Unable to Believe the “Foolish” Gospel

[dougcho]

Because of what is clearly stated in the NT …
unredeemed man is NOT able to believe in Jesus and
the “foolish” Gospel … due to a multitude of reasons!
(The Gospel is “foolishness” to those who are perishing, 1 Cor. 1:18)

Here are some of the best NT passages which testify to this:

Inherited sin nature ● Romans 3:9-18,5:12; Galatians 3:22

Sin nature against God ● Romans 8:7

Enemy of God ● Colossians 1:21

Spiritually blind ● 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Live in an evil world ● Galatians 1:4; 2 Peter 1:4

Slaves of/to sin ● John 8:34; Romans 6:6

In Spiritual darkness ● John 8:12,12:46; Acts 26:18

Spiritually dead ● Ephesians 2:1,2:5; Colossians 2:13

See Gospel as foolishness ● 1 Corinthians 1:18

Problems, persecution,

worries, lure of wealth ● Matthew 13:21-22

The spiritual enemy, Satan ● John 10:10; Ephesians 2:2,6:11-12; 1 Peter 5:8

Satan’s army is against us ● Ephesians 2:2

Under Satan’s power & control ● Acts 26:18; 1 John 5:19

Deceived by Satan ● Revelation 12:9

Held captive by Satan ● 2 Timothy 2:26

Robbed of initial faith ● Matthew 13:19

Do you really think that people in this hopeless condition are
going to be able to choose to believe in Jesus and the Gospel?

“And those who heard it said, 'Who then can be saved?'
But He (Jesus) said, ‘The things which are impossible
with men are possible with God.’ ” (Luke 18:26-27)

An impossible situation … changed to a situation of hope!

 

[sawdust]

unredeemed man is NOT able to believe in Jesus and

..... apart from grace. So yes, people in this horrible position can believe in Christ because God supplies the power needed to suppress the working of the flesh so that their preference for the light or the dark is made manifest.

John 3:19-21
19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

God always initiates.
Truth always precedes the lie.
Grace always precedes the impossible.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Do you really think that people in this hopeless condition are
going to be able to choose to believe in Jesus and the Gospel?

Yes. God teaches men while in an unredeemed state. Then when the time is right he opens their eyes to see and believe.

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. John 6:44-45​

 

[Magenta]

Yes. God teaches men while in an unredeemed state. Then when the time is right he opens their eyes to see and believe.

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. John 6:44-45​

We were made alive in Christ while we were yet sinners...

 

[daisyseesthesun]

1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

 

[Deuteronomy]

Hello @dougcho, yes, we've all been there (prior to being justified and coming to saving faith, that is). God must act to change things in us and for us to turn the "impossible" into a reality in our lives

The contrast between the "natural" man/woman (see v14) and the "spiritual" man/woman (v12-13, 15-16) seems pretty clear in the passage below.

​

1 Corinthians 2​

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, ​

13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. ​

​

14 But a natural man ~does not accept~ the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. ​

​

15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. ​

16 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. ​

​

This is why the Lord Jesus pointed out our need to be "born again" to the Pharisee, Nicodemus (and to us), because bringing us from spiritual death to spiritual life can only be accomplished by God alone working mightily in us (He causes those who are spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins to be made alive in Christ, so that we can finally accept/understand the things of God from His "spiritual" POV).

The following passage is one that speaks of this.

​

Ephesians 2​

1 You were dead in your trespasses and sins, ​

2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. ​

3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were ~by nature~ children of wrath, even as the rest. ​

4 ~But God~, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ​

5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).​

​

God bless you!!

~Deuteronomy (David)
p.s. - when the Lord Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about being "born again" and found that he did not know what He was talking about, He gently chided him (as the "teacher of teachers" in Israel) for not knowing. I believe that it was the following passage that the Lord was thinking of when He found that Nicodemus had not heard of/did not understand the concept (of being "born again", that is), as Nicodemus would have not only been familiar with it, he, no doubt, would have had it memorized.

Ezekiel 36​

25 “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. ​

26 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. ​

27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances." ​

​

 

[Magenta]

1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18

 

[daisyseesthesun]

This is a beautiful bible verse isnt it? Magenta Your so creative. I dont know how you come up with all these designs. Im not creative at all my mind is analytical. But The bible say preach the cross that's the only thing that will turn the hearts of those lost. I use to think reasoning with people will do it. before but no all the reasoning in the world will not change a person's heart only Jesus can do that and his sacrifice for our sakes.

 

[HeIsHere]

An impossible situation … changed to a situation of hope!

Only for those who win the salvation lottery.
Is that salvation lottery doctrine taught in scripture too?

 

[Magenta]

Only for those who win the salvation lottery.
Is that salvation lottery doctrine taught in scripture too?

Salvation lottery is not taught in Scripture any more than free will is.

What is taught is this:

Ephesians 2:4-7 ~ Because of His great love for us, God, Who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

 

[Magenta]

This is a beautiful bible verse isnt it? Magenta Your so creative. I dont know how you come up with all these designs. Im not creative at all my mind is analytical. But The bible say preach the cross that's the only thing that will turn the hearts of those lost. I use to think reasoning with people will do it. before but no all the reasoning in the world will not change a person's heart only Jesus can do that and his sacrifice for our sakes.

Thank you Daisy, and yes, many Bible verses are beautiful, inspiring, and give us hope! Many of my designs aspire to do the same, and although I can be a stickler for details and have somewhat of a method to the madness of my art, my process is pretty spontaneous and very experimental. Thank you for your kind words! All glory to God...

Praise the Lord

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Because of what is clearly stated in the NT …
unredeemed man is NOT able to believe in Jesus and
the “foolish” Gospel … due to a multitude of reasons!
(The Gospel is “foolishness” to those who are perishing, 1 Cor. 1:18)

Here are some of the best NT passages which testify to this:

Inherited sin nature ● Romans 3:9-18,5:12; Galatians 3:22

Sin nature against God ● Romans 8:7

Enemy of God ● Colossians 1:21

Spiritually blind ● 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Live in an evil world ● Galatians 1:4; 2 Peter 1:4

Slaves of/to sin ● John 8:34; Romans 6:6

In Spiritual darkness ● John 8:12,12:46; Acts 26:18

Spiritually dead ● Ephesians 2:1,2:5; Colossians 2:13

See Gospel as foolishness ● 1 Corinthians 1:18

Problems, persecution,

worries, lure of wealth ● Matthew 13:21-22

The spiritual enemy, Satan ● John 10:10; Ephesians 2:2,6:11-12; 1 Peter 5:8

Satan’s army is against us ● Ephesians 2:2

Under Satan’s power & control ● Acts 26:18; 1 John 5:19

Deceived by Satan ● Revelation 12:9

Held captive by Satan ● 2 Timothy 2:26

Robbed of initial faith ● Matthew 13:19

Do you really think that people in this hopeless condition are
going to be able to choose to believe in Jesus and the Gospel?

“And those who heard it said, 'Who then can be saved?'
But He (Jesus) said, ‘The things which are impossible
with men are possible with God.’ ” (Luke 18:26-27)

An impossible situation … changed to a situation of hope!

I hope you will consider the true gospel which is a free gift.
Your choice 📖😊👍

 

[JohnRH]

Because of what is clearly stated in the NT …
unredeemed man is NOT able to believe in Jesus and
the “foolish” Gospel … due to a multitude of reasons!
(The Gospel is “foolishness” to those who are perishing, 1 Cor. 1:18)

Here are some of the best NT passages which testify to this:

Inherited sin nature ● Romans 3:9-18,5:12; Galatians 3:22

Sin nature against God ● Romans 8:7

Enemy of God ● Colossians 1:21

Spiritually blind ● 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Live in an evil world ● Galatians 1:4; 2 Peter 1:4

Slaves of/to sin ● John 8:34; Romans 6:6

In Spiritual darkness ● John 8:12,12:46; Acts 26:18

Spiritually dead ● Ephesians 2:1,2:5; Colossians 2:13

See Gospel as foolishness ● 1 Corinthians 1:18

Problems, persecution,

worries, lure of wealth ● Matthew 13:21-22

The spiritual enemy, Satan ● John 10:10; Ephesians 2:2,6:11-12; 1 Peter 5:8

Satan’s army is against us ● Ephesians 2:2

Under Satan’s power & control ● Acts 26:18; 1 John 5:19

Deceived by Satan ● Revelation 12:9

Held captive by Satan ● 2 Timothy 2:26

Robbed of initial faith ● Matthew 13:19

Do you really think that people in this hopeless condition are
going to be able to choose to believe in Jesus and the Gospel?

“And those who heard it said, 'Who then can be saved?'
But He (Jesus) said, ‘The things which are impossible
with men are possible with God.’ ” (Luke 18:26-27)

An impossible situation … changed to a situation of hope!

... where sin abounded, grace did much more abound Romans 5:20 (KJV)

 

[Magenta]

Man's depravity vs God's Grace

 

[Magenta]

2 Corinthians 4:4 plus I wonder how when someone is blind to something, which, let's face it, means they cannot see it at all, or comprehend it, and finds the message connected to it foolishness, and is hostile in their minds toward the One True God behind it all, and loves evil, and suppresses truth, and cannot come to God on his own, being a slave of sin and unable to submit to God's law... I wonder how these people who push "free will" think such a person suddenly decides to throw over their very human nature and choose something he cannot even receive... some say without any help from God at all.

 

[GWH]

Because of what is clearly stated in the NT …
unredeemed man is NOT able to believe in Jesus and
the “foolish” Gospel … due to a multitude of reasons!
(The Gospel is “foolishness” to those who are perishing, 1 Cor. 1:18)

Here are some of the best NT passages which testify to this:

Inherited sin nature ● Romans 3:9-18,5:12; Galatians 3:22

Sin nature against God ● Romans 8:7

Enemy of God ● Colossians 1:21

Spiritually blind ● 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Live in an evil world ● Galatians 1:4; 2 Peter 1:4

Slaves of/to sin ● John 8:34; Romans 6:6

In Spiritual darkness ● John 8:12,12:46; Acts 26:18

Spiritually dead ● Ephesians 2:1,2:5; Colossians 2:13

See Gospel as foolishness ● 1 Corinthians 1:18

Problems, persecution,

worries, lure of wealth ● Matthew 13:21-22

The spiritual enemy, Satan ● John 10:10; Ephesians 2:2,6:11-12; 1 Peter 5:8

Satan’s army is against us ● Ephesians 2:2

Under Satan’s power & control ● Acts 26:18; 1 John 5:19

Deceived by Satan ● Revelation 12:9

Held captive by Satan ● 2 Timothy 2:26

Robbed of initial faith ● Matthew 13:19

Do you really think that people in this hopeless condition are
going to be able to choose to believe in Jesus and the Gospel?

“And those who heard it said, 'Who then can be saved?'
But He (Jesus) said, ‘The things which are impossible
with men are possible with God.’ ” (Luke 18:26-27)

An impossible situation … changed to a situation of hope!

Unredeemed souls are unWILLING to believe the Gospel until they repent or change their minds and allow God to redeem their hearts.

 

[GWH]

..... apart from grace. So yes, people in this horrible position can believe in Christ because God supplies the power needed to suppress the working of the flesh so that their preference for the light or the dark is made manifest.

John 3:19-21
19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

God always initiates.
Truth always precedes the lie.
Grace always precedes the impossible.

Amen Sawdust! God initiates; souls cooperate--or NOT!

 

[homwardbound]

Because of what is clearly stated in the NT …
unredeemed man is NOT able to believe in Jesus and
the “foolish” Gospel … due to a multitude of reasons!
(The Gospel is “foolishness” to those who are perishing, 1 Cor. 1:18)

Here are some of the best NT passages which testify to this:

Inherited sin nature ● Romans 3:9-18,5:12; Galatians 3:22

Sin nature against God ● Romans 8:7

Enemy of God ● Colossians 1:21

Spiritually blind ● 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Live in an evil world ● Galatians 1:4; 2 Peter 1:4

Slaves of/to sin ● John 8:34; Romans 6:6

In Spiritual darkness ● John 8:12,12:46; Acts 26:18

Spiritually dead ● Ephesians 2:1,2:5; Colossians 2:13

See Gospel as foolishness ● 1 Corinthians 1:18

Problems, persecution,

worries, lure of wealth ● Matthew 13:21-22

The spiritual enemy, Satan ● John 10:10; Ephesians 2:2,6:11-12; 1 Peter 5:8

Satan’s army is against us ● Ephesians 2:2

Under Satan’s power & control ● Acts 26:18; 1 John 5:19

Deceived by Satan ● Revelation 12:9

Held captive by Satan ● 2 Timothy 2:26

Robbed of initial faith ● Matthew 13:19

Do you really think that people in this hopeless condition are
going to be able to choose to believe in Jesus and the Gospel?

“And those who heard it said, 'Who then can be saved?'
But He (Jesus) said, ‘The things which are impossible
with men are possible with God.’ ” (Luke 18:26-27)

An impossible situation … changed to a situation of hope!

It is the self in the way, the want to not die, is in the way and man wants control still. yet God waiting for all flesh to be put under Son's feet
For all whether or not in belief to God will bow and go where are told to go whenever that day comes up
Yet taking a long time why?
God desires for none to perish this love and mercy persists for all to have made known this truth to choose too, whether or not to believe God or not
Thanking Father in thanksgiving and praise for Son to do what no other can do, did it for us to be saved free of charge ever. thank you
Believe, see and be new in love to all as is the call
No one can be righteous, no not one, As religion has taken over as a new religion from the old Tabernacle and still addresses the same as did back to then, that we better do it right or God will get you. When in. truth it is those saying that that are doing that to you, Creating fear
The Fear is cast out for you by God for you 1 John 4:18
Thank you

 

[HeIsHere]

I hope you will consider the true gospel which is a free gift.
Your choice 📖😊👍

1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Does that mean that this one line of scripture taken out of its surrounding text is being used erroneously to support the salvation lottery.


You know what this line does NOT say....

For the preaching of the cross to all them starting from birth, to all people throughout all time along with those that perish is foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

 

[Magenta]

You know what this line does NOT say....

You know what else the Bible doesn't say? That you saved yourself through your own will, desire, effort, or choice.
I wonder why you deliberately keep ignoring verses that explicitly say what you keep denying.

1 Corinthians 4:7b; John 3:27; Romans 9:15-16 What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did also receive it, why do you boast as not having received it? John replied, "A man can receive only that which is given him from heaven." "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then, it does not depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.