I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. ( John 17:9).
Presumption is a dangerous thing. This verse along with much text in the chapters comprising the book of John in particular make it quite clear there is indeed a subsection of all men that are called and chosen by God; otherwise defined as "Predestination". Having discussed this book in regard to that subject in some detail a couple years back I won't confine this posting to corner everyone into a boxing match as to the whole 5 Point Calvin idea. I will go back to what is another clear teaching from scripture that His sheep hear His voice and they bear fruit that indicates they possess true faith.
The "come as you are" motif that is commonplace in the "seeker friendly church" is at best only half right. Upon entering a true Spirit filled fellowship the John 16:8 convicting power of the Spirit should begin to affect someone; for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. God in order to save anyone must provide a change of heart and a person must repent. There is much argument these days about this statement; but if we look at the redemption concept such as with Ruth and the kinsman-redeemer we understand the transaction idea. Christ takes our sin and through the atonement forgives sins and His righteousness is transferred to us. The WORLD at large is part of a system ruled by Satan as we are all enemies of God prior to our conversion. Understanding a proper concept of what the TRUE love of God is means that men must understand in no uncertain terms that they must fall o the Rock of Christ lest they be crushed by it (See Luke 20:18). Renouncing our sin means that we turn from what we used to do and trust in Christ to change or sanctify us. It means that our love for the world; flesh and the Devil is replaced by love for Christ. Therefore the god of this world must be rejected; any turning back ensnares us once again.
Presumption is a dangerous thing. This verse along with much text in the chapters comprising the book of John in particular make it quite clear there is indeed a subsection of all men that are called and chosen by God; otherwise defined as "Predestination". Having discussed this book in regard to that subject in some detail a couple years back I won't confine this posting to corner everyone into a boxing match as to the whole 5 Point Calvin idea. I will go back to what is another clear teaching from scripture that His sheep hear His voice and they bear fruit that indicates they possess true faith.
The "come as you are" motif that is commonplace in the "seeker friendly church" is at best only half right. Upon entering a true Spirit filled fellowship the John 16:8 convicting power of the Spirit should begin to affect someone; for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. God in order to save anyone must provide a change of heart and a person must repent. There is much argument these days about this statement; but if we look at the redemption concept such as with Ruth and the kinsman-redeemer we understand the transaction idea. Christ takes our sin and through the atonement forgives sins and His righteousness is transferred to us. The WORLD at large is part of a system ruled by Satan as we are all enemies of God prior to our conversion. Understanding a proper concept of what the TRUE love of God is means that men must understand in no uncertain terms that they must fall o the Rock of Christ lest they be crushed by it (See Luke 20:18). Renouncing our sin means that we turn from what we used to do and trust in Christ to change or sanctify us. It means that our love for the world; flesh and the Devil is replaced by love for Christ. Therefore the god of this world must be rejected; any turning back ensnares us once again.
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