John 10:25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (ESV)
So, if the Armenian concept of election were true, wouldn't this actually be the other way around? Wouldn't Jesus have said you are not my sheep (or among my sheep) because you don't believe? Apparently the prerequisite of belief is being one of Jesus' sheep. Some people are his sheep and will believe and follow, and some people are not. Isn't that what Jesus is saying in John 10:25-27? In other words being one of Jesus' sheep is equivalent to being one of the Elect.
Those who are qualified to inherit eternal life are those who hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
Matthew 19:29
Those who hear and obey His voice, are those who do not become lost.
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:4-7
- What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them
- ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’
- likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents
Lost = Sinner in need of repentance or they will remain lost: dead to God - seperated from God
Found = Just: reconciled to God - alive to God
JLB
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