I've recently been doing some deeper study in the Word, and a disturbing thought has arisen. Those who are saved are God's elect. It's harsh, but true. Now that has crushed me, spiritually, as I'm not sure if I'm one of the elect (saved) or if I'm fooling myself. I'm not sure how to tell the difference. How do I know I'm truly saved and not one of those that Jesus will say He knew not? I'm actually very frightened of the idea that I'm just fooling myself. I almost feel like I should just walk away, back to my old lifestyle and forget the whole thing. To be honest this feels like a wall between me and God, and the only thing that tells me is that its supposed to be there. That I'm not chosen by God...
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Am I saved?
- Thread starter SpyderByte
- Start date
I guess I always thought that Job had chosen to be that faithful to God...I guess that's some eisgesis on my part...God could've easily chosen Job to be faithful...
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I have this issue myself, on and off (usually when I read something I've never encountered before in the Bible and proceed to promptly freak out), but here's what I always fall back on.
Have you asked Jesus in? If you have, he's there forever. Salvation's a free gift offered by God to anybody who says yes. If you've said yes, you're his. Nothing can separate you from God now. Look at Romans 8:38-40.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Given that, how on earth would you manage to unwillingly separate yourself from Christ? Answer: there's no way in the world that it's going to happen. Ever. Period.
If you're saved, you have a relationship with God. So if you're agonising over whether or not you're saved, it's like a reverse surety that you are saved because you obviously care about whether you're in that relationship or not. Agreed? Still with me? Here's the clincher: if you couldn't care less, you should start being extremely worried, but if you couldnt care less, why would you bother worrying about it? You're worried. You care. You want God. Why in the world would he not want you? He loves the world so much that he sent Jesus to die for humanity's sins so that anybody could come back to him and have that relationship. All anyone has to do is repent and believe. Your salvation does not depend on what you do. Your salvation depends on what Jesus has done for you.
Have you asked Jesus in? If you have, he's there forever. Salvation's a free gift offered by God to anybody who says yes. If you've said yes, you're his. Nothing can separate you from God now. Look at Romans 8:38-40.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Given that, how on earth would you manage to unwillingly separate yourself from Christ? Answer: there's no way in the world that it's going to happen. Ever. Period.
If you're saved, you have a relationship with God. So if you're agonising over whether or not you're saved, it's like a reverse surety that you are saved because you obviously care about whether you're in that relationship or not. Agreed? Still with me? Here's the clincher: if you couldn't care less, you should start being extremely worried, but if you couldnt care less, why would you bother worrying about it? You're worried. You care. You want God. Why in the world would he not want you? He loves the world so much that he sent Jesus to die for humanity's sins so that anybody could come back to him and have that relationship. All anyone has to do is repent and believe. Your salvation does not depend on what you do. Your salvation depends on what Jesus has done for you.
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I believed everything you just stated without question until I went through this study guide.
www(dot)gty(dot)org/resources/study-guides/40-5189/chosen-for-eternity
That seemed to scream at me that I could be trying so very hard, and God could simply say no. That He doesn't want me. It's terrifying and crushing to think that way, but its what is in my heart...I apologize for the messed up link but I can't post links yet so this was the best I could do...
www(dot)gty(dot)org/resources/study-guides/40-5189/chosen-for-eternity
That seemed to scream at me that I could be trying so very hard, and God could simply say no. That He doesn't want me. It's terrifying and crushing to think that way, but its what is in my heart...I apologize for the messed up link but I can't post links yet so this was the best I could do...
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But God loves you! He loved you even when you weren't saved, and longed for you to come back to him. It's like the parable of the Prodigal Son. The father (God) is waiting and waiting for his son (that's us) to return, and when the son finally shows up - having made a complete and utter hash of his life - the father runs to meet him, gives him a new robe, throws a feast and rejoices that his son has come back. God throws a party in heaven for every person who decides to come to God because he's so delighted that we've chosen him!!!!! Romans 8:16 says that "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children" (emphasis mine). Why on earth would God not want you???? You're his child!
However, the stuff about election is correct. The only reason we can love God is because he first loved us and sent his Son to die for us. I think it's also got something to do with how God is all-knowing (including the future) so his selection and our "choice" are one and the same. Nobody becomes a believer by themselves with no input whatsoever from God. That's impossible. The Holy Spirit has to work in a person's heart before they even become open to maybe considering putting their faith in Christ. And it's God's choice who he influences by his Spirit. Given that you do believe, God has already chosen you.
I know it's confusing. Goodness knows it confuses me. Where does God's election stop and our free will start? God created us with the ability to choose him... or not. If we had no choice, how could we ever love him? (Love can't be compelled, after all.) I think what that study's saying is that God decided that we - the people who believe - would choose him. Or maybe he just knew it (because he knows the future!) It's like right back in Genesis - God knew we'd make a huge mess of our relationship with him. God knew we'd turn away and try to make something of our lives by ourselves. But God also knew that eventually, through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, Satan would be completely and utterly defeated and we'd be with God forever.
I don't know exactly how it works. But just because it's confusing DOES NOT MEAN that God's going to say "No - you haven't done enough. Go to hell. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200"
. It does not mitigate the fact that God loves each and every one of us dearly and would do anything - up to and including dying for us - to bring us back. If you loved someone enough to willingly die for them, to let yourself be brutally murdered in order to save them... if you loved someone that much, would you ever kick them out? Jesus did exactly that for you, because that's how much God loves you... and he would never kick you out!
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It doesn't make too much sense to me, from a practical standpoint, that you fear not being one of the saved elect so much that you would go back to your old life. That's rather self-defeating, but what do I know.
He said, "Get away from evil doers! I never knew you." So, I ask you two questions.
1) Do you sin without sorrow and repentance, justifying your behavior? (Many do)
2) Do you KNOW Him? Do you talk to Him, does He speak to YOU? Either through the Bible or in your heart? Or do you find him speaking to you through other means? Like circumstances? Do you feel that he's working in your life?
If so, He's talking to you and He knows you. Hopefully, when He speaks, you obey... It makes easier for you.
If not? No biggie. Ask Him to. Don't forget this "knowing someone" is a relational thing. A relationship works two ways. Not just us to Him, it's Him to us, too. So, He bears some of the responsibility in the relationship, as he's part of it. So? Ask Him. He will communicate. Being omnipotent, He knows how you'll recognize Him and will press those buttons. Ask Him. He will come into your realm, if you ask. He promised.
Are you the elect? You have been if you relate to Him, now. That's the strange mystery. How do you know if you have been the chosen elect? You know that because He's working in your life now. If you are one of the humans who wants walks in that, you were one who was chosen.
He said, "Get away from evil doers! I never knew you." So, I ask you two questions.
1) Do you sin without sorrow and repentance, justifying your behavior? (Many do)
2) Do you KNOW Him? Do you talk to Him, does He speak to YOU? Either through the Bible or in your heart? Or do you find him speaking to you through other means? Like circumstances? Do you feel that he's working in your life?
If so, He's talking to you and He knows you. Hopefully, when He speaks, you obey... It makes easier for you.
If not? No biggie. Ask Him to. Don't forget this "knowing someone" is a relational thing. A relationship works two ways. Not just us to Him, it's Him to us, too. So, He bears some of the responsibility in the relationship, as he's part of it. So? Ask Him. He will communicate. Being omnipotent, He knows how you'll recognize Him and will press those buttons. Ask Him. He will come into your realm, if you ask. He promised.
Are you the elect? You have been if you relate to Him, now. That's the strange mystery. How do you know if you have been the chosen elect? You know that because He's working in your life now. If you are one of the humans who wants walks in that, you were one who was chosen.
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kidwboro
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Election and free will are both valid. They are two sides to the same coin. In Romans 9, Paul expounds on election. In Romans 10, he beautifully culminates it in verse 13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Who are the elect?
Those who call upon the name of the Lord.
Jesus says: "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
Who are the elect?
Those who call upon the name of the Lord.
Jesus says: "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
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FaithFinder2012
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Hi SpyderByte, Now I'm not very good at quoting scripture and the such like as other people do and the fact that I have also only been a Christian again for 7months but I remember a time that I had that I said to myself yeah I'm gonna Be a Christian again think was at that time I was in a bad place and my heart wasn't for God either.
Since that time I went through some big stuff to the point of nearly losing my life as I had enough with life I could not do it any more on my own.
One day I was walking down stairs and somthing hit my heart it felt warm and kind and I knew I was loved. I know now that I was saved that day.
I'm propably not making any sence I'm not good at this but what I was told is that if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour - he died for our sins and Lord - putting him first in our lives and that he rose again from the dead. If you believe in that then you are saved.
Hope this helps
Since that time I went through some big stuff to the point of nearly losing my life as I had enough with life I could not do it any more on my own.
One day I was walking down stairs and somthing hit my heart it felt warm and kind and I knew I was loved. I know now that I was saved that day.
I'm propably not making any sence I'm not good at this but what I was told is that if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour - he died for our sins and Lord - putting him first in our lives and that he rose again from the dead. If you believe in that then you are saved.
Hope this helps
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Sketcher
Born Imperishable
The doctrine of election's emphasis is not keeping people out, but rather encouraging believers. Besides, you need to look at this Biblically:
"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:37-40
If you have looked to the Son and believe in Him, if you have come to Him, then that means God has chosen you. If you keep the faith and endure to the end, that means God has chosen you (Matthew 24:12-14, Hebrews 10:39, Revelation 2:26).
"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:37-40
If you have looked to the Son and believe in Him, if you have come to Him, then that means God has chosen you. If you keep the faith and endure to the end, that means God has chosen you (Matthew 24:12-14, Hebrews 10:39, Revelation 2:26).
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The elect are those who trust in Christ Jesus and the forgiveness of sins won at the cross. If you believe in the Gospel, you are one of the elect.
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chilehed
Veteran
This is at the root of the reason I abandoned Reformed theology. As is written, there is much in scripture that is difficult to understand, and which the ignorant and unstable distort to their own destruction. How can I be certain that I'm not one of the ignorant and unstable? By definition, I'd be the last to know if I ever knew at all. And scripture is also clear that many who are lost think themselves saved. Again, how do I know for certain that I'm not one of them?
For an answer, I always got something like "pray hard and study the scriptures, the Holy Spirit will guide you", but that didn't solve the problem at all.
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AndrewK9
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I guess that, if you have seen you are sinful, and need a savior and have trusted Jesus wholly to save you, and see him working in your life, then you are one of the elect. That's how I see it.
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asiyreh
God is salvation
Careful here brothers and sisters with the dispensing of final judgement we don't know if our brother here is truly in Christ.
For there must be also heresies among you, that they who are approved may be made manifest among you. 1 Corinthians 11:19
They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. 1 John 2:19
Ok Spyder let's take a look at the verse in question
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work lawlessness.
Ok look... breathe...
Now The Law - is the judgement that stands against sin.
Christ tells us:-But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. John 5:45
Christ in the verse you're referring to is giving those that have rejected his grace over to the Law. I never knew you he said.
Now God knows everyone on the planet, so what's he really saying here.
That you didn't know him. That's the charge, it's not their lawlessness that condemned them it's the fact that they never knew him, that's going to get them condemned under the Law.
Christ said there would be many wolves in sheep's clothing.
Your problem is your thinking Oh this Christianity thing it's to hard I can't keep this Law. And that's what will condemn you.
How many people going to stand before God and say. Ahh I was a fairly good person and I tried to do the best I could and if you don't like it well... Only to have the glorious light of God's holy Law shone on to their faces and for the hammer to fall.
The question you need to ask yourself is do I have a relationship with Christ. Yes?
Good allow God to finish his work, HE will do the work. Walk away now and you're in danger of not being able to be convicted of your sin. Cross this path and you're smoke.
For there must be also heresies among you, that they who are approved may be made manifest among you. 1 Corinthians 11:19
They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. 1 John 2:19
Ok Spyder let's take a look at the verse in question
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work lawlessness.
Ok look... breathe...
Now The Law - is the judgement that stands against sin.
Christ tells us:-But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. John 5:45
Christ in the verse you're referring to is giving those that have rejected his grace over to the Law. I never knew you he said.
Now God knows everyone on the planet, so what's he really saying here.
That you didn't know him. That's the charge, it's not their lawlessness that condemned them it's the fact that they never knew him, that's going to get them condemned under the Law.
Christ said there would be many wolves in sheep's clothing.
Your problem is your thinking Oh this Christianity thing it's to hard I can't keep this Law. And that's what will condemn you.
How many people going to stand before God and say. Ahh I was a fairly good person and I tried to do the best I could and if you don't like it well... Only to have the glorious light of God's holy Law shone on to their faces and for the hammer to fall.
The question you need to ask yourself is do I have a relationship with Christ. Yes?
Good allow God to finish his work, HE will do the work. Walk away now and you're in danger of not being able to be convicted of your sin. Cross this path and you're smoke.
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This is an old trick the enemy plays on new Christians. I wasn't sure either and I suffered a lot in the beginning until I got established in the faith.
Don't get carried off into this "elect" and "predestined" thing. People twist this into something where God favors one group over another. God knew us before we were born. He sent every little spirit into a body on this earth, "predestined" to receive salvation and to know Him. He "predestined" every believer to be conformed to the image of Christ. God didn't choose some and not choose others. He shows no partiality. Those who say yes, are received. In order to hear and believe, you must have had a hearing heart. God receives you without qualification. If He sent His Son hear to die for you, He's not going to cast you out because you're a little unsure. He wants you to be established in the faith as His Son or daughter.
How do you know if you're saved? Let me tell you, the carnal man doesn't want to follow after God. If you're seeking God, He is drawing you to Him. Those who come to Him, "He in no wise casts out".
God has set the choice before us to loose life or death. It sounds to me like you are choosing life.
Get the truth of the Word of God in you. Get established in truth. God gave everything so you can enter into fellowship with Him. The only obstacle, apart from the enemy is your unbelief. The cure for unbelief is faith. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God". So stand in opposition to the atmosphere of unbelief (which the enemy ministers to you). Declare that you're a child of God by virtue of your faith in the blood of Jesus.
I do this every day. I ask God to forgive my every sin. I ask Him for grace for today. I apply the blood of Jesus over my life, house, and family (out loud). I bind the devil and tell him to stop his activities in my life in every area and tell him to leave in the mighty name of Jesus!
I usually worship the Lord for a while, and end up declaring the Word of God over my life as absolute truth. Once you begin to partake of the strength of the Word, you'll make it a life long habit.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:1-2
Find some scriptures about salvation (Romans is full of good faith declarations) and read them out loud before the "great cloud of witnesses". Declare them as your own "salvation manifesto" to the enemy. Declare in FAITH before God, the angels and the devil where you stand!
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 10:9-11
The enemy wants to challenge you in the beginning to doubt this. He always does this. He FEARS you and when you stand in faith, he knows he's already defeated.
Give God glory and stand up in faith. Start declaring the Word of God in your life as truth. When I was a baby Christian, I heard this in the spirit and started to take my little steps. It started to minister life. It will do the same for you.
Start to build your SHIELD OF FAITH.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
John 5:24
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned:
John 3:15-18
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
John 11:25-27
Give something for the Holy Spirit to agree with. He confirms the Word.
Get in the habit of reading these out loud. I recommend the book "Scripture Keys for Kingdom Living". It demonstrates how to pray the Word of God and watch God go to work in your life as He responds to the will of His Word.
I can't wait to hear your report as you begin to do this. Do it even if you don't feel anything at all. Declare it your truth based on nothing but God's faithfulness to His Word. Your'e learning how to fight the good fight of faith.
Don't get carried off into this "elect" and "predestined" thing. People twist this into something where God favors one group over another. God knew us before we were born. He sent every little spirit into a body on this earth, "predestined" to receive salvation and to know Him. He "predestined" every believer to be conformed to the image of Christ. God didn't choose some and not choose others. He shows no partiality. Those who say yes, are received. In order to hear and believe, you must have had a hearing heart. God receives you without qualification. If He sent His Son hear to die for you, He's not going to cast you out because you're a little unsure. He wants you to be established in the faith as His Son or daughter.
How do you know if you're saved? Let me tell you, the carnal man doesn't want to follow after God. If you're seeking God, He is drawing you to Him. Those who come to Him, "He in no wise casts out".
God has set the choice before us to loose life or death. It sounds to me like you are choosing life.
Get the truth of the Word of God in you. Get established in truth. God gave everything so you can enter into fellowship with Him. The only obstacle, apart from the enemy is your unbelief. The cure for unbelief is faith. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God". So stand in opposition to the atmosphere of unbelief (which the enemy ministers to you). Declare that you're a child of God by virtue of your faith in the blood of Jesus.
I do this every day. I ask God to forgive my every sin. I ask Him for grace for today. I apply the blood of Jesus over my life, house, and family (out loud). I bind the devil and tell him to stop his activities in my life in every area and tell him to leave in the mighty name of Jesus!
I usually worship the Lord for a while, and end up declaring the Word of God over my life as absolute truth. Once you begin to partake of the strength of the Word, you'll make it a life long habit.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:1-2
Find some scriptures about salvation (Romans is full of good faith declarations) and read them out loud before the "great cloud of witnesses". Declare them as your own "salvation manifesto" to the enemy. Declare in FAITH before God, the angels and the devil where you stand!
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 10:9-11
The enemy wants to challenge you in the beginning to doubt this. He always does this. He FEARS you and when you stand in faith, he knows he's already defeated.
Give God glory and stand up in faith. Start declaring the Word of God in your life as truth. When I was a baby Christian, I heard this in the spirit and started to take my little steps. It started to minister life. It will do the same for you.
Start to build your SHIELD OF FAITH.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
John 5:24
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned:
John 3:15-18
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
John 11:25-27
Give something for the Holy Spirit to agree with. He confirms the Word.
Get in the habit of reading these out loud. I recommend the book "Scripture Keys for Kingdom Living". It demonstrates how to pray the Word of God and watch God go to work in your life as He responds to the will of His Word.
I can't wait to hear your report as you begin to do this. Do it even if you don't feel anything at all. Declare it your truth based on nothing but God's faithfulness to His Word. Your'e learning how to fight the good fight of faith.
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Here's the Lutheran perspective on Salvation:
When Jesus died on the cross, He saved everyone. Believer and Non-believer alike. Everyone is welcome in God's kingdom; however, not everyone will make it there. It has nothing to do with the "elect"
What will make you a "born-again" Child of God is one thing...Baptism. When you are baptized you are now a Child of God and therefore God's kingdom is yours.
God loves you and wants you in Heaven with Him. You have Free-Will, you have a choice of where you want to be. God just passes the judgment. He doesn't have a predetermined amount of people who are welcome then everyone else is cast aside.
If all else fails and you feel lost and hopeless..remember John 3:16 "For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
I bring you hope.
Get baptized and you will be Heaven-bound...well after you die not now LOL
When Jesus died on the cross, He saved everyone. Believer and Non-believer alike. Everyone is welcome in God's kingdom; however, not everyone will make it there. It has nothing to do with the "elect"
What will make you a "born-again" Child of God is one thing...Baptism. When you are baptized you are now a Child of God and therefore God's kingdom is yours.
God loves you and wants you in Heaven with Him. You have Free-Will, you have a choice of where you want to be. God just passes the judgment. He doesn't have a predetermined amount of people who are welcome then everyone else is cast aside.
If all else fails and you feel lost and hopeless..remember John 3:16 "For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
I bring you hope.
Get baptized and you will be Heaven-bound...well after you die not now LOL
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Peripatetic
Restless mind, peaceful soul.
The fact that you dwell on these things and long to be elect is a sign that the Holy Spirit is working in you. Otherwise, you'd have more of a worldly perspective based in pride and greed. If the Holy Spirit is at work, then you are invited.
If you have a reformed view, then invited IS elect.
If you have a free will view, then you need only answer the call to be elect.
Either way, it's a straightforward answer that should bring true joy and confidence. Life will still have plenty of hardships, but this doesn't need to be among them. That's actually part of the reason I chose this name and the tag line below it. I'm constantly over-analyzing, so it's a good thing I have peace about the most important question of all.
If you have a reformed view, then invited IS elect.
If you have a free will view, then you need only answer the call to be elect.
Either way, it's a straightforward answer that should bring true joy and confidence. Life will still have plenty of hardships, but this doesn't need to be among them. That's actually part of the reason I chose this name and the tag line below it. I'm constantly over-analyzing, so it's a good thing I have peace about the most important question of all.
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Aibrean
Honest. Maybe too Honest.
- Mar 18, 2007
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If Jesus died for the WHOLE world, why would he want to only save some? He wants to save ALL. Some people don't want to be saved. You certainly don't sound like someone who doesn't want the gift of life with Christ.
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