What I have noticed is that free will believers get defensive about the subject and predestination believers dont.
We ALL are free will believers and find God’s sovereignty offensive; that was the central nature of the Fall, no?
Adam & Eve resented God’s claim over them as Creator which sowed doubt in His word and an idea that they could define themselves apart from Him. That’s the ultimate free will theology.
God is, was, and has always been the pursuer in the story of redemption. Man has always and will continue to run the other way.
I can't help but feel like maybe the entire free will vs. predestination argument is a misguided distraction brought on by inability to comprehend God. "My ways are not your ways."
All I know is I believe that I CHOSE to be a believer. If I'm wrong about that and God made me believe than I suppose I'll just roll with it. Six of one or a half dozen of the other. I'm good with it.
Next?
Don't be the darkness.
America will perish while those who should be standing guard are satisfying their lusts.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
Surely you know the danger of one verse theology.
As previously mentioned, the majority of the most respected theologians, who know a lot more about scripture than me and you, believe in predestination. Other well respected theologians dont (John Wesley). We aren't going to settle this at the campfire I can promise you. I base my belief on what happened to me, my experience.
What I have noticed is that free will believers get defensive about the subject and predestination believers dont.
That is but one of many. We are predestined. The sun and moon are predestined. And, not to heaven or hell. If we were, then Jesus's blood would not have been shed for all of us. In fact, He wouldnt have need to die at all. His blood was shed for all.
The moon and stars are predistined. HE never said some are predestined to heaven or that some are predestined to hell. That would not be just. It would be unjust. We are predestined to live, to be born in his image. To have free will. To be able to choose good or evil, unlike a cat or dog.
It is predestined that we have rain.
Last edited by jaguartx; 09/01/20.
Ecc 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but that of a fool to the left.
A Nation which leaves God behind is soon left behind.
"The Lord never asked anyone to be a tax collector, lowyer, or Redskins fan".
Behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. Straight is the gate, & narrow the way that leadeth to life. Strive to enter in at the straight gate. Good morning & Godbless.
You continually throw up the straw man argument of double predestination without addressing the specific verses that use the word. You are the only one here talking about that false teaching. The Bible does not teach double predestination but it certainly does teach about predestination.
Does it matter? Yes. It’s the most controversial subject in Christian doctrine. The division is the question of whether we are helping God save us or whether we recognize that God saves us without our help. It’s the idea of something earned vs a gift. The scripture has much to say about salvation being a gift and much to say about it not being earned.
It is a gift, but can one not refuse the gift. One can also accept a gift. The gift comes from the Giver of all good things, but the recipient can be prideful & refuse. They could also of a humble & broken heart receive the gift that is already paid for in full. Ultimately God's Holy Spirit must deal with a person before they can receive the gift of salvation. At least that has been my personal experience.
Hastings, I believe for many reasons, The Faith just rings True like a bell. I see God all over His wonderful creation.
On a lighter note, a minister years ago, told of a group of young children on a trip to a farm. A boy said a dole looking mule must be a Christian mule because he looked so sad. Being a Christian is not at all a sad thing, it's the happiest thing in the world!
These premises insured by a Sheltie in Training ,--- and Cooey.o "May the Good Lord take a likin' to you"
To me, He died for the sins of ‘all’ of the people, in ‘all’ of the world...’not’ just some of em’.
Well, according to some, He wasted His blood on some who had no chance of having their sins washed away, unless they had their sins washed away and are going to Hell anyway.
Last edited by jaguartx; 09/01/20.
Ecc 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but that of a fool to the left.
A Nation which leaves God behind is soon left behind.
"The Lord never asked anyone to be a tax collector, lowyer, or Redskins fan".
Here is a question about salvation. Did Nebuchadnezzar receive salvation? I say he did. He never knew Jesus but he did accept the God of Israel. Daniel 4: 34-37.
Patriotism (and religion) is the last refuge of a scoundrel.
Predestination - The vast majority of the most respected theologians believe in it.
So what...? To me, their relationship with God is no more legitimate than anyone else’s is. The “most respected theologians” of Jesus’ day were the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He made it pretty clear what His opinion of their theology was.
![[Linked Image from cdn.quotesgram.com]](https://cdn.quotesgram.com/small/37/45/961856660-tree-is-known-by-its-fruits.png)
Being a Christian is not at all a sad thing, it's the happiest thing in the world!