Understanding God’s election

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

HeIsHere

Well-known member
May 21, 2022
6,339
2,465
113
This is another example of your dishonesty. The whole post has many good points, it just never addressed the content of my post. It was posited that God is love and that every action on His part is a demonstration of His love. So I asked how is the casting of someone into the Lake of Fire a manifestation of God's love? In reply @Inquisitor responds that Jesus on the cross is a demonstration of God's love. Well, of course it is. But how does that answer my question?
Now you repost his nonsequitor response as if I disagree with all its content. I do not, but like so many people here, he doesn't actually answer the questions asked.
So perhaps you can tell me: how is casting someone into the Lake of Fire a demonstration of God's love?
Perhaps you should ask God.
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,778
8,613
113
It's truly insane. I don't know if I've ever in my life come across someone fighting so passionately and consistently with people he does not listen to, and tells them what they believe. He does this like he is a Holy Warrior of God protecting His word from evil. But does this by not respecting people enough to even interact with what they actually say and does this by lying about it. I'm pretty sure at this point he's lying to himself mostly and really feels he is doing Gods work, but the sad part is it's a God of his own making. Not only that he has a team if others that all do the exact same thing with him. They are in such a delusion of false teachings and plain heretical views that they can't see the forest with all the trees in the way, and REFUSE to listen to anything at all. This is cult behavior 100%. They're like main stream democrats, they accuse accuse accuse others of everything they do without even being able to see they are the biggest hypocrites of all time. This is them here on CC.
:whistle:

Wow. Did you get all of the venom out of your system.?
Breathe, breathe.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
61,131
30,265
113
Constitutionally, one cannot respond positively to any offer of the Gospel unless one’s desire has been divinely changed first.
God promised to change our hearts, and give us new desires. I believe Him.
 

Rufus

Well-known member
Feb 17, 2024
3,032
406
83
How many times has this teaching (see italicized below) been presented on this thread, by those who deny they follow Calvinism/Bezanism/Reformed Theology/Tulip/Augustianism

This is a core belief which Calvinism teaches (not biblical) and if one adheres to this precept then I think the descriptor fits.

Calvinism teaches........ since human beings possess a compulsory will as well as a sin nature that desires only evil, then human beings are totally unable to come to God without a change in their desires.

Constitutionally, one cannot respond positively to any offer of the Gospel unless one’s desire has been divinely changed first. This state of the fallen will, as it were, comes under the rubric of Total Inability in Reformed theology.

Any school or system which has this same starting point of total inability, the term "Calvinism" is used so that one does not have to go and write this out each time.

This doctrine of >>>inability to believe as a starting point changes everything about God and His plan of salvation.
Well...well...you finally got something right, proving once again the old adage that even a blind squirrel occasionally finds a chestnut! Congratulations! This is the good news about you. But the bad is that you don't have a clue about how the "doctrine of inability" changes everything. See...in the world of imprisoned free willers, Jesus is always portrayed as a POSSIBLE or POTENTIAL savior, which is never how scripture portrays Him. Scripture portrays Him as the actual Savior of all whom God gives to the Son. Your god is strictly a REACTIONARY god who is always reacting to man's choices. At the end of the day, it's not God who's ruling this world, it's sinful men with their evil choices. And all God can do is merely react to those choices. God isn't really in control; rather, his image-bearers are. Man is calling the shots.
 

Rufus

Well-known member
Feb 17, 2024
3,032
406
83
:whistle:

Wow. Did you get all of the venom out of your system.?
Breathe, breathe.
Actually, Jimbone was pointing to all the venom inside the hearts of you free willers. You guys desperately need a new heart.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,074
6,880
113
62
Perhaps you should ask God.
You know the answer. But if you answer it will undermine your understanding of God. So rather than see God fully and as He actually is and adjusting your understanding of God, you would rather push a partial view of God. This in itself is disingenuous.
 

Rufus

Well-known member
Feb 17, 2024
3,032
406
83
Well I certainly do not see God picking apples at the grocery store for salvation and leaving others in their sin having not been given private illumination/gnosis.
I know you don't because somewhere in your mind you see God as being cruel, unfair, unjust if he simply gave people what they rightfully deserve. And that, madam, is pretty sick reasoning.
 

Genez

Junior Member
Oct 12, 2017
3,412
533
113
When I had some of this teaching in my being and people showed me the logical inconsistencies and how scripture is wretched from its context to create this "system" I really began to question it.

It also affects how we see the people around us and creates a very cultic/static/fixed mindset.

I guess it takes a lot to say, something here is not sitting right with me even though I have thought this for years.

I think if one is a member of a Reformed Church or a church with a strong Beza bent then that "group identity" is a strong bond that also keeps one inside that thought system.

I just hope and pray that slowly this system crumbles under its own weight over time. It is not the God of scripture, God Himself calls us to "belief/faith" it is what pleases Him and the more we believe the truth about His nature (God is Love) the more He reveals about Himself to the believer.
Evil was here before we were here...
And Evil will continue after we are removed.
Truth was here before we were here...
And Truth will continue after we are removed

God quality control checks all his saints.
He puts them through the same kinds of tests.
Testing to see if they are to be passed onto maturity.

That is why at times we must suffer for righteousness’ sake.
 

Genez

Junior Member
Oct 12, 2017
3,412
533
113
I know you don't because somewhere in your mind you see God as being cruel, unfair, unjust if he simply gave people what they rightfully deserve. And that, madam, is pretty sick reasoning.
If Calvinists can twist a cruel God they present into being benevolent in his cruelty?

That is a Woke God. He only identifies as being just.

It's sick.... It makes me sad to see you want it.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,652
5,907
113
The definition of God's elect is correct. What specific part of this definition do you disagree with?

The Elect of God Defined.

The elect of God are those who God foreknown would, as believers without willful unbelief, ultimately choose to cooperate with His grace within the sound doctrine of Jesus Christ and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles…… he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭42:1, 3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

jesus is the elect of God ( the only worthy and acceptable man ) who was foreknown before the creation and manifest in the last times

“but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times for you,”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:19-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And so “ in Christ “ who was foreordained those who believe partake in his election and his inheritance of all nations

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ( Gods elect )

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. ( the elect of God )

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:27-29‬ ‭

we believe in the one God elected and ordained into salvstion and so “ in Christ “ is where the promises are found we aren’t elect , we believe in and take the name of the elect upon ourselves in baptism
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,652
5,907
113
Yes it is a blessing.

This non-effective or insufficient Gospel is very troubling movement within the "church" and it seems to be spreading, I am hard pressed to see any reconciliation with this dogma when one studies the words and actions of Christ Jesus.

Agree, the right intent and purpose is essential and God would not teach that about Himself so there is something very wrong here.
It’s just a lack of context one side is looking at this

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

No one says “ it says those who love God “

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:23-24‬ ‭

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:2-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬


and the context isn’t being seen or heard so if we only look at this then sure it seems as if everything is predetermined by God

it’s only in the rest of the Bible that we find out Jesus the son of man , is the one who’s elect and preordained to inherit all things. And we who believe in him share in his identity and inheritance it isn’t that we are chosen individually but it’s that Christ is the chosen one and we who receive him of our own choice by faith , partake in his body the body of the elect

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ( only because we accept the gospel ) and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:16-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

often we’re looking at real truth but we have neglected looking at the order and context and the “ how “ it comes to be part
 

Genez

Junior Member
Oct 12, 2017
3,412
533
113
God promised to change our hearts, and give us new desires. I believe Him.
Yet He says to us.... (Isaiah 55:8-9)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Knowing what that means?

False teachings can appeal to our yet naive sense of God.
One will take on what they know is not their way of thinking simply to please God.

On the other hand...
Sound doctrine will at times force us to admit how our ways used to deceive us.
Force us to admit how dumb we were.
That's when the anger will try to get in the way of our growth if we are not humble.

grace and peace ...........
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,778
8,613
113
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles…… he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭42:1, 3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

jesus is the elect of God ( the only worthy and acceptable man ) who was foreknown before the creation and manifest in the last times

“but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times for you,”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:19-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And so “ in Christ “ who was foreordained those who believe partake in his election and his inheritance of all nations

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ( Gods elect )

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. ( the elect of God )

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:27-29‬ ‭

we believe in the one God elected and ordained into salvstion and so “ in Christ “ is where the promises are found we aren’t elect , we believe in and take the name of the elect upon ourselves in baptism
"And so “ in Christ “ who was foreordained those who believe partake in his election and his inheritance of all nations"

Yes sir, that is the way that works.
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,778
8,613
113
Actually, Jimbone was pointing to all the venom inside the hearts of you free willers. You guys desperately need a new heart.
Nice try, but.....no.

Calvinites are the perps and denials will do you no good.
The truth is that you all repeat the lies of Satan.
Whether you know this or not.

Thank God I know better. Like REALLY know better.
Like digging to bedrock to build my house kind of better.
 

Kroogz

Well-known member
Dec 5, 2023
864
346
63
Perhaps you should ask God.
All of His divine attributes work in unison with each other at all times.He can't be unloving, unjust at times.....It would impugn His other divine attributes.

He paid for the sins of ALL.......knowing some would never trust in Him. The problem left for unbelievers is EVIL. Sins are paid for. He even died for His enemies..........That's love to the utmost. And He is Justified and righteous in all His dealings with mankind.

Food for thought. His divine love is an eternal divine attribute of God. His sovereignty is not. His sovereignty BEGAN at creation. His love is eternal.....Logical conclusion, His sovereignty did not "elect" or "predestine" A thing before the foundation of the world.
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,778
8,613
113
Actually, Jimbone was pointing to all the venom inside the hearts of you free willers. You guys desperately need a new heart.
And why would I depart from the truth to have the same heart as a Calvinite?

Sorry but no. Fake sorry.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
61,131
30,265
113
Deuteronomy 30:6~ The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.:)
@Kroogz do you agree with the order of events as presented in this Scripture?

Also Ezekiel 36:26-27; Romans 2:29; Jeremiah 32:39-40; Colossians 2:11; Philippians 3:3...
 

cv5

Well-known member
Nov 20, 2018
23,778
8,613
113
All of His divine attributes work in unison with each other at all times.He can't be unloving, unjust at times.....It would impugn His other divine attributes.

He paid for the sins of ALL.......knowing some would never trust in Him. The problem left for unbelievers is EVIL. Sins are paid for. He even died for His enemies..........That's love to the utmost. And He is Justified and righteous in all His dealings with mankind.

Food for thought. His divine love is an eternal divine attribute of God. His sovereignty is not. His sovereignty BEGAN at creation. His love is eternal.....Logical conclusion, His sovereignty did not "elect" or "predestine" A thing before the foundation of the world.
The error of the Calvinites:
They thought that God was evil (Satan's lie BTW). But He is not, never was never will be.
And BTW, the ultimate "type" of this wicked servant is Satan himself.
So I would urgently recommend for all to depart from this sort of nuttery.

[Mat 25:26 KJV]
His lord answered and said unto him, (SOOOOO) [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, (YOU THOUGHT) thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed (DID YOU):???
(you thought that I was evil did you?)


[Mat 25:27 KJV]
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and [then] at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

[Mat 25:28 KJV]
Take therefore the talent from him, and give [it] unto him which hath ten talents.

[Mat 25:29 KJV]
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
 

Rufus

Well-known member
Feb 17, 2024
3,032
406
83
If my ol' memory serves, yesterday Cameron (I believe) brought up the fact that God sovereignly and freely chose Abraham's descendants whom God called "Israel" to be his chosen nation and yet none of the free willers [oddly] complain about this fact.

But in response to that one of the more delusional free willers chimed in to basically tell us how all the surrounding Gentile nations in the ANE knew all about Israel's God, and how blessed Israel was and how Israel influenced these nations for good...yada, yada, yada. (I think the poster was either Genez or CV5 but I could be wrong.) In other words, the poster was desperately trying to put a good spin on the fact that none of the other nations were chosen by God to participate in his covenant! He, however, conveniently forgot Israel's dark, dismal checquered history of which I will bring some of that history back to our minds with a thumbnail sketch from the Psalms. But not only did he forget Israel's history, he forgot what God commanded Israel to do to those nations they were to drive from God's land! Let's go back to the past for a little while:

Ps 106:24-33
24 Then they despised the pleasant land;
they did not believe his promise.
25 They grumbled in their tents
and did not obey the LORD.
26 So he swore to them with uplifted hand
that he would make them fall in the desert,
27 make their descendants fall among the nations
and scatter them throughout the lands.


28 They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor
and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods;
29 they provoked the LORD to anger by their wicked deeds,
and a plague broke out among them.
30 But Phinehas stood up and intervened,
and the plague was checked.
31 This was credited to him as righteousness
for endless generations to come.


32 By the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD,
and trouble came to Moses because of them;
33 for they rebelled against the Spirit of God,
and rash words came from Moses' lips.

NIV

It seems to me that Israel never lived up to its calling. They were supposed to be lights to the dark nations around them but instead they became as dark (if not worse) than those nations! So how did Israel get into all this hot water? Well...they disobeyed God. They didn't do what He commanded them from the very beginning. The Psalmist continues...

Ps 106:34-41
34 They did not destroy the peoples
as the LORD had commanded them,
35 but they mingled with the nations
and adopted their customs.

36 They worshiped their idols,
which became a snare to them.
37 They sacrificed their sons
and their daughters to demons.
38 They shed innocent blood,
the blood of their sons and daughters,
whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan,
and the land was desecrated by their blood.
39 They defiled themselves by what they did;
by their deeds they prostituted themselves.


40 Therefore the LORD was angry with his people
and abhorred his inheritance.
41 He handed them over to the nations,
and their foes ruled over them.

NIV

So God, who supposedly intends to save all men -- who wants "all" men to be saved -- instead put a "contract" out on all the occupants of the Land; yet, Israel who was supposed to carry out the contract failed to do so. As the text says, they instead "mingled" or befriended those pagan nations and wound up becoming ensnared by their customs and gods, which proved to be their downfall -- twice over I might add! The free willer spinmeisters got it all backwards. Israel had little positive impact on the surronding nations; conversely, those nations greatly influenced Israel.

So, free willers, go spin some more this Psalm and God's election of Israel!
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,074
6,880
113
62
Jesus was chosen to be God's preeminent servant to proclaim and provide salvation. Believers are chosen "in" Him. So unless Jesus was chosen in Himself, our election, though tied to His, is a distinct election.