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What is eternal life?

Protestant

Well-Known Member
If this is so, why then do those who claim this enlightenment even bother to debate the doctrine of election with those whom they are convinced do not have this knowledge?

HankD

Excellent question. I'll let the Apostle Paul answer:

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:14-17)

The miracle healings by Jesus proved it is God alone who opens deaf ears and blind eyes. By that same mighty power God gives spiritual ears to hear and spiritual eyes to see.....all according to His good pleasure. Our mission is to plant and/or water, but it is God who gives the increase.

"For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10-11)
 

Protestant

Well-Known Member
He was, "of my sheep."


Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Acts 10:32

Peter spoke and told him how he and family would be saved.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Acts 10:39,40

The death and resurrection of Jesus is the faith heard of by which anyone who is saved was/is saved.

As you posted. 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. Acts 11:14

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.------Why did the Holy Spirit fall on them. Because God was setting them apart as believers unto salvation therefore God gave them the Holy Spirit as a result of their: This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Gal. 3:2

They heard of the faith by which salvation comes to man and were given the Holy Spirit.

Yes, indeed. Cornelius was one of Christ's sheep who was from another fold.....the Gentile fold.

"As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." (John 10:15-16)

Notice Christ does not say they are my sheep because they hear my voice. Rather He says they hear my voice because they are my sheep....i.e., my elect, my chosen ones.
 

DrJamesAch

New Member
Your exegesis would possibly be correct if the verses quoted in my OP were excluded from the Bible (as well as many more similar verses). The verses cited say nothing of man's natural ability to believe. These verses clearly state the origin of their believing: a supernatural revelation from God whereby He reveals Himself. Unless the Lord does so, man will be left in his natural state of unbelief.

This sudden, supernatural revelation is exemplified in the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. Obviously, the Lord does not choose to reveal Himself to most Christians in such a dramatic way. But this I do know....all Christians born of the Spirit know their revelation came from God and that they in no way caused it, cooperated with it, or deserved it. The Spirit of God teaches them, through Scripture, the true cause of their salvation: the inscrutable will of God who, in eternity, decided/determined/purposed to have mercy and compassion upon them, independent of anything in the sinner which might move God to reveal Himself.

The sovereignty of God in Election taught in His Word cannot be believed and embraced by the world nor by professing Christians not yet born of God.

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:11-13)

If man doesn't have the natural ability to believe, then why isn't every unsaved person on the planet locked up in a mental institution because they don't BELIEVE it's safe to walk out of the house without getting shot or captured by aliens? They don't believe they're spouse loves them. They don't believe they are even real. They don't believe there is a creation (even though Romans 1:17 says they do). They don't believe in being good (even though Romans 2 says they show the law of God demonstrated from their conscience).

With all of this inability to believe, it's a wonder there are any unsaved people on Earth AT ALL :)
 

DrJamesAch

New Member
This is indeed the case....some protest this but to no avail.

Why don't you cowards quit beating around the bush and just admit that you don't believe anyone but a Calvinist is saved. It's getting ready old to hear all of this clandestine rhetoric saying it all but straight-forward. Good night just be honest for once in your lives.
 

MB

Well-Known Member
If man doesn't have the natural ability to believe, then why isn't every unsaved person on the planet locked up in a mental institution because they don't BELIEVE it's safe to walk out of the house without getting shot or captured by aliens? They don't believe they're spouse loves them. They don't believe they are even real. They don't believe there is a creation (even though Romans 1:17 says they do). They don't believe in being good (even though Romans 2 says they show the law of God demonstrated from their conscience).

With all of this inability to believe, it's a wonder there are any unsaved people on Earth AT ALL :)

Especially since it is God's will that all come to Him.
A men
ia
 

Protestant

Well-Known Member
If man doesn't have the natural ability to believe, then why isn't every unsaved person on the planet locked up in a mental institution because they don't BELIEVE it's safe to walk out of the house without getting shot or captured by aliens? They don't believe they're spouse loves them. They don't believe they are even real. They don't believe there is a creation (even though Romans 1:17 says they do). They don't believe in being good (even though Romans 2 says they show the law of God demonstrated from their conscience).

With all of this inability to believe, it's a wonder there are any unsaved people on Earth AT ALL :)

Thank you, James, for your legitimate question. But before I respond, may I respectfully ask the nature of your degree? Are you a medical doctor, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Theology, etc.?

Also, did you mean in your last statement "it's a wonder there are any unsaved people on Earth at all"....or did you intend to say "it's a wonder there are any saved people on Earth at all."?
 

Protestant

Well-Known Member
Especially since it is God's will that all come to Him.
A men
ia

I'm not sure if you have done a study on the will of God. Surely, you must admit if it is God's sincere intention/purpose to save all people either He is successful in carrying out the intention of His will or He is not. The Bible clearly states:

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure" (Isaiah 46:9-10)

So how is it possible that on the one hand, He calls men worldwide to repent and believe the Gospel (which is His will) yet at the same time many do not and perish in their sins?

I will give a simplified explanation, but leave it up to the Spirit to move you to study this issue further.

The external call of the Gospel is according to His Preceptive Revealed Will...His will of approval commanding man to do that which is man's duty and responsibility. That will is disobeyed continually by man.

However, there is an internal call of the Gospel whereby it is His Secret Decretive will......His will of intention to save certain men -- whom He has chosen before the foundation of the earth -- that they should believe unto salvation. He accomplishes this purpose through bestowing saving grace upon the spiritually dead sinner, regenerating him, revealing Himself as Savior, giving the elect sinner all the gifts necessary for salvation, including faith, repentance, and the Holy Spirit.

Thus, His will of good pleasure --- His will of decree which declares what God will do ---never fails.

Again, there is much excellent material available concerning the will of God.
 

kyredneck

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Why don't you cowards quit beating around the bush and just admit that you don't believe anyone but a Calvinist is saved. It's getting ready old to hear all of this clandestine rhetoric saying it all but straight-forward. Good night just be honest for once in your lives.

Your bellicose obnoxiousness is what's getting really old.
 

Winman

Active Member
He was, "of my sheep."


Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Acts 10:32

Peter spoke and told him how he and family would be saved.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Acts 10:39,40

The death and resurrection of Jesus is the faith heard of by which anyone who is saved was/is saved.

As you posted. 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. Acts 11:14

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.------Why did the Holy Spirit fall on them. Because God was setting them apart as believers unto salvation therefore God gave them the Holy Spirit as a result of their: This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Gal. 3:2

They heard of the faith by which salvation comes to man and were given the Holy Spirit.

You left out part of the scripture;

Acts 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

God gave Cornelius the like gift as he gave the Jews on the day of Pentacost for the same reason, because he had "believed on the Lord Jesus Christ".

The scriptures ALWAYS show that faith and believing precedes a person receiving the Spirit and being regenerated.

No man can be spiritually alive until he first believes, because we are justified by faith. Until you believe you remain in and are dead in your trespasses and sins.
 

Iconoclast

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Why don't you cowards quit beating around the bush and just admit that you don't believe anyone but a Calvinist is saved. It's getting ready old to hear all of this clandestine rhetoric saying it all but straight-forward. Good night just be honest for once in your lives.

ACH,
i answered you on this yesterday...you might have missed it...so here is an encore presentation---
Ach

No honest Calvinist believes I am saved.
It is not for a Calvinist or a non Calvinist to know who is saved.Only God reads and knows the heart. God alone knows who is SAVED...because salvation is 100% of God.
It is against BB rules to question anyone's salvation here on BB.
So in the judgement of charity we try and view each poster who professes saving faith to be an actual believer.
That being said...we do read your posts and have an opinion on what you post.


How can I be saved if I "hate the sovereignty of God" and am a "fool"?
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved! A saving belief is God given. This admission of your hatred for for the sovereignty of God and confessing you are a fool is a good step towards repentance and faith
All manner of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven to everyone who is savingly drawn to truth.

If Calvinism IS the gospel, and every one of you Calvinists think that us Non Calvinists are "saving ourselves", then how you can lie through your teeth and claim that you believe we are all brothers in Christ?

While Calvinism expanded and biblically explained is the gospel, not everyone who is saved understands many things in the bible. So we are to seek to edify one another and grow in grace and understanding of the truth.
Many who do not understand these things at first , come to learn and grow ,and study themselves into the truth...so we are not to judge them as they belong to God. We are to befaithful to feed the sheep, and protect them from false teaching wolves who like the fowls of the air seek to take away the seed of the word.

Ultimately, no Calvinist on here believers that any Non Calvinist is saved.
Not so....there is always a full spectrum of beliefs and conditions of the people on here, or in a local church.

You can not disagree with how we believe salvation works, and at the same time confirm that you believe we are really born again.

When someone is shaky in their understanding...better to proceed with caution and try and point them and correct their understanding of scripture.
If they are being drawn but not yet saved...the Spirit will work through the word being sown. If they are saved and have been exposed to some false teaching, or never really heard the truth explained correctly
God will use the person who is taught to help the young believer along.
If they are NOT BORN FROM ABOVE...they will be religious,but fight and resist truth at every turn because-
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.


When a Calvinist accuses a Non Calvinist of believing that libertarian free will is what God permits for believing on Him unto salvation, and that such is works, you are accusing of believing in salvation by works which if you were HONEST you would would say that anyone else (Catholics for example) that also believe that are not saved.

That is correct.The person who believes in a salvation by works cannot be saved unless and until they repent and believe the gospel of grace.

Thus every time a Calvinist opens his mouth about a Non Calvinist, he/she is in fact, calling all of us heretics and unsaved people.

You have a habit of doing this. You over-think and try and project your thoughts on us. We do not think "all" are heretics or unsaved....however that is indeed possibly the case.


Calvinist simply don't want to APPEAR to say that because they don't want to lose credibility within Christendom.

In BB land Cals seek to operate within the guidelines set up by BB.That set of rules limits what can be expressed and how it can be expressed.

Calvinists would rather make you think that you are a brother that is merely untaught, and maintain fellowship with you until they can convince you that Calvinism is the right belief, but in doing so, they have to maintain that we are just different brothers
.

Again...we take someone at their profession,but pay attention to the warning signs..

No honest Calvinist, if they were consistent in their beliefs, would maintain with a straight face that us Non Cals are truly saved.

Some of the Cals were at one time opposed to the teaching they now embrace, so why would they do that knowing at one time they did not see as clearly as they do now? Some other brothers came along,confronted them with scripture...you know , what benjamin speaks against as proof -texting...but then the Spirit worked through those verses or sermons and they saw clearly what was there all the time.

So you all can stop the act, quit acting so pious and just admit that you think all of us are hypocrites
.

Not at all.Several non cals are sincere. They are the ones who will study themselves into a more scriptural position in time.
I'm honest enough about my beliefs not to sugar coat what I think of your belief system, for goodness sake why don't you Calvinists do the same and come clean about what you really believe, and stop acting like you don't think the same thing that you accuse me and/or other Non Calvinists of.
Ach....i do not think you can say that I have not been quite blunt with you, as you have mentioned i have gone after you right from the start.

I despise much of what you post...not so much as your non cal ideas...but the talebearing and evil speaking of calvinists, and in particular DR.White which is disgraceful in how you have an irrational hatred of Him.Perhaps fueled by envy, it is not much different that Cain and Abel.

If you remain non cal that is between you and God.Unless you repent of the ungodly posting about Dr.White and some of the other brothers...it will work toward you being judged according to your works:thumbsup::thumbsup:
 

Iconoclast

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Although the audio was impossible to understand when he shouted, I certainly understood the majority of his sermon. I couldn't agree more with him! Thank you, brother, for sharing the link!

Yes...this was recorded in the 1960's under poor conditions....most of His messages were...Glad you worked through it to catch the simple and yet profound truth in the message. I also could do without the screaming,lol but I find in several of his messages some good insight....
I listen to this one several times a year- in fact i will listen now during my dinner break...

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=311131546212
This explains why many miss the truth of God's grace!!!
 
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HankD

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Excellent question. I'll let the Apostle Paul answer:

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:14-17)

The miracle healings by Jesus proved it is God alone who opens deaf ears and blind eyes. By that same mighty power God gives spiritual ears to hear and spiritual eyes to see.....all according to His good pleasure. Our mission is to plant and/or water, but it is God who gives the increase.

"For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10-11)

Can't disagree with anything here.

I'm neither of Calvin or Arminius but I think everyone could agree with your post.

HankD
 

percho

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Yes, indeed. Cornelius was one of Christ's sheep who was from another fold.....the Gentile fold.

"As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." (John 10:15-16)

Notice Christ does not say they are my sheep because they hear my voice. Rather He says they hear my voice because they are my sheep....i.e., my elect, my chosen ones.

Correct. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: J10:26
 

percho

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
You left out part of the scripture;

Acts 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

God gave Cornelius the like gift as he gave the Jews on the day of Pentacost for the same reason, because he had "believed on the Lord Jesus Christ".

The scriptures ALWAYS show that faith and believing precedes a person receiving the Spirit and being regenerated.

No man can be spiritually alive until he first believes, because we are justified by faith. Until you believe you remain in and are dead in your trespasses and sins.


Originally Posted by percho View Post
He was, "of my sheep."


Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Acts 10:32

Peter spoke and told him how he and family would be saved.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Acts 10:39,40

The death and resurrection of Jesus is the faith heard of by which anyone who is saved was/is saved.

As you posted. 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. Acts 11:14

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.------Why did the Holy Spirit fall on them. Because God was setting them apart as believers unto salvation therefore God gave them the Holy Spirit as a result of their: This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Gal. 3:2

They heard of the faith by which salvation comes to man and were given the Holy Spirit.


But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:26,27

The sheep are translated from ignorant unbelief unto belief. They become believers and are given the the Holy Spirit as an earnest.
 

percho

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
A question for all.

Dr James I think I read you are Jewish. Please give me your thoughts.

Joel 2:32 And it hath come to pass, Every one who calleth in the name of Jehovah is delivered, For in mount Zion and in Jerusalem there is an escape, As Jehovah hath said, And among the remnants whom Jehovah is calling!


Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. Acts 15:14

This I believe began on Pentecost and is continuing unto this day.

Verse 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

After this taking out a people from the Jew first and also the Gentile, Jesus will return and set up/rebuild the tabernacle/house of David in Jerusalem/Zion.

Why?

Verse 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and (Just as in the remnant in Joel 2:32 the called)all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.


Who are these people? This residue of men?

But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. John 10:26

Can whosoever will come and drink? See also John 7:37-39

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. 22:17

Is Jesus speaking as The Prophet in John 7:37 In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. The last day of the feast of Tabernacles which would be in the past tense in Rev. 22:17
 

Van

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Fiction

Your exegesis would possibly be correct if the verses quoted in my OP were excluded from the Bible (as well as many more similar verses). The verses cited say nothing of man's natural ability to believe. These verses clearly state the origin of their believing: a supernatural revelation from God whereby He reveals Himself. Unless the Lord does so, man will be left in his natural state of unbelief.

This sudden, supernatural revelation is exemplified in the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. Obviously, the Lord does not choose to reveal Himself to most Christians in such a dramatic way. But this I do know....all Christians born of the Spirit know their revelation came from God and that they in no way caused it, cooperated with it, or deserved it. The Spirit of God teaches them, through Scripture, the true cause of their salvation: the inscrutable will of God who, in eternity, decided/determined/purposed to have mercy and compassion upon them, independent of anything in the sinner which might move God to reveal Himself.

The sovereignty of God in Election taught in His Word cannot be believed and embraced by the world nor by professing Christians not yet born of God.

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:11-13)

I did not exclude John 17 verses, I showed you ripped them out of context. All you followed up with is a generalized dismissive statement.

Please explain how the men in Matthew 23:13 managed to be entering heaven if they had no natural ability to believe. You have no answer, so you again resort to making a general assertion without any support in scripture.

To the contrary, there is support for the gospel having the power of God to salvation, with no mention of the gift of faith, or the effectual call, or irresistible grace, or whatever Calvinism is calling it this week. :)

Next we get the fiction of Paul's supernatural conversion. He certainly had a supernatural witness, Christ Himself, to get his attention and show him the error of his ways. But, what did Paul say? What shall I do Lord? Paul understood he had been misguided, and had come to his senses. Calvinism here tries to use a supernatural intervention and misrepresent it as a supernatural conversion via irresistible grace. Not how it reads. Paul says he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Teaching of course he chose to obey. The exact opposite of the Calvinism claim.
 

Protestant

Well-Known Member
I did not exclude John 17 verses, I showed you ripped them out of context. All you followed up with is a generalized dismissive statement.

Please explain how the men in Matthew 23:13 managed to be entering heaven if they had no natural ability to believe. You have no answer, so you again resort to making a general assertion without any support in scripture.

To the contrary, there is support for the gospel having the power of God to salvation, with no mention of the gift of faith, or the effectual call, or irresistible grace, or whatever Calvinism is calling it this week. :)

Next we get the fiction of Paul's supernatural conversion. He certainly had a supernatural witness, Christ Himself, to get his attention and show him the error of his ways. But, what did Paul say? What shall I do Lord? Paul understood he had been misguided, and had come to his senses. Calvinism here tries to use a supernatural intervention and misrepresent it as a supernatural conversion via irresistible grace. Not how it reads. Paul says he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Teaching of course he chose to obey. The exact opposite of the Calvinism claim.

You are not a new, young, professing Christian who has a heart desire to understand the deeper things of God. Nor are you a professing mature Christian who honestly seeks answers to difficult questions. I discern a spirit of contention which has attached a root of bitterness. In other words, you are unteachable and unreachable. You are of the same spirit exemplified by the first worker who viewed the Lord unrighteous in dispensing to the last worker amazing grace which he did not deserve, while at the same time paying that first worker exactly what he did deserve: justice.

Christianity is a supernatural relationship with the living God based on His free grace in Jesus Christ.
 

Van

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
You are not a new, young, professing Christian who has a heart desire to understand the deeper things of God. Nor are you a professing mature Christian who honestly seeks answers to difficult questions. I discern a spirit of contention which has attached a root of bitterness. In other words, you are unteachable and unreachable. You are of the same spirit exemplified by the first worker who viewed the Lord unrighteous in dispensing to the last worker amazing grace which he did not deserve, while at the same time paying that first worker exactly what he did deserve: justice.

Christianity is a supernatural relationship with the living God based on His free grace in Jesus Christ.

Here we have the typical Calvinist, attacking me personally, from a holier than thou perspective. I am shocked, shocked I say, that Calvinists would demean those holding alternate views.

I missed your answer for Matthew 23:13 teaching men were entering heaven, and thus seeking God, without some limited spiritual ability to understand the milk of the gospel.
 
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