I am going to go out on a limb and stir the pot with this one, but I agree with Calvin, Spurgeon, and all the rest. It is clear to me that the Scriptures are very clear on so many issues, and I am becoming more impatient with people who proclaim their denunciations with much fervor but lack any serious understanding of Scripture or the heavenly things. I am definitely working on my heart regarding this impatience, but there is so much that could be cleared up if people would simply read their bible from cover to cover every year.
Act 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
If people stop going by what people say and read the Bible led by the Spirit there would not be so much division among people who claim Christ.
And more likely they would have the proper understanding about salvation.
2Ti 3:4 lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Some people do not allow the Spirit to lead them because they will not let go of the flesh.
And they fall short in understanding the truth.
2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
They say faith alone and we cannot abstain from sin.
But the Bible says a Spirit led person can abstain from sin.
So what is the excuse.
I do not care what Calvin, or Spurgeon says, for I check everything out for myself.
For my chances of understanding will be better.
Mat 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
1Co 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
1Jn 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1Ti 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
2Pe 3:9 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.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Many are called but few are chosen which means God does the calling and choosing on earth.
For if God chooses who will be saved in the beginning without their choice then why is He calling people that cannot be chosen.
That means we have a choice in our salvation.
Which is testified that Jesus takes away the sins of the world.
And if the world can have their sins taken away then the world can be saved.
Which is testified that God wants all people to be saved.
When God calls a person according to their heart condition He will work with them to get them to the truth.
But when they get to the door of truth they have to choose to go through the door of truth for God's kingdom is true love.
But they would of not got to the door of truth if God did not intervene in their life.
Not everybody goes through the door of truth which many are called but few are chosen.
And some have a form of godliness but they do not allow the Spirit to lead them and do not come to the truth.
Rom 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead,
and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Luk 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation.
God calls things that have not happened yet as though they already happened.
For if it is a plan of God in the beginning to happen in the future it is the same as if it happened in the beginning for it will surely come to pass with no hindrance.
Predestination does not mean that God chooses in the beginning who will be saved and they have no choice.
But it means God already had the plan to give mankind salvation at the foundation of the world.
But this salvation is to whoever wants it for God wants all people to have salvation.
And the Spirit and bride say Come and any person can have that salvation.
I understand being impatient with people who do not understand the truth that is so clear in scripture.
But what can you do when the Bible says they do not come to the truth.
Calvinism is of the flesh so they will not understand the truth.
God said He wants all people to be saved and does not want any to perish.
Many are called but few are chosen.
What is there not to understand.
They are ever learning but do not come to the truth.
God said to turn away from them.