Just as a child receiving a gift responds by reaching out to take (or, grab) it, with a smile or a thank you following, the sinner under deep conviction of his sinful state, of deserved punishment, will certainly reach out & give thanks for such a gift from God Who alone can save him. The Work of God has already been completed when Jesus made the payment for sin, nothing more can ever be added to it, not even a sinner's acceptance & appreciation.
I realize that I, and those who have been saved from other religions or a sinful lifestyle, can have a salvation experience that is different to say, as yours, where you were brought up in a Christian home & lived a godly life, increasing in faith & knowledge. I feel that even though the Spirit's Work in each case is the same, it might be very different in the severity of conviction & understanding. For you, you have been faithful to the Lord & His Word from your early years, so regeneration has been early, especially when you came to the age of understanding what sin is & the Gospel that saves - and you embraced that & continued in joy, hope & confidence of your position in Christ. For most others, coming out of a life of sin & false religions, I'm confident that what was a subtle Work of the Holy Spirit in you to save you will be a heart-wrenching, mighty shake-up & revelation from God in others. In either case, regeneration must take place: for me the date is set in stone (Oct 23, 1979), for you, a quieter unnoticeable transition under the Spirit's Ministry in your life. I'll leave it here for now & thanks again.
It appears to be a natural law of transference of human nature, to which God doesn't eradicate when making 'a new creation in Christ', rather giving us His Spirit so we can live this New Life & have the wherewithal to deal with the enemy of our souls. Our sinful human nature still requires this sin-affected body to age & die, but the promise is that our spirits shall live, for they are no longer dead gripped in sin, but new and alive unto God.
Therefore, when I see a new-born babe, I see the little one not as you do (i.e. "God ordains their salvation and does regenerate them even when they cannot yet believe" and "that they are saved because God ordained them to be elect and also knew and chose that they would not reach the age of accountability)". Rather, I see a babe, whatever the religion or heart condition of the parents, as one born in innocence yet with a sinful human nature. What keeps such a one from being rejected by God if there is an early death, is that that sin nature has not been fed yet with sin (a wilful act of sin bringing a response in the heart). So in my mind, 'regeneration' doesn't come up here, as there is no need for re-birth, and no question whether the babe is a part of the elect or not - that if the sin nature has not been fed, all are innocent & will be saved.
Re: "decisional regeneration". I've stated before, even to David0921, that I don't believe that to accept/receive Christ adds to God's redeeming/regenerating Work, nor is that act necessary for God to complete His Work. I believe that since salvation through Christ is God's Gift (in very truth, undeserved) to all, those being drawn & convicted by the Spirit, will respond under such conviction. As mentioned previously, if one is regenerated first so they can respond, it seems to defeat the need to respond, as they have already been regenerated. Onto Page 3.
Thanks GiGi & yes this thread is long & cumbersome - pity to those trying to read it on their phones. What you shared about your early childhood is not dissimilar to mine; for I was brought up in a very godly, Christ-honoring home, taken to Church, attended children's S/School, had devotions/prayer-time at home, & lived according to biblical & parental rules. Only in my late teens, did I go 'off the rails' as my work took me far from home & under the influence of ungodly peers. In other words, what faith & love I had for the Lord earlier had altogether disappeared, preferring my new lifestyle of sin & having no conviction of it.
But in respect of my very early years, my recollection, though limited, was that I was always encouraged to 'accept Jesus into my heart'. This I willingly did, knowing that this was based on my understanding of sin, Jesus' Love & Sacrifice for me, & to receive the Gift of Salvation. Now my emphasis here is on the "Gift". After running amok for about eight years, the Holy Spirit took hold of me in a manner I had never experienced, even in those early years. I was deeply convicted of my sinful life & estrangement from the Lord, & in brokenness & tears confessed my sins. And at that very moment, a very strong sense of being forgiven, acceptance, & an inward renewal (regeneration) had taken place. But what of those early years, similar to yours?
Since being given re-birth & deeply studying the Word, I considered what my state was during those earlier years. I believe that every new-born has a sin nature; you asked, "Why would God have this be?" In my simple way, if Adam was created without a sin nature & then that nature became corrupted because of his sin, then all who have a blood connection to him must also have that fallen nature transferred to them regardless of age or innocence (maybe Romans 5:12 applies here). To Page 2.
The narrative thereafter gives us several heirs of promise,-but with Joseph we see the Spirit using him as a lynch pin, a saviour for his brethren. In setting him as "after our likeness" the Spirit is also laying out the methodology as to how the word of God does his job. Abraham for all his sterling qualities did fall in error. How Abraham and Sarah settled her barreness in their own way had to necessitate a constant thorn on the side of Israel's best interests. Ishmael was not an accident but consequences of their lack of judgment. Similarly how Rebekah conspired with Jacob to deprive the blessings from his elder brother would lead him to his flight to the east. How the ten sons of Jacob conspired to get rid of Jesus eventually shall lead to their bondage in the land of Egypt.
God did not allow his brethren get away with their envy same as the manner the nation of Israel rejected Jesus Christ led to something else."I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."(Ro.11::11)
The everlasting covenant has a purpose to which the example of Israel holds an useful lesson for us. "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."(1 Co.10:11)
" So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
The Spirit has set the example of Israel as a nation to illustrate the force of the Word in terms of blessings and curse for the disobedient so the covenant is a vehicle for the Fellowship of God with Man. The Latter is the Word become flesh. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. He was with the Word in the beginning. In sending the word God was not jesting as though with a boomerang but exercising his sovereign will. As he sent his word he shall be sending his only begotten Son as the Saviour of the whole world. Nothing less than that.
"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will," He sends him as a sign to the Land of Palestine so Israel may be saved, or in other words gave the nation the first option to say 'no' which was anticipated. The question of Salvation was according to the mystery of his will was based on the sole point of faith with works. God demanded nothing less since it was first demonstrated as doable by God. For which he framed them by his word.
In short the eternal word is the Law. God blessed Abraham. "And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness."(Ge.15:6)
God sets Abraham as the double for the Son. God made man "after our own image, and after our likeness"(1:26). The latter part is what we are considering. So what confidence he is sharing is for our spiritual instruction. "And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;/And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge:"
The narrative thereafter gives us the heirs of promise
I do not see any problem with what I posted. If God chose to have me be aware of believing in Him from a very early age, that is God's sovereign choice for me.
As for the others, infants and very young children can be given faith and believe but it is not in the same manner as adults.
For illustration, David said that God caused him to trust in Him while he was at His mother's breast. But an adult trusts God in a more metacogntive way. They are intellectually aware that they are trusting someone and now who they are trusting.
For another example, our new grandchild is believing that she will get feed and nurtured by her mom, but this is different than adults who can detect God's providence (or anyone else's) and connect that with His love and compassion.
I was also referring to babies and children who die young. I believe that God does save them. He regenerates them and causes them to believe within the soul, but perhaps not in the intellect. But it is all a work of God, not of the volition of the infant or child.
I also believe that God works the same way with unregenerate adults. He predestines them to election, regenerates them at the time He chooses, calls them, gives them faith to believe and repentance as he draws them to call upon Jesus for salvation.
I think that those who hold to a synergistic view of regeneration and faith give the unregenerate person's "free" will to much credit as it is just as corrupted as all the rest of him as a result of the sinful nature. I believe that an unregenerate person is unable to choose anything positive having to do with God and salvation. They, instead would be indifferent or hostile, or at enmity with God. They are unwilling to find out the truth about Him and rebel in their hearts at the thought of believing the Gospel and coming to Jesus for salvation. This will of unregenerate man is enslaved to the sinful nature and ruled by the prince of the power of the air Eph. 2:2.
In light of my last post and the ever-present 2000 character restriction I am always finding novel ways to cut things off at exactly that point. Okay I've had my beef over that issue...
Encouragement seems rare; but then again I'm not the most personable chap on the block; maybe what goes around comes around. Usually I don't know how to handle it; it is hard to accept for several reasons but we should consider such things as in proper setting it surely can be strengthening; and edifying.
As a man; I probably will elicit some shock from the ladies in saying that I have to watch it with females that may seem attractive in some way and not to mix up those thoughts with what is purely spiritual from the Lord as a strength that I wish to point out. Maybe women aren't subject to such things as much. I'm not trying to get into some sort of discussion here outside of scripture but trying to clarify the subject at hand by stating such encouragement may be better offered between one man or woman and other. At any rate; in true brotherly or sisterly love the sacrifice of time and effort for prayer; discipleship and just helping out with errands; for instance allows us to start to get to know one another better with those who we fellowship with as opposed to a site like this in some ways. Not to say that I don't appreciate such empathy here.
Jesus was known as a "man of sorrows" ( Isaiah 53:3). We can look to the Apostles; the prophets of old and many Godly saints who have been forgotton; and as Hebrews 11:38 states this world was not worthy of them. Hearts have hardened so that finding someone who demonstrates God's love is again; at least from my perspective rare among professing believers. It seems women are often more empathetic but there are still some men out there who are as well. I realize Father's Day is come and gone but those men who are TRULY men should be recognized; not as "machos" but Godly.
Consider for a moment someone who is kind and considerate all his life to friends; family and others but either doesn't believe or never shares the Gospel with them. Many would say "he is a good man"-and we are reminded of those who said that about Jesus or that He was a prophet but not recognized as God in the flesh.
Meanwhile consider someone else who is characteristically gruff; loudmouthed; opinionated and overall a pain to be around who takes the time to correctly explain the Gospel; but of course befitting his usual character doesn't show empathy or bothers to listen much to any responses or otherwise be very helpful even with practical needs that are obvious to others such as atheists who reach out.
Natural man; of course would hang out with the first person and be repulsed with the second; but in all fairness the second person is the one who gives a message in which eternity hangs in the balance. Such a case study of course isn't to justify such an approach to witnessing; but to also avoid what is far WORSE; that is showing all sorts of compassion to someone but WATERING down the Gospel; and not giving a clear warning of the deadly and eternal destruction which every unbeliever is about to face as life is as a vapor.
Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Praise and highly esteeming a brother seems rare today but it can be edifying
May I point something out in your posts that seems a bit confusing.
In part 1 you stated "I do not think that these people are saved because they are innocent. I believe that God ordains their salvation and does regenerate them even when
THEY CANNOT YET BELIEVE AS WE DO WHO ARE OLDER.
However, here's what you say about yourself.
In part 2 you stated,
"I cannot recall ever having a time when I was away from God in Christ nor a time when I did not know the gospel. This must have been when I was an infant. I believe that as an infant, toddler, or preschooler I heard the Gospel message from church readings and was taught from infancy about Jesus and that I was regenerated and given faith to believe before I could know to accept or reject the gospel, nor did I know what it was like to rebel against God.
Gigi, do you not see something wrong with these statements?
The word freewill is in the Bible 17 times according to this search. The word choose occurs 58 times. The Bible says it, but you say it does not exist.
Pelagius taught that man's reason was not corrupted by the fall and that Adam's sin was not imputed nor inherited by subsequent offspring. So He did not think that man needed to cooperate with God to be saved nor did He believe that a person could be saved by God's sovereign choice without the assent of the human.
Augustine refuted Pelagius and taught that man was morally depraved from conception because of Adam's sin and needed God's grace to be saved. He taught that regeneration was a sole work of God and man did not cooperate with God to be saved.
So Pelagius taught a monergism that was solely a work of man and Augustine taught a monergism that was solely the work of God.
Pelagius' view was condemned as heretical by the church and Augustine's view prevailed in the church until the Reformation.
Luther, Calvin, Knox all taught an Augustinian monergism. Along comes Arminius teaching semi-Pelagianism that man must cooperate with God and His grace to be saved. He denied that regeneration was a monergistic work of God and that it was God and man working together to bring about salvation. This view is called synergistic because it involves the work or cooperation of more than one person.
Since that time monergism and synergism has been strongly debated among believers, especially theologians for centuries, as it is today. And among regular folk like us, we are blessed to have the Bible in our language to read and study. So each of us must do that and form our beliefs from what we learn. I used to believe decisional regeneration but from my reading of Scripture I have come to believe in monergistic regeneration prior to one's repentance and belief. That does not make my view correct or not. But it just shows that people can be brought to change their views as they study the Scriptures.
This thread is getting very long so I will exit this thread and consider how I will start a new one on one of the topics I listed in my reply to you. Thanks again.
So, I cannot definitely say when I was saved or regenerated or first believed. I just grew up knowing that I was saved by Jesus and His death and resurrection. I have lived all of my life as a believer and so I have lived a life far different than someone who was a pagan, atheist, or uninformed until they came to Christ as an adult. I cannot recall ever having a time when I was away from God in Christ nor a time when I did not know the gospel. This must have been when I was an infant. I believe that as an infant, toddler, or preschooler I heard the Gospel message from church readings and was taught from infancy about Jesus and that I was regenerated and given faith to believe before I could know to accept or reject the gospel, nor did I know what it was like to rebel against God. I am sure many people have a similar testimony about God's sovereign grace bestowed on them before they can even remember.
In the Scriptures, especially in the book of Acts and in the Epistles we have accounts of adults who were unregenerated coming to faith, not about children born to faith filled, regenerated parents. Yet ever since that first generation of converts to the Christian faith there have been millions of children brought up by believing parents and were exposed from infancy the truth of the Gospel and the salvation that God gives to them by grace alone.
But nevertheless, in today's western nations, people have grown up for many decades having been taken to church and taught how God wants us to act by parents who may not even be believers, but it was expected of parents to take their children to church, etc.
Also, the idea of decisional regeneration is fairly new in Christian history. (which does not make it right or wrong doctrine just because it is new).
In the 500's Pelagius promoted that any human can come to God all on His own without grace from God. He taught that man's will was not in bondage to sin and that people are born morally neutral. See more
"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"
1 Peter 1:22-23
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one anothe r with a pure heart fervently:Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Matthew 7:21
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
I have read your replies and thank you for taking time to consider the topics and give thoughtful responses. I know that I threw out a lot of things to consider.
I wanted to address the issue of infants and others who are not able to intellectually understand their need for salvation or the gospel.
I believe that each and every human is conceived with a sinful nature. I can't even imagine why God would have this be, but the Bible is clear that this is true. And the Bible says that no one seeks God or is able to eradicate this nature from within themselves on their own. So, the people I am speaking about are dead in sin, separated from God. So, I do not think that these people are saved because they are innocent. I believe that God ordains their salvation and does regenerate them even when
they cannot yet believe as we do who are older. Should they die in infancy or childhood, I believe that they are saved because God ordained them to be elect and also knew and chose that they would not reach the age of accountability.
But does this mean that every infant is regenerated? I don't think so, but certainly those who would die young.
Let me explain from my life experience because I think that my experience is very common for people who were born into a family of faith and exposed to the gospel from very young age. I am not saying this happens to all children of believing parents, but to many over the centuries.
I cannot remember a time when I did not believe in Jesus. I can remember that I did as far back as my preschool years, say about 3. I cannot remember before that. AS I grew up, my understanding of God, Jesus' saving work for me, and the need to believe the Gospel also grew and matured. As I entered my teen years, living my life for Jesus was very important to me and I have done so for the remainder of my life. So, when did I first believe? Certainly not when I was a teen or even a school-age child.
Romans 4:2-4, "2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt."
Above it says that Abraham was justified by his faith. Let's see how James describes Abraham's justification.
James 2:21-22, "21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"
In contrast? No,not really. What James says is that a working faith must result in good works, otherwise it is considered dead, v26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
Is James talking to atheists or christians? Definitely his epistle is addressed to christians. What does he tell them? That their faith must produce works in order for them to be justified
Since some of us hold the idea that if we are regenerated and the Spirit of God dwells in us, then it is inevitable for us to produce works, then we must explain, "was Abraham somehow obliged by his faith to sacrifice his son or it was up to him, his free will, to decide whether he wanted to sacrifice Isaac or not? The answer is that it was up to him. He could had decided not to sacrifice Isaac. It was entirely up to him, not to God. God had nothing to do with his decision to obey or not.
Similarly our obedience to God and the subsequent production of works in our life is not an automatic process like somehow we are programmed to do works, but it is entirely up to us. We can, but we can not do what the Spirit commands. When are we justified? When we decide to have works that result from our obedience to do what we read in the Bible. Otherwise our faith is in vain, dead, resulting in no salvation. All that is not on God, it is on us
Since some of us hold the doctrine of regeneration preceding faith, let's go and examine the case of Abraham.
Romans 4:2-3, " 2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."
Romans 4:9-11,"Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.10How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: ..."
If one holds the idea that a unregenerated heart can not believe and repent, then they must explain how it was possible for Abraham to believe in God so that his faith was reckoned for righteousness. Was Abraham already regenerated when he believed to God or not?
Firstly regeneration did not exist before Christ.
Second, verse 10 says that he believed in God when he was uncircumcised and so he received the sign of circumcition for his faith. If we correspond corcumcision in the OT with new birth in the NT, then we conclude that faith precedes new birth.
Romans 4:23-24, "23Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;24But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;"
Here is scripture from my earlier post that applies to your question.
1 John 2:2 "And he is the propitiation for our sins: (AND NOT FOR OURS ONLY) ...BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
John 1:7-9 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. "That was the true Light, which lighteth EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD.
John 3:15-18. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, BECAUSE HE HATH NOT BELEIVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD.
Here is one that is overlooked. 1 Peter 2:1.
It speaks of those that denied the Lord that bought them.
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, EVEN DENYING THE LORD THAT BOUGHT THEM, AND BRING UPON THEMSELVES SWIFT DESTRUCTION.
The people he is talking about is not saved. They DENIED the Lord.
but the Lord's purchase was applied to them if they would accept it.
Thanks again for replying and sorry for such a long delay in me responding, as I mentioned I have been very busy throughout the week.
I have read through the comments.
David, I don't think I can improve on anything that Brothers Chris, Giannis, Ronald and others have shared.
I do not hold the view that you and GiGi has shared.
Here is what I would share with you in answering your question to me.
You asked.
"If Christ indeed paid the full penalty required by the law of God for every sin of every person, how then would anyone stand guilty before the law, their debt having been paid?
David, as I said in an earlier post, "the invitation went out to ALL the world" I have provided verses.
Here's my reasoning.
Romans 5:18. "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life."
We can draw a picture out of the writing to the Hebrews concerning Israel.
We are to join him (God) in his rest.
Hebrews 4:2-11.
Here is how we Join him, vs 3- For we which have believed do enter into rest,
There is a lot more said in this verse alone concerning this topic.
1) This rest was pre-ordained from the foundation of the world. "If" they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
2) There is a condition that has to be met. "IF" they shall enter into my rest.
3) You have to believe to enter into the rest.
Verses 10-11. "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Do you notice verse 11? (Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest,) lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
The only way to enter in is to believe and the only way "not to enter in" is unbelief.
Prayers for my grandchildren who are sick this week. For my dad to have good health . He has been struggling with signs of Parkinson's. For my brother who is incarcerated and struggling with depression. He is very hot where he is and not allowed to go to chapel to worship for some reason. He really misses it and really loves the Lord and sharing his Faith with others . Prayers that he will either receive a miracle of a second chance at life or that his church privilege is restored soon. Mail services have changed and taken his Bible studies away as well. So sad.
Thank you for any prayers and help with this situation. God bless you all.
All truth is in God's WORD destroying the WORKS of SATAN.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into and ANGEL OF LIGHT
Matthew 12:28 If I (TRUTH) cast out devils by the Spirit of God, theis the KINGDOM of GOD has come unto you.
God does his work in AGES, there has been AGES before the AGE we are currently in, and there are AGES to come.
IN the AGE we are a presently in God is calling out a priesthood to be judges of those those billions who never heard the gospel of the kingdom of God, and the ones that did hear, but died in ignorance of the TRUTH.
Those who are CAUSED to BELIEVE his words will be set over those raised at the second resurrection to JUDGE them by the TRUTH of God's word, as we have been judged by the truth of God's word.
Psalms 22:27 ALL the ends of the earth shall REMEMBER and turn unto the Lord: ALL the kindreds of the earth shall WORSHIP before thee.
Psalms 22:29 And they that be fat upon the earth (the called out) shall eat and WORSHIP (in TRUTH and SPIRIT), and they that go down to the dust (death and the grave) shall BOW BEFORE HIM: and NONE can keep alive his own soul.
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOR OF ALL MEN (most in the AGES to come), especially of those that BELIEVE (in this AGE).
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is GIVEN (gifted) on the behalf of CHRIST to not only BELIEVE on him, but also to suffer for his sake,
Obadiah 1:21 And SAVIORS (those that have become the image of Christ) shall come upon mount Zion to JUDGE the house of ESAU, and the kingdom shall be the LORDS
The everlasting covenant is according to the purpose of God so that election might stand. The elect are a body, collectively called the church. However each man so called before the worlds began has to make sure his election is according to the Word. So word of his grace as St Paul says,"I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified."(Ac.20:32) He also exhorts in another place,"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."(2 Co.6:1) Each received grace for grace from Jesus Christ and by him also sanctified so he is our brethren. (He.2:11) . So purpose of the covenant is that we may receive as heir of promise our blessing. Our ministry is according to his grace and varies one from another. But the blessing is all the same. "that God may be all in all."(1 Co.15:28).
In order to illustrate this truth we have the blessing Isaac near blind confers on whom he thinks is Esau. Jacob and his mother practises a pious humbug to help the son whom God favoured more. God is not fooled but shall teach him a hard lesson in due course. But Isaac prompted by the word of God sent before before the worlds recites according to the Spirit, "because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."(Ro.8:27). Isaac's blessing is given in Ge.27:26-29.
"And Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents." (25:27). The terms given in his blessing is intended for Esau, "See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed:". Alas Esau made his choice for a mass of pottage. So it is Jacob who gains from it." Had Esau chose life he would not have despised his birthright. In short Esau did not make his election sure. Free will is to be exercised as matter of life and death.
The word of God is speaking to us, we are born again by coming to truth of THE WORD, the written WORD becoming the LIVING WORD.
Psalms 103:20 Bless the Lord, YE HIS ANGELS, who excel in strength (of the Lord), that do his commandment, harkening to the voice of the Lord.
Luke 29:36 Neither can they DIE any more (we died with Christ on his cross): for they are EQUAL unto the ANGELS; and are the children of God, being the CHILDREN OF THE RESURRECTION (joint heirs of his kingdom).
Genesis 1:2 .....and DARKNESS was upon the face of the earth (man) .......
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and CREATE DARKNESS .....
Job 19:22 A land of DARKNESS, as DARKNESS itself, and the shadow of DEATH, without any order, and where LIGHT is as DARKNESS.
2 Peter 2:4 But if God spared not the angels that sinned (blasphemed his name), but cast them down to the GRAVE, and delivered them into CHAINS OF DARKNESS (the wages of sin is death), to be reserved unto judgement,
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon the the judgement written, this HONOR hath all his SAINTS......
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation WAITETH (in the grave) for the MANIFESTATION of the SONS OF GOD.
Romans 8:21 Because the CREATION ITSELF shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (darkness) into the GLORIOUS LIBERTY OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD.
Father god we ask you as your children come be are healer helper are leader and also for you children children father god.we all we keep sending are prays up we will keep jesus blood flowing within us amen!!!!!!!!!!
thank you father god
thank you jesus
we will keep our people peoples in our prays all ways.
jesus is within us he waiting on us and you to make a move and get up and get out and find some in your likeing you can do are find some you can learn how to do!!! yes lord AMEN
1 Chronicles 21:1 And SATAN stood upon against Israel and CAUSED David to number Israel.
2 Samuel 24:1 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and HE (God) moved (CAUSED) David against them to say, Go, number Israel, and Judah.
keep your prays moving and also some days get them in the room to give it all to GOD he's in all are situation no matter how deep it is Amen have a blessed morning you and the family!!!!!
Yes, The whole Word of God is a PROPHECY of the Kingdom of GOD, including the book of Genesis; as you have said.
Genesis 1:26-27
27 So GOD created man in His own image, in the image of GOD created He him; male and female created He them.
28 And GOD blessed them, and GOD said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it
To frutify, and multiply, and to replenish th earth, GOD created the woman, by allegory the true Church of the Lord.
GOD sent JESUS and JESUS came in the fourth Day-the Greater Light- around 4000 yers after Adam- John 5:17. Around 27/30AD, i.e. in the beginning of the fifth Day, around 2000 years ago, JESUS said to the Jews: John 2:19 and 21: ->19 Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
21 But he spake of the temple of His body. (what our Lord JESUS said and revealed, physically He would resurrect in the third day (a day of 24 hours, of course); but spiritually, our Lord was speaking of his body the Church, it will rise up now in the 3rd Day, a Day of 1000 years, after have bear fruit, multiplied itself for 2000 years, and will replenish the earth with the resurrection of multitudes according 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17:
15 For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel(Michael- Daniel 12:1-3), and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (the resurrection of the believers in Christ JESUS)
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the cloud(the same cloud in Acts 1:9-11,take a look), to meet the Lord in the air(on high, the 3rd heaven- Micah 4:1-8 combined with 2Corinthians 12:2-4 and Luke 20:35-36, among other biblical references, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Just as a child receiving a gift responds by reaching out to take (or, grab) it, with a smile or a thank you following, the sinner under deep conviction of his sinful state, of deserved punishment, will certainly reach out & give thanks for such a gift from God Who alone can save him. The Work of God has already been completed when Jesus made the payment for sin, nothing more can ever be added to it, not even a sinner's acceptance & appreciation.
I realize that I, and those who have been saved from other religions or a sinful lifestyle, can have a salvation experience that is different to say, as yours, where you were brought up in a Christian home & lived a godly life, increasing in faith & knowledge. I feel that even though the Spirit's Work in each case is the same, it might be very different in the severity of conviction & understanding. For you, you have been faithful to the Lord & His Word from your early years, so regeneration has been early, especially when you came to the age of understanding what sin is & the Gospel that saves - and you embraced that & continued in joy, hope & confidence of your position in Christ. For most others, coming out of a life of sin & false religions, I'm confident that what was a subtle Work of the Holy Spirit in you to save you will be a heart-wrenching, mighty shake-up & revelation from God in others. In either case, regeneration must take place: for me the date is set in stone (Oct 23, 1979), for you, a quieter unnoticeable transition under the Spirit's Ministry in your life. I'll leave it here for now & thanks again.
It appears to be a natural law of transference of human nature, to which God doesn't eradicate when making 'a new creation in Christ', rather giving us His Spirit so we can live this New Life & have the wherewithal to deal with the enemy of our souls. Our sinful human nature still requires this sin-affected body to age & die, but the promise is that our spirits shall live, for they are no longer dead gripped in sin, but new and alive unto God.
Therefore, when I see a new-born babe, I see the little one not as you do (i.e. "God ordains their salvation and does regenerate them even when they cannot yet believe" and "that they are saved because God ordained them to be elect and also knew and chose that they would not reach the age of accountability)". Rather, I see a babe, whatever the religion or heart condition of the parents, as one born in innocence yet with a sinful human nature. What keeps such a one from being rejected by God if there is an early death, is that that sin nature has not been fed yet with sin (a wilful act of sin bringing a response in the heart). So in my mind, 'regeneration' doesn't come up here, as there is no need for re-birth, and no question whether the babe is a part of the elect or not - that if the sin nature has not been fed, all are innocent & will be saved.
Re: "decisional regeneration". I've stated before, even to David0921, that I don't believe that to accept/receive Christ adds to God's redeeming/regenerating Work, nor is that act necessary for God to complete His Work. I believe that since salvation through Christ is God's Gift (in very truth, undeserved) to all, those being drawn & convicted by the Spirit, will respond under such conviction. As mentioned previously, if one is regenerated first so they can respond, it seems to defeat the need to respond, as they have already been regenerated. Onto Page 3.
Thanks GiGi & yes this thread is long & cumbersome - pity to those trying to read it on their phones. What you shared about your early childhood is not dissimilar to mine; for I was brought up in a very godly, Christ-honoring home, taken to Church, attended children's S/School, had devotions/prayer-time at home, & lived according to biblical & parental rules. Only in my late teens, did I go 'off the rails' as my work took me far from home & under the influence of ungodly peers. In other words, what faith & love I had for the Lord earlier had altogether disappeared, preferring my new lifestyle of sin & having no conviction of it.
But in respect of my very early years, my recollection, though limited, was that I was always encouraged to 'accept Jesus into my heart'. This I willingly did, knowing that this was based on my understanding of sin, Jesus' Love & Sacrifice for me, & to receive the Gift of Salvation. Now my emphasis here is on the "Gift". After running amok for about eight years, the Holy Spirit took hold of me in a manner I had never experienced, even in those early years. I was deeply convicted of my sinful life & estrangement from the Lord, & in brokenness & tears confessed my sins. And at that very moment, a very strong sense of being forgiven, acceptance, & an inward renewal (regeneration) had taken place. But what of those early years, similar to yours?
Since being given re-birth & deeply studying the Word, I considered what my state was during those earlier years. I believe that every new-born has a sin nature; you asked, "Why would God have this be?" In my simple way, if Adam was created without a sin nature & then that nature became corrupted because of his sin, then all who have a blood connection to him must also have that fallen nature transferred to them regardless of age or innocence (maybe Romans 5:12 applies here). To Page 2.
The narrative thereafter gives us several heirs of promise,-but with Joseph we see the Spirit using him as a lynch pin, a saviour for his brethren. In setting him as "after our likeness" the Spirit is also laying out the methodology as to how the word of God does his job. Abraham for all his sterling qualities did fall in error. How Abraham and Sarah settled her barreness in their own way had to necessitate a constant thorn on the side of Israel's best interests. Ishmael was not an accident but consequences of their lack of judgment. Similarly how Rebekah conspired with Jacob to deprive the blessings from his elder brother would lead him to his flight to the east. How the ten sons of Jacob conspired to get rid of Jesus eventually shall lead to their bondage in the land of Egypt.
God did not allow his brethren get away with their envy same as the manner the nation of Israel rejected Jesus Christ led to something else."I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."(Ro.11::11)
The everlasting covenant has a purpose to which the example of Israel holds an useful lesson for us. "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."(1 Co.10:11)
" So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
The Spirit has set the example of Israel as a nation to illustrate the force of the Word in terms of blessings and curse for the disobedient so the covenant is a vehicle for the Fellowship of God with Man. The Latter is the Word become flesh. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. He was with the Word in the beginning. In sending the word God was not jesting as though with a boomerang but exercising his sovereign will. As he sent his word he shall be sending his only begotten Son as the Saviour of the whole world. Nothing less than that.
"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will," He sends him as a sign to the Land of Palestine so Israel may be saved, or in other words gave the nation the first option to say 'no' which was anticipated. The question of Salvation was according to the mystery of his will was based on the sole point of faith with works. God demanded nothing less since it was first demonstrated as doable by God. For which he framed them by his word.
In short the eternal word is the Law. God blessed Abraham. "And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness."(Ge.15:6)
God sets Abraham as the double for the Son. God made man "after our own image, and after our likeness"(1:26). The latter part is what we are considering. So what confidence he is sharing is for our spiritual instruction. "And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;/And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge:"
The narrative thereafter gives us the heirs of promise
I do not see any problem with what I posted. If God chose to have me be aware of believing in Him from a very early age, that is God's sovereign choice for me.
As for the others, infants and very young children can be given faith and believe but it is not in the same manner as adults.
For illustration, David said that God caused him to trust in Him while he was at His mother's breast. But an adult trusts God in a more metacogntive way. They are intellectually aware that they are trusting someone and now who they are trusting.
For another example, our new grandchild is believing that she will get feed and nurtured by her mom, but this is different than adults who can detect God's providence (or anyone else's) and connect that with His love and compassion.
I was also referring to babies and children who die young. I believe that God does save them. He regenerates them and causes them to believe within the soul, but perhaps not in the intellect. But it is all a work of God, not of the volition of the infant or child.
I also believe that God works the same way with unregenerate adults. He predestines them to election, regenerates them at the time He chooses, calls them, gives them faith to believe and repentance as he draws them to call upon Jesus for salvation.
I think that those who hold to a synergistic view of regeneration and faith give the unregenerate person's "free" will to much credit as it is just as corrupted as all the rest of him as a result of the sinful nature. I believe that an unregenerate person is unable to choose anything positive having to do with God and salvation. They, instead would be indifferent or hostile, or at enmity with God. They are unwilling to find out the truth about Him and rebel in their hearts at the thought of believing the Gospel and coming to Jesus for salvation. This will of unregenerate man is enslaved to the sinful nature and ruled by the prince of the power of the air Eph. 2:2.
Thanks for asking.
In light of my last post and the ever-present 2000 character restriction I am always finding novel ways to cut things off at exactly that point. Okay I've had my beef over that issue...
Encouragement seems rare; but then again I'm not the most personable chap on the block; maybe what goes around comes around. Usually I don't know how to handle it; it is hard to accept for several reasons but we should consider such things as in proper setting it surely can be strengthening; and edifying.
As a man; I probably will elicit some shock from the ladies in saying that I have to watch it with females that may seem attractive in some way and not to mix up those thoughts with what is purely spiritual from the Lord as a strength that I wish to point out. Maybe women aren't subject to such things as much. I'm not trying to get into some sort of discussion here outside of scripture but trying to clarify the subject at hand by stating such encouragement may be better offered between one man or woman and other. At any rate; in true brotherly or sisterly love the sacrifice of time and effort for prayer; discipleship and just helping out with errands; for instance allows us to start to get to know one another better with those who we fellowship with as opposed to a site like this in some ways. Not to say that I don't appreciate such empathy here.
Jesus was known as a "man of sorrows" ( Isaiah 53:3). We can look to the Apostles; the prophets of old and many Godly saints who have been forgotton; and as Hebrews 11:38 states this world was not worthy of them. Hearts have hardened so that finding someone who demonstrates God's love is again; at least from my perspective rare among professing believers. It seems women are often more empathetic but there are still some men out there who are as well. I realize Father's Day is come and gone but those men who are TRULY men should be recognized; not as "machos" but Godly.
Meanwhile consider someone else who is characteristically gruff; loudmouthed; opinionated and overall a pain to be around who takes the time to correctly explain the Gospel; but of course befitting his usual character doesn't show empathy or bothers to listen much to any responses or otherwise be very helpful even with practical needs that are obvious to others such as atheists who reach out.
Natural man; of course would hang out with the first person and be repulsed with the second; but in all fairness the second person is the one who gives a message in which eternity hangs in the balance. Such a case study of course isn't to justify such an approach to witnessing; but to also avoid what is far WORSE; that is showing all sorts of compassion to someone but WATERING down the Gospel; and not giving a clear warning of the deadly and eternal destruction which every unbeliever is about to face as life is as a vapor.
Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Praise and highly esteeming a brother seems rare today but it can be edifying
May I point something out in your posts that seems a bit confusing.
In part 1 you stated "I do not think that these people are saved because they are innocent. I believe that God ordains their salvation and does regenerate them even when
THEY CANNOT YET BELIEVE AS WE DO WHO ARE OLDER.
However, here's what you say about yourself.
In part 2 you stated,
"I cannot recall ever having a time when I was away from God in Christ nor a time when I did not know the gospel. This must have been when I was an infant. I believe that as an infant, toddler, or preschooler I heard the Gospel message from church readings and was taught from infancy about Jesus and that I was regenerated and given faith to believe before I could know to accept or reject the gospel, nor did I know what it was like to rebel against God.
Gigi, do you not see something wrong with these statements?
Pt. 3
Pelagius taught that man's reason was not corrupted by the fall and that Adam's sin was not imputed nor inherited by subsequent offspring. So He did not think that man needed to cooperate with God to be saved nor did He believe that a person could be saved by God's sovereign choice without the assent of the human.
Augustine refuted Pelagius and taught that man was morally depraved from conception because of Adam's sin and needed God's grace to be saved. He taught that regeneration was a sole work of God and man did not cooperate with God to be saved.
So Pelagius taught a monergism that was solely a work of man and Augustine taught a monergism that was solely the work of God.
Pelagius' view was condemned as heretical by the church and Augustine's view prevailed in the church until the Reformation.
Luther, Calvin, Knox all taught an Augustinian monergism. Along comes Arminius teaching semi-Pelagianism that man must cooperate with God and His grace to be saved. He denied that regeneration was a monergistic work of God and that it was God and man working together to bring about salvation. This view is called synergistic because it involves the work or cooperation of more than one person.
Since that time monergism and synergism has been strongly debated among believers, especially theologians for centuries, as it is today. And among regular folk like us, we are blessed to have the Bible in our language to read and study. So each of us must do that and form our beliefs from what we learn. I used to believe decisional regeneration but from my reading of Scripture I have come to believe in monergistic regeneration prior to one's repentance and belief. That does not make my view correct or not. But it just shows that people can be brought to change their views as they study the Scriptures.
This thread is getting very long so I will exit this thread and consider how I will start a new one on one of the topics I listed in my reply to you. Thanks again.
Pt. 2
So, I cannot definitely say when I was saved or regenerated or first believed. I just grew up knowing that I was saved by Jesus and His death and resurrection. I have lived all of my life as a believer and so I have lived a life far different than someone who was a pagan, atheist, or uninformed until they came to Christ as an adult. I cannot recall ever having a time when I was away from God in Christ nor a time when I did not know the gospel. This must have been when I was an infant. I believe that as an infant, toddler, or preschooler I heard the Gospel message from church readings and was taught from infancy about Jesus and that I was regenerated and given faith to believe before I could know to accept or reject the gospel, nor did I know what it was like to rebel against God. I am sure many people have a similar testimony about God's sovereign grace bestowed on them before they can even remember.
In the Scriptures, especially in the book of Acts and in the Epistles we have accounts of adults who were unregenerated coming to faith, not about children born to faith filled, regenerated parents. Yet ever since that first generation of converts to the Christian faith there have been millions of children brought up by believing parents and were exposed from infancy the truth of the Gospel and the salvation that God gives to them by grace alone.
But nevertheless, in today's western nations, people have grown up for many decades having been taken to church and taught how God wants us to act by parents who may not even be believers, but it was expected of parents to take their children to church, etc.
Also, the idea of decisional regeneration is fairly new in Christian history. (which does not make it right or wrong doctrine just because it is new).
In the 500's Pelagius promoted that any human can come to God all on His own without grace from God. He taught that man's will was not in bondage to sin and that people are born morally neutral. See more
"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"
1 Peter 1:22-23
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one anothe r with a pure heart fervently:Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Matthew 7:21
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
I have read your replies and thank you for taking time to consider the topics and give thoughtful responses. I know that I threw out a lot of things to consider.
I wanted to address the issue of infants and others who are not able to intellectually understand their need for salvation or the gospel.
I believe that each and every human is conceived with a sinful nature. I can't even imagine why God would have this be, but the Bible is clear that this is true. And the Bible says that no one seeks God or is able to eradicate this nature from within themselves on their own. So, the people I am speaking about are dead in sin, separated from God. So, I do not think that these people are saved because they are innocent. I believe that God ordains their salvation and does regenerate them even when
they cannot yet believe as we do who are older. Should they die in infancy or childhood, I believe that they are saved because God ordained them to be elect and also knew and chose that they would not reach the age of accountability.
But does this mean that every infant is regenerated? I don't think so, but certainly those who would die young.
Let me explain from my life experience because I think that my experience is very common for people who were born into a family of faith and exposed to the gospel from very young age. I am not saying this happens to all children of believing parents, but to many over the centuries.
I cannot remember a time when I did not believe in Jesus. I can remember that I did as far back as my preschool years, say about 3. I cannot remember before that. AS I grew up, my understanding of God, Jesus' saving work for me, and the need to believe the Gospel also grew and matured. As I entered my teen years, living my life for Jesus was very important to me and I have done so for the remainder of my life. So, when did I first believe? Certainly not when I was a teen or even a school-age child.
See pt. 2
Let's go again and examine Abraham's faith..
Romans 4:2-4, "2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt."
Above it says that Abraham was justified by his faith. Let's see how James describes Abraham's justification.
James 2:21-22, "21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"
In contrast? No,not really. What James says is that a working faith must result in good works, otherwise it is considered dead, v26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
Is James talking to atheists or christians? Definitely his epistle is addressed to christians. What does he tell them? That their faith must produce works in order for them to be justified
Since some of us hold the idea that if we are regenerated and the Spirit of God dwells in us, then it is inevitable for us to produce works, then we must explain, "was Abraham somehow obliged by his faith to sacrifice his son or it was up to him, his free will, to decide whether he wanted to sacrifice Isaac or not? The answer is that it was up to him. He could had decided not to sacrifice Isaac. It was entirely up to him, not to God. God had nothing to do with his decision to obey or not.
Similarly our obedience to God and the subsequent production of works in our life is not an automatic process like somehow we are programmed to do works, but it is entirely up to us. We can, but we can not do what the Spirit commands. When are we justified? When we decide to have works that result from our obedience to do what we read in the Bible. Otherwise our faith is in vain, dead, resulting in no salvation. All that is not on God, it is on us
Since some of us hold the doctrine of regeneration preceding faith, let's go and examine the case of Abraham.
Romans 4:2-3, " 2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."
Romans 4:9-11,"Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.10How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: ..."
If one holds the idea that a unregenerated heart can not believe and repent, then they must explain how it was possible for Abraham to believe in God so that his faith was reckoned for righteousness. Was Abraham already regenerated when he believed to God or not?
Firstly regeneration did not exist before Christ.
Second, verse 10 says that he believed in God when he was uncircumcised and so he received the sign of circumcition for his faith. If we correspond corcumcision in the OT with new birth in the NT, then we conclude that faith precedes new birth.
Romans 4:23-24, "23Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;24But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;"
Part 2.
Here is scripture from my earlier post that applies to your question.
1 John 2:2 "And he is the propitiation for our sins: (AND NOT FOR OURS ONLY) ...BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
John 1:7-9 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. "That was the true Light, which lighteth EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD.
John 3:15-18. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, BECAUSE HE HATH NOT BELEIVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD.
Here is one that is overlooked. 1 Peter 2:1.
It speaks of those that denied the Lord that bought them.
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, EVEN DENYING THE LORD THAT BOUGHT THEM, AND BRING UPON THEMSELVES SWIFT DESTRUCTION.
The people he is talking about is not saved. They DENIED the Lord.
but the Lord's purchase was applied to them if they would accept it.
There is no limited atonement.
God bless.
Thanks again for replying and sorry for such a long delay in me responding, as I mentioned I have been very busy throughout the week.
I have read through the comments.
David, I don't think I can improve on anything that Brothers Chris, Giannis, Ronald and others have shared.
I do not hold the view that you and GiGi has shared.
Here is what I would share with you in answering your question to me.
You asked.
"If Christ indeed paid the full penalty required by the law of God for every sin of every person, how then would anyone stand guilty before the law, their debt having been paid?
David, as I said in an earlier post, "the invitation went out to ALL the world" I have provided verses.
Here's my reasoning.
Romans 5:18. "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life."
We can draw a picture out of the writing to the Hebrews concerning Israel.
We are to join him (God) in his rest.
Hebrews 4:2-11.
Here is how we Join him, vs 3- For we which have believed do enter into rest,
There is a lot more said in this verse alone concerning this topic.
1) This rest was pre-ordained from the foundation of the world. "If" they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
2) There is a condition that has to be met. "IF" they shall enter into my rest.
3) You have to believe to enter into the rest.
Verses 10-11. "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Do you notice verse 11? (Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest,) lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
The only way to enter in is to believe and the only way "not to enter in" is unbelief.
Running out of space, See part 2.
Thank you for any prayers and help with this situation. God bless you all.
D. Scheel
he dont have faith
he said they is no god
All truth is in God's WORD destroying the WORKS of SATAN.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into and ANGEL OF LIGHT
Matthew 12:28 If I (TRUTH) cast out devils by the Spirit of God, theis the KINGDOM of GOD has come unto you.
God does his work in AGES, there has been AGES before the AGE we are currently in, and there are AGES to come.
IN the AGE we are a presently in God is calling out a priesthood to be judges of those those billions who never heard the gospel of the kingdom of God, and the ones that did hear, but died in ignorance of the TRUTH.
Those who are CAUSED to BELIEVE his words will be set over those raised at the second resurrection to JUDGE them by the TRUTH of God's word, as we have been judged by the truth of God's word.
Psalms 22:27 ALL the ends of the earth shall REMEMBER and turn unto the Lord: ALL the kindreds of the earth shall WORSHIP before thee.
Psalms 22:29 And they that be fat upon the earth (the called out) shall eat and WORSHIP (in TRUTH and SPIRIT), and they that go down to the dust (death and the grave) shall BOW BEFORE HIM: and NONE can keep alive his own soul.
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOR OF ALL MEN (most in the AGES to come), especially of those that BELIEVE (in this AGE).
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is GIVEN (gifted) on the behalf of CHRIST to not only BELIEVE on him, but also to suffer for his sake,
Obadiah 1:21 And SAVIORS (those that have become the image of Christ) shall come upon mount Zion to JUDGE the house of ESAU, and the kingdom shall be the LORDS
God Bless You
The everlasting covenant is according to the purpose of God so that election might stand. The elect are a body, collectively called the church. However each man so called before the worlds began has to make sure his election is according to the Word. So word of his grace as St Paul says,"I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified."(Ac.20:32) He also exhorts in another place,"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."(2 Co.6:1) Each received grace for grace from Jesus Christ and by him also sanctified so he is our brethren. (He.2:11) . So purpose of the covenant is that we may receive as heir of promise our blessing. Our ministry is according to his grace and varies one from another. But the blessing is all the same. "that God may be all in all."(1 Co.15:28).
In order to illustrate this truth we have the blessing Isaac near blind confers on whom he thinks is Esau. Jacob and his mother practises a pious humbug to help the son whom God favoured more. God is not fooled but shall teach him a hard lesson in due course. But Isaac prompted by the word of God sent before before the worlds recites according to the Spirit, "because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."(Ro.8:27). Isaac's blessing is given in Ge.27:26-29.
"And Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents." (25:27). The terms given in his blessing is intended for Esau, "See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed:". Alas Esau made his choice for a mass of pottage. So it is Jacob who gains from it." Had Esau chose life he would not have despised his birthright. In short Esau did not make his election sure. Free will is to be exercised as matter of life and death.
The word of God is speaking to us, we are born again by coming to truth of THE WORD, the written WORD becoming the LIVING WORD.
Psalms 103:20 Bless the Lord, YE HIS ANGELS, who excel in strength (of the Lord), that do his commandment, harkening to the voice of the Lord.
Luke 29:36 Neither can they DIE any more (we died with Christ on his cross): for they are EQUAL unto the ANGELS; and are the children of God, being the CHILDREN OF THE RESURRECTION (joint heirs of his kingdom).
Genesis 1:2 .....and DARKNESS was upon the face of the earth (man) .......
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and CREATE DARKNESS .....
Job 19:22 A land of DARKNESS, as DARKNESS itself, and the shadow of DEATH, without any order, and where LIGHT is as DARKNESS.
2 Peter 2:4 But if God spared not the angels that sinned (blasphemed his name), but cast them down to the GRAVE, and delivered them into CHAINS OF DARKNESS (the wages of sin is death), to be reserved unto judgement,
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon the the judgement written, this HONOR hath all his SAINTS......
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation WAITETH (in the grave) for the MANIFESTATION of the SONS OF GOD.
Romans 8:21 Because the CREATION ITSELF shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (darkness) into the GLORIOUS LIBERTY OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD.
God Bless You
thank you father god
thank you jesus
we will keep our people peoples in our prays all ways.
2 Samuel 24:1 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and HE (God) moved (CAUSED) David against them to say, Go, number Israel, and Judah.
God Bess You
Yes, The whole Word of God is a PROPHECY of the Kingdom of GOD, including the book of Genesis; as you have said.
Genesis 1:26-27
27 So GOD created man in His own image, in the image of GOD created He him; male and female created He them.
28 And GOD blessed them, and GOD said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it
To frutify, and multiply, and to replenish th earth, GOD created the woman, by allegory the true Church of the Lord.
GOD sent JESUS and JESUS came in the fourth Day-the Greater Light- around 4000 yers after Adam- John 5:17. Around 27/30AD, i.e. in the beginning of the fifth Day, around 2000 years ago, JESUS said to the Jews: John 2:19 and 21: ->19 Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
21 But he spake of the temple of His body. (what our Lord JESUS said and revealed, physically He would resurrect in the third day (a day of 24 hours, of course); but spiritually, our Lord was speaking of his body the Church, it will rise up now in the 3rd Day, a Day of 1000 years, after have bear fruit, multiplied itself for 2000 years, and will replenish the earth with the resurrection of multitudes according 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17:
15 For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel(Michael- Daniel 12:1-3), and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (the resurrection of the believers in Christ JESUS)
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the cloud(the same cloud in Acts 1:9-11,take a look), to meet the Lord in the air(on high, the 3rd heaven- Micah 4:1-8 combined with 2Corinthians 12:2-4 and Luke 20:35-36, among other biblical references, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
GOD BLESS
Isaiah 28:21 and 10:23; Romans 9:28 and 8:18-25