"How I Learned the Doctrine of Election"

[KenH]

In yesterday's church bulletin at the church where I worship, an excerpt from a sermon delivered by John Kershaw on April 18, 1848, at Zoar Chapel in London entitled, “Spiritual Blessings in Christ”, was included. I had not heard of John Kershaw before so I did some research and found this wonderful article he wrote on the doctrine of election and how he at first hated the doctrine. Below are a couple of excerpts from it and a link to the entire article. It is not a long read and well worth it.

“As I looked at the doctrine as thus laid down, I shall never forget the hatred and indignation that rose up in my carnal heart against it. I said within myself, "It is the most unjust, unreasonable doctrine that ever could be broached. I may read and pray, and go to the chapel, and do all the good I can, and if I am not elected, be lost after all. It does not even give a man a chance to be saved. I neither can nor will believe this election."
…
As it respects election not giving a man a chance to be saved, I have proved that had it been left to chance, as they call it, upon the ground of my own "free will," I should have been lost forever. My free will as a depraved sinner would have led me on in the broad and downward road that leads to destruction, and so would it have been with all Adam's fallen race. Not one soul would ever have been saved. It is the eternal purpose of God in our election, which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord, that inevitably secures the salvation of countless millions of Adam's fallen race: For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren. 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" (Romans 8:29-30).“

John Kershaw - How I Learned the Doctrine of Election (ochristian.com)

 

[Van]

I did not read the linked article, but only the opening post. It presented at least two falsehoods.

The biblical doctrine of election does not invoke a response of hatred and indignation. God chooses for salvation those whose faith He credits as righteousness.

The other falsehood is that all the lost cannot respond affirmatively and fully to the gospel of Christ. One has only to read Matthew 13 to learn that some of the lost cannot respond, and others choose to respond affirmatively but not fully, and still others respond affirmatively and fully.

 

[KenH]

God chooses for salvation those whose faith He credits as righteousness.

It is Christ's faith, His faithfulness, His perfect righteousness, that God imputes to His elect.

Galatians 2:16 know that a man is not justified of the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ; and we believe in Jesus Christ, that we be justified of [or by] the faith of Christ, and not of the works of the law. Wherefore of the works of the law each flesh shall not be justified. (WBMS, Wycliffe's Bible with Modern Spelling)

Galatians 2:16 yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. (NET, New English Translation)

 

[CalTech]

It is Christ's faith, His faithfulness, His perfect righteousness, that God imputes to His elect.

Galatians 2:16 know that a man is not justified of the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ; and we believe in Jesus Christ, that we be justified of [or by] the faith of Christ, and not of the works of the law. Wherefore of the works of the law each flesh shall not be justified. (WBMS, Wycliffe's Bible with Modern Spelling)

Galatians 2:16 yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. (NET, New English Translation)

AMEN!!


Zec_4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.


As Paul stated, he was chosen by the Will of God, and not his will!

Eph_1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Eph_6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
Col_1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

The LORD God ALMIGHTY chose Paul according to HIS WILL, for HIS PURPOSE......
Paul's will had nothing to do with it! The LORD caused Paul with violence to believe in Him!
The Lord bless you.....
In His Love.....

 

[Van]

It is Christ's faith, His faithfulness, His perfect righteousness, that God imputes to His elect.

Galatians 2:16 know that a man is not justified of the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ; and we believe in Jesus Christ, that we be justified of [or by] the faith of Christ, and not of the works of the law. Wherefore of the works of the law each flesh shall not be justified. (WBMS, Wycliffe's Bible with Modern Spelling)

Galatians 2:16 yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. (NET, New English Translation)

LOL, you would think Calvinism would at least cite two consistent translations. But no, we are saved by the faith of Jesus, or is it by the faithfulness of Jesus. By the faithfulness of Jesus as He went to the cross and died as a ransom for all humanity.

The biblical doctrine of election does not invoke a response of hatred and indignation. God chooses for salvation those whose faith He credits as righteousness.

The other falsehood is that all the lost cannot respond affirmatively and fully to the gospel of Christ. One has only to read Matthew 13 to learn that some of the lost cannot respond, and others choose to respond affirmatively but not fully, and still others respond affirmatively and fully.

 

[Van]

AMEN!!


Zec_4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.


As Paul stated, he was chosen by the Will of God, and not his will!

Eph_1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Eph_6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
Col_1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

The LORD God ALMIGHTY chose Paul according to HIS WILL, for HIS PURPOSE......
Paul's will had nothing to do with it! The LORD caused Paul with violence to believe in Him!
The Lord bless you.....
In His Love.....

Did anyone say individuals are chosen for salvation through their own works or will or whatever? Nope. It depends only upon the one who calls, God Almighty. Romans 9:16

Note how Calvinists use off the shelf arguments that are not germane as a substitute for a biblical response. All the verses listed support biblical election based on God crediting or not our faith in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

 

[KenH]

As Paul stated, he was chosen by the Will of God, and not his will!

Man in his natural state hates, or at best ignores or soft sells, the Biblical doctrine of election(I know having been like that myself concerning the doctrine). Man in his natural state in false religion wants to claim some credit for his "salvation", no matter how tiny it may be. God will not suffer such to occur:

Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

 

[Van]

Man in his natural state hates, or at best ignores or soft sells, the Biblical doctrine of election(I know having been like that myself concerning the doctrine). Man in his natural state in false religion wants to claim some credit for his "salvation", no matter how tiny it may be. God will not suffer such to occur:

Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

On and on Calvinism denies scripture. We are chosen individually through faith in the truth. Full stop. 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
Note that scripture presents many times that individuals sometimes sought God, rather than always hated God all the time.

Did anyone claim credit? Read Romans 9:16 again folks. All these Calvinists do is misrepresent scripture.

And no need to mention how those chosen individually by God have been glorified. Romans 8:30.

 

[KenH]

Did anyone say individuals are chosen for salvation through their own works or will or whatever? Nope. It depends only upon the one who calls, God Almighty. Romans 9:16

Note how Calvinists use off the shelf arguments that are not germane as a substitute for a biblical response. All the verses listed support biblical election based on God crediting or not our faith in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

I know from previous conversations with you that you appear to have a rather convoluted "gospel" that you proclaim, so much so that I find it difficult to understand your reasoning or even how to characterize it, other than it is opposed to Biblical soteriology of salvation by God's sovereign grace alone. However, if you can answer a question simply so that even one such as I can understand your answer - Do believe that God looked down through the telescope of time and "foresaw" that some fallen members of Adam's race - somehow, someway - would conjure up the ability to have faith?

 

[KenH]

Romans 8:30 And those that he before-ordained to bless, them he called; and whom he called, them he justified; and whom he justified, them he glorified. (WBMS)

 

[Van]

I know from previous conversations with you that you appear to have a rather convoluted "gospel" that you proclaim, so much so that I find it difficult to understand your reasoning or even how to characterize it, other than it is opposed to Biblical soteriology of salvation by God's sovereign grace alone. However, if you can answer a question simply so that even one such as I can understand your answer - Do believe that God looked down through the telescope of time and "foresaw" that some fallen members of Adam's race - somehow, someway - would conjure up the ability to have faith?

Note every verse I cited is ignored and yet another Calvinist chestnut from their shelf of non-germane arguments is posted!

Did anyone claim lost individuals "conjure up" the ability to have faith? Nope. So what is the purpose of this change the subject question? Why to change the subject from all the scripture that clearly teaches we are chosen through faith in the truth.

 

[kyredneck]

my glory will I not give to another

13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Jn 1

 

[KenH]

Note every verse I cited is ignored and yet another Calvinist chestnut from their shelf of non-germane arguments is posted!

Did anyone claim lost individuals "conjure up" the ability to have faith? Nope. So what is the purpose of this change the subject question? Why to change the subject from all the scripture that clearly teaches we are chosen through faith in the truth.

Are refusing to answer my question, sir, about foreknowledge?

 

[KenH]

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

From faith(knowledge revealed) to faith(knowledge received), and this by the sovereign will of God to His elect.

 

[Silverhair]

It is Christ's faith, His faithfulness, His perfect righteousness, that God imputes to His elect.

Galatians 2:16 know that a man is not justified of the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ; and we believe in Jesus Christ, that we be justified of [or by] the faith of Christ, and not of the works of the law. Wherefore of the works of the law each flesh shall not be justified. (WBMS, Wycliffe's Bible with Modern Spelling)

Galatians 2:16 yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. (NET, New English Translation)

On the phrase translated the faithfulness of Christ, ExSyn 116, which notes that the grammar is not decisive, nevertheless suggests that "the faith/faithfulness of Christ is not a denial of faith in Christ as a Pauline concept (for the idea is expressed in many of the same contexts, only with the verb πιστεύω G4100 rather than the noun πίστις G4102), but implies that the object of faith is a worthy object, for he himself is faithful." Though Paul elsewhere teaches justification by faith, this presupposes that the object of our faith is reliable and worthy of such faith. New English Translation Notes

You are implying that God has to give a person faith and yet the text you have presented differ from what you say. and we believe in Jesus Christ, we have come to believe in Christ Jesus.

This is further supported in:
Gal 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. NASB

Gal 2:16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. NKJV

Gal 2:16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

We are saved because we believe not so that we will believe.

 

[kyredneck]

my glory will I not give to another

6 For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;
28 and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are:
29 that no flesh should glory before God.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption: 1 Cor 1

[add]

...but folks like @Van and @Silverhair, they're special, different from the rest of us, they chose God, they put themselves in Christ Jesus...or so they think.

 

[KenH]

ou are implying that God has to give a person faith

I am not implying it - the Bible teaches it.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

[Van]

Are refusing to answer my question, sir, about foreknowledge?

Calvinism must spin the endless question wheel of deception to hide their false doctrine.

Does 2 Thessalonians 2:13 say people are chosen through faith in the truth, rather than unconditionally? Yes. Was this addressed? Nope Full Stop

Note the subject of this thread is the Biblical Doctrine of Election and the false claims made in the opening post.

 

[KenH]

Calvinism must spin the endless question wheel of deception to hide their false doctrine.

Does 2 Thessalonians 2:13 say people are chosen through faith in the truth, rather than unconditionally? Yes. Was this addressed? Nope Full Stop

People are chosen because God chose them.

Romans 9:15-18 For he says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then, it does not depend on human desire or exertion, but on God who shows mercy. For the scripture says to Pharaoh: “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may demonstrate my power in you, and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then, God has mercy on whom he chooses to have mercy, and he hardens whom he chooses to harden. (emphasis mine)

 

[Silverhair]

I am not implying it - the Bible teaches it.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.

The gift is salvation not faith. The gift being faith is what you read into the text.