evangelist-7
New Member
Before the foundation of the world, God “elected” certain people to be His (Ephesians 1:4).
God knew who would be willing to be sanctified unto holiness (He knows peoples’ hearts).
Note: even born-again Christians can refuse to be sanctified, and fall away from the faith.
This is where the election and free-will verses fit together.
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction,
and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way
which leads to (eternal) life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
You will see below that this is NOT talking about many non-Christians vs. a few Christians.
This is talking about many non-Christians vs. the few God’s elect Christians!
Let’s start with Jesus’ Great Commission
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations …
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;
and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus commanded them to make real disciples: not just believers, not born-again ones, etc.
There is only one type of true Christian, and that is a true disciple.
And Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would always be with all disciples forever.
Next, let’s be clear about Ephesians
Ephesians talks about predestination, election, the sealing of the believer as a guarantee, etc.
But, all of these great and glorious promises are only for those who are faithful.
Ephesians 1:1 “Paul … to the saints who are in Ephesus, and (who are) faithful in Christ Jesus …”
Jesus warns to count the cost
“… which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has
enough to finish it … whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:27-33)
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross (die to self), and follow Me.
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26)
”He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:25)
“life” means worldly life ---- “My sake” means Christ’s desires ---- “it” means eternal spiritual life
Holiness is required
“… but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written,
“Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)
“… He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love …” (Ephesians 1:4)
“… to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight, if indeed you continue
in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel …” (Colossians 1: 22-23)
More verses: 2 Timothy 1:9, 2 Peter 3:11, Romans 12:1, Ephesians 5:26-27, 1 Peter 2:5-9, Rev. 20:6, 21:8
Perfection is required
“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” ( Matthew 5:48)
“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom,
that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”(Colossians 1:28)
“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete …” (James 1:4)
More verses: John 17:22-23, Galatians 3:3-4, Ephesians 4:13, Hebrews 10:1
Forgiveness is critical
“… if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you
your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
(Mark 11:25-26, Matthew 6:14-15)
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said
to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’ ” (Matthew 18:21-22)
“And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay
all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you -- if each of you,
from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Matthew 18:34-35)
“If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” (Luke 17:3)
Born-again Christians die every day who haven’t tried very hard to be perfect and holy.
And many died who had unforgiveness towards someone! They’re all in hell right now!
I often wondered if all of this had to do with heavenly rewards … but NO, it does not!
“… the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate,
for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and
murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars,
for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine …” (1 Timothy 1:9-10)
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived.
Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous,
nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life,
and may enter through the gates into the city (New Jerusalem). But outside are dogs and sorcerers
and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” (Rev. 22:14-15)
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him
and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words …” (John 14:23-24)
Is anyone going to Heaven to see Jesus who does not love Him?
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