Predestination is misunderstood...

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studier

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Apr 18, 2024
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Have you ever met a genuine believer that didn't care?
What's a genuine believer?

What's a non-genuine believer?

It’s called sin. One does not even know they are sinners, unless they know something of God. We all make excuses, just like in the garden. It is only through an honest admission that we have sinned against God alone, that we can be forgiven, and fellowship restored. If there is no sin, there is no need for forgiveness, or a Savior.
Why did we jump to sin?
 

studier

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Apr 18, 2024
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did you look up the term finger of God?
I did confirm the reference from Luke to Exodus 8.

Here is what Scripture tells us:

Matthew 12:22-23 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

The term son of David is a Messianic term. The Lord Jesus Christ caused the blind to see and the dumb to speak ... which fulfilled OT prophecy (Is 35:5, 6).

When the pharisees heard the people calling Jesus "son of David", they immediately put a stop to it by claiming Jesus had cast out devils by beelzebub ... and Jesus immediately put them in their place.

The blasphemy of the pharisees was they attributed God’s work to satan, thereby giving satan glory ... glory that belongs only to God.
The discussion point you replied to was regarding Luke's writing.

I do agree that satan uses any means at hand in order "to make it look like [he has] the power of God". His goal is to "be like the most high God" (Is 14:14) ... that and keep folks from believing in the True God.
So, you interpret the reasoning Jesus is using in Luke to refer to Satan using deceptive strategy by casting out demons and dividing his own kingdom? Wouldn't this go against what Jesus is reasoning?

I do not believe the record supports the claim that Jesus was referring to His disciples. The record reveals Jesus responded to the pharisees who claimed Jesus cast out demons through beelzebub.

claim of pharisees:

Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it [when they heard the people saying "is not this the son of David"], they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

response of Jesus:

Matthew 12:27 And if I [Jesus] by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your [Greek = hymōn = "your" referring to the pharisees] children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.

If Jesus had meant His disciples, He would have said "my [Greek = mou = my] disciples"
Again, there is a yet unproven assumption here that we can simply use Luke and Matthew interchangeably. Since you believe this is proper procedure, I can understand why you do or don't believe what the record supports.

Remaining in Luke, Luke only refers to some from the crowd, not some "from the Pharisees", alleging Jesus was casting out demons by Beelzebub.

Until the reasoning of what Jesus said is properly understood so the logic works, who the "sons" are is up for discussion. Thus the differences in commentaries, discussions, and articles as shown in the links I provided. Maybe who the "sons" are is not really that important to Jesus' argument. IF Luke and Matthew are referring to the same event, maybe this is why Luke determined it appropriate to state things differently than Matthew did. Same goes for Mark. At the end of the analysis, the point of what each writer are making is what's important to understand.

my "favored view" is the Word of God. we're all here to learn from each other. I learn a lot from the folks who communicate here and I look forward to continuing to learn. I appreciate that you shared the links.
If we modify what you said is your "favored view" to something like "the Word of God [properly understood}" then you and I would be in full agreement.

In my view, it seems clear to me that in forums like these there are few who are here to learn from each other. If you are here even in part for learning, I commend you and wish we all had the same goal.

You're welcome for the links. Thanks for expressing your appreciation.
 

studier

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Apr 18, 2024
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Romans 1 reveals what occurs in those who end up with reprobate mind:

Rom 1:16-17 — the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe and in it [the gospel of Christ] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.

Rom 1:18 — the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. (The words hold the truth in unrighteousness mean that the truth is restrained or suppressed in unrighteouosness.)

Rom 1:19-21 — God reveals Himself in creation and people turn from Him and are not thankful. They become vain in their imaginations and the foolish heart becomes darkened.

Rom 1:22-24 — because the heart is darkened, they change the glory of God into an image (idolatry).

They are given up to uncleannesss through the lusts of their own hearts.

Rom 1:24-26 — because they are given up to uncleanness, they dishonor their bodies. The truth of God is changed into a lie and creation is worshipped more than the Creator.

They are given up to vile affections and the natural is changed into that which is against nature.

Rom 1:27-28 — because they are given up to vile affections, they burn in their lust and work that which is unseemly which results in receiving the adequate compensation for their error.

They are given over to a reprobate mind.

Rom 1:29-32 — actions of those with a reprobate mind. They know the judgment of God and continue in their foolishness and also have pleasure in those who do the same.

People are not born with a reprobate mind. They are allowed to step further and further from God and at certain points, God releases them to their foolishness. it is a downward spiral from their foolish heart was darkened (Rom 1:21) to God gave them over to a reprobate mind (Rom 1:28). It does not happen overnight. It is a progression over time.

At any point, a person can turn to God. God forgives those who are truly repentant. We have this lifetime to turn to God. Look at the malefactor who hung on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43).
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This is taking the discussion with @Sipsey in a different direction, but we can look at Romans 1 if you'd like.

I see Paul telling us not only "what occurs in those who end up with reprobate mind" as you say, but also what God views as a "reprobate mind". You point some of this out in your next to last paragraph.

I saw you earlier point out some Greek wording. Have you ever researched the Greek word being translated in the KJV as "reprobate"? It's an interesting one.
 
May 14, 2022
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I saw the reference. That verse doesn't say Peter was made in the image of Satan.

For someone who extols exacting language you seem to only call for it of certain people.

Do you have a verse that says man was transformed into the image of Satan?
What for to be born again?

Who is old man and new man?
 

Cameron143

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Mar 1, 2022
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What for to be born again?

Who is old man and new man?
I'm not sure I understand your questions. We were made in the image of God. That has various implications. A poster said there are those, as a result of sin, are transformed into the image of Satan.
While I agree that the image of God has been corrupted and marred in mankind, I disagree that Satan's image has been placed upon man.
In redeeming man, God restores His image in man.
 
May 14, 2022
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I'm not sure I understand your questions. We were made in the image of God. That has various implications. A poster said there are those, as a result of sin, are transformed into the image of Satan.
While I agree that the image of God has been corrupted and marred in mankind, I disagree that Satan's image has been placed upon man.
In redeeming man, God restores His image in man.
If one is dead to God it means that it is alive to devil

To be alive to devil one needs to have image of devil alive in him

Old one and new one are images

When commandment came I died but sin revived

King James Bible
For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died

Who is born from God cannot sin
 

Cameron143

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Mar 1, 2022
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If one is dead to God it means that it is alive to devil

To be alive to devil one needs to have image of devil alive in him

Old one and new one are images

When commandment came I died but sin revived

King James Bible
For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died

Who is born from God cannot sin
So can you share with me from the Bible what it means to be made in the image of God and all that this entails, and where it states that Adam upon sinning was made in the image of Satan?
Being born again begins the process of restoring the image of God in man; it does not place the image of God upon him.
 
May 14, 2022
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So can you share with me from the Bible what it means to be made in the image of God and all that this entails, and where it states that Adam upon sinning was made in the image of Satan?
Being born again begins the process of restoring the image of God in man; it does not place the image of God upon him.
Who is born from Spirit is spirit

This spirit new born was in him ?

will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws

What spirit was before new one?
 

Cameron143

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Mar 1, 2022
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Who is born from Spirit is spirit

This spirit new born was in him ?

will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws

What spirit was before new one?
Where in scripture does it say that being born again places the image of God in man? Is not the image of God already in man?

If you will, please tell me what the image of God is that was placed in man at creation.
 

sawdust

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I see. So you are as rude as you are wrong. Those verses only show our thinking can be transformed. It doesn't say we partake of the image of Satan. It actually means something to be made in the image of God that while it was marred in man by sin but not removed.

At any rate, as discussions with you rarely are edifying, I probably will refrain from replying to your posts in the future.
So basically you don't agree with the answer you got from @Genez yet you rudely accuse him of not giving you an answer then make your snide comments about my supposed bias around use of language and you think we are both in the wrong?

Gee, I wonder why you find our conversations unedifying? :confused::p:D
 

sawdust

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Feb 12, 2024
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sometimes communication by keyboard takes some effort to effectively get the point across ... gotta stay at it until we're sure the other guy (or gal) "gets" what we're trying to say.





I see it a little differently. I believe all have faith and it is faith in operation which results in believing.

We do not question God having given mankind intellect with which to think ... but we hesitate when it comes God having given mankind faith with which to believe.

intellect in operation results in thinking ... and we can think "good" things as well as "bad" things.

faith in operation results in believing ... and we can believe truth as well as lies.

When we believe a lie the result can be disastrous for us.

When we believe truth the result is beneficial to us.





I believe that when we believe truth, God works within to bring increase ... God strengthens our faith.

If we do not believe truth, we remain weak in faith.





yes ... however, there are times when we just have to take that step, trusting that God's promise holds true and then we see.

John 20:27-29 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

and think of Noah who had never seen rain, yet still built the ark (by faith Noah – Heb 11:7).
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Ok, well there are areas we differ in understanding. Not sure if this is really the thread to get into it though. Would be happy to join you in a thread on the mechanics of acquiring faith and how it works in our walk if you start or find a thread on the topic. :)
 

Mem

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Sep 23, 2014
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I came upon the context where Eli tried to tell his wicked sons something like, "If you sin against men, God will intercede for you, but if you sin against God, who will intercede for you?" But they would not listen to Eli because "God had planned to kill them." So, this seems to offer the predetermined camp the strongest evidence for their doctrine, because at face value this looks like they didn't hear simply because God did not will it. However, I happened upon this context originally searching out the 'regard for my sacrifice,' and I think this had its influence on God's will to grant repentance. How far am I off?
 

Genez

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Oct 12, 2017
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So basically you don't agree with the answer you got from @Genez yet you rudely accuse him of not giving you an answer then make your snide comments about my supposed bias around use of language and you think we are both in the wrong?
Some will claim you did not give them an answer after you did?

What does he really mean?

"I am tapping my feet, waiting for you to give an answer the way I want to hear it. "

Until that happens? All other answers must be ignored to protect his fragile walk in an unstable incomplete understanding.

They are like pioneers on a trail with a team with a common goal..
They get fed up and want to call it quits before the team reaches God's goal....
They end up making excuses, and are determined to stop in a place that is unsettled.
They are attempting to make their stopping place to seem settled by mixing their desire
to call it quits by immersing their mind into their own brand of delusion pumped up with dogmatism.

Leave them behind if they continue to resist and persist...

For the enemy may want them to become like heavily weighted ankle bracelets in our walk with God.



Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?
Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24


grace and peace ......
 

Genez

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Oct 12, 2017
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I saw the reference. That verse doesn't say Peter was made in the image of Satan.

For someone who extols exacting language you seem to only call for it of certain people.

Do you have a verse that says man was transformed into the image of Satan?

Of you need everything spelled out in black and white?

You are not learning enough doctrine to think with the Spirit if you demand that everything be spelled out for you with chapter and verse that will be stating directly what you were told it indicates.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound
more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.
Philippians 1:9
I will tell you again... You need to pray to find yourself a pastor who is equipped to teach beyond a baby Christian level.
We have all been there....


There comes a time when you must learn to cross the street doctrinally without someone holding your hand.

It has nothing to do with human age, but spiritual maturity. There are 70 year old Christians going on two, who
have refused to go learn to think doctrinally with insight and understanding.



And, if you noted.. Those who refuse will also also grow in their capacity to know God's love as God would have it.


And this is my prayer: that your love may abound
more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.

Philippians 1:9​


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Cameron143

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Mar 1, 2022
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Of you need everything spelled out in black and white?

You are not learning enough doctrine to think with the Spirit if you demand that everything be spelled out for you with chapter and verse that will be stating directly what you were told it indicates.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound
more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.
Philippians 1:9
I will tell you again... You need to pray to find yourself a pastor who is equipped to teach beyond a baby Christian level.
We have all been there....


There comes a time when you must learn to cross the street doctrinally without someone holding your hand.

It has nothing to do with human age, but spiritual maturity. There are 70 year old Christians going on two, who
have refused to go learn to think doctrinally with insight and understanding.



And, if you noted.. Those who refuse will also also grow in their capacity to know God's love as God would have it.


And this is my prayer: that your love may abound
more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.

Philippians 1:9​


.
My apologies. I knew better than to engage with you.
 

maxamir

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Mar 8, 2024
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He gave no chapter and verse to back his conclusions.

If someone is willing to accept what he said on that basis?
I feel little desire to do all the work at this point.

You seem to sympathize with his bias. So be it.

grace and peace .........
If you can't see Scripture in what he had written then I doubt you have true biblical discernment and are with those who are carnally minded and think that they are saved by looking at themselves and not Christ.

Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Rev 3:16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.