Can We Really Exercise Free Will?

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No I'm not. You have missed my point from the outset. There is nothing in us to commend us to God except Christ and that we are in Him. And anything that commends us is due to Him.

You seem to want to take some glory to yourself.
Here we go again....

Take a break.
Go watch videos if you're bored.
 
That's one view.

Please share your eschatology with @Genez and let me know how profound his discernment is.

I regard soteriology far, far more important than eschatology.
It is kinda weird you keep telling me I have no discernment and then try to use eschatology to cause dissension. Hmmm.
 
Here we go again....

Take a break.
Go watch videos if you're bored.
Wonder why your side is always wanting to shut others down.

If you don't want my response, simply don't post to me. I didn't begin the discussion with you.
 
I regard soteriology far, far more important than eschatology.
It is kinda weird you keep telling me I have no discernment and then try to use eschatology to cause dissension. Hmmm.
Not trying to cause dissension. Just pointing out the hypocrisy of choosing to correct some you believe to be in error and not others.

And if you actually understood salvation, you would know that all the Father gives to Jesus WILL come to Him.
 
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Wonder why your side is always wanting to shut others down.

If you don't want my response, simply don't post to me. I didn't begin the discussion with you.
I repeat...

"Here we go again"....

and, again......and again....... and....
 
Not trying to cause dissension. Just pointing out the hypocrisy of choosing to correct some you believe to be in error and not others.

And if you actually understood salvation, you would know that all the Father gives to Jesus WILL come to Him.

Out of context once again.

Next....
 
I do agree it has all been covered over and over again.
They will try different angles but it is the same ole, same ole.


What they keep failing to realize is that the soul has no sin nature.
It is the flesh that dominates the soul and unless grace over rides the flesh,
the flesh will keep ruling over the soul.

Its like someone getting drunk and can not walk straight.
Sober that person up?
They can run a quarter mile.

The flesh with the sin nature makes the soul not able to think straight, like being in a type of constant drunk.
When God commands it - Grace sobers up the soul by suppressing the flesh's power over the soul.
And, while the soul is being made sober by grace?
The issue of what God wants to make known is presented.

But, before ever getting to the Gospel?
God gives lucid moments provided by grace, so that a soul can be made to recognize that there is a God.


The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness
of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God
is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world
God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being
understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20​


God's drawing one onto salvation happens in phases.
God first phase is to makes a soul become God conscious.
That is what Romans 1:18-20 speaks about.

grace and peace ..............
 
God brings you into it, similar how we found ourselves entering into puberty.
Its gradual, and makes one forget the sadness you have come through to get there.

But... only happens with one way. Sound doctrine.
Sound doctrine corrects us... instructs us... and enlightens us in ways we could never have thought of ourselves.

Sound doctrine changes our heart's thinking in ways we could not have imagined.


“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.


Isaiah 55:8​

I have offered this to others before.
I'll offer it to you, too.

Here is a pastor whom I found is equipped to bring believers through to maturity.
He can make you concentrate and take notes when they first begin learning from him.

I recall him once telling us that when he was away at a Bible teaching conference,
that a young lady at the front desk of the hotel where he was checking in, told him that his messages stopped her from suicide.

These teachings are not for everyone. No one pastor is.
But, many have benefitted in ways that they are grateful for.

Look here and see if it looks right for you. https://www.rbthieme.org/index.html#tabs-3

grace and peace ........

Thank you for offering RB's teachings, and it is clear that you hold him in high regard. I'll bookmark the page and offer it a fair chance, but I do suppose that you've held his teachings closely and so reflect them as closely within your own teachings.

But I will shed a bit of insight of my experience of having been given a vision. I saw the faces of men which reflected what I would call the joy and happiness in topic. They looked at directly at me as if seeing me as much as I saw them. Their faces were reflective of a love that I'd been wondering actually existed. They brought me a moment of that joy and happiness and, even though none of them had looked at me with the slightest degree of sternness, I slipped back into despondency when it'd occurred to me that, while I might've been quite uncertain exactly who they were, I knew that none of them were "Him." And my heart could not help but speak, "Thank you for these, every one of them perfect(ed)...but they are not You."...

But then I saw His face, looking at me with all the intensity of the former ones combined, and I knew as that instant Who I was looking at, and 'the fairest of ten thousand' is an understatement. I'm pretty sure I at least have an idea of what the rapture will be like, as you might be able to imagine when all eyes see Him, but my elation was cut short by a stern look. Although in earthly terms the change in countenance would not be very distinguishable as an actor might caricature to 'make sure' the audience would 'feel' it. I mean that His countenance changed as He 'reacted' to me rather than His face changing...I wish that words were adequate. But this 'change in countenance,' this stern look, caused me to lower my eyes from His face even as I rather that I could look into His eyes forever, and my heart breathed, "My Lord, My God..." and, when I was brought back to the realization I was in the Presence, in a state of grace, I looked up again to see His right hand holding the sun (which was approaching its position at 11am)... and joy and happiness fill me so full that I sprung up and danced like I was the sugarplum fairy prima ballerina.

After this, I ran to tell some friends who looked at me funny and didn't know what to make of it other than a nervous laugh...but I do trust that all that'd heard it have thought on it since.

You may be wondering at this moment, what does this have to do with sound doctrine? And I refer back to the citation that you offered at Isaiah 55 which chapter heading is "Invitation to the Needy" and those verses leading to Isaiah 55:8. Isa 55:6 is exactly why I felt 'welcomed' to 'seek the Lord' and His reputation of compassion is exactly what I was seeking. I was thirsty, and hungered and so, Isaiah 55:3 struck me entirely soon after that. "Incline your ear and come to Me; listen so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant. My loving devotion promised to David."

The ESV renders it "my steadfast, sure love," and, as I see it, that is the definition of 'sound.' That unshakeable love was not missing even in the sternness of that Face. At the time, I really had no idea what exactly prompted "that look" from Him but having these many years to reflect on it, the moment that I realized that I was looking into eternity, and was overjoyed, that God also saw the rest of the world that was missing it was at that moment lost on me.

So, from then to this day, this is what I check for in any doctrine, especially considering that they all claim to be 'sound.'
 
Not trying to cause dissension. Just pointing out the hypocrisy of choosing to correct some you believe to be in error and not others.

And if you actually understood salvation, you would know that all the Father gives to Jesus WILL come to Him.

Those the Father draws to completion?
Those ones? He ones gives to the Son.
For they had been positive to the one they can not see.
So they will automatically come to Jesus, because the son is tangibly revealing the unseen Father to them.

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?
Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
John 14:9​

.
 
Those the Father draws to completion?
Those ones? He ones gives to the Son.
For they had been positive to the one they can not see.
So they will automatically come to Jesus, because the son is tangibly revealing the unseen Father to them.

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?
Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
John 14:9​

.
Who builds the church?
How does He do it?
 
Thank you for offering RB's teachings, and it is clear that you hold him in high regard. I'll bookmark the page and offer it a fair chance, but I do suppose that you've held his teachings closely and so reflect them as closely within your own teachings.

But I will shed a bit of insight of my experience of having been given a vision. I saw the faces of men which reflected what I would call the joy and happiness in topic. They looked at directly at me as if seeing me as much as I saw them. Their faces were reflective of a love that I'd been wondering actually existed. They brought me a moment of that joy and happiness and, even though none of them had looked at me with the slightest degree of sternness, I slipped back into despondency when it'd occurred to me that, while I might've been quite uncertain exactly who they were, I knew that none of them were "Him." And my heart could not help but speak, "Thank you for these, every one of them perfect(ed)...but they are not You."...

But then I saw His face, looking at me with all the intensity of the former ones combined, and I knew as that instant Who I was looking at, and 'the fairest of ten thousand' is an understatement. I'm pretty sure I at least have an idea of what the rapture will be like, as you might be able to imagine when all eyes see Him, but my elation was cut short by a stern look. Although in earthly terms the change in countenance would not be very distinguishable as an actor might caricature to 'make sure' the audience would 'feel' it. I mean that His countenance changed as He 'reacted' to me rather than His face changing...I wish that words were adequate. But this 'change in countenance,' this stern look, caused me to lower my eyes from His face even as I rather that I could look into His eyes forever, and my heart breathed, "My Lord, My God..." and, when I was brought back to the realization I was in the Presence, in a state of grace, I looked up again to see His right hand holding the sun (which was approaching its position at 11am)... and joy and happiness fill me so full that I sprung up and danced like I was the sugarplum fairy prima ballerina.

After this, I ran to tell some friends who looked at me funny and didn't know what to make of it other than a nervous laugh...but I do trust that all that'd heard it have thought on it since.

You may be wondering at this moment, what does this have to do with sound doctrine? And I refer back to the citation that you offered at Isaiah 55 which chapter heading is "Invitation to the Needy" and those verses leading to Isaiah 55:8. Isa 55:6 is exactly why I felt 'welcomed' to 'seek the Lord' and His reputation of compassion is exactly what I was seeking. I was thirsty, and hungered and so, Isaiah 55:3 struck me entirely soon after that. "Incline your ear and come to Me; listen so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant. My loving devotion promised to David."

The ESV renders it "my steadfast, sure love," and, as I see it, that is the definition of 'sound.' That unshakeable love was not missing even in the sternness of that Face. At the time, I really had no idea what exactly prompted "that look" from Him but having these many years to reflect on it, the moment that I realized that I was looking into eternity, and was overjoyed, that God also saw the rest of the world that was missing it was at that moment lost on me.

So, from then to this day, this is what I check for in any doctrine, especially considering that they all claim to be 'sound.'


If we want to see Him now in our spirit we need one thing to do so.
Sound doctrine...
Why must it be sound doctrine?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.

False doctrine distorts who He is.
And misleads us in who He is.

That is why false doctrine should never be taken lightly.

R.B. Thieme jr is not perfect.
No man is.
But, he is light years ahead of many who teach the Word today.

God gave me a dream about him before I did not know I was saved.
I had no idea he was to be a pastor teacher in my dream.
That realization took place about 12 years after having the dream.

Grace and peace ...
 
If we want to see Him now in our spirit we need one thing to do so.
Sound doctrine...
Why must it be sound doctrine?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.

False doctrine distorts who He is.
And misleads us in who He is.

That is why false doctrine should never be taken lightly.

R.B. Thieme jr is not perfect.
No man is.
But, he is light years ahead of many who teach the Word today.

God gave me a dream about him before I did not know I was saved.
I had no idea he was to be a pastor teacher in my dream.
That realization took place about 12 years after having the dream.

Grace and peace ...

I had a similar experience with a rabbi, after prayer with concern for an interest in his teachings. I approach the attendance of any other's teaching with similar caution.

Shalom Shalom
 
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No I'm not. You have missed my point from the outset. There is nothing in us to commend us to God except Christ and that we are in Him. And anything that commends us is due to Him.

You seem to want to take some glory to yourself.

Yes you did miss the point. @Genez was talking about being given more responsibility for those who prove themself in humble fidelity for they have shown they can handle God's greatest treasure, His word, with respect and dignity.

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

It had nothing at all to do with being given anything because of some innate commendation.
 
Yes you did miss the point. @Genez was talking about being given more responsibility for those who prove themself in humble fidelity for they have shown they can handle God's greatest treasure, His word, with respect and dignity.

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

It had nothing at all to do with being given anything because of some innate commendation.
Which was my point the whole time. And he did say an individual could by exploiting grace be worthy. The Christian's worth is found in his or her connection to Christ, and not in their manipulation of grace.
 
You are acting just like the fake news media when it was defending Biden, saying he was as sharp as a tack.

I do not know why people like you choose for what you do.
But, something had your number when they recruited you into its camp.
I'm not a follower of Gossip on social media, so I can't help you,

I don't take into account anything said about president's of the USA either, as I don't support the reds or the blues, I'm from the UK.

My view is You shouldn't be allowed on the internet, your a cowardly bully, and if you have no light in your soul, then you are spiritualy dead.
 
What they keep failing to realize is that the soul has no sin nature.
..............
what you fail to realise is sin is evil. And what you justify is you can sin.

And what you will always fail to realise is, as
you can't be corrected, because you would rather carry on having people hated then correct yourself, the soul is accountabke for sin and his word proves it in many places, the soul is accountable for sin, the life that lives in the soul is not accountable, and that life which is the light of God and the lamp to a persons soul is either switched on or off by God.
 
What they keep failing to realize is that the soul has no sin nature.
It is the flesh that dominates the soul and unless grace over rides the flesh,
the flesh will keep ruling over the soul.

Its like someone getting drunk and can not walk straight.
Sober that person up?
They can run a quarter mile.

The flesh with the sin nature makes the soul not able to think straight, like being in a type of constant drunk.
When God commands it - Grace sobers up the soul by suppressing the flesh's power over the soul.
And, while the soul is being made sober by grace?
The issue of what God wants to make known is presented.

But, before ever getting to the Gospel?
God gives lucid moments provided by grace, so that a soul can be made to recognize that there is a God.


The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness
of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God
is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world
God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being
understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20​


God's drawing one onto salvation happens in phases.
God first phase is to makes a soul become God conscious.
That is what Romans 1:18-20 speaks about.

grace and peace ..............
Ephesians 2:1-3 sin nature effects every aspect of the body including the soul

Psalms 51:5 all people are born with an inherent condition, which is also God's inherent will in all mankind, his judgment that was passed. Because he is also a God of disaplin.

Romans 3:10-12 points towards a universal human condition where everyone is distant From God dew to that nature

The soul born without the lamp of the lord means the soul is born without the lords light in them.

Which means they are born with the whatever protection the devine nature of God the father allows,

Well there you have the whole gospel, and now you can do what you always do now, which is dismiss it as calvinism, hurl a load of wild accusations, go into rant mode and hate mode, and twist scripture to suit yourself,
 
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I'm shocked.

:rolleyes:
I believe shock therapy is probably the only way some people will believe.

And when i think about it I believe God the father in the old t had no choice but to take that approach, in the old t.

You have the flood which would have been a huge shock to mankind, you have God evicting people from his garden, which is like a person becoming homeless, a huge Shock, I could go on with many more instances where Gods Judgments would have come as a huge shock to people, and all I'm the bases that he didn't believe what he was being told.

And the bottom line is he was using his word, as an active living fear inside there hearts to make them come to a reality that through his active living fear inside them, they could rule over sin, which is evil, and guess what even that lovely soul a person can have, could rule over it with there soul to, through his living hope


Funny enough this Aussie teacher teaches all this living hope 🥳