Thursday, 03 February 2005
By Jon Lee
(Click for original post)
At the heart of many believers theology is the issue of predestination. Predestination is absolutely biblical. The bigger question is what is predestined? To the Calvinist, predestination is really pre-determinism, in that our salvation was pre-determined by God before the foundation of the World. Some were chosen to be saved while others were not. The real problem is not a question of "Is God not sovereign?" but a question of "Is God not just?". Could God be just and relegate individuals to eternal conscious punishment by means of exclusion? How do we answer No to this question yet still leave room for God's sovereignty? It simply lies in the fact that God's sovereign plan was for humans to respond, positively or negatively, to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Any verse that is used to try and support predestined (predetermined) salvation is a flawed interpretation of the verse. The bible simply doesn't say it nor does it allude to it! Perhaps the largest problem with challenging Calvinism is the automatic assumption that if your not a Calvinist you must subscribe to Arminian theology, which has a host of its own problems. To clarify, I posit to subscribe to neither Arminian theology nor any one of the five points of Calvinism. I simply believe the Bible means what it says and leave it at that.
(Continued in PermLink)
When the Bible speaks of predestination it never speaks of salvation – that's a foregone conclusion since predestination deals with things that accompany salvation, namely Sanctification and Sonship.
Ephesians 1:5 "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will."
Paul is clearly writing to believers in this verse, the US refers to believers (the elect). What did he predestine? The adoption as sons through Jesus Christ. God clearly could have "Saved" us without adopting us as Sons.
"For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son" Romans 8:29-30
This verse speaks of our Sanctification being predestined. So we are predestined to be adopted as sons and conformed to the image of the only begotten Son of the Father!
Ephesians 1:11 "also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,"
What did God predestine according to His purpose? Our (believers) Sonship – through which we have also obtained an inheritance!
God is not a respecter of persons – How could he choose one person and not choose another? God has chosen the elect as a group. We become "elect", a member of that group, when we place our trust in Jesus Christ for eternal life. Everyone that has ever lived has been given the opportunity to become a member of the "elect" through a simple decision for Christ. That's how the Bible can proclaim that "Christ takes away the sin of the world" John 1:29 and Christ "gave himself a ransom for all" 1 Timothy 2:6, yet only "he who believes in me (Christ) has eternal life" John 6:47. The victory Christ won over death is offered to all but given to only those who believe.
Acts 2:23 "this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death."
Ephesians 3:11 "this was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out IN CHRIST Jesus our Lord."
2 Timothy 2:9 says God "…has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us IN CHRIST Jesus from all eternity."
Christ's victory over death was predetermined, God's eternal purpose was carried out IN CHRIST and granted to believers IN CHRIST.
Ephesians 1:3 says God "…has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places IN CHRIST"
Ephesians 2:4 "..he chose us IN CHRIST before the foundation of the world,"
Ephesians 2:13 "IN CHRIST, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation – having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise"
We are IN CHRIST the moment we believe and are then sealed with the Holy Spirit.
How can we reconcile man's responsibility with God's sovereignty in a verse like Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast"
Faith isn't the "gift of God" spoken of here. Faith is only made possible through God's grace. The "gift of God" is ultimately grace. God's grace (which is gifted to us) through faith. Notice that faith is contrary to works. Faith is not a work!
Romans 10:17 says "faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."
We hear the Gospel, we trust in Christ for eternal life; no works, no wage, nothing to boast about but everything to be grateful for!
In conclusion, if God chose specific individuals for salvation then he also chose specific individuals for damnation – if not by an act then by omission.
1 Timothy 2:4 says God “…desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” If an individual has no “effectual” response in the matter it seems illogical that God would desire all to be saved but decide to save just a few.
If we recognize God’s sovereign plan through His Word, the logic comes back and the tension fades away.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that WHOEVER BELEIVES in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Monday, April 17, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
Friday, April 07, 2006
Examine Yourself
Do you consider yourself to be a good person? Most people do.
However, most of us differ as to the definition of "good." The
Bible says that God is good, and the Ten Commandments are His
standard of goodness. So, we will look at God's Law . . . With
a tender conscience, ask yourself if you have obeyed the
following:
1. You shall have no other gods before Me. (Have you always
loved God above all else?)
2. You shall not make yourself an idol. (Have you made a god in
your mind that you're more comfortable with, a god to suit
yourself?)
3. You shall not take God's name in vain. (Have you ever used
God's holy Name as a cuss word?)
4. Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder. (God considers hatred to be as
murder).
7. You shall not commit adultery. ("Whoever looks upon a woman
to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in
his heart" ? Matthew 5:27-28; this also includes sex before
marriage).
8. You shall not steal. (Have you ever stolen anything? ? the
value of the item is irrelevant).
9. You shall not lie. (Have you lied even once? Including
answering these questions).
10. You shall not covet. (Have you ever jealously desired what
belongs to others?)
The Bible says that God will punish all murderers, rapists,
thieves, liars, adulterers, etc. He will even judge our words
and thoughts. On Judgment Day, will you be found to be guilty
or innocent of breaking His commandments?
Perhaps you think that God is good, and will therefore overlook
your sins. But it is His goodness that will make sure that
murderers, rapists, thieves, liars, etc. receive justice. He
would be a corrupt Judge if He turned a blind eye to injustice.
Have you kept the Commandments?
The Bible says that the Law is perfect. It commands you to be
perfect (Matthew 5:48). Are you perfect (in thought, word, and
deed)? Will you make it to Heaven? You may say that you are
still good, but God says you're not (see Psalm 14:2-3). So one
of you is lying, and the Scriptures tell us that it is impossible
for God to lie. Remember that all liars will be cast into the
Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8). God's Law demands justice,
and the penalty for sinning against Him is death and Hell.
Listen carefully if you want to live.
God Himself made a way where His justice and His goodness could
meet. We broke the Law, but He became a man to pay the fine.
Jesus suffered and died on the cross to satisfy the Law. God
can forgive us and grant us the gift of everlasting life! But you
may still think that you can (from now on) keep the Ten
Commandments. But isn't it true that the best of us have lied,
stolen, lusted, hated, failed to love God above all else, and
failed to love our neighbor as ourselves?
How can we then, live a "good" life if we have already sinned
against God? At best we are reformed liars and thieves . . .
but still Lawbreakers. Think of it this way - would you sell
one of your eyes for a million dollars? Would you sell both for
$50 million? I'm sure you wouldn't. Your eyes are priceless,
yet they are merely the windows of your soul. What then must
your life (soul) be worth? With these thoughts in mind, what
would be a fair price to pay for everlasting life? It is utterly
without price. Yet, if we trust in our own goodness to enter
Heaven, we are saying to God, "I should enter Heaven
because I have done good - I have earned my way in."
Imagine if you wanted to give me a brand new (very expensive)
car, but I said, "I can't take it! I feel embarrassed receiving
such a gift . . . here's 10 cents for it." I'm sure you would
be very insulted by such a pathetic offer of payment. Besides,
if I pay for it, it is no longer a gift, it's a purchase . . .
it's mine by right.
When we talk of entering Heaven by being good, by trying to
keep the Ten Commandments etc., we are tossing God 10 cents of
"self-righteousness," which is a terrible insult to Him, in the
light of His sacrifice. The only thing we can do is humble
ourselves, repent of our sins, and receive the gift by trusting
Jesus Christ alone. Almighty God demonstrated how much He loves
you when Jesus suffered for you on the cross. If you want to
trust in your own goodness, then you are saying His agonizing
death on the cross was in vain. The Bible says, "For by grace
are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is
the gift of God." You cannot earn a gift.
When Jesus said to "believe" on Him, He was saying we should
have faith in Him, in the same way you would trust a parachute
to save you when you jump from a plane. You don't merely
believe in the parachute - you put it on. Please don't "jump"
without Jesus. If you die in your sins there is no second
chance. God will give you justice, and you will end up in Hell
forever. Any troubles you have at present are dwarfed by the
trouble you are in with your Creator. His wrath abides upon you
(John 3:36). God doesn't want you to go to Hell. Neither do you
want to go there, so confess your sins to God right now, put
your trust in Jesus to save you, and you will pass from death
to life. Then read the Bible daily and obey what you read. (See
John 14:21). Your obedience to God is the proof of your love.
Have faith in God, He will never fail you.
Pray something like this:
"Dear God, today I turn away from all of my sins (name them).
This day I put my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
He is the only way for me to be saved. He is 'The way, the
truth, and the life.'" Please forgive me, change my heart, and
grant me Your gift of everlasting life. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen
The "Are You a Good Person" gospel tract at www.LivingWaters.com
However, most of us differ as to the definition of "good." The
Bible says that God is good, and the Ten Commandments are His
standard of goodness. So, we will look at God's Law . . . With
a tender conscience, ask yourself if you have obeyed the
following:
1. You shall have no other gods before Me. (Have you always
loved God above all else?)
2. You shall not make yourself an idol. (Have you made a god in
your mind that you're more comfortable with, a god to suit
yourself?)
3. You shall not take God's name in vain. (Have you ever used
God's holy Name as a cuss word?)
4. Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder. (God considers hatred to be as
murder).
7. You shall not commit adultery. ("Whoever looks upon a woman
to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in
his heart" ? Matthew 5:27-28; this also includes sex before
marriage).
8. You shall not steal. (Have you ever stolen anything? ? the
value of the item is irrelevant).
9. You shall not lie. (Have you lied even once? Including
answering these questions).
10. You shall not covet. (Have you ever jealously desired what
belongs to others?)
The Bible says that God will punish all murderers, rapists,
thieves, liars, adulterers, etc. He will even judge our words
and thoughts. On Judgment Day, will you be found to be guilty
or innocent of breaking His commandments?
Perhaps you think that God is good, and will therefore overlook
your sins. But it is His goodness that will make sure that
murderers, rapists, thieves, liars, etc. receive justice. He
would be a corrupt Judge if He turned a blind eye to injustice.
Have you kept the Commandments?
The Bible says that the Law is perfect. It commands you to be
perfect (Matthew 5:48). Are you perfect (in thought, word, and
deed)? Will you make it to Heaven? You may say that you are
still good, but God says you're not (see Psalm 14:2-3). So one
of you is lying, and the Scriptures tell us that it is impossible
for God to lie. Remember that all liars will be cast into the
Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8). God's Law demands justice,
and the penalty for sinning against Him is death and Hell.
Listen carefully if you want to live.
God Himself made a way where His justice and His goodness could
meet. We broke the Law, but He became a man to pay the fine.
Jesus suffered and died on the cross to satisfy the Law. God
can forgive us and grant us the gift of everlasting life! But you
may still think that you can (from now on) keep the Ten
Commandments. But isn't it true that the best of us have lied,
stolen, lusted, hated, failed to love God above all else, and
failed to love our neighbor as ourselves?
How can we then, live a "good" life if we have already sinned
against God? At best we are reformed liars and thieves . . .
but still Lawbreakers. Think of it this way - would you sell
one of your eyes for a million dollars? Would you sell both for
$50 million? I'm sure you wouldn't. Your eyes are priceless,
yet they are merely the windows of your soul. What then must
your life (soul) be worth? With these thoughts in mind, what
would be a fair price to pay for everlasting life? It is utterly
without price. Yet, if we trust in our own goodness to enter
Heaven, we are saying to God, "I should enter Heaven
because I have done good - I have earned my way in."
Imagine if you wanted to give me a brand new (very expensive)
car, but I said, "I can't take it! I feel embarrassed receiving
such a gift . . . here's 10 cents for it." I'm sure you would
be very insulted by such a pathetic offer of payment. Besides,
if I pay for it, it is no longer a gift, it's a purchase . . .
it's mine by right.
When we talk of entering Heaven by being good, by trying to
keep the Ten Commandments etc., we are tossing God 10 cents of
"self-righteousness," which is a terrible insult to Him, in the
light of His sacrifice. The only thing we can do is humble
ourselves, repent of our sins, and receive the gift by trusting
Jesus Christ alone. Almighty God demonstrated how much He loves
you when Jesus suffered for you on the cross. If you want to
trust in your own goodness, then you are saying His agonizing
death on the cross was in vain. The Bible says, "For by grace
are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is
the gift of God." You cannot earn a gift.
When Jesus said to "believe" on Him, He was saying we should
have faith in Him, in the same way you would trust a parachute
to save you when you jump from a plane. You don't merely
believe in the parachute - you put it on. Please don't "jump"
without Jesus. If you die in your sins there is no second
chance. God will give you justice, and you will end up in Hell
forever. Any troubles you have at present are dwarfed by the
trouble you are in with your Creator. His wrath abides upon you
(John 3:36). God doesn't want you to go to Hell. Neither do you
want to go there, so confess your sins to God right now, put
your trust in Jesus to save you, and you will pass from death
to life. Then read the Bible daily and obey what you read. (See
John 14:21). Your obedience to God is the proof of your love.
Have faith in God, He will never fail you.
Pray something like this:
"Dear God, today I turn away from all of my sins (name them).
This day I put my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
He is the only way for me to be saved. He is 'The way, the
truth, and the life.'" Please forgive me, change my heart, and
grant me Your gift of everlasting life. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen
The "Are You a Good Person" gospel tract at www.LivingWaters.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
