Over the years as I've taken part in theological discussion after theological discussion, one of the most common themes has been the debate regarding the sovereignty of God and the Free Will of man. Some might label it as the debate over Calvinism and Arminianism. As I've listened to both sides present their views, a phrase from the movie "The Princess Bride" comes to mind: "Truly you have a dizzying intellect."
Anyway, one day in the midst of these discussions, a favorite song from childhood began to ring in my ears. You probably know it by heart.
JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN
"Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the word.
Red and yellow, black and white,
They are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world."
To me, that song perfectly encapsulates the heart of God. But what if it were re-written to reflect the Arminian doctrine (the most popular doctrine within the "church" today).
JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN (Arminian version)
"Jesus loves all the world's children,
Until they reach the age of around twelve,
Red and yellow, black and white,
Most all are doomed in His sight,
For they will die in sin and burn in hell."
(because the most powerful force in the universe is the "free will" of man which thwarts the will of God)
What it it were rewritten to reflect the theology of John Calvin?
JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN (Calvinist Version)
"Jesus loves some of the children,
Those He's destined to know Him in this world,
Red and yellow, back and white,
A few are precious in his sight,
All others He predestined for endless hell."
Please forgive me if these re-writes sound offensive. But I believe they do reflect the heart of these popular doctrines.
In future writings and videos, I hope to explore why these theologians came to their conclusions, what Biblical basis they have... and what Biblical basis they do NOT have (hint... it pivots primarily on a couple of Greek words and a couple of passages which we traditionally may have been ripping from their proper context).
In the meantime, below is a video that I stumbled upon on YouTube which contrasts these two views with a third view which may be just as offensive to some. However, it will give you an idea of how these doctrines developed and provide a glimpse at one particular Greek word that has been grossly mistranslated in several key passages.
Keep your focus on CHRIST and what He has accomplished for us!!!! And be blessed as you walk with our precious Savior.
Anyway, one day in the midst of these discussions, a favorite song from childhood began to ring in my ears. You probably know it by heart.
JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN
"Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the word.
Red and yellow, black and white,
They are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world."
To me, that song perfectly encapsulates the heart of God. But what if it were re-written to reflect the Arminian doctrine (the most popular doctrine within the "church" today).
JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN (Arminian version)
"Jesus loves all the world's children,
Until they reach the age of around twelve,
Red and yellow, black and white,
Most all are doomed in His sight,
For they will die in sin and burn in hell."
(because the most powerful force in the universe is the "free will" of man which thwarts the will of God)
What it it were rewritten to reflect the theology of John Calvin?
JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN (Calvinist Version)
"Jesus loves some of the children,
Those He's destined to know Him in this world,
Red and yellow, back and white,
A few are precious in his sight,
All others He predestined for endless hell."
Please forgive me if these re-writes sound offensive. But I believe they do reflect the heart of these popular doctrines.
In future writings and videos, I hope to explore why these theologians came to their conclusions, what Biblical basis they have... and what Biblical basis they do NOT have (hint... it pivots primarily on a couple of Greek words and a couple of passages which we traditionally may have been ripping from their proper context).
In the meantime, below is a video that I stumbled upon on YouTube which contrasts these two views with a third view which may be just as offensive to some. However, it will give you an idea of how these doctrines developed and provide a glimpse at one particular Greek word that has been grossly mistranslated in several key passages.
Keep your focus on CHRIST and what He has accomplished for us!!!! And be blessed as you walk with our precious Savior.
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