The Particular Mercy of God

[Iconoclast]

pt2;
Luke 12:32; Rom 9:11-23; 1 Cor 4:7; 1 Cor 1:25-30.
2. While Christ himself is, in God's electing purpose, chosen as our Head, his mediation is appointed in it, as the mean of executing it, and as the purchasing, procuring, and applying cause of our salvation therein decreed, Isa 42:1-7; Isa 49:1-6; 1 Pet 1:18-21; John 3:16-18; 1 John 3:5,8; 1 John 4:9-10.

3. Christ died for men considered as sinful in themselves, but loved of God, and elected to everlasting life,—that they might obtain it in a way consistent with his honour, Matt 1:21; John 10:10,14-15; John 15:13; Eph 5:2,23,25; Isa 49:3; Isa 42:21. Men were thus elected in Christ to everlasting life from all eternity.

1. It hath been proved, that God decreed all things from all eternity, Acts 15:18.

2. Christ was set up as the mediatorial Head of elect men from all eternity, Ps 2:7-8; 1 Pet 1:20; Prov 8:23-31; Mic 5:2; John 17:24.

3. Elect men were foreknown and chosen to salvation before the foundation of the world, Rom 8:29; Rom 9:11,23; Eph 1:4; 2 Tim 1:9; Titus 1:2; Matt 25:34; Rev 13:8; Jer 31:3; 2 Thess 2:13.—How daring then to give God the lie, and contend, that he elects them only in time, at their death, etc. as their behavior deserves!

And how absurd to assert, that the beginning from which the Thessalonians were chosen, means the beginning of the gospel period.—It is certain, they did not hear the gospel, till not a few years after our Saviour's ascension, and the first erection of the gospel church, Acts 2-17.


God's purpose of election is unchangeable,—none who are elected can fall short of the grace or glory decreed for them, and none that are not elected can obtain it.

1. No unforeseen reason of alteration can occur; nor can any change happen in his own love, power, wisdom, or equity, Acts 15:18; Ps 147:5; Isa 46:10; Mal 3:6; James 1:17.

2. The Scripture peremptorily declares, that all those very persons that were elected, shall obtain that salvation to which they were chosen, Rom 8:28-39; 2 Thess 2:13; 1 Thess 5:9-10; 1 Thess 4:17; 1 Thess 5:23-24; Eph 1:4; John 6:37; John 17:9,12; Rom 11:7; Acts 2:47; Acts 13:48; 2 Tim 2:19; Isa 46:10; Isa 49:14-15; Isa 45:17; Isa 54:8-10; Rev 3:4-5; Matt 25:34; Luke 10:20; John 10:27-29; Heb 6:17-20.—But to anticipate objections, it must be observed,

1. That men whose names were never written in the book of life, may have that plainly manifested, Rev 22:19.

2. Men may be really blotted out of the book of the living on earth,—out of God's comfortable providential care,—out of the number of the visible members of his church,—or out of temporal life, Ps 69:28; Ps 139:16; Ps 87:6; Ezek 13:9; Neh 7:64; Exod 32:32, without any blotting them out of God's purpose of election to everlasting life.

3. By frequent and vigorous actings of faith,—by an holy conversation,—and by much impartial self-examination, we may render our election more certainly evident to our own souls, while we thus enjoy the fruits of it, 2 Pet 1:4-10; 1 Thess 1:4-5; Eph 1:3-9.—But nothing can render it more certain and fixed in itself, as a purpose of the unchangeable God, Job 23:13; Ps 33:11; Isa 14:24,27; Isa 46:10; Rom 9:11; Heb 6:17-18.

God's decree of election may, therefore, be thus described: An act, in which the eternal, unchangeable, infinitely wise, gracious, powerful, faithful, and sovereign God, intending to manifest to men the glory of his own perfections, particularly of his power, wisdom, sovereignty, and free grace,
Rom 11:33; Eph 3:10; Matt 11:26; Matt 20:15-16; Rom 9:15-16,18-23; Rom 11:35-36; Eph 1:5-6; 1 Pet 2:9.—hath in his love foreknown and fore-chosen to the enjoyment of eternal salvation and all its benefits, Rom 8:29-30; 1 Pet 1:2; 2 Tim 2:19; John 3:16; Rom 5:8,21; Rom 9:13; 1 John 4:9-10; Isa 45:17; 1 Cor 1:30.—some persons of mankind,—the smaller number,—and whom he pleased,— as permitted, or to be permitted to fall into sin and misery, from which they could not recover themselves, Matt 20:16; Matt 22:14; 2 Tim 2:19; John 10:26-28; John 13:18; John 17:6,9,12; John 3:16; John 15:19; Rom 8:29; Rom 9:16,18; Rom 5:8,10.—and hath predestinated them unto fellowship with, conformity to, adoption through, and joint heirship and eternal happiness in Christ, Eph 1:3- 5; Rom 8:29.—and without being, in the least, moved to it, by any foreseen qualities or acts of theirs, natural or moral,—hath of his own mere will, sovereign grace, and good pleasure, Matt 11:25-26; Luke 12:32; Rom 9:11,15-16; Eph 1:5-6; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 Cor 1:26-28.—from all eternity, Matt 25:34; Eph 1:4; 2 Tim 1:9; Rev 13:8.—chosen them in Christ as their Head, Prov 8:23,31; Eph 1:4; 2 Tim 1:9.—in infinite

 

[Iconoclast]

pt3
—chosen them in Christ as their Head, Prov 8:23,31; Eph 1:4; 2 Tim 1:9.—in infinite mercy and compassion hath unalterably ordained and appointed them to be partakers of eternal salvation, life, and happiness through him, Rom 9:11,15-16,18,23; 2 Tim 1:9; 2 Tim 2:19; Acts 13:48; 1 Thess 5:9-10; 1 Thess 4:17; Isa 45:17; Rom 11:29.—and hath inscribed their names in his book of life, Luke 10:20; Rev 3:5; Rev 17:8; Rev 13:8; Rev 20:12; Rev 21:27; Phil 4:3; Isa 4:3.—thus distinguishing them from the rest of mankind, who are left to perish in their sinfulness and misery, 1 Cor 4:7; Rom 9:11-13; Eph 1:4.—and hath in that same wise and unchangeable counsel, appointed the mediation of Christ, an interest in his righteousness, effectual calling, faith, and holiness, as means of their obtaining and improving that eternal life,—that so his inflexible justice and infinite mercy may harmoniously shine forth therein, John 3:16-17; 1 John 3:5,8; 1 John 4:9-10; John 10:10- 11,15,26-29; John 17:4,6,9; Eph 1:4; Eph 5:2,23-27; Col 1:19; Col 2:3,9-13; 2 Tim 1:9; 2 Tim 2:10,19; Isa 45:17,22,24-25; Acts 13:48; 2 Thess 2:13; Rom 4:16; Mark 16:16; Heb 11:6; Heb 12:14.

 

[Iconoclast]

pt4;
Objection I. "Such a scheme of election renders God a respecter of persons, contrary to Acts 10:34; Job 34:11,19; Deut 10:17-18; 2 Chron 19:7; Col 3:24-25; Rom 2:11; 1 Pet 1:17."

Answer 1. It no more represents him as a respecter of persons than his actual saving of some men, and not of any devils, and his giving to some temporal privileges or eternal salvation, which he doth not bestow on others as deserving.

2. In his purpose of election, God shews no respect to persons on account of their being Jews or Gentiles, poor or rich, great or small, in the world, which is the meaning of these texts, but acts from his own sovereign love and free grace.

3. If God should choose or reprobate, save or damn men, as their free will is pleased to exert itself, then, indeed, he would be a respecter of persons. Objection II. "In the declarations of the gospel, which are an extract of God's purpose of election, eternal salvation is suspended on our faith, sincere obedience, and final perseverance in holiness, Mark 16:16; John 3:16,18,36; Rev 22:14; Rev 2:7,11,17,26-28; Rev 3:5,12,21; Gal 6:9; Matt 24:13; Rom 2:7,10; Isa 1:19; Isa 3:10."

Answer 1. Not one of these declarations represents God's electing decree in the conditions of its establishment, but merely exhibits the connection fixed in it between the different fruits of it, or the parts and degrees of salvation.

2. Faith, sincere obedience, and perseverance in holiness, are not proper conditions on which our eternal happiness is suspended; but being necessary fruits of election, means of, and preparations for happiness, they characterize the persons who have been elected and shall be glorified, John 10:27- 29; Acts 13:48; 1 Thess 1:4-5; 2 Thess 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2; Eph 1:4; Rom 8:29-30.

Objection III. "An absolute, unconditional, and unchangeable election of particular persons to eternal happiness, enervates and renders altogether unprofitable the whole preaching and ordinances of the gospel, with all the good endeavours of mankind, and encourages them to sloth and wickedness,—for, if they be elected, they will certainly be saved, do what they will; and if they be not elected they will not be saved, let them do what they can."

Answer 1. As in this decree the means of happiness are fixed along with, and inseparably from the end, it is highly absurd to contend, that the fixing the end will render the means unnecessary or unprofitable.

2. Even in the common affairs of life, they who believe that God hath unalterably foreordained all things which come to pass, are as diligent in their lawful employments, and as careful to provide and use food, raiment, houses, medicine, etc. as others who do not.

3. No man hath any reason to expect eternal happiness, but in the way of a diligent attendance on, and improvement of the ordinances of the gospel, public, private, and secret, according to his capacity and opportunity,—and of earnest and persevering endeavours to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord, Rom 10:17; Isa 55:1-7; Matt 7:7,13- 14; Matt 6:33, Luke 13:24; Prov 8:17,34-36; 2 Pet 1:3-11; Heb 11:6; Heb 12:14; 1 Cor 15:58; 2 Cor 7:1.

4. No man can have any evidence of his being elected by God, without an active study of holiness in all manner of conversation, 2 Pet 1:3-10; 2 Tim 2:19; Eph 1:4; Col 1:22; 2 Thess 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2.

5. Though our diligent attendance on gospel ordinances, our faith, repentance, or new obedience, cannot, in the least, promote God's making choice of us, and electing us to eternal life, as that was fixed long before we existed,—yet they mightily promote the execution of his electing purpose in our actual enjoyment of all the benefits of that salvation to which we were, from eternity, elected, Phil 2:12-13; 1 Cor 9:24-27; 1 Cor 15:58; Rom 5:1-5; Ps 19:11; Ps 84:7,11-12; Job 17:9; Prov 4:18; 2 Tim 4:7-8; Rev 3:7,12,21.

6. It is impossible for men cordially to believe the giving, the redeeming, the electing love of God, without being thereby delightfully constrained, and effectually animated to an earnest care of their salvation, and an active study of faith and holiness. Nor are we, the friends of unconditional election, afraid to compare practices with our opponents when they please, if they will but admit the exceeding broad law of God, in both its tables, to be the rule and standard of judgment, 1 Thess 1:3-10; Gal 2:19-20; 2 Tim 1:9; 2 Tim 2:19; 1 Cor 15:10; 1 Thess 2:1-10.

 

[Iconoclast]

pt5
Objection IV. "An unconditional unalterable election of particular persons of mankind to everlasting life, is inconsistent with the wisdom, goodness, and integrity of God."

Answer 1. If God, in providence, bring particular persons of mankind to everlasting life, it is but absurd blasphemy to rail at his fixed election of them to it in his eternal purpose, as if that were contrary to his nature.

2. If it be consistent with the perfections of God to choose particular angels, and render them eternally happy, how can it be inconsistent with them, that some particular men should be elected and rendered eternally happy?

3. Not an unconditional, but a conditional election of men is manifestly inconsistent with, and disgraceful to God's wisdom, goodness, and integrity. His wisdom is infinitely more brightly displayed in that election which, without hurting a single creature, infallibly secures the salvation of thousands of millions, Rev 7:9, than in that which leaves matters so loose and undetermined, that Christ may die for all men,—intercede to his uttermost for them, and bestow all his ordinances upon them, and the Holy Ghost, with all his might, strive with each of them to no purpose,—their whole happiness depending on the proper exertions of their free will, a carnal mind, enmity against God, a heart deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.—It is infinitely more kind and gracious, unalterably to purpose to exert his almighty power, and other perfections, in order effectually to bestow that grace and glory, which are necessary to make them for ever holy and happy, upon unnumbered millions, than merely to resolve to give all men an infinitely improbable, nay impossible chance of being happy,—that is, to prepare happiness for them, upon condition that their desperately wicked heart convert itself to believe the gospel, love God, and persevere till death in all holy obedience to him; and meanwhile scarcely give the hundredth part of them the smallest hint of his proposals.—God in his word hath candidly declared, that of the many who are called by the gospel, few are chosen, and that few find the way that leadeth to eternal life, while many walk in the broad way which leadeth to destruction, Matt 20:16; Matt 22:14; Matt 7:13-14, and in Christian countries few, very few, bear the characters of saintship marked in his word.—How can our affirming that which is so manifest in his word and in his providence, be an impeachment of his candour?—If, in the declarations of the gospel, he assure men that it is both their duty and interest to believe in Jesus Christ for their eternal salvation, how is it an impeachment of his candour, to maintain that this indispensable rule of our duty to him is not necessarily the rule of his providential conduct toward us?—or to maintain, that he cannot inform us of our duty, without divulging to us his most secret purposes? It is time enough for us to claim the same rule of conduct with Jehovah, when our free will hath transformed our mean and desperately wicked nature into true Godhead.

II. With respect to the reprobation of men, it may be observed,

I. That God purposed to permit sin. 1. This the Scripture expressly affirms, Gen 50:20; Acts 2:23-24; Acts 4:27-28; hence,

2. He hath foretold multitudes of evil actions, Gen 15:16; Deut 31:16,20,29; Deut 32:6,15-21; Isa 1; Isa 5; Isa 10; Jer 25; Rev 6; Rev 8-9; Rev 11-13; 2 Tim 3:1-6,13; 2 Thess 2:3-12. 3. In time God actually permits much sin, Acts 14:16; 2 Thess 2:9-11; Gen 50:20; Gen 45:5,7; Ps 81:12; Rom 1:21-32. No sin, which hath been, or is in the world, can be said to have happened without his foreknowledge of it, Acts 15:18; Isa 46:10- 11; Ps 147:5, or, notwithstanding all that his infinite power could have done to prevent and hinder it, Gen 18:14; Jer 32:17,27; Matt 19:26. Nay, his permission of it tends to the honour of his absolute sovereignty, infinite wisdom, holiness, and justice,—and to the advantage of established angels and men. II. God in his predestinating purpose, left some men unelected to perish in their sin, to the praise of the glory of his justice.

1. The Scriptures plainly declare this, Prov 16:4. (where pahhhal, hath made, signifies to appoint, ordain, prepare, Exod 15:17; Ps 31:19, even as poieo, Mark 3:14; Heb 3:2.) 1 Pet 2:8. (where stumbling denotes sinning) Jude 4. (where krima, condemnation, denotes the sinful cause of condemnation or what is criminal) John 9:39; Rev 13:8; 2 Cor 4:3-4; Rom 9:13-22; 1 Thess 5:9; 2 Thess 2:10-12-13. 2. In God's providence, which is an exact copy of his decree, Acts 15:18; Isa 46:10; Eph 1:11; Ps 33:11, multitudes appear plainly left to perish in their sin, Matt 7:13-14; 2 Thess 2:10-12; 2 Thess 1:8-9; Rev 13:3,8; Rev 17:17; Ps 9:17. Millions of fallen angels had never a Saviour provided for them, Jude 6; 2 Pet 2:4. Hundreds of millions of men, for many ages, have never been informed of the method of redemption through Christ, Ps 147:19-20; Prov 29:18; Eph 2:12; Acts 14:16; Acts 17:30.—The far greater part of those that hear the gospel, or at least are called Christians, are, by their rejection of it, ripened for hell, Matt 20:16; Matt 22:14; Matt 7:13-14; John 10:26; John 12:39-40; 2 Cor 4:3-4; Isa 6:9-10; Acts 28:26-27; Phil 3:18-19; 2 Tim 3:1-5; Rev 13:3,8; Rev 14:9-11.

III. It follows that certain particular persons have been, in God's decree, appointed to wrath, Mal 1:2-3; Rom 9:11-18; 1 Thess 5:9; Jude 4; were never favourably known by God, Matt 7:23; were never appointed or ordained to eternal life, Rev 13:8; Rev 17:8.—Nay, particular election of some necessarily infers a particular reprobation of others.—In which act of reprobation is included,

1. God's passing by certain persons, leaving them unelected, Matt 7:23; Rev 13:8; Rev 17:8.

2. A pre-appointment of them to undergo his just wrath, to be inflicted on them as the punishment of their foreseen sinfulness, 1 Thess 5:9. But it must be remarked, that though men's sins be foreseen and viewed in God's pre-appointment of them unto wrath, as the cause of their condemnation and punishment, yet they are not the cause of his leaving them unelected to perish in their sin; for,

1. Reprobates are no worse by nature than those that are elected, 1 Cor 1:26-27; 1 Cor 4:7; John 13:18; Eph 2:1-3.

2. Their practice was foreseen as no worse than that of many elected persons before their conversion, 1 Cor 6:9-11; Eph 2:1-13; 1 Tim 1:13,16; Titus 2:3-6.

3. The wickedness of unelected men is represented as the consequence, though not the proper effect of their reprobation, 2 Cor 4:3; John 10:26; John 12:39; 1 Pet 2:8-9; Jude 4; Rev 13:8.

 

[ad finitum]

You speculate about Satan and God's ordination of his rebellion.

Speculation? That doesn't follow. For the Calvinist, the whole point of foreknowledge and predestination is to serve notice as a demonstration and a proof that man has no part whatsoever in his salvation. Those two terms alone suffice for the Calvinist to make that argument.

But the fact that Satan's free will choice was foreknown and his fate predestined contradicts Calvinist doctrine that free will can have no part in anything when God's foreknowledge and predestination are in force.

Matthew 7 is the latter part of the sermon on the mount, addressed to the covenant people of Israel. Every covenant child of God has the capacity to go into the throne room of God and seek his audience.

Of course, that's a valid argument here (mostly). But one has to wonder that a Calvinist would resort to context, and do so correctly. Does it depend upon what use can be made of Jesus' speeches? Not all of them can be turned to the purpose.

The fact is that every public speech made by Jesus is directed to and is with reference to the house of Israel and not talking about the heathen except to say that they are dogs who are not eligible to consult Him for healing -- only relenting when their faith proves so much greater and surprising than that expressed by any soul then counted as the chosen people of Israel.

So how is John 6:44 handled? For the purposes of interpretation, context and mission suddenly become off-limits. Why? In fact, as we saw in Acts (regarding an issue of the passive versus middle voice) the verse in John has context that spans entire chapters, which informs our understanding of Jesus' meaning and the nature and specific methods of God's drawing "all men", of the house of Israel, to the identification of their long-expected Messiah (read the previous chapters). He draws them by His word (you know, the Old Testament -- the heathen don't read it). The Calvinist vociferously rejects all of this context.

Nevertheless, interpretation from context removes this error in our thinking and as a result our understanding is enriched and our realization of God's thinking, more profound.

 

[1689Dave]

So if God foreknew that Lucifer would rebel, and so predestined him for the lake of fire... Oh, wait a minute. Lucifer rebelled of his own free will, yet was foreknown and predestined.

Likewise for human beings, being foreknown and predestined does not mean they don't have free will. So any time someone tries to imply that humans can't use free will to seek God, they can be safely ignored.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? -- Matthew 7:7-11​

Humans cannot even control their tongues. If they had free will, they could be sinless.

 

[MB]

In light of many falsehoods being offered, I thought a truth antidote needed to be inserted here!

In the decree of election, God doth not fix conditions of eternal life, and choose such as will fulfil them, but he sets apart particular persons to be infallibly made partakers of eternal salvation.

1. Particular persons, as hath been just stated, have their names written in the book of life, Luke 10:20; Rev 13:8; Rev 20:12; Rev 21:27; Isa 4:3, etc.

2. Some men are represented as particularly and personally chosen to everlasting life, Eph 1:4-6; Matt 20:16; Matt 22:14; John 10:3,26-27; John 13:18; John 17:9; John 6:37; Acts 13:48; Acts 18:10; Rom 8:28-30; Rom 9:13,23; Rom 11:5,7; 1 Thess 1:4; 1 Thess 5:9; 2Thess 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2; 1 Pet 2:9; 2 Tim 1:9; 2 Tim 2:10.

3. The infallible and unalterable connection between election, redemption, and eternal salvation, necessarily requires that those very persons, who are actually saved, must have been elected to obtain that salvation, Ps 33:11; Isa 14:24,27; Isa 46:10; Rom 8:28-39; Rom 9:11- 13,23; John 10:15-16,27-29. God's election of these particular persons is absolute, proceeding wholly and only from his own infinitely wise and sovereign will and good pleasure; and altogether independent on their foreseen faith or good works.


1. The Scripture represents his election of them as merely depending on his own will, and as purposed in himself, Luke 12:32; Luke 10:21; Matt 11:25-26; Rom 9:11-13,16,18; Rom 11:5-6; Eph 1:5,9,11; Deut 7:8; Deut 9:4; Deut 10:15; 2 Tim 1:9.

2. God, who chooses them, is absolutely sovereign in his disposal of his favours, Gen 6:5; Gen 8:21; Dan 4:35; Isa 57:17-18; Isa 43:24-25; Rom 5:20- 21; Rom 9:15-16,18,20-21; Ps 115:3; Ps 135:6; Job 33:13.

3. He could foresee no moral goodness in fallen and corrupted men, as moving Him to elect them to everlasting happiness, Gen 6:5; Gen 8:21; Ps 5:9-10; Ps 14:1-4; Isa 59:1-15; Rom 1:21-32; Rom 3:10-19,23; Rom 5:12; Rom 8:7-8; Titus 3:3; Jer 13:23; Jer 17:9; Eph 2:1-3; Eph 4:17- 19; Job 14:4; Job 15:14,16; Matt 15:19.

4. No true faith or holy obedience, but what God himself works in them, can be found in any man, Phil 1:29; Phil 2:13; Eph 2:4-10; 2 Thess 1:11; James 1:17; 1 Cor 4:7; 2 Cor 3:5; Isa 26:12; Ps 57:2. Now God's own work in time can never be the condition of his choosing us before time to eternal life.

5. Our faith and holiness are the fruits of God's election of us; and hence can never be the cause or condition of it, Acts 13:48; 1 Thess 1:4-5; 2 Thess 2:13; John 8:47; John 10:26-27; Eph 1:4; 1 Pet 1:2.

6. Our faith and holiness are properly parts of our salvation largely taken, and evidences that we are in the state and begun possession of it. And hence they are not so much as proper conditions of salvation, but means of receiving or improving it, and of preparing for the full enjoyment of it, Titus 3:5-7; Rom 7:4; Rom 6:14. How absurd then to suppose them conditions of God's electing us to that salvation!

7. If God's election of men to everlasting life depended on his foresight of their faith and good works, his redeeming love could be no such distinguished favour as the Scripture represents it, John 3:16; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:9-10,19; Jer 3:19; Jer 31:3; Job 35:7; Job 41:11; Deut 10:11; 1 Cor 1:29; 1 Cor 4:7; Eph 1:6; Eph 2:7; Rom 9:15-16,18; Rom 5:8,20-21.

8. So far are our good works from being the conditions upon which God elected us to everlasting life, that the making them procuring causes of our salvation is represented as altogether eversive of the grace of God therein manifested, Rom 4:4; Rom 11:6; Rom 9:16; Gal 2:21; Gal 5:2,4.

Men are chosen by God to everlasting life in Jesus Christ, as their representing Head.

1. Our election is expressly represented as in him, as our new covenant Head, and the great mean of the execution of that decree, Eph 1:4; Eph 3:11; 2 Tim 1:9; Titus 1:2.

2. The effects of our election are all enjoyed in Christ—as redemption, Eph 1:7; Col 1:14; 1 Cor 1:30; Rom 3:24-25;—effectual calling, Phil 3:14;— justification, Isa 45:24-25; 1 Cor 1:30; 2 Cor 5:21.—adoption; Gal 3:26;—regeneration and sanctification, Eph 2:10; 1 Cor 1:2; Acts 26:18; 1 Cor 1:30.—preservation in grace, Jude 1; Col 3:3; John 14:19; John 10:28; John 15:5,7,—spiritual comfort, John 14:18; 2 Cor 1:5; 2 Thess 2:16-17;—and glorification, Rom 8:15-18; Eph 2:6; Isa 45:17,25; Isa 60:19; Col 3:3-4.

3. Without supposing our election to everlasting life in Christ as our Head, God's putting our stock of holiness and happiness in Adam, as our covenant-head, could not be so clearly vindicated, Rom 5:12-21; 1 Cor 15:21-22.—Nor does it appear, how we could have been recovered, quickened, justified, or sanctified by him, if we had not been chosen in him, Rom 3:10-26; John 5:25-26; Acts 3:15,26; Rom 8:1-2; 1 John 5:12; John 14:19; Col 1:19; Col 2:9-10,13; Eph 2:10; Eph 3:17,19; Heb 2:12-16; 1 Cor 6:17; Titus 3:5.—

But, though we were chosen in Christ as our Head, yet his mediatorial office and work are not the cause of our election, but only the cause of that salvation which we were chosen to obtain.


1. It hath been proved, that our election proceeds from the mere sovereign will of God.—It was of his mere free favour, that any men were elected to everlasting life. It was of his mere good pleasure, that such particular persons, and not others, were elected, Matt 11:25-26 Luke 12:32; Rom 9:11-23; 1 Cor 4:7; 1 Cor 1:25-30.

2. While Christ himself is, in God's electing purpose, chosen as our Head, his mediation is appointed in it, as the mean of executing it, and as the purchasing, procuring, and applying cause of our salvation therein decreed, Isa 42:1-7; Isa 49:1-6; 1 Pet 1:18-21; John 3:16-18; 1 John 3:5,8; 1 John 4:9-10.

3. Christ died for men considered as sinful in themselves, but loved of God, and elected to everlasting life,—that they might obtain it in a way consistent with his honour, Matt 1:21; John 10:10,14-15; John 15:13; Eph 5:2,23,25; Isa 49:3; Isa 42:21.

Of God, the Author, Object, and End of All Religion;
John Brown

In this post you make God a respecter of persons a true contradiction to scripture. IOW's it's as false as it can be.
MB

 

[Bible Scanned]

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
~ Romans 8:28-30

This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 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 depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
~ Romans 9:8,10-13,15-16

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
~ Romans 10:17-20

“Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.”
~ Romans 11:3-8

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
~ 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me,is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
~ John 10:25-29

It is the Creator, God, who particularily determined who his promised children are. It is by His mercy that a person believes. It is by the grace of God that anyone believes. Nowhere do we see that it is by the will of man that a person believes. It is always by the merciful choice of God that a person believes.

Greetings, AustinC. I'm new here, and this is my first post after my introduction Post. So now I'm introducing myself to you too

Predestination is said in Revelation 13:8 and Revelation 17:8 to be from the foundation of the world because Adam (mankind) did not, like Christ, exist before the foundation of the world.

* Jesus is foreknown before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20).
* Those who are in Christ through faith in Him have been predestined from the foundation of the world unto salvation (Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8; Ephesians 1:5; Revelation 20:15; John 3:18; John 3:6-7)

1 Corinthians 15
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

I believe that 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 should cause us to understand that before the foundation of the world, God chose Adam (mankind) to be saved in Christ, who is called both the second man and the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15: 45, 47); and He (Christ) existed before the foundation of the world, and is the son of Man because He is the last Adam who represents all those who are found in Him through faith in Him:

Ephesians 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:

1 Peter 1
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.

I believe that though God knows, and God knew beforehand who would respond to His calling, the scriptures below should bring us to understand that God nevertheless chooses not to assume that any individual born into the world will not respond to His calling, because:

John 3
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

@AustinC Edited in: They were not condemned before the foundation of the world due to God's choice.

2 Peter 3
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Matthew 22
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

I believe that a doctrine which teaches that God would only call those whom were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, flies against the doctrine that we are all sons of Adam, who sinned and died, and is tantamount to saying that many Adams were created, some chosen, some not.

But we know that this is not the case, because we know that Adam was created, and Adam was not a robot programmed beforehand to refuse the Word of God when tempted by Satan (because Adam & Eve had to disbelieve the Word of God regarding the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good & evil in order to believe the lie of the devil).

 

[37818]

@Bible Scanned
First, welcome to the BB.

God's foreknowledge precedes His creation. Titus 1:2, ". . . In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; . . ." And Ephesians 1:4, ". . .According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, . . ."

 

[Bible Scanned]

@Bible Scanned
First, welcome to the BB.

Thank you

God's foreknowledge precedes His creation. Titus 1:2, ". . . In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; . . ." And Ephesians 1:4, ". . .According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, . . ."

Yes, I agree. This is why Christ was foreordained to die on behalf of Adam and all the sons of Adam who inherited all Adam's sin and death, and then to rise again. God's gift of salvation is something that we only begin to truly appreciate (at those times when) we are filled with the Spirit, and then we still don't have any idea of what a great gift it is, although we are filled with gratitude.

So I believe God foreknew which of the sons of Adam would hear and repent and believe and submit to Christ, but I don't see how this makes it less the individual choices of the sons of Adam and more the choice of God to save only some and not others. I believe that the ark Noah built is the type of Christ, the Ark of our salvation:

Hebrews 11
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

So those who never entered the ark of their salvation through their unbelief, perished - and it was their unbelief that condemned them:

John 3:17
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God."

John 12:31-32
"Now is the judgement of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to Myself."

Revelation 12:9-11
"And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent called Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a great voice saying in Heaven,

Now has come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul to the death."

 

[MB]

Thank you

Yes, I agree. This is why Christ was foreordained to die on behalf of Adam and all the sons of Adam who inherited all Adam's sin and death, and then to rise again. God's gift of salvation is something that we only begin to truly appreciate (at those times when) we are filled with the Spirit, and then we still don't have any idea of what a great gift it is, although we are filled with gratitude.

I can only agree in part because there is nothing that tells us we inherited Adam's sin. Because of Adam, sin and death entered the world this is true but to inherit sin goes against scripture that we are not responsible for someone else's sin. An inheritance makes Adam's sin mine. Adam's sin belong's to Adam. Can you show any scripture that says we have inherited Adam's sin? I admit we all suffer because of Adam's sin but those sins still belong to Adam. Just like sinners of today sin hurts us all but this does not make us responsible for the sins of other sinners.

MB

 

[AustinC]

Greetings, AustinC. I'm new here, and this is my first post after my introduction Post. So now I'm introducing myself to you too

Predestination is said in Revelation 13:8 and Revelation 17:8 to be from the foundation of the world because Adam (mankind) did not, like Christ, exist before the foundation of the world.

* Jesus is foreknown before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20).
* Those who are in Christ through faith in Him have been predestined from the foundation of the world unto salvation (Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8; Ephesians 1:5; Revelation 20:15; John 3:18; John 3:6-7)

1 Corinthians 15
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

I believe that 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 should cause us to understand that before the foundation of the world, God chose Adam (mankind) to be saved in Christ, who is called both the second man and the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15: 45, 47); and He (Christ) existed before the foundation of the world, and is the son of Man because He is the last Adam who represents all those who are found in Him through faith in Him:

Ephesians 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:

1 Peter 1
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.

I believe that though God knows, and God knew beforehand who would respond to His calling, the scriptures below should bring us to understand that God nevertheless chooses not to assume that any individual born into the world will not respond to His calling, because:

John 3
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

@AustinC Edited in: They were not condemned before the foundation of the world due to God's choice.

2 Peter 3
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Matthew 22
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

I believe that a doctrine which teaches that God would only call those whom were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, flies against the doctrine that we are all sons of Adam, who sinned and died, and is tantamount to saying that many Adams were created, some chosen, some not.

But we know that this is not the case, because we know that Adam was created, and Adam was not a robot programmed beforehand to refuse the Word of God when tempted by Satan (because Adam & Eve had to disbelieve the Word of God regarding the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good & evil in order to believe the lie of the devil).

Here's where we will disagree.
You wrote:

I believe that though God knows, and God knew beforehand who would respond to His calling, the scriptures below should bring us to understand that God nevertheless chooses not to assume that any individual born into the world will not respond to His calling,

When I read the bold, I see you presenting a God who leaves things out of control and hopes in the chaos that humans will wilfully choose Him over other Gods.

Paul tells us throughout the first 11 chapters of Romans that no one in the flesh will ever do that and indeed they cannot. Therefore Paul tells us about election and predestination, starting in Romans 8, and lays out that God chose Jacob and not Esau, before they had ever done anything wrong (Romans 9). Such election is from before the foundation of the world. Jesus tells us in John 6, 10 and 17 that only the sheep his Father has given him will hear his voice. Jesus tells us that he will ransom everyone of his sheep and not one will perish (2 Peter 3:9 is a promise to the elect, not a universal statement to all mankind. The context of 2 Peter 2 and 3 confirms this interpretation.).

The mercy of God is particular to his elect.

 

[Iconoclast]

Thank you

Yes, I agree. This is why Christ was foreordained to die on behalf of Adam and all the sons of Adam who inherited all Adam's sin and death, and then to rise again. God's gift of salvation is something that we only begin to truly appreciate (at those times when) we are filled with the Spirit, and then we still don't have any idea of what a great gift it is, although we are filled with gratitude.

So I believe God foreknew which of the sons of Adam would hear and repent and believe and submit to Christ, but I don't see how this makes it less the individual choices of the sons of Adam and more the choice of God to save only some and not others. I believe that the ark Noah built is the type of Christ, the Ark of our salvation:

Hebrews 11
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

So those who never entered the ark of their salvation through their unbelief, perished - and it was their unbelief that condemned them:

John 3:17
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God."

John 12:31-32
"Now is the judgement of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to Myself."

Revelation 12:9-11
"And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent called Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a great voice saying in Heaven,

Now has come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul to the death."

Welcome to BB.
Consider Hebrews 2:16, it does not say He took upon Himself the sons of Adam....but rather it declares He took upon Himself THE SEED OF ABRAHAM.
It was a Covenant death.Now look at all the fine scripture you have offered and see how this blends in very nicely.

 

[37818]

I can only agree in part because there is nothing that tells us we inherited Adam's sin.

So you believe only Adam and Eve had the knowledge of good and evil? And the decents of Adam and Eve were born sinless?

 

[ad finitum]

Humans cannot even control their tongues. If they had free will, they could be sinless.

There is a difference between choosing to attempt something and the success of the attempt. Failure to succeed is not the same has having no free will to desire success. We might struggle against the flesh and fail, but the desire to overcome it is an attitude of free will. So there is nothing to prevent man from choosing to seek God after understanding the witness of creation. To those who seek, God will not fail to reveal his Gospel at which point the seeker has another choice to make, whether or not to believe the Gospel. Many turn back at this point but some do not turn away but believe. God saves those who choose to believe.

God foreknew all who would believe and He created a Divine destiny for them (He predestined them).

 

[Iconoclast]

In this post you make God a respecter of persons a true contradiction to scripture. IOW's it's as false as it can be.
MB

Your false and empty reply demonstrates why you cannot find truth on these matters.
Not one thing quoted suggests what you say.
Have you worked through the quote with an open bible considering the verses.....no.
Can you go over line by line and show what you object to....no.
Why not try something?
Post on other topics and offer something biblically valuable.
That might try and establish some credibility which you do not have.
Show you can make biblical sense in contrast to trying to throw stones at bible believers who are Calvinists.
The quote offered has many verses....you offer none.

 

[MB]

So you believe only Adam and Eve had the knowledge of good and evil? And the decents of Adam and Eve were born sinless?

I didn't know evil until I was old enough to understand it. I do believe Children are born in sin but not born sinners. Sin is something we learn about from others, it is not an inheritance. Can you show scripture supporting that we are born to sin? or that we are in fact according to scripture are born sinners .All I ask is prove it with scripture and I'll believe it. I do not believe you can.
.
MB

 

[MB]

Your false and empty reply demonstrates why you cannot find truth on these matters.
Not one thing quoted suggests what you say.
Have you worked through the quote with an open bible considering the verses.....no.
Can you go over line by line and show what you object to....no.
Why not try something?
Post on other topics and offer something biblically valuable.
That might try and establish some credibility which you do not have.
Show you can make biblical sense in contrast to trying to throw stones at bible believers who are Calvinists.
The quote offered has many verses....you offer none
.

Truth is what it is all about and what you believe is the made up philosophy of Calvinism. You simply don't have any truth.
MB

 

[Iconoclast]

Truth is what it is all about and what you believe is the made up philosophy of Calvinism. You simply don't have any truth.
MB

You remain in the dark because you do not read with any comprehension.
Post#23 answered you foolish respecter of persons, weak, lame response.
You did not read it did you?? Of course you did not.
You will go on in your error turning from light to darkness.

By failing to understand the fall into sin and death,there is no chance you are going to get the rest of the bible correct.It cannot happen as your posts demonstrate.

 

[Iconoclast]

Truth is what it is all about and what you believe is the made up philosophy of Calvinism. You simply don't have any truth.
MB

The links I post are loaded with scriptural truth.
They are intended to be food for the sheep.
You have no appetite for truth.
Perhaps you can search out those other websites that offer goat food and carnal philosophy.