In Revelation 1,2, and 3 John prophesies to the seven churches in Asia. The last group he addresses is the church in Laodicea. After addressing the Ladocians, he concludes with the following prophesy:
(Jesus speaking) Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. -Revelation 3:20-22
This passage can be interpreted in two ways, both of which present problems for Calvinism.
Interpretation #1: This passage is applicable to everyone. Although Jesus is addressing the Ladocians, he uses universal language ("If anyone..", "he who has an ear..."). Thus this passage has application to everyone and helps to establish the doctrine of prevenient grace. This is usually the Arminian position.
Interpretation #2: Jesus is speaking only to the church in Laodicea, or to only to the seven churches in Asia. This passage is meant to apply to the original audience, and has no application to non-believers today. This is usually the Calvinist position.
If interpretation #1 is correct, we have a clear example of prevenient grace. The passage illustrates both the universal scope of grace, and the ability to resist grace. Jesus knocks on the door of each person, and the person can choose whether or not to open the door.
If interpretation #2 is correct, the Calvinist unwittingly creates another problem for himself. He disproves the doctrine of eternal security. Immediately prior Jesus speaks of "spitting out" the Ladocians because they are neither hot nor cold. If Jesus is addressing only Ladocian believers, the passage indicates that those same believers can become apostate (bold mine):
To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. -Revelation 3:14-16
So the Calvinist is left with a dilemma. If the passage applies to non-believers, it teaches prevenient grace. If the passage applies to Ladocian believers, it teaches the possibility of apostasy.
8 hours ago
1 comment:
I'm never a full Calvinist nor full Arminian, but I do not see the problem in Rev 3:20.
A church is made up of both saved and unsaved.
Regardless of the passage speaking to only the church it was written to or applying to all since, you left out a possible interruption:
We are warned in James 1:22 to be doers of the word, not hearers only, thus fooling ourselves to believe we are saved when we are not. AND Rom 9 where we are told God chooses us.
In light of this information and that all of Scripture knits together, why can't Rev 3:20 say the following:
Those who are Christians and overcome will have the reward of sitting on the throne while those that do not will not. Sitting on the throne is not the same gift as eternal life. We know that rewards are varied, Mt. 5:19.
As for being spit out of the Lord's mouth, Rev 3:14-16, this could easily be those in church that have deceived themselves as James stated and thought they were saved and never were, therefore would be rejected by Christ.
I don't see this verse proving or disproving either Calvinism or Arminianism.
Can you please provide feedback, thank you.
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