out and allow the Holy Spirit to bring enlightenment and conviction. I'm currently in the County Jail serving a 6 month sentence for a traffic ticket. The chaplain here is a staunch Calvinist. I want to be open about this issue and really study it out before rejecting it. I must be faithful to what the Scriptures say. Amen.
By the way, it is strange that whenever I bring this subject up with one of our leaders, I'm always given a book in favor of Calvinism and not the opposite. I'm always being told by my pastor not to search this out outside of the Calvinistic persuasion. Why? Doesn't the Bible say, "where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corin 3:17 NIV). Well, I'm going to exercise my freedom in Christ (Gal 5:1) and search this matter out. I believe in holiness and obedience. We are called unto good works.
Thank you... I love you in Christ. I'll be praying for you and your ministry. Your brother in the Lord Jesus,
[Our book was sent to this man. Please pray for him, and many others, who are searching for truth and God.]
GOD BLESS YOU.
Evangelical Outreach Alphabetical Map
Evangelical Outreach
PO Box 265
Washington, PA 15301
www.EvangelicalOutreach.org
www.EternalLifeBlog.com