I must confess, and it does not occur often while discussing matters of soteriology, but honestly you're the first I have come across with that particular view of election. Is there a history of the view to be tied to it? I'm only curious at this point.
.
My comments are intended for this one issue of the Election only.
As far as I am aware, there isn't any history, if what you mean by history, others which have said the same thing which I have either drawn from or could point to as validation for my comments.....No History.
My beliefs are solely my own as you yourself can attest to, but let me say, just because I stand alone as far as I know, this does not devalue, or nullify my comments as valid.
I base my understanding and belief on Scripture as written, take into account what these verses say, to whom they are said, and what is actually spoken.
1Cor. 10:11
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
1) Why are these examples to them in particular, for their admonition?
2) Who's admonition?
3) Those upon whom the ends of the world are come.
4) Why does Paul say such a thing to them of that time?
5) How can what Paul said be construed to include Christians of any other time, than them of that time.
Paul speaking in the present, says "Written for OUR admonition" " upon whom the ends of the world are come."
Paul is talking to those people specifically, identifying them with the term (OUR) and signifying WHY.
Rom 11:1-10
1) I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
2) God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
3) Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
4) But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
5) Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6) And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7) What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
8) (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this day.
9) And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
10) Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
In these verses Paul speaks of the Remnant spoken of by Elijah, and then updates it to the people of his time, the Jews of the Nation of Israel who rejected their Messiah, the Generation spoken of by Jesus.
Mat. 23:36
Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
Mat. 24:34
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Luke 11:50,51
50) That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
51) From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
Luke 21:32
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
So then, my conclusion is the ELECTION spoken of in the New Testament are not all Christians from Jesus until not but the ver select of God of that Generation of that time.
Once it is understood then everything we have been taught changes and becomes clearer, verses that didn't make sense now do.
My personal belief is, Calvin misunderstood and so did they of the "Ecumenical Synod of Dort."
Because of one misunderstanding, the Doctrines of Predestination, and the understanding of who the Elect actually are were lost, and a misunderstanding has been taught from that point on to today.
I am not saying I am smarter than they were.
I am saying I have seen something that they either did not see, understand, or even consider at the time.
When you begin to look at everything you now know and judge what I am saying, see how everything now makes more sense than just the Doctrine of Predestination does.
