The Unconditional Election Debate: An Universalist Perspective

I will show it again Rom 8:7-8
You fail to show it

You ignored the scriptures and you ignored another Calvinist

Deuteronomy 30:11–20 (LEB) — 11 “For this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too wonderful for you, and it is not too far from you. 12 It is not in the heavens so that you might say, ‘Who will go up for us to the heavens and get it for us and cause us to hear it, so that we may do it?’ 13 And it is not beyond the sea, so that you might say, ‘Who will cross for us to the other side of the sea and take it for us and cause us to hear it, so that we may do it?’ 14 But the word is very near you, even in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may do it. 15 “See, I am setting before you today life and prosperity and death and disaster; 16 what I am commanding you today is to love Yahweh your God by going in his ways and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his regulations, and then you will live, and you will become numerous, and Yahweh your God will bless you in the land where you are going. 17 However, if your heart turns aside and you do not listen and you are lured away and you bow down to other gods and you serve them, 18 I declare to you today that you will certainly perish; you will not extend your time on the land that you are crossing the Jordan to go there to take possession of it. 19 I invoke as a witness against you today the heaven and the earth: life and death I have set before you, blessing and curse. So choose life, so that you may live, you and your offspring, 20 by loving Yahweh your God by listening to his voice and by clinging to him, for he is your life and the length of your days in order for you to live on the land that Yahweh swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them.”

Joshua 24:15–31 (NASB 95) — 15 If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 16 The people answered and said, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; 17 for the Lord our God is He who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did these great signs in our sight and preserved us through all the way in which we went and among all the peoples through whose midst we passed. 18 The Lord drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites who lived in the land. We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.” 19 Then Joshua said to the people, “You will not be able to serve the Lord, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgression or your sins. 20 If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you.” 21 The people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the Lord.” 22 Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen for yourselves the Lord, to serve Him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” 23 “Now therefore, put away the foreign gods which are in your midst, and incline your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” 24 The people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and we will obey His voice.” 25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made for them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the Lord. 27 Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be for a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord which He spoke to us; thus it shall be for a witness against you, so that you do not deny your God.” 28 Then Joshua dismissed the people, each to his inheritance. 29 It came about after these things that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being one hundred and ten years old. 30 And they buried him in the territory of his inheritance in Timnath-serah, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of Mount Gaash. 31 Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders who survived Joshua, and had known all the deeds of the Lord which He had done for Israel.



Romans 10:8–13 (LEB) — 8 But what does it say? “The word is near to you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim), 9 that if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who is rich to all who call upon him. 13 For “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Luke 11:28 (LEB) — 28 But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and follow it!”

Luke 11:32 (LEB) — 32 The people of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here!

Ezekiel 18:30–32 (LEB) — 30 “Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, each one according to his ways,” declares the Lord Yahweh. “Repent and turn around from all of your transgression, and it will not be as a stumbling block of iniquity to you. 31 Throw away from yourselves all of your transgressions that you committed, and make for yourselves a new heart and new spirit, and so why will you die, house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of the dying,” declares the Lord Yahweh. “And so repent and live!”

Zechariah 1:6 (LEB) — 6 However, did not my words and my regulations which I commanded my servants the prophets overtake your ancestors? And they repented and said, ‘Yahweh of hosts planned to do with us according to our ways, and according to our deeds so he has dealt with us.’ ” ’ ”

Matthew 11:21 (LEB) — 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Acts 8:22 (LEB) — 22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and ask the Lord if perhaps the intent of your heart may be forgiven you!”

Acts 17:30 (LEB) — 30 Therefore although God has overlooked the times of ignorance, he now commands all people everywhere to repent,

2 Corinthians 7:9 (LEB) — 9 now I rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved to repentance. For you were grieved according to the will of God, so that you suffered loss in no way through us.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (LEB) — 10 For grief according to the will of God brings about a repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted, but worldly grief brings about death.

2 Peter 3:9 (LEB) — 9 The Lord is not delaying the promise, as some consider slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

Now regarding Paul in Romans

The same Paul writes

Romans 10:17 (NASB 95) — 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Romans 5:1 (NASB 95) — 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Romans 9:30 (NASB 95) — 30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith;

Romans 4:5 (NASB 95) — 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,

as for pleasing God


WHAT ABOUT ABRAHAM?

The scriptures tells us, Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3, 9, 22; Galatians 3; 6; James 2:23).

Hello, that in itself refutes the Calvinist idea of total inability.

Abraham had integrity of heart (Genesis 20:5-6)

Contra Calvinism/Calvinist-type theology


and a faithful heart towards God(Nehemiah 9:7, 8)

Contra Calvinism/Calvinist-type theology

And Abraham is called the friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23).

Both clearly dispute the Calvinist/Calvinist-type theology of all men having a natural hatred toward God.

Throughout scripture God is referred to as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Matthew 32:22; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37; Acts 3:13; 7:32).

Jesus said Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad (John 8:56) and God’s promise to Abraham was to bless all the nations through his seed: Jesus Christ (Acts 3:25; Galatians 3:16).

Abraham is called the father of faith and the father of all who believe (Romans 4:16; Galatians 3:7, 9, 29) and the blessing of Abraham comes on the Gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:14).

Abraham was a man of faith who obeyed and feared God (Genesis 22: 12; 26:5; Hebrews 11:8). We see also that Isaac and Jacob were men of faith who feared the Lord and obeyed him as well.

Some contrary examples to total depravity

In Genesis 4, the concept of it is called into question.

After Cain became angry because God had accepted Abel’s offering and had not accepted his offering, God told Cain that sin was knocking at the door and that he should not allow it to rule over him, least it become his master (see Genesis 4:6-7).

God did not deal with Cain as if he were totally depraved. On the contrary, God instructed Cain to rule over this sin that was knocking at the door. The Bible tells us that Cain murdered his brother not because he was totally depraved, but because his deeds were evil and his brother’s was righteous.

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. (1 John 3:10-11)

If all humanity were totally depraved, then this would include Abel, yet the apostle John tells us that Abel’s works were righteous. Remember the definition of depravity is a very evil quality or way of behaving: an evil or immoral act. The Bible never describes Abel in this way. On the contrary, the Bible repeatedly describes Abel and his works as righteous.

If Cain and Abel had been totally depraved, Cain would have been unable to rule over the sin knocking at the door, and Abel would not have done that which was righteous.

In the gospels, the Lord Jesus Christ declared that Abel was righteous (Matthew 23:35) and the writer of Hebrews tells us: Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (Hebrews 11:4)

No matter how you stack it, the statement, “Abel obtained witness that he was righteous,” completely dismantles any concept of total depravity: a theology that does not take into account the testimony of scripture concerning the real people who lived for God.

If the doctrine of total depravity were true, it would be true of everyone, but what about those in scripture who sought after God?

WHAT ABOUT ENOCH?

The Bible says, Enoch walked with God (Genesis 5:24). The author of Hebrews tells us: By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.(Hebrews 11:4)

Enoch was such a man of God, who pleased God, he never died! Jude tells us that Enoch prophesied of the coming of the Lord as well (Jude 1:14).

WHAT ABOUT NOAH?

The Bible says Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God (Genesis 6:9). Noah was righteous in the sight of the Lord (Genesis 7:1) and in Ezekiel, God mentions Noah along with Daniel and Job as righteous (Ezekiel 14:14, 20).

In the New Testament, the apostle Peter refers to Noah as a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5) and the writer of Hebrews testifies of Noah’s righteousness as well.

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

WHAT ABOUT ABRAHAM?

The scriptures tells us, Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3, 9, 22; Galatians 3; 6; James 2:23).

Abraham had integrity of heart (Genesis 20:5-6) and a faithful heart towards God(Nehemiah 9:7, 8) and Abraham is called the friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). Throughout scripture God is referred to as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Matthew 32:22; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37; Acts 3:13; 7:32).

Jesus said Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad (John 8:56) and God’s promise to Abraham was to bless all the nations through his seed: Jesus Christ (Acts 3:25; Galatians 3:16).

Abraham is called the father of faith and the father of all who believe (Romans 4:16; Galatians 3:7, 9, 29) and the blessing of Abraham comes on the Gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:14).

Abraham was a man of faith who obeyed and feared God (Genesis 22: 12; 26:5; Hebrews 11:8). We see also that Isaac and Jacob were men of faith who feared the Lord and obeyed him as well.

Also, the apostle Peter refers to Sarah, Abraham’s wife, as an example of holy women, who trusted God, by adorning themselves with a meek and quite spirit (1 Peter 3:4-6).

Lot, Abraham’s nephew, also was a righteous man.

In 2 Peter 2:7-10, the apostle Peter references Lot as an example of how the Lord is able to deliver the godly out of temptations. Peter calls Lot a just and righteous man whom the Lord delivered from the fitly lifestyle of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrha.

We also read of others in the scriptures, who feared God, before we ever get to Moses and the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. For example the Hebrew midwives feared God and refused to obey the King of Egypt (Exodus 1:17) and because they feared the Lord, many lives of Hebrew children were spared, and God gave the midwives familes (Exodus 1:20-21).

WHAT ABOUT JOSEPH, MOSES, JOSHUA, AND CALEB?

Joseph fled from sin when he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:7-12) and forgave his brothers who betrayed him.

Moses is called the man of God (Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalm 90:1; 1 Chronicles 23;14) and was a very humble man (Numbers 12:3) and interceded for Israel seeking God’s forgiveness and favor (Exodus 32:11). Moses feared the Lord (Deuteronomy 9:16-29) and was faithful in God’s house (Numbers 12:7; Hebrews 3:5).

Furthermore, the author of Hebrews says, By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned (Hebrews 11:24-29).

Moses’ successor, Joshua, was chosen by God to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land because he was a man who sought God, feared God, and trusted God. Also the mantle which God had placed on Moses was transferred to Joshua before he led Israel into the Promised land (Deuteronomy 31:14, 23; 34:9).

During the time of Moses we read of others like Caleb, who along with Joshua were the only 2 among the 12 spies who trusted God and because of their faith they were rewarded by God. In fact God said of the following about Caleb:

But My servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed Me fully, him will I bring into the land where into he went; and his seed shall possess it (Numbers 14:24).

WHAT ABOUT PHINEHAS AND OTHERS?

We also read of Phinehas, who was of priestly descent. He was zealous for God’s holy justice and turned God’s wrath away from the children of Israel (Numbers 25:7-13) and his zeal for God was counted as righteousness to him and to his generations (Psalm 106:30-31). God gave to him and his descendants a covenant of peace because he was jealous with zeal for the Lord.

Job also was a righteous man (Ezekiel 14:14, 20). In fact the Bible says he was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil (Job 1:1). Job was such a godly man that God even showcased him in the face of Satan (Job 1:8). Job was God’s servant, a man accepted by God (Job 42:7-8) and an example of patience (James 5:10-11) and he learned that God is merciful and compassionate.

As we venture through the scriptures we read of God’s servants such as Gideon, Deborah, Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, Hannah, Samuel, Jonathan, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Nehemiah, Ezra, Esther and others who feared God, sought him, and were righteous in his sight.

all these contradict your view

You ignore the fact some are stated of having repented

You ignore the fact that we see those declared righteous

You ignore the fact we read of those having sought, feared, and trusted God

We read of man having pleased God

We read Israel had served God all the days of Joshua

In Romans 10:8–13 we read of man's ability to believe “The word is near to you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim)

verified in various places

Acts 18:8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized

Acts 14:1 In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.

Acts 17:11–12 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NASB 95) — 13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

and reference Rom 8:7-8

The carnal mind. This is the same expression as occurs in ver. 6 (τὸ φρόνημα τῆς σαρκός). It does not mean the mind itself, the intellect, or the will; it does not suppose that the mind or soul is physically depraved, or opposed to God; but it means that the minding of the things of the flesh, giving to them supreme attention, is hostility against God; and involves the sinner in a controversy with him, and hence leads to death and woe. This passage should not be alleged in proof that the soul is physically depraved, but merely that where there is a supreme regard to the flesh there is hostility to God. It does not directly prove the doctrine of universal depravity; but it proves only that where such attention exists to the corrupt desires of the soul, there is hostility to God. It is indeed implied that that supreme regard to the flesh exists every where by nature, but this is not expressly affirmed. For the object of the apostle here is not to teach the doctrine of depravity, but to show that where such depravity in fact exists, it involves the sinner in a fearful controversy with God.<sup>[1]</sup>

<sup>[1]</sup> Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Romans (ed. Robert Frew; London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 173.
 
Unfortunetly it does. Rom 8:7-8
Afraid not

That verse did not support what you claim

The carnal mind. This is the same expression as occurs in ver. 6 (τὸ φρόνημα τῆς σαρκός). It does not mean the mind itself, the intellect, or the will; it does not suppose that the mind or soul is physically depraved, or opposed to God; but it means that the minding of the things of the flesh, giving to them supreme attention, is hostility against God; and involves the sinner in a controversy with him, and hence leads to death and woe. This passage should not be alleged in proof that the soul is physically depraved, but merely that where there is a supreme regard to the flesh there is hostility to God. It does not directly prove the doctrine of universal depravity; but it proves only that where such attention exists to the corrupt desires of the soul, there is hostility to God. It is indeed implied that that supreme regard to the flesh exists every where by nature, but this is not expressly affirmed. For the object of the apostle here is not to teach the doctrine of depravity, but to show that where such depravity in fact exists, it involves the sinner in a fearful controversy with God.<sup>[1]</sup>

<sup>[1]</sup> Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Romans (ed. Robert Frew; London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 173

and a whole lot of scripture is contrary to your view


Not all are controlled by fleshly desire?

Gen 6:9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, without defect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Gen 7:1 Then Yahweh said to Noah, “Go—you and all your household—into the ark, for I have seen you are righteous before me in this generation.

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright and God-fearing and turning away from evil.

Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous in the sight of God, living blamelessly in all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.

Gen 15:6 And he believed in Yahweh, and he reckoned it to him as righteousness.

Hab 2:4 Look! His spirit within him is puffed up; it is not upright. But the righteous shall live by his faithfulness.

Rom 4:3 For what does the scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.”

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

Ps 1:6 for Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Prov 10:25 With the passing of the tempest, there is no wickedness, but the righteous have a foundation forever.

Psalm 34:15–22 (LEB) — 15 The eyes of Yahweh are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry for help. 16 The face of Yahweh is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 They cry out and Yahweh hears and delivers them from all of their troubles. 18 Yahweh is near to those who are heartbroken and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the distresses of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all. 20 He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will incur guilt. 22 Yahweh redeems the life of his servants, and none who take refuge in him will incur guilt.

Mal 3:18 You will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him.

Ps 11:5 Yahweh tests the righteous, but the wicked and the lover of violence his soul hates.

Prov 3:33The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked, and the abode of the righteous ones he blesses.
 
Dont believe a calvinist, go by the scripture I showed you Rom 8:7-8
Your understanding is contrary to much scripture

Yes and even a Calvinist rejects your understanding

Did you read the scripture

Not all are controlled by fleshly desire?

Gen 6:9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, without defect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Gen 7:1 Then Yahweh said to Noah, “Go—you and all your household—into the ark, for I have seen you are righteous before me in this generation.

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright and God-fearing and turning away from evil.

Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous in the sight of God, living blamelessly in all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.

Gen 15:6 And he believed in Yahweh, and he reckoned it to him as righteousness.

Hab 2:4 Look! His spirit within him is puffed up; it is not upright. But the righteous shall live by his faithfulness.

Rom 4:3 For what does the scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.”

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

Ps 1:6 for Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Prov 10:25 With the passing of the tempest, there is no wickedness, but the righteous have a foundation forever.

Psalm 34:15–22 (LEB) — 15 The eyes of Yahweh are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry for help. 16 The face of Yahweh is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 They cry out and Yahweh hears and delivers them from all of their troubles. 18 Yahweh is near to those who are heartbroken and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the distresses of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all. 20 He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will incur guilt. 22 Yahweh redeems the life of his servants, and none who take refuge in him will incur guilt.

Mal 3:18 You will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him.

Ps 11:5 Yahweh tests the righteous, but the wicked and the lover of violence his soul hates.

Prov 3:33The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked, and the abode of the righteous ones he blesses.


The carnal mind. This is the same expression as occurs in ver. 6 (τὸ φρόνημα τῆς σαρκός). It does not mean the mind itself, the intellect, or the will; it does not suppose that the mind or soul is physically depraved, or opposed to God; but it means that the minding of the things of the flesh, giving to them supreme attention, is hostility against God; and involves the sinner in a controversy with him, and hence leads to death and woe. This passage should not be alleged in proof that the soul is physically depraved, but merely that where there is a supreme regard to the flesh there is hostility to God. It does not directly prove the doctrine of universal depravity; but it proves only that where such attention exists to the corrupt desires of the soul, there is hostility to God. It is indeed implied that that supreme regard to the flesh exists every where by nature, but this is not expressly affirmed. For the object of the apostle here is not to teach the doctrine of depravity, but to show that where such depravity in fact exists, it involves the sinner in a fearful controversy with God.<sup>[1]</sup>

<sup>[1]</sup> Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Romans (ed. Robert Frew; London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 173.
 
The man in the flesh cannot please God Rom 8:8

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God

So we know Prov 16:7 isnt about the unregenerate Duh.
Scripture contradicts you and there is nothing there about regeneration

Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Ps 69:30–31 I will praise the name of God with song And magnify Him with thanksgiving. And it will please the Lord better than an ox Or a young bull with horns and hoofs.

Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

Prov 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.
Psalm 147:11 The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness.

Prov 11:20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord, But the blameless in their walk are His delight.

Mal 3:4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

1 Sam 15:22 Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

Ps 40:6–8 Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired; My ears You have opened; Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required. Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”

1 Kings 3:10 It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing.

2 Chron 31:20–21 Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah; and he did what was good, right and true before the Lord his God. Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered.

Gen 6:8–9 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.

Exod 33:12–17 Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people!’ But You Yourself have not let me know whom You will send with me. Moreover, You have said, ‘I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. Consider too, that this nation is Your people.” And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here. For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?” The Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.”

Ps 149:4For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.

Jer 32:41 I will rejoice over them to do them good and will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul.

2 Chron 14:2 Asa did good and right in the sight of the Lord his God,

Job 33:26 Then he will pray to God, and He will accept him, That he may see His face with joy, And He may restore His righteousness to man.

2 Sam 22:20“He also brought me forth into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.
 
Scripture contradicts you and there is nothing there about regeneration
Them in the flesh can't please God Rom 8:8 and furthermore they which are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh Rom 8:5

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

So at best the religion of the unregenerate is a show of the flesh
 
Them in the flesh can't please God Rom 8:8 and furthermore they which are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh Rom 8:5

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

So at best the religion of the unregenerate is a show of the flesh
Scripture contradicts you and there is nothing there about regeneration

Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Ps 69:30–31 I will praise the name of God with song And magnify Him with thanksgiving. And it will please the Lord better than an ox Or a young bull with horns and hoofs.

Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

Prov 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.
Psalm 147:11 The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness.

Prov 11:20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord, But the blameless in their walk are His delight.

Mal 3:4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

1 Sam 15:22 Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

Ps 40:6–8 Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired; My ears You have opened; Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required. Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”

1 Kings 3:10 It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing.

2 Chron 31:20–21 Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah; and he did what was good, right and true before the Lord his God. Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered.

Gen 6:8–9 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.

Exod 33:12–17 Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people!’ But You Yourself have not let me know whom You will send with me. Moreover, You have said, ‘I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. Consider too, that this nation is Your people.” And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here. For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?” The Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.”

Ps 149:4For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.

Jer 32:41 I will rejoice over them to do them good and will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul.

2 Chron 14:2 Asa did good and right in the sight of the Lord his God,

Job 33:26 Then he will pray to God, and He will accept him, That he may see His face with joy, And He may restore His righteousness to man.

2 Sam 22:20“He also brought me forth into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.
 
No it's not, it's consistent with the scriptures
Your understanding is contrary to much scripture

Yes and even a Calvinist rejects your understanding

Did you read the scripture

Not all are controlled by fleshly desire?

Gen 6:9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, without defect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Gen 7:1 Then Yahweh said to Noah, “Go—you and all your household—into the ark, for I have seen you are righteous before me in this generation.

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright and God-fearing and turning away from evil.

Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous in the sight of God, living blamelessly in all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.

Gen 15:6 And he believed in Yahweh, and he reckoned it to him as righteousness.

Hab 2:4 Look! His spirit within him is puffed up; it is not upright. But the righteous shall live by his faithfulness.

Rom 4:3 For what does the scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.”

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

Ps 1:6 for Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Prov 10:25 With the passing of the tempest, there is no wickedness, but the righteous have a foundation forever.

Psalm 34:15–22 (LEB) — 15 The eyes of Yahweh are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry for help. 16 The face of Yahweh is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 They cry out and Yahweh hears and delivers them from all of their troubles. 18 Yahweh is near to those who are heartbroken and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the distresses of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all. 20 He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will incur guilt. 22 Yahweh redeems the life of his servants, and none who take refuge in him will incur guilt.

Mal 3:18 You will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him.

Ps 11:5 Yahweh tests the righteous, but the wicked and the lover of violence his soul hates.

Prov 3:33The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked, and the abode of the righteous ones he blesses.


The carnal mind. This is the same expression as occurs in ver. 6 (τὸ φρόνημα τῆς σαρκός). It does not mean the mind itself, the intellect, or the will; it does not suppose that the mind or soul is physically depraved, or opposed to God; but it means that the minding of the things of the flesh, giving to them supreme attention, is hostility against God; and involves the sinner in a controversy with him, and hence leads to death and woe. This passage should not be alleged in proof that the soul is physically depraved, but merely that where there is a supreme regard to the flesh there is hostility to God. It does not directly prove the doctrine of universal depravity; but it proves only that where such attention exists to the corrupt desires of the soul, there is hostility to God. It is indeed implied that that supreme regard to the flesh exists every where by nature, but this is not expressly affirmed. For the object of the apostle here is not to teach the doctrine of depravity, but to show that where such depravity in fact exists, it involves the sinner in a fearful controversy with God.<sup>[1]</sup>

<sup>[1]</sup> Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Romans (ed. Robert Frew; London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 173.
 
Rom 8:7-8
Afraid not

That verse did not support what you claim

The carnal mind. This is the same expression as occurs in ver. 6 (τὸ φρόνημα τῆς σαρκός). It does not mean the mind itself, the intellect, or the will; it does not suppose that the mind or soul is physically depraved, or opposed to God; but it means that the minding of the things of the flesh, giving to them supreme attention, is hostility against God; and involves the sinner in a controversy with him, and hence leads to death and woe. This passage should not be alleged in proof that the soul is physically depraved, but merely that where there is a supreme regard to the flesh there is hostility to God. It does not directly prove the doctrine of universal depravity; but it proves only that where such attention exists to the corrupt desires of the soul, there is hostility to God. It is indeed implied that that supreme regard to the flesh exists every where by nature, but this is not expressly affirmed. For the object of the apostle here is not to teach the doctrine of depravity, but to show that where such depravity in fact exists, it involves the sinner in a fearful controversy with God.<sup>[1]</sup>

<sup>[1]</sup> Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Romans (ed. Robert Frew; London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 173

and a whole lot of scripture is contrary to your view


Not all are controlled by fleshly desire?

Gen 6:9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, without defect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Gen 7:1 Then Yahweh said to Noah, “Go—you and all your household—into the ark, for I have seen you are righteous before me in this generation.

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright and God-fearing and turning away from evil.

Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous in the sight of God, living blamelessly in all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.

Gen 15:6 And he believed in Yahweh, and he reckoned it to him as righteousness.

Hab 2:4 Look! His spirit within him is puffed up; it is not upright. But the righteous shall live by his faithfulness.

Rom 4:3 For what does the scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.”

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

Ps 1:6 for Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Prov 10:25 With the passing of the tempest, there is no wickedness, but the righteous have a foundation forever.

Psalm 34:15–22 (LEB) — 15 The eyes of Yahweh are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry for help. 16 The face of Yahweh is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 They cry out and Yahweh hears and delivers them from all of their troubles. 18 Yahweh is near to those who are heartbroken and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the distresses of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all. 20 He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will incur guilt. 22 Yahweh redeems the life of his servants, and none who take refuge in him will incur guilt.

Mal 3:18 You will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him.

Ps 11:5 Yahweh tests the righteous, but the wicked and the lover of violence his soul hates.

Prov 3:33The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked, and the abode of the righteous ones he blesses.
 
Then they were first Regenerated. Faith in salvation pleases God which them that be in the flesh can't do Rom 8:8
Sorry there is no evidence of that

Um by faith they were saved

Ephesians 2:8 (NASB 95) — 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

All are not fleshly controlled

And according to scripture

Man may repent

Jeremiah 31:18-19
I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God. / After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’

Revelation 2:21–22 (LEB) — 21 And I have given her time in order to repent, and she did not want to repent from her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I am throwing her into a sickbed and those who committed adultery with her into great affliction, unless they repent from her deeds.

Luke 11:32 (LEB) — 32 The people of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here!

Ezekiel 18:30–32 (LEB) — 30 “Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, each one according to his ways,” declares the Lord Yahweh. “Repent and turn around from all of your transgression, and it will not be as a stumbling block of iniquity to you.

Draw near to God

James 4:8-10
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. / Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. / Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

return to the Lord

Isa 55:6–7Seek Yahweh while he lets himself be found; call him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the man of sin his thoughts. And let him return to Yahweh, that he may take pity on him, and to our God, for he will forgive manifold.

Jeremiah 3:12–14 (LEB) — 12 Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, apostate Israel,’ declares Yahweh. ‘I will not cause my anger to fall on you. For I am loyal,’ declares Yahweh. ‘I will not be angry forever. 13 Only acknowledge your guilt, that against Yahweh your God you have rebelled, and have scattered your ways to the strangers under every leafy tree, and you have not obeyed my voice,’ declares Yahweh.” 14 “Return, apostate children,” declares Yahweh. “For I am your master, and I will take you one from a city and two from a clan, and I will bring you to Zion.



Choose to serve God



Joshua 24:15–22 (LEB) — 15 But if it is bad in your eyes to serve Yahweh, choose for yourselves today whom you want to serve, whether it is the gods that your ancestors served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve Yahweh.” 16 And the people answered and said, “Far be it from us that we would forsake Yahweh to serve other gods, 17 for Yahweh our God brought us and our ancestors from the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery, and did these great signs before our eyes. He protected us along the entire way that we went, and among all the peoples through whose midst we passed. 18 And Yahweh drove out all the people before us, the Amorites who live in the land. We will serve Yahweh, for he is our God.” 19 But Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve Yahweh, for he is a holy and jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20 If you forsake Yahweh and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster to you; he will destroy you after he has done good to you.” 21 And the people said to Joshua, “No, we will serve Yahweh.” 22 And Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen for yourselves to serve Yahweh.” And they said, “We are witnesses.”


Choose life

Deuteronomy 30:11–20 (LEB) — 11 “For this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too wonderful for you, and it is not too far from you. 12 It is not in the heavens so that you might say, ‘Who will go up for us to the heavens and get it for us and cause us to hear it, so that we may do it?’ 13 And it is not beyond the sea, so that you might say, ‘Who will cross for us to the other side of the sea and take it for us and cause us to hear it, so that we may do it?’ 14 But the word is very near you, even in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may do it. 15 “See, I am setting before you today life and prosperity and death and disaster; 16 what I am commanding you today is to love Yahweh your God by going in his ways and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his regulations, and then you will live, and you will become numerous, and Yahweh your God will bless you in the land where you are going. 17 However, if your heart turns aside and you do not listen and you are lured away and you bow down to other gods and you serve them, 18 I declare to you today that you will certainly perish; you will not extend your time on the land that you are crossing the Jordan to go there to take possession of it. 19 I invoke as a witness against you today the heaven and the earth: life and death I have set before you, blessing and curse. So choose life, so that you may live, you and your offspring, 20 by loving Yahweh your God by listening to his voice and by clinging to him, for he is your life and the length of your days in order for you to live on the land that Yahweh swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them.”

Isaiah 55:3 (LEB) — 3 Extend your ear, and come to me! Listen so that your soul may live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, the enduring proofs of the mercies shown to David.

Those without faith are not regenered/made alive.



Those who do not believe will not see life

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 3:18 The one who believes in him is not judged, but the one who does not believe has already been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

Mark 16:16 The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who refuses to believe will be condemned.

John 8:24 Thus I said to you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”

1 John 5:12 The one who has the Son has the life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.

1 John 5:10–13 (The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. The one who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has testified concerning his Son.) And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has the life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.

So scripture refutes Calvinism’s belief that unbelievers may be given life so that they may believe
 
No it's not, it's consistent with the scriptures
Nope

Your understanding is contrary to much scripture

Yes and even a Calvinist rejects your understanding

Did you read the scripture

Not all are controlled by fleshly desire?

Gen 6:9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, without defect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Gen 7:1 Then Yahweh said to Noah, “Go—you and all your household—into the ark, for I have seen you are righteous before me in this generation.

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright and God-fearing and turning away from evil.

Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous in the sight of God, living blamelessly in all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.

Gen 15:6 And he believed in Yahweh, and he reckoned it to him as righteousness.

Hab 2:4 Look! His spirit within him is puffed up; it is not upright. But the righteous shall live by his faithfulness.

Rom 4:3 For what does the scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.”

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

Ps 1:6 for Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Prov 10:25 With the passing of the tempest, there is no wickedness, but the righteous have a foundation forever.

Psalm 34:15–22 (LEB) — 15 The eyes of Yahweh are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry for help. 16 The face of Yahweh is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 They cry out and Yahweh hears and delivers them from all of their troubles. 18 Yahweh is near to those who are heartbroken and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the distresses of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all. 20 He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will incur guilt. 22 Yahweh redeems the life of his servants, and none who take refuge in him will incur guilt.

Mal 3:18 You will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him.

Ps 11:5 Yahweh tests the righteous, but the wicked and the lover of violence his soul hates.

Prov 3:33The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked, and the abode of the righteous ones he blesses.


The carnal mind. This is the same expression as occurs in ver. 6 (τὸ φρόνημα τῆς σαρκός). It does not mean the mind itself, the intellect, or the will; it does not suppose that the mind or soul is physically depraved, or opposed to God; but it means that the minding of the things of the flesh, giving to them supreme attention, is hostility against God; and involves the sinner in a controversy with him, and hence leads to death and woe. This passage should not be alleged in proof that the soul is physically depraved, but merely that where there is a supreme regard to the flesh there is hostility to God. It does not directly prove the doctrine of universal depravity; but it proves only that where such attention exists to the corrupt desires of the soul, there is hostility to God. It is indeed implied that that supreme regard to the flesh exists every where by nature, but this is not expressly affirmed. For the object of the apostle here is not to teach the doctrine of depravity, but to show that where such depravity in fact exists, it involves the sinner in a fearful controversy with God.<sup>[1]</sup>

<sup>[1]</sup> Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Romans (ed. Robert Frew; London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 173.

and we already saw those without faith are not made alive


Those who do not believe will not see life

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 3:18 The one who believes in him is not judged, but the one who does not believe has already been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

Mark 16:16 The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who refuses to believe will be condemned.

John 8:24 Thus I said to you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”

1 John 5:12 The one who has the Son has the life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.

1 John 5:10–13 (The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. The one who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has testified concerning his Son.) And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has the life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.

So scripture refutes Calvinism’s belief that unbelievers may be given life so that they may believe
 
Then they were first Regenerated. Faith in salvation pleases God which them that be in the flesh can't do Rom 8:8
Sorry without faith one is not made alive


Those who do not believe will not see life

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 3:18 The one who believes in him is not judged, but the one who does not believe has already been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

Mark 16:16 The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who refuses to believe will be condemned.

John 8:24 Thus I said to you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”

1 John 5:12 The one who has the Son has the life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.

1 John 5:10–13 (The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. The one who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has testified concerning his Son.) And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has the life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.

So scripture refutes Calvinism’s belief that unbelievers may be given life so that they may believe
 
Then they were first Regenerated. Faith in salvation pleases God which them that be in the flesh can't do Rom 8:8
John 3:15–16 (NASB 95) — 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Ephesians 1:13 (NASB 95) — 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,

John 1:12–13 (NASB 95) — 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 6:47–51 (NASB 95) — 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

Acts 16:31 (NASB 95) — 31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Romans 1:16 (NASB 95) — 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 3:28 (NASB 95) — 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

Galatians 3:26 (NASB 95) — 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
 
Then they were first Regenerated. Faith in salvation pleases God which them that be in the flesh can't do Rom 8:8
Without faith you cannot receive the Spirit who regenerates

Gal 3:2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
Galatians 3:5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

Gal 3:14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Eph 1:13 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,
Acts 11:15–17 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
John 7:38–39 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ ” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 15:7–9 (NASB 95) — 7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; 9 and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

Acts 5:32 (NASB 95) — 32 And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Acts 8:14–17Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.

Rom 10:9–10that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
 
@brightfame52 Romans 8:7-8

Your twisting of scriptures have you missing the true meaning of these verses and what Paul was trying to explain.
“Please read Romans 8 as a whole instead of surgically quoting two lines. Paul is contrasting two ways of living — ‘in the flesh’ and ‘in the Spirit’ — not teaching that God created some people unable to respond. Verse 9 explicitly says people can move from one to the other, which rules out predestined damnation.”

Here’s what Paul actually says:

“The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Rom 8:7–8)

At first glance “nor can it” sounds like total inability — but Paul is not talking about how people were created. He is describing a state of life someone is living in.

“In the flesh” is not a single minded statement.......​

Paul uses two categories...........

1. In the flesh
2. In the Spirit


They are not two kinds of humans God created — they are two ways of living.

Look at the very next verse...........

“You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.” (Rom 8:9)

That means people can move from one state to the other.
So “cannot please God” does not mean “cannot ever change.” It means:


While you are living in rebellion
, you cannot please God.


“Cannot” means​

This is the same kind of language Jesus used: “People loved darkness rather than light.” (John 3:19)

They could come to the light but they would not because they love darkness. They made a choice.

What Romans 8:7 means is The fleshly mind will not submit, therefore it cannot please God.

Not that God made them unable.


Did you know that Paul explicitly rejects predestined damnation???????????/​

Two chapters later Paul says..... “God has bound all in disobedience so that He may have mercy on all.” (Rom 11:32)

And earlier he said..... “God is kind… leading you to repentance.” (Rom 2:4)

If Romans 8 meant God created people to be damned, Paul would be contradicting himself within the same letter.


Here is the truth, The gospel assumes real choice.​

Paul pleads with people to respond.............

“Be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor 5:20)

He would not do that if some were metaphysically unable to respond. This is a choice being offered to free will people who must choose as it is not being forced on them.

Know this....
Romans 8:7–8 is not about how people are made It is about how people are living.

It teaches A life dominated by sin cannot please God — but a life changed by God’s Spirit can. But only by desire as it is not forced. They have to chose.

IOW
“Romans 8 doesn’t say God created people unable to obey Him — it says people living in the flesh refuse to obey Him. A condition is not a creation. Paul even says you can move from ‘in the flesh’ to ‘in the Spirit’ (Rom 8:9), which destroys the idea of predestined damnation.”


AND that refusal is free will.

In Romans 8, Paul is describing voluntary moral rebellion, not mechanical inability.
“The mind set on the flesh is hostile to God” means people are choosing a way of life that resists God — not that God wired them to be unable to respond.

Biblically, free will is not “neutral robots.” It is real people making real loves and loyalties:

“People loved darkness rather than light” (John 3:19).

They can come to the light but they won’t because they love something else more. That is free will choice.

That is exactly what Romans 8 is describing.
 
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