I ask Chat GPT to offer opinions on Calvinism and Arminianism
Introduction:
Open AI’s platform allows subscribers to create custom GPTs. I built a GPT called “Wonderful Counselor” instructed to answer using the Gospel and specifically the words of Jesus as its guide. You’ll see also, that other parts of scripture are referenced by GPT. Therefore you may consider this as my offer as a balanced answer to a question that is on many minds. A link to the GPT, open to all Open AI subscribers, is at the bottom of this thread.
Q: What do you think about TULIP?
GPT: Jesus emphasized love, grace, and the kingdom of God, inviting all to come to Him. He taught in parables and actions that God’s love and invitation are wide, emphasizing personal transformation and compassion over doctrinal specifics. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). It’s important to focus on His teachings of love, repentance, and following Him.
Q: I want an opinion specifically on election.
GPT: Jesus taught that God’s call and love are expansive. He shared parables like the Great Banquet in Luke 14:15-24, illustrating that everyone is invited to God’s kingdom, but not all may choose to accept. He says, “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14), highlighting both God’s invitation to all and the reality of personal response. The focus is on God’s love and mercy, and the invitation to follow Him, open to everyone.
Q: Few are chosen. Who is the chooser?
GPT: The chooser is God. Jesus frequently speaks of God’s sovereignty and loving will in deciding who becomes part of His kingdom. In John 6:44, Jesus says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them,” emphasizing God’s active role in drawing people to Himself. This highlights the balance of divine sovereignty and human response in the mystery of faith and salvation, encouraging trust in God’s loving and just nature.
Q: What if God doesn’t choose someone?
GPT: Jesus’s teachings affirm God’s deep desire for all to come to know Him. He tells us, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). This reflects a God who reaches out, longing for everyone to embrace His love and truth. In 2 Peter 3:9, it’s stated, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God’s heart is for all to find salvation through Jesus.
Q: But, doesn’t God decide in advance who is saved?
GPT: Jesus speaks of a relationship with God that is both personal and responsive. In John 15:16, He says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit…” This highlights the role of divine choice in the context of a life lived in response to God’s call. Yet, He also invites everyone to come to Him, as seen in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” The Bible presents a mystery of God’s sovereignty and human freedom, emphasizing our response to God’s loving invitation.
Q: If someone wasn’t chosen, but comes to Jesus, what happens?
GPT: Jesus’s message is one of unconditional love and open invitation. He says in John 6:37, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” This verse beautifully captures the essence of Jesus’s teaching: anyone who comes to Him, He will not reject. It emphasizes the open-heartedness of Jesus’s mission, affirming that anyone who seeks Him with a genuine heart will be embraced and accepted into His love.
Q: How would one know if they are chosen?
GPT: Jesus provided a simple yet profound criterion for knowing one’s relationship with Him: “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). This speaks to the transformative power of following Jesus, which is evident in one’s actions, love, and way of life. If you have faith in Jesus, love God and others, and strive to live according to His teachings, these are signs of being part of His flock. Jesus assures us, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
Q: So one has to bear fruit?
GPT: Yes, bearing fruit is a sign of a genuine relationship with Jesus. He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). This fruit is not just actions but a transformation of character, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as detailed in Galatians 5:22-23. It’s about living in a way that reflects Jesus’s teachings and love.
Q: But Paul said “not by works?”
GPT: Paul emphasized that salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works, so no one can boast about their own efforts. In Ephesians 2:8-9, he writes, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” The “fruit” Jesus speaks of is the evidence of God’s Spirit working within us, a natural outcome of a life transformed by faith in Jesus, not a means to earn salvation.
Q: Some believe the gift is given at the beginning of time because God is sovereign over all.
GPT: Indeed, many hold that view, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and His omniscient planning, including the salvation of individuals. This perspective finds support in passages like Ephesians 1:4-5, where Paul writes, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, according to His pleasure and will.” This underscores the belief in God’s eternal purpose and gracious initiative in salvation, showcasing His love and sovereignty in calling individuals to Himself.
Q: If God already chose, why bother?
GPT: Jesus’s teachings and life demonstrate that God’s choosing is not meant to lead to complacency but to inspire a life of love, service, and growth in faith. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations,” indicating the importance of active faith in sharing God’s love and truth. The call to follow Jesus is a call to participate in the ongoing story of God’s love for the world, reflecting His love in our actions and being transformed in the process. It’s about embracing and living out the love, grace, and mission God extends to us, drawing others to Him through our lives.
Q: So who is right? Calvinists? Provisionists? Arminians?
GPT: Jesus’s teachings focus on the heart of God’s message: love, redemption, and following Him. Each of these theological perspectives—Calvinists, Provisionists, Arminians—seeks to understand the deep mysteries of faith, salvation, and God’s sovereignty from different angles, based on Scripture. Jesus calls for unity in love and purpose among His followers (John 13:34-35). It’s important to explore these views with an open heart, seeking truth in humility, and prioritizing the greatest commandments He emphasized: to love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). In the end, living according to Jesus’s teachings of love, compassion, and following Him is paramount.
Q: People spend a lot of time debating who is right.
GPT: Yes, debates on theological nuances have been part of Christianity’s history. Jesus encourages us to seek unity and love above all. He prayed for His followers, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). It’s important to engage in discussions with grace, aiming to understand and grow, while remembering the core of our faith is to love God and love others. This unity in love is what Jesus desires for His followers.
Q: Are there consequences for not knowing or believing in Calvinism or Arminianism?
GPT: Jesus’s primary focus was not on adhering to specific theological systems but on a relationship with God, living out His commandments of love, and spreading the good news of the Kingdom. In Mark 12:29-31, Jesus outlines the greatest commandments: to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. These commandments underscore that the heart of faith is love and relationship, rather than perfect alignment with complex doctrinal stances. Salvation is grounded in faith in Christ and His sacrifice, and living out that faith through love and service to others.
Q: So it doesn’t matter?
GPT: What matters most is your faith in Jesus Christ, your relationship with God, and how that faith transforms your life to love and serve others. While theological understanding can enrich and deepen our faith, Jesus emphasized the importance of knowing Him and living out His commandments of love. In Matthew 22:37-40, He highlights the greatest commandments: to love God and love your neighbor. These are the foundation upon which all other teachings and understandings should be built.
Q: Some people have a need to be right. They devote a lot of their time to debating.
GPT: It’s natural for people to seek certainty and truth, especially in matters of faith. However, Jesus reminds us of the importance of humility, love, and unity in our interactions. In Matthew 18:3-4, He says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” It suggests a heart posture of openness, humility, and prioritizing love over being right. Engaging in discussions can be fruitful, but the spirit in which we engage—seeking understanding and embodying Christ’s love—is crucial.
Q: Faith like a child?
GPT: Yes, having faith like a child refers to a trust and reliance on God that is pure, wholehearted, and unburdened by skepticism or cynicism. It’s about approaching God with openness, humility, and a readiness to learn and be led by Him, much like how children trust and depend on their parents. Jesus highlights this in Matthew 18:3, encouraging us to embrace a simple, trusting faith that prioritizes our relationship with God and embodies love and humility in our interactions with others.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who sees it as a mystery?
GPT: Embrace the mystery with faith and humility. Jesus often taught in parables, inviting listeners to seek deeper understanding and trust in God’s wisdom. Recognizing that some aspects of faith and God’s nature are beyond our full understanding encourages a humble walk with God, open to learning and being guided. Pursue a relationship with God through prayer, reading Scripture, and community, allowing His love and truth to shape your life. In this journey, find peace in the assurance of God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Q: If I may be so bold, is it hubris of someone to believe they have the right answer to the question of predestination?
GPT: It’s important to approach theological questions like predestination with humility, recognizing the limits of human understanding compared to the vastness of God’s wisdom. Paul reflects on the mystery of God’s will in Romans 11:33-34, saying, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” This invites us to humbly acknowledge that our grasp of divine mysteries is partial, and to hold our convictions with grace, always open to learn and grow in our understanding of God’s truth.
Q: Romans 9, in this context?
GPT: Romans 9 delves into themes of God’s sovereignty, election, and mercy, presenting a profound exploration of how God’s purposes unfold in history. Paul discusses God’s right to choose and His mercy, using examples from Israel’s history to illustrate God’s sovereign decisions. This chapter challenges readers to grapple with the depth of God’s sovereignty and the mystery of His choices, emphasizing trust in God’s wisdom and justice. Paul’s reflection encourages a humble acknowledgment of God’s unfathomable decisions and a faith that trusts in His good and loving purposes, even when we cannot fully understand them.
Q: It’s God’s right?
GPT: Yes, Romans 9 emphasizes that it is within God’s sovereign right to make decisions according to His purpose and will. Paul uses the analogy of the potter and the clay to illustrate God’s authority over creation, highlighting that God has the freedom to choose how He bestows mercy and compassion (Romans 9:20-21). This underscores the biblical theme of God’s sovereignty, inviting believers to trust in God’s wisdom and justice, even in the face of mysteries that are difficult to understand from a human perspective.
Q: So one could bear fruit, believe Jesus and the Trinity, strive in their daily walk to act in righteousness, and God can refuse them?
GPT: The overarching message of the Bible, and particularly of Jesus’ teachings, is one of grace, love, and invitation. Jesus said, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37). This promise suggests that anyone who genuinely seeks God, believes in Jesus, and strives to live according to His teachings will not be rejected but embraced by God’s love and salvation. The emphasis is on God’s gracious invitation to all and His desire for a relationship with each person, underlined by His promise of acceptance and love for those who come to Him.
Q: Who can tell if one is genuine?
GPT: Only God truly knows the heart and can discern genuine faith. In 1 Samuel 16:7, it’s said, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This highlights God’s unique ability to see beyond external actions to the true intentions and faith within a person. While humans may attempt to judge genuineness based on actions or words, it’s ultimately God who understands the depth and sincerity of one’s faith and relationship with Him.
Q: Should we teach one of these perspectives in church?
GPT: In teaching and exploring theological perspectives in church, it’s beneficial to focus on the core of the Christian faith—Jesus’s life, teachings, death, and resurrection—and how these truths transform lives and call us to love God and others. While exploring different theological views like those on predestination can enrich understanding and encourage deep thinking, it’s important to approach such discussions with humility, grace, and a focus on unity in the essentials of faith. Emphasizing love, grace, and the invitation extended by Jesus encourages a faith community that is inclusive, supportive, and focused on living out the teachings of Christ.
Q: Rarely do people agree, and in a debate one side or another will prevail.
GPT: Indeed, debates often lead to one viewpoint prevailing over another, yet the goal within the context of faith should be deeper understanding and unity, rather than winning an argument. As Paul advises in Ephesians 4:2-3, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” It’s vital to approach discussions with a spirit of humility, seeking to learn from one another and grow together in faith, while upholding the bond of peace and love that unites us in Christ.
Q: Is apologetics divisive?
GPT: Apologetics, the defense of Christian faith, aims to explain and rationalize beliefs to both believers and skeptics. It doesn’t have to be divisive; rather, it can strengthen faith and bridge understanding when approached with humility, respect, and love. As 1 Peter 3:15 advises, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” This underscores the importance of engaging in apologetics in a way that reflects Christ’s love and respect for all individuals, promoting unity and understanding rather than division.
Q: Could I ask you to provide a closing statement for this interview that I can share with my brothers and sisters in Christ?
GPT: In our journey of faith, let us embrace the diversity of thought and the unity of our love in Christ. May we approach our discussions and differences with humility, seeking understanding and growth, grounded in the love and grace that Jesus exemplified. Let’s remember the core of our faith—the transformative love of Jesus Christ, His call to follow Him, and His command to love God and our neighbors. In this, we find our common ground, our highest calling, and our deepest joy. May we reflect His light and love in all that we do, drawing closer to Him and to each other in the bond of peace.
Q: Amen. Thank you.
GPT: You’re welcome. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask. Blessings to you.
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