How Free Will Destroys the Gospel

No.

 

Without the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; John 16:8-10) you could not of made such a choice. (Romans 3:11)

 

The Holy Spirit was not generally given until after Christ's finished work, and according to His promise (John 14:16-17; John 16:7-11; Acts 1:8).

 

Five pages and I still haven't been shown how free will destroys the gospel. By his own admission the OP said that people that hear the gospel presented as a choice are born again and are saved. The gospel is still here so....how is free will destroying the gospel?

 

So am I to understand that you do not believe the gospel of grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone? Ephesians 2:8-9. And/or you do not accept the gospel of John which fails to mention this repentance at all following faith? John 6:47, ". . . He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. . . ." Etc.

And you fail to provide one passage which explicitly states in any way, "believe and repent" in order to be saved.

 

Just to note: The term "free will" is an interpretation of the fact that God made man to be a self willed being. The issues is really about man's self will as opposed to God's will (Matthew 7:21)

So I would argue man's "free will" does not destroy the gospel of grace. And furthermore "free will" has no place in the gospel of grace. The problem being the reason men do not believe is "free will." Men must willing to choose God's will over their own will.

 

This is too easy...

Eph 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

 

First, it appears you do not understand what mocking is. Second, I have been on this board for a long time. My posts are based off of years of experience. Third, it is best to not respond to posts that in no way reflect your position. Lastly, you are a newbie, hang out for a while and get to know folks before commenting as you have. You do not know everyone's experiences here.

 

Baptists are divided over this. John R Rice made that distinction too, so that places you in good company.

In Acts 10:45 Gentiles received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:47). See also John 7:39. Also note Peter refers to this as the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:16; Acts 1:4-5; Matthew 3:11-12; John 14:16-17; John 16:7-11). Nowhere does the holy scripture make any distinction between receiving the Holy Spirit and being in the Holy Spirit baptized. Nowhere. (Romans 8:9; Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:12.)

 

There has never been a more untrue statement made on this board. Ever

 

Yes, all the saved have sinse been baptized in the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11-12). The lost will be baptized with fire (Revelation 20:15; Revelation 21:7-8.)

 

So are you arguing salvation is never offered through preaching?

 

Well, then how could faith have come to those God hadn't directly spoken to? (Besides those who witnessed miracles)