If the heart is wicked, the will is wicked. And it takes a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit to change that evil, wicked heart to one that does seek after God. And the scriptures teach that in the process of regeneration, a new heart is given (Psa. 51:10) When a new heart is given, the will is changed.
I am neither Calvinist...nor arminian...but I do notice an order 1. foreknew 2. predestined 3. called 4. justified
and according to Peter...1 Peter 1:2 Elect
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
So I take it that you think after a person has a changed heart that they are no longer capable of being wicked...because you are now chosen and predestined?
Am I reading too much in?
What do you do with this...
Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness:
otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a
castaway.
2 Peter 2:20 For if after
they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them
not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we
have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant,
wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Philippians 2:12 ¶Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (this one's a little out of context... but still related to respect for not falling)
(next the young man living with his father's wife...who was later forgiven)
1 Corinthians 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5 To deliver such an one unto Satan
for the destruction of the flesh,
that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
I also notice the chief apostle of election, predestination...seems to have a lot of respect for being...castaway, cut off, turns someone over to satan for the destruction of the flesh so the spirit can be saved. Looks like some
"will" stuff in there.
I'll just watch for your calvinist reply?
