Understanding God’s election

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Rufus

Well-known member
Feb 17, 2024
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God may desire everyone to come to belief but we know everyone does not, even though every knee shall bow and
every tongue shall confess Jesus is Lord... as per Philippians 2 v 10 and also Rev 5 v 13 and Romans 14 v 11 etc...

I suppose a universalist would use that as a proof text, but that kneeling and confessing follows the
resurrection, and our eternal fates are already decided by then... at least that is what I understand...



Daniel 12 verse 2 Many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.
If Jesus believed what I just bolded above, how come He explicitly omitted the vast majority of the world in his prayer to his Father (Jn 17:9)? To even say that that was a glaring omission is still a gross understatement, most especially since FWers think that Jesus died for all in the world w/o exception. Well, Christ himself made an exception for the world by excluding it from his prayer. He prayed for all except for the world!
 
Sep 2, 2020
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Here's the audience: 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
And this matters why ? I’m sure there were some saints there leading the church …..that doesn’t really address what I asked but that’s the issue some of you never ever evvvver adress the scriptures people show you you just for instance wuote the intro to Timothy lol how does that address Paul telling them to work out thier own salvstion with fear and trembling ?
 

Rufus

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Feb 17, 2024
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Incest. Yes,I knew about that too.

Noah ,whom God thought righteous,was a drunk.

King David slee a woman's husband by proxy so that David could be with his widow.
All of which supports what Solomon taught in Eccl 7:20!

Another often overlooked or forgotten fact is that David's parenting skills were sorely lacking.
 
Apr 24, 2025
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If that were true, then how is God just in decreeing the premature deaths of probably billions of underage humans to pay the penalty for sins they didn't actually commit?
Claims aren't scripture.

Where is the scripture that tells us God sends the unborn to Hell? SIDS victims to Hell?

That would make that god very strange indeed when it is said he is Omnibenevolent.

Hey,here's a question for you.

Where did God send all the unborn and born babies,and grown adults, he killed as firstborns in Egypt?
Where did he send all the babies and children he slaughtered wholesale in the flood,in burning Sodom and Gomorrah, and as those who populated those adult communities he hated and commanded his Hebrew armies to destroy.
Car in the unborn from their mothers,dashing babies against the rocks,etc.... where did God send them?

Given they were part of those community or tribal groups God hated and purged.
 
Jul 3, 2015
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If Jesus believed what I just bolded above, how come He explicitly omitted the vast majority of the world in his prayer to his Father (Jn 17:9)? To even say that that was a glaring omission is still a gross understatement, most especially since FWers think that Jesus died for all in the world w/o exception. Well, Christ himself made an exception for the world by excluding it from his prayer. He prayed for all except for the world!
What do you mean, If? That is Scripture. I gave the verse citations.
 

lrs68

Well-known member
Dec 30, 2024
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No! "It's directly directed to a specific class of reader: The ELECT (1Pet 1:1)! And every reader who just happens to pick up the epistle to read it doesn't qualify because (s)he isn't a believer. If any of the apostles, or even the OT prophets for that matter, wanted to address the world at large, they would have said as much in their prologue.
OK, they can become a believer.
 
Apr 24, 2025
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Claims aren't scripture.

Where is the scripture that tells us God sends the unborn to Hell? SIDS victims to Hell?

That would make that god very strange indeed when it is said he is Omnibenevolent.

Hey,here's a question for you.

Where did God send all the unborn and born babies,and grown adults, he killed as firstborns in Egypt?
Where did he send all the babies and children he slaughtered wholesale in the flood,in burning Sodom and Gomorrah, and as those who populated those adult communities he hated and commanded his Hebrew armies to destroy.
Carved the unborn from their mothers,dashing babies against the rocks,etc.... where did God send them?

Given they were part of those community or tribal groups God hated and purged.

Reposted my reply in 13,144 to correct systems post glitch.
 
Jul 3, 2015
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All of which supports what Solomon taught in Eccl 7:20!

Another often overlooked or forgotten fact is that David's parenting skills were sorely lacking.
The truth of the natural, unregenerated man is taught in the Bible front to back, but free willers refuse to accept it.

In their theology, the corrupt tree brings forth good fruit, even though that contradicts what Jesus said.


Proverbs 28 verse 26~ “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” Ecclesiastes 7 verse 20~ “For there is not a just man upon the earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Matthew 7 verse 18~ “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” Philippians 2 verse 13~ “For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
 
Apr 24, 2025
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The truth of the natural, unregenerated man is taught in the Bible front to back, but free willers refuse to accept it.

In their theology, the corrupt tree brings forth good fruit, even though that contradicts what Jesus said.


Proverbs 28 verse 26~ “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” Ecclesiastes 7 verse 20~ “For there is not a just man upon the earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Matthew 7 verse 18~ “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” Philippians 2 verse 13~ “For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
They have a skewed understanding of, I am.

I am able to choose to be saved. And I am just as easily able to walk away.


It is a Covenant.

Not a willful choice.
 
Sep 2, 2020
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This is not in scripture...anywhere...

"Elect moral agents?"
Exactly that’s what bi local discussion comes to lol elect moral agents who were saved always they weren’t objects of wrath like all mankind was nooo they were always saved and elect and there’s nothing they need to do to be saved because it’s an election and they already won

So the effect of that thinking is

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Not me ! I’m elect and chosen.

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“that’s not for believers they can’t be removed because ….they were pre chosen and elected as “the specials of God “ thier oamp won’t ever be moved repentance ? Naw …. Election !!!

It really turns the mind against what the Bible actually says

“But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself ( they are doing it to themselves not God ) wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: ( this is what God has always said he will do )

to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: for there is no respect of persons with God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:5-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

But ….. “ nope God has respect unto me , I’m chosen that doesn’t apply to me I’m already saved “

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:10-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“ not me I’m already saved and chosen “

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Nope I’m already forgiven and chosen and ordained I’m chosen and special to God he loves me he died for my sins but not everyone’s that’s for other people who don’t believe in Jesus …”

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Naw he died and now I’m saved because I was chosen his death doesn’t apply to them tbey aren’t chosen ……chose me not them “

It’s a circle of confusion . Imagine preaching to someone “ listen God either chose you or he didn’t do t ever believe the things you actually learn in the Bible you’re either chosen or not that’s salvation …you can’t change it because you can’t repent or obey God hell either make you do that because your chosen or he won’t because you aren’t chosen “ it’s just this

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:1-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

People don’t want to hear the truth anymore because it calls them to repentance when they hear it
 
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During the great white throne judgment when the souls are standing there being judged. I dont know how He does it but I like to envision a giant TV with a replay option. It will show things like you going to church with grandma on Easter to make her happy. A friend asking you about Jesus. Or maybe some random shows you have seen. So when you are asked why you didn't put your faith and trust in Jesus you will have No excuse. It is why the gospel must be preached in every tounge every nation as one of the pre exquisites of the tribulation. So that not one person has an excuse.

Well when God asks you what your excuse is and you respond well sir almighty God you made it impossible for me to hear or understand. Now you do have an excuse. You are saying God will throw someone in hell for not believing in Him after making it impossible for that man to do so. Im sorry I will never feel that way.

I said it a few pages ago IMO God's grace extends to every human alive. It is what allows us the ability to have a choice. Without that grace we simply could not have the ability to come to God. Our heart isint right. God's grace saves us that alone by giving us the ability to have faith. And he's gives that ability though his grace to every man woman and child.
 
Jul 3, 2015
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Exactly that’s what bi local discussion comes to lol elect moral agents who were saved always they weren’t objects of wrath like all mankind was nooo they were always saved and elect and there’s nothing they need to do to be saved because it’s an election and they already won
Scripture says we were as they once were. We were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.


Romans 5 verse 12 Ephesians 2 verse 3 Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned. We were by nature children of wrath.
.:)
 
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During the great white throne judgment when the souls are standing there being judged. I dont know how He does it but I like to envision a giant TV with a replay option. It will show things like you going to church with grandma on Easter to make her happy. A friend asking you about Jesus. Or maybe some random shows you have seen. So when you are asked why you didn't put your faith and trust in Jesus you will have No excuse. It is why the gospel must be preached in every tounge every nation as one of the pre exquisites of the tribulation. So that not one person has an excuse.

Well when God asks you what your excuse is and you respond well sir almighty God you made it impossible for me to hear or understand. Now you do have an excuse. You are saying God will throw someone in hell for not believing in Him after making it impossible for that man to do so. Im sorry I will never feel that way.

I said it a few pages ago IMO God's grace extends to every human alive. It is what allows us the ability to have a choice. Without that grace we simply could not have the ability to come to God. Our heart isint right. God's grace saves us that alone by giving us the ability to have faith. And he's gives that ability though his grace to every man woman and child.
It was impossible for me to believe before I was made alive in Christ and had my heart circumcised.

To believe in my heart which needed circumcising, as does everyone's.

It is irrefutably taught in Scripture that God must draw us. Nobody comes otherwise.

Jesus did say that when was He was raised up He would draw all men to Himself. But only those given to Him by God come to Him.

Scripture does also teach that His sheep hear His voice and there are those who do not hear at all. Jesus said so and told us why.


John 8 verses 43, 47, Acts 13 verse 48, Romans 8 verse 8, John 8 verse 43 “Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message.” “Whoever belongs to God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.
 
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Scripture says we were as they once were. We were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.


Romans 5 verse 12 Ephesians 2 verse 3 Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned. We were by nature children of wrath.
.:)
amen sis it does and what’s he talking about that made them objects of wrath ?

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in your trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Sort of my whole point sis there weren’t two groups of chosen and not chosen there was just one group . You know how if you just read this it sounds like it’s magical and not part of doctrine ?

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It seems like it’s just some mysterious thing he did but it’s doctrine it’s what baptism is about Paul is talking about this doctrine

“in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:11-13‬ ‭

So my point is Paul isn’t saying “ you were chosen by God and he just magically did this before creation choosing you “ it’s Paul speaking to the church who in those days didn’t have any problem with baptism for remission of sins in Jesus name so they understood what he was saying .

Again noting baptisms purpose repeatedly shown to us it makes perfect sense what’s being said it’s about remission of the believers sins ….

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,


and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s doctrine is speaking to believers of the doctrine who were obedient people already but he is still admonishing them to spur on more and more obedience and Paul ties it to salvation sayong “ as you always have obeyed now much more work out your salvation with fear and trembling “

It’s much like this scenario that shows clearly what I’m saying

at here was a believer in Corinth who commited a Terrible sexual sin and was open about it and so Paul hears about it and writes a letter a scathing one that he determines thay need to excommunicate the believer and hand him over to Satan so his flesh can be destroyed and his spirit can still be saved

later he writes a second letter saying “ you now should forgive and embrace the evildoer because it’s broken him being cast out from you all , now forgive and welcome him back so Satan doesn’t have a victory “

Im sure you know the sections I’m talking about sis but my point is again Paul’s speaks of repentance unto salvation

“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.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2:6-9‬ ‭

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

those objects of wrath were objects of wrath because of this warning to the chrich about our deeds sis

“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:3-7‬ ‭

We should believe that Jesus is able to save us like he said but like he said part of it is this part

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Because

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and so

“ and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:46-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And finally Gods waiting patiently for people to repent and not perish

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭
 
Jul 3, 2015
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Well when God asks you what your excuse is and you respond well sir almighty God you made it impossible for me to hear or understand. Now you do have an excuse. You are saying God will throw someone in hell for not believing in Him after making it impossible for that man to do so. Im sorry I will never feel that way.
Scripture says that man is without excuse. So you perhaps may need to find a way to reconcile that truth with what you are saying here. The heavens declare the glory of God. By the work of His hands we know He exists, and He desires we seek Him, yes, even knowing that none do! Do you have an understanding of this? For me it is the fact that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of the truth, being Truth itself. So as much as I desired in my natural self to deny all Scripture had to say about Who God is, I did sincerely seek truth and God revealed Himself to me. You know there are those here who ridicule personal revelatory experiences of God as if they are something to be ashamed of when IN FACT it is proof positive of Scripture, for God promises to reveal Himself to those who seek Him, again, yes, even knowing that none do! Paradoxical perhaps. But God keeps His promises no matter what others ridicule.


Psalm 19 verse 1
:)
 

BillyBob

Well-known member
Dec 20, 2023
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Well, in the OT punishment was viewed in temporal terms such as poverty and physical death,
and the effects of sin are indeed often generational in those ways,
but the NT revelation was that each soul is judged fairly/individually,
and justice is meted out in the afterlife.
Who gets to choose what "judged fairly/individually" means? Who sets the standard? Would that be you or God?
 
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Jeremiah 29 verses 13-14a You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD.
:)