Whether or not you affirm Calvinism, that’s a Calvinist assumption - treating faith as something God generates for the individual rather than the person’s volitional response to God’s Word and Spirit. But Scripture is consistent: people are commanded to believe (Acts16:31; John12:36; 1John3:23), and salvation follows faith. It never says God believes on our behalf or implants faith apart from our volitional response. Commands require volitional responses. Scripture’s order stands: choose to believe > salvation.
Can We Really Exercise Free Will?
- Thread starter LifelongLearner
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Whether or not you affirm Calvinism, that’s a Calvinist assumption - treating faith as something God generates for the individual rather than the person’s volitional response to God’s Word and Spirit. But Scripture is consistent: people are commanded to believe (Acts16:31; John12:36; 1John3:23), and salvation follows faith. It never says God believes on our behalf or implants faith apart from our volitional response. Commands require volitional responses. Scripture’s order stands: choose to believe > salvation.
I have read parts of the Bible, yes.
But does anyone here think that christians are not doing bad things ?
But does anyone here think that christians are not doing bad things ?
I don't think that. But neither do I know everybody's heart. Only God knows that.
Easy. Saying "I do" to Jesus' offer of salvation.
I mean that is the only litmus test that really matters right?
I requested a definition of the concept of "free will" but I have not gotten it from anyone here.
Acts 13 v 48 all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
Romans 12 v 3b Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
It is not in the Bible. Man is a slave to sin until Christ sets him free. I already told you this.
Which parts of the Bible have you read? Where would you place yourself in reference to coming to believe?
Actually it's referring to both grace and faith which are inseparable in the verse. Both grace and faith are feminine, and the neuter can be used to include both. There is no salvation by grace that isn't by faith. So to say that faith isn't included would be to be saved by grace with no instumentality.
Further, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. So we know that the source of faith is outside the individual.
Not a reference to saving faith.
Notice the idea of measurement, if there were measures of saving faith then people would have varying degrees of salvation.
This faith is for the use of gifts.
Next.
We also know not everyone hears. Well, those who believe what Jesus said know this...
Now why didn't I have a pretty panel which spoke those words?Acts 13 v 48 all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
Romans 12 v 3b Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
Sure it is! She just does not want to admit that faith is given.
Lotta logical fallacies served up by this free will crowd...
That one was a non-sequitur, mainly. Probably others as well. It could have been several.
I've never said belief doesn't precede salvation; only that regeneration precedes faith. An individual is saved when they believe. But it is God who produces faith in an individual as the Spirit of God employs the word of God. Further, in Acts 2:37, we find God giving hearing...when they heard this, circumcising the heart...they were pricked in the heart, which changed their will or volition...what shall we do? All this resulting from the word of God being preached and the Spirit of God using it to produce faith.
No! Those panels help define who you are - and I enjoy them very much.You are free to borrow it .. Or any of them, if you so desire...