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We have many good conversations about predestination. But we seldom define the degree to which predestination affects the universe and all.
At the least it appears many think God imagined the universe before he created it. Let it run its own course without his intervention. And then created what he saw. Making it unchangeable and therefore predestined to happen just as he foresaw it.
Another view, the most extreme says: God created all, including every thought and act of every creature in the universe when he created the universe. That not a grain of sand on the furthest planet shifts position without God who also created its path and movements in the appointed time.
Both extremes depend on God’s perfect knowledge. If God only energizes but doesn’t control all, he then must watch and learn what might or might not happen. And this would mean he is not all knowing as the bible says.
Other theories emerge but the Westminster Confession Chapter 3:1; God's Eternal Decree defines biblical predestination this way.
1. God, from all eternity, did—by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will—freely and unchangeably ordain whatever comes to pass. Yet he ordered all things in such a way that he is not the author of sin, nor does he force his creatures to act against their wills; neither is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.
So as I understand, we freely choose for the reasons God created with us, to base our choices on. As we meet up with them at the right time in life.
This resolves free will and divine sovereignty.
I'm not a Calvinist. Just a bible student. Jesus taught the rich young ruler how impossible it is to earn salvation by keeping the Law. You must also sell all, give to the poor, and take the bullet for the next guy in harms way if you want to earn salvation.
But Jesus did it for us who believe in him. So while we wear his righteousness and all it merits, we still struggle working on our own.
Who ever kept the Commandments but Jesus?First of all, Jesus never said keeping His commandments was impossible. Your first mistake.
So taking a bullet for someone is your perception of salvation? Your second mistake.
But you didn't answer why you don't believe the truth of Jesus' words. If His words (if you want to enter life, keep the commandments) are the truth, why do you avoid them like the plague?
Jesus never said He kept the commandments for those who believe. This is a falsity of natural man.
First of all, Jesus never said keeping His commandments was impossible. Your first mistake.
So taking a bullet for someone is your perception of salvation? Your second mistake.
But you didn't answer why you don't believe the truth of Jesus' words. If His words (if you want to enter life, keep the commandments) are the truth, why do you avoid them like the plague?
Jesus never said He kept the commandments for those who believe. This is a falsity of natural man.
Matthias replaced Judas.It’s important to understand that Judas Iscariot was predestined to reign with Christ and the other 11 in the age to come.
So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:27
JLB
Matthias replaced Judas.
Who ever kept the Commandments but Jesus?
Al Capone could keep the ten commandments if it was to his advantage. But only perfect love can keep the Two Great Commandments of love for God and people (including enemies).Are you sure no one has ever kept the commandments? I sure would hate to be in your church if no one kept the commandments. And if you don't keep them, please stay away from my family.
Al Capone could keep the ten commandments if it was to his advantage. But only perfect love can keep the Two Great Commandments of love for God and people (including enemies).
No, but if you are born again, you won't want to sin and you will hate evil.Is lying to your brother loving him?
Is committing adultery with your brother’s wife loving him?
Is murdering your brother, loving him?
Is stealing from your brother loving him?
Is coveting your brothers wife or house or anything that is your brother’s loving him?
Is dishonoring your parents, loving them?
Is having other gods in your life loving God?
Is taking God’s name in vain loving God?
Is making images of things in heaven or on earth, and worshiping them, loving God?
JLB
We believe that God intended the death of Jesus to purchase and provide real salvation to be applied towards His very elect...All were given a measure of faith that the Holy Spirit uses to draw all men, but we must choose. That's where you and I differ. Calvinists believe those drawn have no choice but to accept. But not all are saved. Not that God rejected them and made them reject Him, but He gave them free will to choose.
Salvation is by Grace alone, thru faith alone in Jesus as ones Lord Messiah!Dave, I see you are a Calvinist. I was wondering about that.
Here's a question for you. Do you believe Jesus is the Truth, and everything He said is the Truth?
Matthew 19:17
...but if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.
Here we have a statement from Jesus. Is this the Truth or not? Is it a partial Truth? Does it only apply to some?
Since I wholeheartedly believe it is absolute, total truth, why would you not believe this truth to enter life? Did God ordain you to not believe this truth? Did He ordain you to not act upon this truth? Did He ordain you to believe this is a lie?
Why would God ordain such unbelief in you?
John 8
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
32 And you shall know the the truth shall make you free.”
Jesus was pointing oyt to him that his best works would be as filthy rags before Holy God...I'm not a Calvinist. Just a bible student. Jesus taught the rich young ruler how impossible it is to earn salvation by keeping the Law. You must also sell all, give to the poor, and take the bullet for the next guy in harms way if you want to earn salvation.
But Jesus did it for us who believe in him. So while we wear his righteousness and all it merits, we still struggle working on our own.
Chrsitians once saved do not advocate to just keep on sinning though!Is lying to your brother loving him?
Is committing adultery with your brother’s wife loving him?
Is murdering your brother, loving him?
Is stealing from your brother loving him?
Is coveting your brothers wife or house or anything that is your brother’s loving him?
Is dishonoring your parents, loving them?
Is having other gods in your life loving God?
Is taking God’s name in vain loving God?
Is making images of things in heaven or on earth, and worshiping them, loving God?
JLB
Salvation is by Grace alone, thru faith alone in Jesus as ones Lord Messiah!
Calvinists like myself have read Calvin, and Hodge, and Berkhof, among others, but the primary andmain source of my theology is still from the scriptures themselves...You might be surprised how many Calvinists have never read the works of Calvin. I never have. I probably never will. I got my views from the Bible, and not just from particular passages, but from a strong underlying theme throughout. Denouncing Calvin has little effect to the thinking of a Calvinist, just to let you know.
So in other words, you don't know what causes the will, but you do know that it isn't God. Then you believe that God is not the original cause of all of creation, but that a few billion parts of it, the human will, have an origin that is either self-extant, like God is, or else caused by something else which is also beyond God's causative power, ultimately leading to something else which is self-extant, another I Am, so to speak.
Jesus is the chief cornerstone of salvation, and we get saved by receiving Him as the risen Lord thru faith!Where did Jesus say that? Don't you think the Savior Himself would have said this, is this is the foundation of salvation?
No, but if you are born again, you won't want to sin and you will hate evil.
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