Why do some people believe and some do not?

[Hakawaka]

What do you believe the reason is for this?

-Some people are more spiritually inclined?

-Some people are chosen before the foundation of the world?

-Some people just love their sin and refuse to turn from it?

My opinion is:
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation: that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

God's grace gives light to everyman but some refuse to humble themselves:

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

 

[GWH]

What do you believe the reason is for this?

-Some people are more spiritually inclined?

-Some people are chosen before the foundation of the world?

-Some people just love their sin and refuse to turn from it?

My opinion is:
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation: that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

God's grace gives light to everyman but some refuse to humble themselves:

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

That is the key question! Why are some people more spiritually inclined? Why are some people chosen (in Christ) before the foundation of the world? Why do some people just love their sin and refuse to turn from it (cf. JN 3:19)?"

I agree that God's grace gives light to everyman but some refuse to humble themselves per TIT 2:11 & JN 1:9.

Jesus (in MT 13:14-15) and Paul (in ACTS 28:26-27) cited IS 6:9-10 as the answer to this question re atheism: "You will be ever hearing but never understanding... for this people's heart has become calloused." But WHY are some people calloused or hard-hearted or closed-minded to the Gospel of Christ that is meant for their salvation?

 

[Eli1]

Well, first of all i don't believe in Calvinism so i can't answer questions which involve words like 'chosen' but the rest of the scriptures posted are enough to know from a Biblical point of view as to why people have turned their back on God.
And everything hinges on free will.

In more modern understandings of human behavior we can also say that some things do happen because of actions and reactions which may tell us the reasons to understand free-will choices.
For example if a child is raised in an abusive environment which has nothing to do with the example and life of Christ, then he will reject the abusive Christian family and God when he grows up.
At the same time, there are other mysteries such as why does a child have to suffer even when he is raised in a 'good' family?
Suffer with a disease of some sort. We know Biblically that we have been plagued since the separation at the Garden due to our first sin, but still this child suffering bothers me a lot.
But at the same time i know that God is infinitely wiser than all of us combined so i just trust and pray for all suffering to end.

 

[GWH]

Well, first of all i don't believe in Calvinism so i can't answer questions which involve words like 'chosen' but the rest of the scriptures posted are enough to know from a Biblical point of view as to why people have turned their back on God.
And everything hinges on free will.

In more modern understandings of human behavior we can also say that some things do happen because of actions and reactions which may tell us the reasons to understand free-will choices.
For example if a child is raised in an abusive environment which has nothing to do with the example and life of Christ, then he will reject the abusive Christian family and God when he grows up.
At the same time, there are other mysteries such as why does a child have to suffer even when he is raised in a 'good' family?
Suffer with a disease of some sort. We know Biblically that we have been plagued since the separation at the Garden due to our first sin, but still this child suffering bothers me a lot.
But at the same time i know that God is infinitely wiser than all of us combined so i just trust and pray for all suffering to end.

I do not believe Calvin's TULIP doctrine is correct either, because it cannot be harmonized with Scriptures teaching that God graces depraved humanity with the ability to choose whether to seek Him, that Christ's atonement is for all sinners whether or not they choose to seek Him, and so forth.

I agree (50% :^) that God's POS hinges on volition making humanity accountable for their sins beginning with choosing not to seek Him.

Yes, behavioral psychology seeks to explain why things happen, although it has not answered this question. For example if a child is raised in an abusive environment, then he may or may not reject the abusive Christian family and God when he grows up.

Yes, other questions include "why does God allow suffering and disease?" But while we must pray and hope suffering will end, the Bible does provide partial answers to these questions.

 

[homwardbound]

Well, first of all i don't believe in Calvinism so i can't answer questions which involve words like 'chosen' but the rest of the scriptures posted are enough to know from a Biblical point of view as to why people have turned their back on God.
And everything hinges on free will.

In more modern understandings of human behavior we can also say that some things do happen because of actions and reactions which may tell us the reasons to understand free-will choices.
For example if a child is raised in an abusive environment which has nothing to do with the example and life of Christ, then he will reject the abusive Christian family and God when he grows up.
At the same time, there are other mysteries such as why does a child have to suffer even when he is raised in a 'good' family?
Suffer with a disease of some sort. We know Biblically that we have been plagued since the separation at the Garden due to our first sin, but still this child suffering bothers me a lot.
But at the same time i know that God is infinitely wiser than all of us combined so i just trust and pray for all suffering to end.

one day, however long or short one day it will
This amazing Grace given to us the people, is amazing. seeing. me myself did what I wanted and did care, yet did not care, as long as I got what I wanted. I think that being the part people loved sin more than God, the light of in this dark world after things that are only temporal
Still learning from Father and Son in process, putting behind me whatever is behind me, and moving forward in the present second continually, in thanksgiving and praise for this gift of grace love given me, even though I know I do not deserve to ever be given it to begin with, thanks for your post

 

[Leastofall]

Jesus said ...if I speak of earthly things and you don't understand how much more is your understanding of heavenly things.
God said...my thoughts and ways are higher than your ways.
So for those who have a ear let them hear what the spirit has to say.

Addressing the needs of the people instead of the wants of God first can be a more productive witness.

Sermon on the mount.

 

[homwardbound]

What do you believe the reason is for this?

-Some people are more spiritually inclined?

-Some people are chosen before the foundation of the world?

-Some people just love their sin and refuse to turn from it?

My opinion is:
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation: that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

God's grace gives light to everyman but some refuse to humble themselves:

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

As God said, I see this: God will have mercy on who God chooses to have it, being the one and only one righteous. who imputes this to whomever God chooses to.
wow, as in Isaiah 6:1-7 to me anyways
I see in that conundrum above about God choosing whoever God chooses, at the same time I see God has chosen everyone to choose to believe God or not consciously as good for them or not, period, through the done work of Son to do that and not of the self anymore. And that be why it is taking so long to end the age of grace given us to appreciate, not take for granted and use it selfishly, at least for me, thanks for the enlightening post to me at least
God I see seriously does love us all, otherwise Son would not have gone to that cross for us all willingly. He even said that to Peter after Peter cut off the ear of Malchus, who was there to get Jesus arrested. Jesus had Peter put down his sword and said to Peter do you not think if I were to fight, I would have called legions of Angels, Put down your sword as he healed that ear of Malchus and went willingly. I know this, if I were Malchus, and got my ear restored, I would refuse to take and arrest Jesus wouldn't you?
Even as John the Baptist said "I need Baptized by you Jesus" not me Baptize you. Jesus said he needed to do all that was right and so John water Baptized Jesus and said he was/ is the Messiah he was sent to Baptize the Messiah, John's job done, unfortunately not seen this way today, is but is not, the truth corrupted for people to get credit in their doings that Paul calls dung now to him (Phil 3)
As Father leads to reveal when needed to be revealed to each person as is needed to see depending on their maturity
Hebrews 5:12- Chapter 6 seeing verse 3, asking in trust to God Father in risen Son to see what this done work of Son deeply means, thanks

 

[homwardbound]

Jesus said ...if I speak of earthly things and you don't understand how much more is your understanding of heavenly things.
God said...my thoughts and ways are higher than your ways.
So for those who have a ear let them hear what the spirit has to say.

Addressing the needs of the people instead of the wants of God first can be a more productive witness.

Sermon on the mount.

I give you physical analogies to understand spiritual realities. If one anyone does not understand physical analogies, how can anyone fathom the Spiritual truth given us all to see wisely, willingly in the risen Son, thanks

 

[JMH]

Well, first of all i don't believe in Calvinism so i can't answer questions which involve words like 'chosen' but the rest of the scriptures posted are enough to know from a Biblical point of view as to why people have turned their back on God.
And everything hinges on free will.

In more modern understandings of human behavior we can also say that some things do happen because of actions and reactions which may tell us the reasons to understand free-will choices.
For example if a child is raised in an abusive environment which has nothing to do with the example and life of Christ, then he will reject the abusive Christian family and God when he grows up.
At the same time, there are other mysteries such as why does a child have to suffer even when he is raised in a 'good' family?
Suffer with a disease of some sort. We know Biblically that we have been plagued since the separation at the Garden due to our first sin, but still this child suffering bothers me a lot.
But at the same time i know that God is infinitely wiser than all of us combined so i just trust and pray for all suffering to end.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you"

My dear brother in Christ, you can't answer questions which involve words like "chosen" because you cannot see the kingdom of God yet.
Pray to God to open your heart and eyes to the truth and not just certain scripture that tickle your ears.

 

[Magenta]

Why do some people believe and some do not?

What do you believe the reason is for this?

Scripture tells us why people do not believe, though many claiming the name of Christ reject what Scripture says on the matter.

The natural man is blinded by the god of this world.
The natural man is a lover of darkness.
The natural man is a slave to sin.
The natural man's righteous acts are like filthy rags devoid of faith.
The natural man is captive to the will of the devil.
The natural man is hostile in his mind toward God.
The natural man suppresses the truth in unrighteousness.
The natural man cannot receive the spiritual things of God.
The natural man cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.
The natural man does not seek after God.
The natural man cannot come to God on his own.
The natural man hears the gospel as foolishness.
The natural man is helpless and ungodly.
The natural man is by nature a child of wrath.
The natural man cannot submit to God's law.
The natural man is dead in his sins.
The natural man is in need of a spiritual rebirth.
The natural man requires heart circumcision so he may love God.

Jesus’ words in John 6:65 I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them. Plus Colossians 1:21 and 2:13; Ephesians 2:1a and 3b; Philippians 1:6 and 2:13

 

[Eli1]

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you"

My dear brother in Christ, you can't answer questions which involve words like "chosen" because you cannot see the kingdom of God yet.
Pray to God to open your heart and eyes to the truth and not just certain scripture that tickle your ears.

Dear brother.
I am glad that you love God and have found peace by putting together verses which assure you of a future reward.
Similarly i also love God and have found peace in Him by realizing that the Kingdom of God is in my heart first here and now.

 

[JMH]

Dear brother.
I am glad that you love God and have found peace by putting together verses which assure you of a future reward.
Similarly i also love God and have found peace in Him by realizing that the Kingdom of God is in my heart first here and now.

I thank God every day i am born again with a new heart He gave to believe in Him and see His Kingdom, Amen

 

[GWH]

Scripture tells us why people do not believe, though many claiming the name of Christ reject what Scripture says on the matter.

The natural man is blinded by the god of this world.
The natural man is a lover of darkness.
The natural man is a slave to sin.
The natural man's righteous acts are like filthy rags devoid of faith.
The natural man is captive to the will of the devil.
The natural man is hostile in his mind toward God.
The natural man suppresses the truth in unrighteousness.
The natural man cannot receive the spiritual things of God.
The natural man cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.
The natural man does not seek after God.
The natural man cannot come to God on his own.
The natural man hears the gospel as foolishness.
The natural man is helpless and ungodly.
The natural man is by nature a child of wrath.
The natural man cannot submit to God's law.
The natural man is dead in his sins.
The natural man is in need of a spiritual rebirth.
The natural man requires heart circumcision so he may love God.

Jesus’ words in John 6:65 I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them. Plus Colossians 1:21 and 2:13; Ephesians 2:1a and 3b; Philippians 1:6 and 2:13

Your list doesn’t answer why only some sinners repent etcetera when God loves and enables everyone to seek Him per Paul in 1TM 2:3-4.

 

[JMH]

Your list doesn’t answer why only some sinners repent etcetera when God loves and enables everyone to seek Him per Paul in 1TM 2:3-4.

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN otherwise reading the bible is like reading someone else's mail.

 

[Leastofall]

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN otherwise reading the bible is like reading someone else's mail.

Can you give a example please

 

[sawdust]

What do you believe the reason is for this?

-Some people are more spiritually inclined?

-Some people are chosen before the foundation of the world?

-Some people just love their sin and refuse to turn from it?

My opinion is:
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation: that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

God's grace gives light to everyman but some refuse to humble themselves:

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Some people prefer darkness and those of us who prefer light will never understand why. Nor will they ever understand us. One simply has to accept the fact.

That is the price for real freedom.

 

[JMH]

Can you give a example please

John 3:3-6
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again
How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born! Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit"

Ezekiel 36:26-27
"I [God] will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws"

To much to explain brother but here is a good video to watch on it....Hope it helps.

 

[JMH]

Some people prefer darkness and those of us who prefer light will never understand why. Nor will they ever understand us. One simply has to accept the fact.

That is the price for real freedom.

We all preferred the dark when we were born into this world. Everyone loves the passage in John 3:16 but no one talks about what follows in 3:17-18

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son"

You see we all wanted darkness and we're all going to hell because of it BUT by Gods grace alone He choses whom He wills to save, (gives a new heart and Spirit) and the rest receive justice (kept in original state of rejecting God)

 

[Magenta]

Ezekiel 36:26-27 "I [God] will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and
give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws"

Ezekiel 36:25-26 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. 26I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

 

[sawdust]

We all preferred the dark when we were born into this world. Everyone loves the passage in John 3:16 but no one talks about what follows in 3:17-18

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son"

You see we all wanted darkness and we're all going to hell because of it BUT by Gods grace alone He choses whom He wills to save, (gives a new heart and Spirit) and the rest receive justice (kept in original state of rejecting God)

No we didn't all want darkness. We had no knowledge of dark or light. We are born not knowing good or evil. Our self-serving flesh deceives us and if it were not for the grace of God and Him shining His light upon us, we would have no knowledge of the light. It's our flesh that keeps us in the dark. It is only when the Lord pours out His grace that we can see what we truly prefer. God does not cause us to prefer Him, He reveals in us what our real desires are when given the choice.

He chose to save believers. This is His will. (Jn.3:16) He did not chose who to make a believer.

If it were as you say, there would be no struggle between the flesh and the mind as Paul explains in Romans 7. It's our flesh only that constantly and without hesitation desires the dark, but we are not our flesh. Our personality and the building of our character is in our souls (mind). When the light is revealed (and the Lord reveals Himself to all, if only through the creation (Rom.1:18-21), then we realise what we prefer. We bring our own mind to the Gospel and either accept or reject it.