Predestination is misunderstood...

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Johann

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Apr 12, 2022
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I agree to an extant. Unfortunately it has been my experience there are many who think that regeneration is the giving/indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

One responds in faith because one has been given faith (the gift of God, by grace through faith) but this is not to be confused with one believing the truth, an act of our volition. If you are spiritually alive you have been saved. The Gospel has already been applied.
Grace and the gift of faith: The Bible teaches that faith is a gift from God, bestowed upon individuals by His grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). This gift of faith allows believers to trust in Christ and His saving work on their behalf.
Personal volition: Although faith is a gift from God, the decision to accept or reject this gift lies with each individual (Matthew 11:28-30). Believers actively choose to place their trust in Christ, exercising their volitional capacity.
Application of the Gospel: Once an individual receives the gift of faith, the Gospel becomes applicable to their lives. They understand that Christ's death and resurrection have secured their salvation, and they begin to appropriate the benefits of this salvation in their daily lives.
When addressing the question of why someone responds in faith, it is essential to acknowledge that faith is a gift from God, but it requires active acceptance on the part of the individual. The application of the Gospel to one's life further solidifies their faith and leads to a deeper understanding of the implications of salvation.
In summary, one responds in faith because they have been given faith as a gift from God, but this gift requires active acceptance on the part of the individual. The application of the Gospel to one's life further deepens their faith and understanding of salvation.

As to this-

Regeneration and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are two distinct aspects of salvation. Regeneration is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit, granting spiritual life to dead sinners, thereby enabling them to repent and trust in Christ as new creations (John 3:5-8)

On the other hand, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit refers to the ongoing presence of the Spirit within believers, providing guidance, comfort, and strength throughout their lives (Galatians 5:18)

While regeneration is a prerequisite for faith, it does not imply that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit directly produces good works. Instead, the regenerated heart, enabled by the Holy Spirit, allows for faith, which in turn enables believers to produce good works (James 2:14-26)

Therefore, while regeneration is the foundation for faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit provides ongoing assistance, both contribute to the production of good works in the life of a believer.


But you believe regeneration precedes faith-correct?
 

sawdust

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Feb 12, 2024
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I apologize. I was using the natural man as opposed to the spiritual man. I truly don't understand how there is a natural man who is not still in the fallen estate.
And corruption, as we discussed before is in every aspect of man...mind, heart, and will. That's why every part is dealt with in salvation.
The other things we have discussed before and we'll just have to agree to disagree.
There isn't a man born who isn't in a fallen state but the soul becomes corrupted because of the flesh and the lack of a spirit, it is not born corrupted which is what you said. The heart, mind and will are all functions of the soul and only God can create the soul and He doesn't create evil souls.

Agree to disagree is about all that is left to agree on. ;)
 

Johann

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Apr 12, 2022
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I apologize. I was using the natural man as opposed to the spiritual man. I truly don't understand how there is a natural man who is not still in the fallen estate.
And corruption, as we discussed before is in every aspect of man...mind, heart, and will. That's why every part is dealt with in salvation.
The other things we have discussed before and we'll just have to agree to disagree.
Which reminds me of this-the ongoing battle within the believer-


Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Rom 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
Rom 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
Rom 7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
Rom 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Rom 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

I love this "forgotten translation"


Rom 7:7 What then shall we say? That the Torah is considered as chet (sin)? Chas v'shalom! Nevertheless, I would not have experienced chet (sin) except through the Torah; for I would not have known chamdanut (covetousness, greediness) if the Torah had not said, LO TACHMOD ("Thou shalt not covet" SHEMOT 20:17).
Rom 7:8 But Chet (Sin), seizing its opportunity through the mitzvoh (commandment), stirred up all manner of chamdanut (covetousness) in me. For in the absence of the Torah, Chet (Sin) is dead.
Rom 7:9 And in the absence of the Torah I was once alive. But when the mitzvoh (commandment) came [BERESHIS 2:16-17), Chet (Sin) became alive,
Rom 7:10 and I died. The mitzvoh (commandment) intended as the Derech L'Chayyim (Way to Life) proved for me a means to mavet (death).
Rom 7:11 For Chet (Sin), seizing its opportunity through the mitzvoh (commandment), deceived me and, through the mitzvoh (commandment), killed me [BERESHIS 3:1-6].
Rom 7:12 So that the Torah is kedoshah (holy) and the mitzvoh (commandment) is kedoshah and yasharah and tovah.
Rom 7:13 Did that which is good, then, become mavet (death) to me? Chas v'shalom! But Chet (Sin), it was Chet, working mavet (death) in me through that which is tovah, in order that Chet might be shown as Chet (Sin), and in order that Chet through the mitzvoh (commandment) might become chata'ah gedolah ad m'od (utterly sinful).
Rom 7:14 For we have da’as that the Torah is Ruchanit (Spiritual, of the Ruach Hakodesh); but I am of the basar (fallen humanity) sold under the power of (slave master Chet Kadmon) Chet.
Rom 7:15 For I do not have da’as what I do. For that which I commit is not what I want; no, it is what I hate that I do!
Rom 7:16 But if that which I do is what I do not want, I agree with the Torah that the Torah is good.
Rom 7:17 But now it is no longer I doing this, but [the power of] Chet (Sin) which dwells within me.
Rom 7:18 For I have da’as that there dwells in me, that is, in my basar (my fallen humanity enslaved to Chet Kadmon) no good thing; for the wish [to do what is right] lies ready at hand for me, but to accomplish the good is not.
Rom 7:19 For I fail to do good as I wish, but HaRah (The Evil) which I do not wish is what I commit.
Rom 7:20 But if what I do not wish is that which I do, it is no longer I doing it but [the power of] Chet (Sin, Chet Kadmon, Original Sin) which dwells within me (cf. Ro 8:7-8).
Rom 7:21 I find then it be a law that for me who wishes to do HaTov (The Good), that for me HaRah (The Evil) lies ready at hand.
Rom 7:22 For I rejoice, I have simcha Torah in the Torah of Hashem, so far as the inner man is concerned,
Rom 7:23 But I see another Chok (decree, law) in my natural capacities at milchamah (war) with the Torah of my mind and making me a prisoner to the Chok (law) of Chet (Sin) which is [a power] in my natural capacities.
Rom 7:24 Wretched man am I! Who will deliver me from the body of this mavet (death)?
Rom 7:25 Hodu l'Hashem (thanks be to G-d) baMoshiach Yehoshua Adoneinu. So then I myself with my mind serve the Torah of Hashem and with my basar I serve the Chok of Chet (the Law of Sin). [T.N. The total spiritual turnaround here described is when the conviction of the intellect, emotion, and will “obey from the heart the form of doctrine laid out here in Scripture” as we are born anew in the humanity of the new Man and die to the old depraved Adam.]



Now I know many are going to say-"Noooo! This was Paul BEFORE his conversion"-opening another can of worms.
 

sawdust

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Feb 12, 2024
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Grace and the gift of faith: The Bible teaches that faith is a gift from God, bestowed upon individuals by His grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). This gift of faith allows believers to trust in Christ and His saving work on their behalf.
Personal volition: Although faith is a gift from God, the decision to accept or reject this gift lies with each individual (Matthew 11:28-30). Believers actively choose to place their trust in Christ, exercising their volitional capacity.
Application of the Gospel: Once an individual receives the gift of faith, the Gospel becomes applicable to their lives. They understand that Christ's death and resurrection have secured their salvation, and they begin to appropriate the benefits of this salvation in their daily lives.
When addressing the question of why someone responds in faith, it is essential to acknowledge that faith is a gift from God, but it requires active acceptance on the part of the individual. The application of the Gospel to one's life further solidifies their faith and leads to a deeper understanding of the implications of salvation.
In summary, one responds in faith because they have been given faith as a gift from God, but this gift requires active acceptance on the part of the individual. The application of the Gospel to one's life further deepens their faith and understanding of salvation.

As to this-

Regeneration and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are two distinct aspects of salvation. Regeneration is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit, granting spiritual life to dead sinners, thereby enabling them to repent and trust in Christ as new creations (John 3:5-8)

On the other hand, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit refers to the ongoing presence of the Spirit within believers, providing guidance, comfort, and strength throughout their lives (Galatians 5:18)

While regeneration is a prerequisite for faith, it does not imply that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit directly produces good works. Instead, the regenerated heart, enabled by the Holy Spirit, allows for faith, which in turn enables believers to produce good works (James 2:14-26)

Therefore, while regeneration is the foundation for faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit provides ongoing assistance, both contribute to the production of good works in the life of a believer.


But you believe regeneration precedes faith-correct?
I believe regeneration and faith occur simultaneously on acceptance of the Gospel. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. (Rom.1:16) Regeneration and faith in Christ are our salvation, the results of applying the Gospel. And to be clear, it is God who applies the Gospel to us. Salvation is a gift. Our volition (if positive) simply concurs with God's truth. It creates nothing, it only reveals what we truly prefer if not left to the "wiles" of the devil, the world (system) or our flesh and a power greater than us removes their influence while the truth is presented.
 

Johann

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Apr 12, 2022
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I believe regeneration and faith occur simultaneously on acceptance of the Gospel. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. (Rom.1:16) Regeneration and faith in Christ are our salvation, the results of applying the Gospel. And to be clear, it is God who applies the Gospel to us. Salvation is a gift. Our volition (if positive) simply concurs with God's truth. It creates nothing, it only reveals what we truly prefer if not left to the "wiles" of the devil, the world (system) or our flesh and a power greater than us removes their influence while the truth is presented.
Concur 100%
J.
 

sawdust

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Sometimes... a gardener may have to make more than
one pass to break up the soil, to properly receive the seed.


That's good... "I can dig it!" ..............
Get a hair cut and a real job young man!

:LOL:
 

Johann

Active member
Apr 12, 2022
928
212
43
I believe regeneration and faith occur simultaneously on acceptance of the Gospel. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. (Rom.1:16) Regeneration and faith in Christ are our salvation, the results of applying the Gospel. And to be clear, it is God who applies the Gospel to us. Salvation is a gift. Our volition (if positive) simply concurs with God's truth. It creates nothing, it only reveals what we truly prefer if not left to the "wiles" of the devil, the world (system) or our flesh and a power greater than us removes their influence while the truth is presented.
Let's not forget the Holy Spirit and His role in our lives-all spheres-at home, work and wherever we go.
 
Dec 18, 2023
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His pastor gave a message and he heard it wrong..

He thought he heard................................. "Replant you sinner!"




:coffee:
Well paying attention to detail, is something I'm fond of. I believe preparation is 9/10 of the law.

Depending upon how well you look after your seeds is dependant on how well they flourish, providing the soil can breath and is watered twice a day, there shouldn't be a problem.

Of course there are those pesky birds who munch on your seeds, in which case they could need replanting.

And then theres the seed for some unknown reason just doesn't hatch. It was just never meant to be.

But then there's even the seed that fell on rocky ground and somehow managed to grow...

My heart feals a sense of sadness for the poor unwanted plant, that gets labelled a weed.

Because a weed is a plant, but it gets called a weed because it stands out, and looks different.

So people burn them alive or poison them, even the dandy lions, 😞

So the dandy lions have bounced back, 😃 and become grumble weeds, and the dandy lion has taken flight, it adapted and grew feathers that could blow in the wind and fall where it wanted.

Which could be Gods saving grace for the dandy lions 😂
 

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
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honestly really look at this


Philippians 2:13

New International Version



13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

How can you not read this, and not see Grace in the hands of God, means by definition Gods good will.

Gods grace and character through out the bible Is his will to save you.

He says I will give my wisdom freely.

But he only gives it to you, it's it's for for purpose, if his will was just an unmerited favor, he would just give his knowledge to anyone who asks for anything, and throughout scripture this is clearly not the case.
You are using the NIV (the Not Inspired Version). v 13 does not say " for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Paul said that under the law (Romans 7) to will/desire was present but how to perform the good he found not.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Then he learned the gospel.

Rom. 8:1mThere is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

So, the unmerited gift/grace/ of the Holy Spirit "works in us to will and to do what pleases God".
 

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
3,467
451
83
honestly really look at this


Philippians 2:13

New International Version



13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

How can you not read this, and not see Grace in the hands of God, means by definition Gods good will.

Gods grace and character through out the bible Is his will to save you.

He says I will give my wisdom freely.

But he only gives it to you, it's it's for for purpose, if his will was just an unmerited favor, he would just give his knowledge to anyone who asks for anything, and throughout scripture this is clearly not the case.
Paul said that under the law (Romans 7) to will/desire was present but how to perform
 
Dec 18, 2023
6,402
406
83
You are using the NIV (the Not Inspired Version). v 13 does not say " for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Paul said that under the law (Romans 7) to will/desire was present but how to perform the good he found not.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Then he learned the gospel.

Rom. 8:1mThere is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

So, the unmerited gift/grace/ of the Holy Spirit "works in us to will and to do what pleases God".
thanks but I still say there is nothing unmerited about God good will,

His Good will is merited in everyway.

If he saves you it's merited, if he doesn't it's merited.

The only thing thats unmerited about grace is a man's own good will.

They can spit at you, call you names rob the blind, all actions which are totally unmerited.