EPH1:1-14....what is says/ what it does not say!

i agree , rightly dividing . That is not blaming another for our decisions , even God

 

Speakest thou of thy self John Alden?

 

I know the reference. buy not your point

I do not understand how changing an avatar make one different.

Act 10:34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

 

I did! LoL!

As I have myself

Nothing to be afraid of

 

loDebar you are a good guy brother, but IMO you need to get a formal education to perfect yourself (or at least a disciplined study of the word).

Entirely possible today because of the World Wide Web.

 

On the contrary, it has been my experience that they redefine words to support their positions. It is quite convenient to say, "just accept what the passage says" and then change it elsewhere to fit the narrative.

 

You, my brother, are asking me to support a position that I have never argued. This is a classic strawman. Please show me where I asserted what you state above. God sovereignly giving us the freedom to either choose or accept His free gift of salvation, that is offered to all, is in no way proclaiming that a man (saved or lost) can ever be "free from the bondage and reigning power of sin."

No, sir. What I have is God placing an "if" in our path and simply keeping His promise when we meet that conditional "if." God does not react, but He does respond. (II Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 33:3)

It is found throughout the Word of God, my friend. You need look no further than the Garden of Eden.
Adam was clearly given a command and then the freedom of choice to obey or disobey. Unfortunately, he chose to disobey. Adam decided and God then did something - He did what He said He would do if Adam disobeyed and ate from the tree.

Perhaps you could refute my posts with Scripture instead of Wikipedia.

Thank you for your friendly interaction. I'm quite certain that we will not solve this issue anytime soon. It has been a pleasure discussing these issues with you, my friend.

 

should we compare degrees at this point?
Error exists for a purpose, predestination impugns God

 

No, that is not wise - there is always someone higher or lower than yourself.

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

 

If "predetermination" impugns God why these verses?

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Your errors:

1.) You probably meant to say " IMO, the calvinistic version of predestination impugns God".
2.) It seems you have assumed I am a Calvinist - I am not.
3.) If # 1 is true , you offer no reason or scripture whatsoever for this statement.

It is no wonder folks pay you little or no attention.
I am trying to help you discipline your thoughts and hemenuetic method.

Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpretation, of biblical texts, wisdom literature, and philosophical texts.
Modern hermeneutics includes both verbal and non-verbal communication as well as semiotics, presuppositions, and previous understandings.

 

It would be futile to try and change my beliefs about this verse;
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
I admit God has chosen us just as this verse says and this is what I believe of His choosing. It's explained in this passage.
Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
Joh 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

It seems to me that Calvinist may believe that this predestination in Eph.1:4 has an effect on men that causes men to become saved. I believe men come to Christ because they are drawn. predestination is not that which draws men.

What happened when Christ was lifted up was that Him being lifted up drew all men unto Him.

Joh_12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Not just a particular few but everyone is drawn. Not just Calvinist or the so called elect few

I do not believe men are elected to Salvation but drawn to it. Salvation is all up to God. He draws us. His Holy Spirit through the preaching of the Gospel convinces us of Him Self. This convincing is how and why we believe unto Salvation. At this juncture the man either accepts what he has found out by this preaching or rejects it. Yes men do reject Christ. Judas did. most of the Jews still do reject Christ Nicodemus did. when Nicodemus asked Christ how a man can be born again.. IMHO It is ridiculous to assume man has no choice in his Salvation
To say we have no choice can be found no where is scripture. To say we are elect confuses our choosing with the Jewish elect. We have not replace the Jews nor will we ever.
.
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Salvation is as easy as taking your next breath. We just have to receive the story of Christ as truth.
Yes it's that simple. Some call it easy believe ism.
Some believe we have to work for it. Some believe we have to work to keep it. Some believe they don't even have to believe it's automatic.
MB

 

Acts of the Apostles 16:31 --Believe is a verb and it is an imperative.

 

Natural man receives not the things of God that are spiritual, so unsaved man will exercise their 'free will" to say no to Jesus...