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I think you draw an acceptable distinction. Perhaps it would be better to say “genuine belief” in the gospel - the kind of “mere faith” that is strong enough to influence & direct corresponding action. My reason for saying mere faith is to indicate it is the kind of belief that was unassisted...

While He was here, it was hard to deny. Now that he's not here, they refuse to acknowledge it. This is where I get this notion: [1Jo 4:2-3 NASB] 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that...

The scripture says demons believe God exists, but it says they deny the gospel (that Christ came in the flesh). The case of Judas is interesting because his actions demonstrated he didn’t actually believe. Jesus confirmed that: John6 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus...

The word faith is often used interchangeably with believed or trusted in scripture. Genesis 15:5-6 (NASB) 5 And He took him outside and said, "Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." 6 Then he believed...

Well I think all 5 points of Calvinism are wrong (as are the 5 counterpoints of Arminius) ... yet I do believe that God absolutely foreknew which people would believe, and yes, created those who would never come to faith nonetheless knowing full well they would suffer eternal damnation. Yet...

For the record, the first person saved (or made righteous) by grace, through faith in the gospel, is Abraham. You should look to his story and example to learn how the covenant of grace through faith works, since he is the one to whom the covenant was made. Genesis 12-17, Galatians 1-4, Romans...

This is a common straw man argument I see. This makes several faulty assumptions which the presenters of the straw man expects you to take a priori because they do. One of those is the assumption that faith requires supernatural power because of its affect on God. However, this displays an...

This is the point - they didn’t have a sin nature, but sinned nonetheless. If they could act against their nature & sin, why couldn’t we who have a sin nature also act contrary to that nature & behave (albeit not regularly) righteously? Romans 2:14-15 (NASB) 14 For when Gentiles who do not...

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NASB) 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own...

I agree with Revmitchell. The fact that Adam & Eve acted contrary to their unfallen nature and brought sin into a world where sin didn’t exist suggests the Calvinistic interpretation of Rom 8:7 is inadequate.

The “it” in this passage is “to come to the Father” which I would summarize with the term salvation.

Does it list any individuals in the passages on predestination or does it talk about them as a whole group? Why would it irk me when I know how it works and it doesn't work the way you think it does. God predestined the chosen people - the elect. Choosing to believe doesn't' make you...

Insomuch that you can't believe something you've never heard, yes I agree that faith would come through external means. [Rom 10:13-17 NASB] 13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe...

How could you miss that Gal 3:8 says "god preached the gospel" to Abraham. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The gospel is the power of salvation. Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the...

According to your own analysis here, "you have been saved" is the gift. So your own analysis excludes the possibility of the interpretation that faith is the subject or "gift." Rom 5:17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the...

It's not absurd... it's just devastating to your interpretation. It is the most accurate reading though. [Jhn 6:64-65 NASB] 64 "But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. 65 And He...

I agree with Van on this point. Ephesians 2:8 (NASB) For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; It is like saying “by the fireman you were saved through his axe; and that not of yourself, it was a public service.” It would be like saying...

Hebrews 10:35-39 (NASB) 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY...

I’m not sure I understand what your saying.

Why? Those who quote John 6:44 never read on to John 6:64-65 to see WHY they cannot come, and why they are not drawn. John 6:64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. And He was...