Understanding God’s election

[Magenta]

1 Corinthians 4 verse 7b; John 3 verse 27; Romans 9 verses 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.

 

[Rufus]

Jeremiah 17 verse 9 plus John 3 verses 19-20 ~ The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? This is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil.

Obviously, FWers cannot understand Jer 17:9. After all, it's spiritual truth and this can only be understood through the Spirit who gives understanding.

 

[Magenta]

Obviously, FWers cannot understand Jer 17:9. After all, it's spiritual truth and
this can only be understood through the Spirit who gives understanding.

Thank God for Jesus! He made me alive, opened my eyes, unstopped my ears, and circumcised my heart
so I could come to understand and accept the Truth of Who He is and choose to love Him in return.

Praise the Lord

 

[lrs68]

Of course they "disagree". When did DTS become reformed? And the vast majority of Baptists are not reformed, for your info!

Many of the old singers, once Preachers, now dead and some living sing for Bill Gaither whom my family know and the majority of them are Reformed Baptist and some are associated w\DTS.

 

[Rufus]

lrs68 said:


I read this site and dug and found out it's a Reformed Platform. It's funny that you believe personal agenda sites are more qualified than Theologians and Scholars.

You say you read the BLB site? Did you read this from their site in the About Us page:


About BLB

Simply put, we love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have a high view of the Bible and sound doctrine, and we are called to share the truth of God’s Word in a way that is impacting and easily accessible.


Web-based technology is our platform, and we've been working at it since the mid 1990’s at a time when personal computers were only beginning to surface in mainstream public. Little did we know then that the years and years of programming every little detail of various Bible translations, original languages, commentaries, and study aids would eventually be available on millions of personal computers, cell phones, and tablets!


Achieving big numbers is not our primary aim, however. Our biggest burden is to provide Bible study tools and aids that will encourage and exhort the Body of Christ. Resources that are sourced in the conservative, historical Christian faith. We try to stay away from labeling ourselves beyond that, sometimes putting up content that presents various viewpoints within the conservative, historical perspective.


David prophesied,


“All the ends of the world
Shall remember and turn to the LORD,
And all the families of the nations
Shall worship before You.” (Psalm 22:27 NKJV)


We are living in exciting days where millions of people around the world have an opportunity to read and study God's Word through web-based technology. Many more will have access in the years ahead. And for those who do not have access due to difficult living situations or persecution, we are continuing to work on ways of getting our comprehensive Bible study tool into their hands as well.


The Blue Letter Bible is just one of the many wonderful ministries that God has called to reach �all the families of the nations� with the life changing, eternal truth of His Word. And we're excited to share this calling with you! ?

Since you claim you have read the site and dug around in it, then surely you can provide proof that BLB is a reformed site. That certainly cannot be proved from their About Us page.

 

[Rufus]

Thank God for Jesus! He made me alive, opened my eyes, unstopped my ears, and circumcised my heart
so I could come to understand and accept the Truth of Who He is and choose to love Him in return.

Praise the Lord

Yes, indeed, sister! Thank God for sending the Lord Jesus Christ into this world to save his people. Raising the dead from their graves is what Jesus does! He gives life to whomever HE WISHES (Jn 5:21)!

 

[lrs68]

You say you read the BLB site? Did you read this from their site in the About Us page:


About BLB

Simply put, we love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have a high view of the Bible and sound doctrine, and we are called to share the truth of God’s Word in a way that is impacting and easily accessible.


Web-based technology is our platform, and we've been working at it since the mid 1990’s at a time when personal computers were only beginning to surface in mainstream public. Little did we know then that the years and years of programming every little detail of various Bible translations, original languages, commentaries, and study aids would eventually be available on millions of personal computers, cell phones, and tablets!


Achieving big numbers is not our primary aim, however. Our biggest burden is to provide Bible study tools and aids that will encourage and exhort the Body of Christ. Resources that are sourced in the conservative, historical Christian faith. We try to stay away from labeling ourselves beyond that, sometimes putting up content that presents various viewpoints within the conservative, historical perspective.


David prophesied,


“All the ends of the world
Shall remember and turn to the LORD,
And all the families of the nations
Shall worship before You.” (Psalm 22:27 NKJV)


We are living in exciting days where millions of people around the world have an opportunity to read and study God's Word through web-based technology. Many more will have access in the years ahead. And for those who do not have access due to difficult living situations or persecution, we are continuing to work on ways of getting our comprehensive Bible study tool into their hands as well.


The Blue Letter Bible is just one of the many wonderful ministries that God has called to reach �all the families of the nations� with the life changing, eternal truth of His Word. And we're excited to share this calling with you! ?

Since you claim you have read the site and dug around in it, then surely you can provide proof that BLB is a reformed site. That certainly cannot be proved from their About Us page.

Our statement of faith, mission, and resources are grounded in the historical, conservative Christian faith.

Conservative is generally 99% of the time referring to the Reformed doctrine.

 

[Rufus]

Many of the old singers, once Preachers, now dead and some living sing for Bill Gaither whom my family know and the majority of them are Reformed Baptist and some are associated w\DTS.

I attended a bible college many moons ago that was about as Fundie as it could be; but even so there was a small minority of us who held to the Doctrines of Grace. So...you're not saying very much.

And I steer clear of Reformed Baptists due to their misguided views on God's covenants which also warps their views on the place of God's Law in the life of New Covenant believers. The last thing any NC believer needs is to be placed under the yoke of the Mosaic Law Covenant.

 

[Rufus]

Our statement of faith, mission, and resources are grounded in the historical, conservative Christian faith.

Conservative is generally 99% of the time referring to the Reformed doctrine.

So, you just admitted that you're a liberal Christian! Are you woke, as well? Your faith is not in the historical, conservative Christian faith?

But you are consistent! You read "Reformed" into their statement, even though therein they state that they avoid labels.

 

[lrs68]

I attended a bible college many moons ago that was about as Fundie as it could be; but even so there was a small minority of us who held to the Doctrines of Grace. So...you're not saying very much.

And I steer clear of Reformed Baptists due to their misguided views on God's covenants which also warps their views on the place of God's Law in the life of New Covenant believers. The last thing any NC believer needs is to be placed under the yoke of the Mosaic Law Covenant.

Seriously, all my posts indicate God makes the first move before anything can happen. My only hint at free will is after God makes Himself known to us is that we are able to accept His offer like Ephesians or can reject God like Romans or deny God through consciousness like Corinthians. I never talk of a free will that puts us in charge of the process. I always place it AFTER GOD makes Himself known to us first.

 

[lrs68]

So, you just admitted that you're a liberal Christian! Are you woke, as well? Your faith is not in the historical, conservative Christian faith?

But you are consistent! You read "Reformed" into their statement, even though therein they state that they avoid labels.

I use the Tanakh and the New Testament. There's nothing liberal in that combination but 22 Tanakh Books + 27 New Testament Books = 49 Books.

God's number is 7 or the number of perfection is 7.

7 x 7 = 49, which is the perfect Bible, the true Hebrew 22 Books and the 27 New Testament Books.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

I will throw this in the discussion, maybe it's already been posted, but here goes...


Mathew

22 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’ 5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them [a]spitefully, and killed them. 7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ 10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, [b]take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”


Psalm 76:8-9

You caused judgment to be heard from heaven;
The earth feared and was still
When God arose to judgment,
To save all the humble of the earth. Selah.


Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-As-Judge


Isaiah 66:2

“For My hand made all these things,
Thus all these things came into being,” declares the Lord.
“But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.

Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God-And-The-Humble

Excellent notice other parables echoe tbat one’s message and teach us about Gods kingdom ?

“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his Lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the Lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.



But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.


So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their Lord all that was done. Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:23-35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Those parables really are for those who believe in Jesus they’ll learn and understand more and more from them about the kingdom of God

The epistles help also to understand the kingdom of God

“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭28:30-31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

[BillyBob]

And I steer clear of Reformed Baptists due to their misguided views on God's covenants which also warps their views on the place of God's Law in the life of New Covenant believers. The last thing any NC believer needs is to be placed under the yoke of the Mosaic Law Covenant.

My first two churches were a CRC followed by a PCA. Both were conservative reformed churches. However, once I moved out away from city life, it was difficult to find a replacement.
Finally I discovered a reformed Baptist church and thought “why not give it a try”.
They would not accept us, my wife and I, due to Baptism differences. My wife was baptized as an infant, and I was sprinkled rather than being submerged. They demanded that we each be re-baptized.
Needless to say, we had to drive an additional 30 miles further to find a church home, but it was worth it!

 

[Rufus]

Seriously, all my posts indicate God makes the first move before anything can happen. My only hint at free will is after God makes Himself known to us is that we are able to accept His offer like Ephesians or can reject God like Romans or deny God through consciousness like Corinthians. I never talk of a free will that puts us in charge of the process. I always place it AFTER GOD makes Himself known to us first.

Thanks for confessing that you're an advocate and supporter of half-truths, which is really not the truth. God does far more than merely kick-start (or "initiate") salvation. The same God who has begun the good work in us sees that work through to the end (Phil 1:6).

 

[kinda]

Excellent notice other parables echoe tbat one’s message and teach us about Gods kingdom ?

“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his Lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the Lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.



But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.


So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their Lord all that was done. Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:23-35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Those parables really are for those who believe in Jesus they’ll learn and understand more and more from them about the kingdom of God

The epistles help also to understand the kingdom of God

“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭28:30-31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Great reminder to forgive, be humble, and help your brother. This is great reminder to continue in God's word.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Great reminder to forgive, be humble, and help your brother. This is great reminder to continue in God's word.

Well sais and And truly that’s what he’s calling for from us and where his promises come to pass

 

[lrs68]

Thanks for confessing that you're an advocate and supporter of half-truths, which is really not the truth. God does far more than merely kick-start (or "initiate") salvation. The same God who has begun the good work in us sees that work through to the end (Phil 1:6).

That's funny when Romans shows people rejected God after knowing He existed and ended up with a reprobate mind.

But you continue in make belief since you seem comfortable with that.

 

[GWH]

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, That we should be called children of God!"
Your very own signature line proclaims what those of the reformed faith believe. Bestowed: to present as a gift; give; confer (usually followed by on or upon ): The trophy was bestowed upon the winner. Synonyms: accord, award, vouchsafe, grant.
Perhaps you are reformed and don't want to admit it!

I think a person can be Reformed without believing the TULIP extreme dogma.

 

[GWH]

Beautifully stated, Jim. The fact that man is born with a will bent away from God, and a mind inherently hostile to Him, and a heart that needs replacing, seems an impossible thing for some to admit even though these things are explicitly stated in Scripture, along with the fact that it is not according to the effort, desire, or will of man, but the mercy, desire, and will of God. With the heart one believes. Man is corrupt, his heart is wicked beyond cure, he cannot change himself, that bad tree cannot produce the good fruit of faith... but they will say it can! Their claim amounts to the heart of the natural man, that stony ground, is good enough to accept the Seed of the Word of God even though Scripture explicitly states that the natural man can neither receive nor comprehend the spiritual things of God. The gospel message is foolishness to such a person, but in the theology of free willers, the natural man makes a moral decision to use his imaginary free will to believe that which he is opposed to, while he is yet captive to the will of the devil, a slave to sin, a lover of darkness, defined as darkness itself, incapable of submitting to God's law, and suppressing the truth in unrighteousness.

Again, Magenta, you describe yourself.

Those raised by Christian parents are NOT born bent away from God but rather have a mind inherently loving toward Him.
Sorry your experience was different.

 

[cv5]

And I steer clear of Reformed Baptists due to their misguided views

Speaking of misguided views, what is your view of the offer of salvation Jesus gave to Judas (the offer of the sop John 13:26)?
Was this gesture a legitimate sincere pleading for repentance and offer of fellowship?

Or a hideous cruel joke perpetrated on a man who Jesus knew to be damned?
Not only that, a person that Jesus Himself ALREADY damned in eternity past before he was ever born.

Extrapolate from there to TULIP and Calvinism.