The us are believers not unbelievers unconditionally selected to be believers
Things that accompany Christ !
- Thread starter brightfame52
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brightfame52
Well-known member
Another blessing that accompanies the giving of Christ, that comes with Him, that is Eternal Life as a Gift Rom 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
He automatically gives it to them He died for, Per the Fathers Will Jn 17:2
2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
The word give didōmi means to endue with, put into possession of eternal life, in a qualitative sense.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
He automatically gives it to them He died for, Per the Fathers Will Jn 17:2
2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
The word give didōmi means to endue with, put into possession of eternal life, in a qualitative sense.
brightfame52
Well-known member
Rom.6:23,“the gift of God is eternal life,” for as death, the wages of sin, is paid, not offered, so eternal life, being the gift of God, in opposition to wages, is not offered, but bestowed.
brightfame52
Well-known member
Returning to 1 Cor 1:30
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Things that accompany the giving of Christ Rom 8:32
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
The word with greek prep syn means:
, accompany with and denotes union with,
So with His Death for the elect comes with that redemption. He has been made unto the elect redemption, the word apolytrōsis:
releasing effected by payment of ransom
everywhere in the N. T. metaphorically, viz. deliverance effected through the death of Christ from the retributive wrath of a holy God and the merited penalty of sin: Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14
the last day, when consummate liberation is experienced from the sin still lingering even in the regenerate, and from all the ills and troubles of this life, Ephesians 4:30;
This Blessing is conveyed, communicated to all for whom Christ died !
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Things that accompany the giving of Christ Rom 8:32
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
The word with greek prep syn means:
, accompany with and denotes union with,
So with His Death for the elect comes with that redemption. He has been made unto the elect redemption, the word apolytrōsis:
releasing effected by payment of ransom
- redemption, deliverance
- liberation procured by the payment of a ransom
everywhere in the N. T. metaphorically, viz. deliverance effected through the death of Christ from the retributive wrath of a holy God and the merited penalty of sin: Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14
the last day, when consummate liberation is experienced from the sin still lingering even in the regenerate, and from all the ills and troubles of this life, Ephesians 4:30;
This Blessing is conveyed, communicated to all for whom Christ died !
brightfame52
Well-known member
Another Great Blessing that accompanies Christ, God giving of Him, and that's the Holy Spirit of Promise. The Spirit is the guarantee that all the Spiritual Blessings required are applied to every elect sinner Christ died for and redeemed. So upon finishing His Saving work, He ascended to the Throne of God and received of the Father, the Spirit in order to pour upon or shed upon them the Spiritual Blessings of His Salvation. Acts 2:30-33
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
The word shed forth is the greek ekcheō:
To bestow also means to impart !
This Gift of the Spirit is vital in fulfilling the Saving venture Christs Death accomplished !
And He[The Holy Spirit] is included in those all things freely given with Christ Rom 8:32
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
The word shed forth is the greek ekcheō:
- to pour out, shed forth
- metaph. to bestow or distribute largely
To bestow also means to impart !
This Gift of the Spirit is vital in fulfilling the Saving venture Christs Death accomplished !
And He[The Holy Spirit] is included in those all things freely given with Christ Rom 8:32
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
To those that believe
John 7:38–39 (KJV 1900) — 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Galatians 3:2 (KJV 1900) — 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:5 (KJV 1900) — 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:14 (KJV 1900) — 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
brightfame52
Well-known member
Another Great Blessing that accompanies Christ, God giving of Him, and that's the Holy Spirit of Promise. The Spirit is the guarantee that all the Spiritual Blessings required are applied to every elect sinner Christ died for and redeemed. So upon finishing His Saving work, He ascended to the Throne of God and received of the Father, the Spirit in order to pour upon or shed upon them the Spiritual Blessings of His Salvation. Acts 2:30-33
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
The word shed forth is the greek ekcheō:
- to pour out, shed forth
- metaph. to bestow or distribute largely
To bestow also means to impart !
This Gift of the Spirit is vital in fulfilling the Saving venture Christs Death accomplished !
And He[The Holy Spirit] is included in those all things freely given with Christ Rom 8:32
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
To those that believe
John 7:38–39 (KJV 1900) — 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Galatians 3:2 (KJV 1900) — 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:5 (KJV 1900) — 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:14 (KJV 1900) — 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
brightfame52
Well-known member
Another Great Blessing that accompanies Christ, God giving of Him, and that's the Holy Spirit of Promise. The Spirit is the guarantee that all the Spiritual Blessings required are applied to every elect sinner Christ died for and redeemed. So upon finishing His Saving work, He ascended to the Throne of God and received of the Father, the Spirit in order to pour upon or shed upon them the Spiritual Blessings of His Salvation. Acts 2:30-33
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
The word shed forth is the greek ekcheō:
- to pour out, shed forth
- metaph. to bestow or distribute largely
To bestow also means to impart !
This Gift of the Spirit is vital in fulfilling the Saving venture Christs Death accomplished !
And He[The Holy Spirit] is included in those all things freely given with Christ Rom 8:32
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
To those that believe
John 7:38–39 (KJV 1900) — 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Galatians 3:2 (KJV 1900) — 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:5 (KJV 1900) — 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:14 (KJV 1900) — 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
brightfame52
Well-known member
Another Great Blessing that accompanies Christ, God giving of Him, and that's the Holy Spirit of Promise. The Spirit is the guarantee that all the Spiritual Blessings required are applied to every elect sinner Christ died for and redeemed. So upon finishing His Saving work, He ascended to the Throne of God and received of the Father, the Spirit in order to pour upon or shed upon them the Spiritual Blessings of His Salvation. Acts 2:30-33
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
The word shed forth is the greek ekcheō:
- to pour out, shed forth
- metaph. to bestow or distribute largely
To bestow also means to impart !
This Gift of the Spirit is vital in fulfilling the Saving venture Christs Death accomplished !
And He[The Holy Spirit] is included in those all things freely given with Christ Rom 8:32
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Johann
Well-known member
Yep-now you are on a roll.
believers alone
To those that believe
John 7:38–39 (KJV 1900) — 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Galatians 3:2 (KJV 1900) — 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:5 (KJV 1900) — 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:14 (KJV 1900) — 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Johann
Well-known member
Let't put on the Calvinist cap for a moment and search these Scriptures.
As far as God causing someone to believe in him, the Scriptures tell us that God can do exactly that. Here are five of many Scriptures that support this idea.
Prov. 21:1, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.”
John 1:12-13, “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, WHO WERE BORN NOT OF BLOOD, NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH, NOR OF THE WILL OF MAN, BUT OF GOD.”
Acts 16:14, “A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.”
Phil. 1:29, “Philippians 1:29, “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
1 Pet. 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Proverbs 21:1
We see from Proverbs 21:1, that God moves the heart of the king where he wishes it to go. If God can do this, then he can also move the heart of any individual to where he wants it to go, including believing in him.
John 1:13
In John 1:13 we see that people are born (the context is born again) not of their own wills, but of God. This is consistent with biblical theology that reveals the depravity of man and his inability to freely choose God within his unregenerate and sinful nature (John 6:65; Rom. 3:10-12; 1 Cor. 2:14, etc.)
Man not depraved?
If Scripture tells us that we are born (again) not of our own will, but of the will of God, then what is the Molinist to do? After all, Molinists affirm libertarian free will and also affirm that under the right circumstances, with prevenient grace, the person will be born again by his own free will choice. Yet, Scripture tells us we’re born again by the will of God, not the will of man – including libertarian free will motivated out of prevenient grace. John 1:13 contradicts the Molinist position. Yes/no?
Acts 16:14
In Acts 16:14 we see that God opened the heart of Lydia to respond to the things spoken of by Paul. Now, we know that she was already a worshiper of God, though not yet a Christian. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message of salvation since afterward, she was baptized (v. 15). If libertarian free will is true, then why did God have to open her heart? Why didn’t she just freely believe under the right circumstances? Why didn’t God just arrange things so that she was motivated out of her own conscience, and her own will, to decide to believe in Paul’s teaching? If libertarian free will is true and human freedom is the final arbiter of belief in Christ, then why did God have to open her heart? It makes no sense. And, since we see that her opened heart was the result of God’s work, and that she then believed, we can see God caused someone to believe. Acts 16:14 contradicts the Molinist position. YES/NO?
Philippians 1:29
Philippians 1:29 tells us that God is the one who grants that we believe. I am reminded of Romans 9:16 which says, “So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.” The Romans 9 context is about what God does among people, including his mercy upon them (v. 15) and his ordination of them for destruction or salvation (vv. 21-23). Nevertheless, Philippians tells us that it is God who grants that we believe. If it were true that the unregenerate, sinfully-enslaved person can freely believe given the right circumstances, then why does Philippians 1:29 say that God grants that we believe? The granting cannot be an arrangement of circumstances. It is granting the actual belief.
“charisthḗsomai, it means to be permitted or granted something (1 Cor. 2:12; Phil. 1:29; Phile. 1:22).” (Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000.)
“χαρίζομαιa: to give or grant graciously and generously, with the implication of good will on the part of the giver—‘to give, to grant, to bestow generously.” (Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. New York: United Bible Societies, 1996.)
“it is given—Greek, “it has been granted as a favor,” or “gift of grace.” Faith is the gift of God (Eph 2:8), not wrought in the soul by the will of man, but by the Holy Ghost (Jn 1:12, 13).” (Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.)
This granting is not arranging circumstances, as some libertarians have asserted. Nor is it the addition of prevenient grace that enables a person to freely choose. Philippians 1:29 speaks against these ideas. Philippians 1:29 contradicts the Molinist position.
1 Peter 1:3
In 1 Peter 1:3 we see that God caused people to be born again. This means he caused them to be changed internally, to be given the new birth. It was not the result of LFW, but of God’s direct work.
“ἀναγεννάω: (a figurative extension of meaning of ἀναγεννάω ‘to be physically born again,’ not occurring in the NT) to cause to be changed as a form of spiritual rebirth—‘to cause to be born again, to be given new birth.” (Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. New York: United Bible Societies, 1996.)
“to cause to be changed as a form of spiritual rebirth—‘to cause to be born again, to be given new birth.’” (Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida…)
“cause to be born again.” (Zerwick, Max, and Mary Grosvenor. A Grammatical Analysis of the Greek New Testament. Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1974.)
“has caused us to be born again” This is the same root (anagennaō, cf. 1:23) as in John 3:3 (gennaō). It is an AORIST ACTION PARTICIPLE, which speaks of a decisive act.” (Utley, Robert James Dr. The Gospel according to Peter: Mark and I & II Peter. Vol. Volume 2. Study Guide Commentary Series. Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International, 2000)
“‘Begot’ is archaic, however, and he ‘has caused us to be born again’ (NASB) is probably best. In blessing God, Peter thinks first of the new spiritual life that God has given to his people.1 This being born anew is by his great mercy, a phrase with the same preposition (kata) as ‘according to the foreknowledge’ (v. 2). No foreknowledge of the fact that we would believe, no foreseeing of any desirableness or merit on our part, is mentioned here or anywhere else in Scripture when indicating God’s ultimate reason for our salvation. It is simply ‘according to his great mercy’ that he gave us new life.” (Grudem, Wayne A. 1 Peter: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 17. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988.)
Hopefully, the testimony of scholars about what the Greek is saying in this verse should convince us that the cause of our being born again is not our will (i.e., John 1:13), but the will and work of God. Molinists presuppose that it is our will, our Libertarian free choice that is the cause of our regeneration. But, the Scriptures speak to the contrary. 1 Peter 1:3 contradicts the Molinist position.
“…the righteousness of God… by [the] faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe” (Rom. 3:22).
Note, the Apostle Paul here does not refer to faith in Christ, but the faith of Christ. Nor does he refer to what Christ believed, but rather to His worthiness to be believed, His fidelity, His trustworthiness.
We must not forget that faith is a reciprocal matter; it is two-sided. One side is objective; it believes in another. The other is subjective; it is a trustworthy character. One refers to what a person does; the other to what he is. If I have faith in you, you should keep faith with me; you should be trustworthy.
Seven times in St. Paul’s epistles he refers to “the faith of Christ” and each time his purpose is to emphasize our Lord’s worthiness of our complete confidence. That he does not refer to our faith in Christ is evident on the surface in each case. In the passage above he declares that the righteousness of God, which is “by the faith of Christ,” is conferred “upon all them that believe” (Here’s your faith in Him).
Similarly, in Gal. 3:22 he states that “the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise, by faith of Jesus Christ, might be given to “them that believe.” Here again, we believe because He is worthy of our confidence.
Again in Phil. 3:9, the Apostle expresses his desire for a righteousness not of his own, “but that which is through the faith of Christ” — and then adds: “the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Here’s man’s faith again! He has faith in Christ because Christ is completely faithful, completely worthy to be believed in. He paid the full penalty for our sins and is now in heaven dispensing the merits of Calvary — riches of grace, mercy and forgiveness.
But remember, “the faith of Christ” always precedes our faith in Christ. What good would it do us to believe in Him for salvation if He were not wholly to be relied upon for this? But He can be trusted “to save… to the uttermost [all] who come unto God by Him” (Heb. 7:25). This is why Paul could say to the terrified jailor at Philippi:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Does this teach the king's dedication to God will or God's determination of the kings heart
That references not the believing but the being born again, the regeneration of the believer
The woman was already a worshiper of God before the lord open her heart
BTW what is exactly entailed in the lord opening her heart. The text does not say
except that it was to have her heed Paul.
Yes granted. Paul was given a dream of a man from Macedonia requesting help
Paul went down to Macedomia and Philippi and preached the gospel
Thus the Philippians were granted faith
Acts 16:7–12 (KJV 1900) — 7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. 11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; 12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
Yes God is the cause of regeneration but he regenerates those who believe
God can do whatever he likes. The question is what does he do
The bible repeating places the responsibility to believe upon man
Acts 16:30–31 (KJV 1900) — 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Acts 2:37–38 (KJV 1900) — 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
and even
John 6:27–35 (KJV 1900) — 27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Jesus castigates little or no faith and he marvels at and praises great faith
This would make no sense were faith something God irresistibly causes
What we see is men are given the right to become children of God that is to be born again by receiving - believing on Christ
an interpretation confirmed by Paul
Galatians 3:26 (KJV 1900) — 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
In john's gospel where he writes
John 20:31 (KJV 1900) — 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
that man might believe and in believing have life in Christ's name
The word believe appears 101 times (KJV)
never once does he say God effectually causes man to believe
and the responsibility for belief is placed on man.
dwight92070
Well-known member
Wouldn't it be better to put on a Bible cap, as opposed to a Calvinist cap or a Dispensationalist cap?
Johann
Well-known member
I notice you do not give a serious rebuttal-Jesus said without me you can do nothing-so freewill can do nothing
Ac 18:27 (KJV) And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:8 (KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
by
*Eph 2:5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
Ro 3:24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
2Th 1:9 who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
through
*Ro 3:22-26 [22] even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, [23] for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; [24] being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [25] whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance; [26] to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, that he might himself be just and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
*Ro 4:16 For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
Mk 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.
Lk 7:50 He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Jn 3:14-18 [14] As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, [15] that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [17] For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. [18] He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only born Son of God.
Jn 3:36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Jn 5:24 “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
Jn 6:27-29 [27] Don’t work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him.” [28] They said therefore to him, “What must we do, that we may work the works of God?” [29] Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
Jn 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will not be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
Jn 6:40 This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Ac 13:39 and by him everyone who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Ac 15:7-9 [7] When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News and believe. [8] God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us. [9] He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.
Ac 16:31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Ro 4:5 But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
Ro 10:9-10 [9] that if you will confess with your mouth that 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 confession is made resulting in salvation.
Ga 3:14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Ga 3:22 But the Scripture imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
1Jn 5:10-12 [10] He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who doesn’t believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. [11] The testimony is this: that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life.
that
*Jas 1:16-18 [16] Don’t be deceived, my beloved brothers. [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation nor turning shadow. [18] Of his own will he gave birth to us by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
Eph 1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might
Mt 16:17 Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
Jn 1:12-13 [12] But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, 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.
Jn 6:37 All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out.
Jn 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up in the last day.
Jn 6:65 He said, “For this cause I have said to you that no one can come to me, unless it is given to him by my Father.”
Ac 14:27 When they had arrived and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations.
Ac 16:14 A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us. The Lord opened her heart to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul.
Ro 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?
Ro 10:17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Php 1:29 Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,
Col 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Reciprocal
Job 40:14 Then I will also admit to you that your own right hand can save you.
Ps 6:4 Return, Yahweh. Deliver my soul, and save me for your loving kindness’ sake.
Ps 25:7 Don’t remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. Remember me according to your loving kindness, for your goodness’ sake, Yahweh.
Ps 27:13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living.
Ps 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh. He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
Ps 105:45 that they might keep his statutes, and observe his laws. Praise Yah!
Ps 111:2 Yahweh’s works are great, pondered by all those who delight in them.
Is 41:20 that they may see, know, consider, and understand together, that Yahweh’s hand has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Is 55:1 “Hey! Come, everyone who thirsts, to the waters! Come, he who has no money, buy, and eat! Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Ho 14:2 Take words with you, and return to Yahweh. Tell him, “Forgive all our sins, and accept that which is good; so we offer bulls as we vowed of our lips.
Ho 14:4 “I will heal their waywardness. I will love them freely; for my anger is turned away from them.
Zec 4:7 Who are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you are a plain; and he will bring out the capstone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace, to it!’”
Mt 20:9 “When those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius.
Mt 21:29 He answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind, and went.
Mk 2:5 Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Mk 4:11 He said to them, “To you is given the mystery of God’s Kingdom, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables,
Mk 9:24 Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!”
Lk 8:15 Those in the good ground, these are those who with an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and produce fruit with perseverance.
Lk 15:32 But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’”
Lk 18:27 But he said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Jn 1:16 From his fullness we all received grace upon grace.
Jn 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom.
Jn 4:10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
Ac 13:43 Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
Ac 13:48 As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
Ac 15:11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”
Ac 18:27 When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him; and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;
Ac 20:24 But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.
Ac 26:18 to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Ro 3:12 They have all turned away. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, no, not so much as one.”
Ro 3:20 Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
Ro 3:27 Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
Ro 4:6 Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
Ro 5:15 But the free gift isn’t like the trespass. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.
Ro 6:15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!
Ro 6:17 But thanks be to God that, whereas you were bondservants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were delivered.
Ro 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
Ro 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
1Co 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
1Co 15:2 by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am. His grace which was given to me was not futile, but I worked more than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.
Php 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Php 2:13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Col 1:13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love,
2Th 2:13 But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth,
2Ti 1:9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
Tt 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s chosen ones and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,
Tt 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
Tt 3:4-5 [4] But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, [5] not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Heb 6:4 For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,
Jas 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him?
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, --NOT OF FREEWILL
3) "And that not of yourselves" (kai touto ouk eks humon) "And this (salvation) is not of yourselves," or out of your being or doing. Even "faith," the last means, instrument, or agency by which grace came to them, was through the initiative grace of God, for apart from or without this offered gift of faith, accepted and exercised by each, salvation came to them. Rom_1:16; 1Jn_5:1.
This is not a Calvin Commentary ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^If you have a prob;em with initiative grace--well-
1Pe 1:5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Re 7:10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Johann
Well-known member
Nothing wrong With the Berean Bible Society and Grace Ambassadors-Dispentational-and I am learning a lot from them-we are still in the process of learning even as we growing older-yes?
Calvin and Gill have some valuable input-we should be like the Bereans-searching the scriptures DAILY--and the writings of scholars-right?
Johann
Well-known member
The verse Proverbs 21:1, "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes," teaches about God's sovereignty over the king's heart. It illustrates that God has the ultimate authority and control over the decisions and actions of kings. The imagery of water channels being directed by the hand of the Lord signifies God's power to influence and guide the heart of a king according to His will.Therefore, this verse emphasizes God's determination of the king's heart rather than the king's dedication to God's will. It highlights the divine authority and control that God exercises over the hearts of rulers, shaping their decisions and actions in alignment with His purposes.
The reference in John 1:12-13 to being born "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" pertains to the concept of being born again, specifically the regeneration of the believer. This passage emphasizes that becoming children of God is not based on human lineage, human effort, or human decision but is a result of God's work in the believer's life through spiritual rebirth.
The phrase "born not of blood" indicates that this new birth is not a result of physical descent or heritage. "Nor of the will of the flesh" highlights that it is not achieved through human effort or desire. "Nor of the will of man" emphasizes that this rebirth is not initiated by human decision or willpower but is a divine act orchestrated by God.
Therefore, the passage in John 1:12-13 focuses on the spiritual transformation and new birth that believers experience through God's work in their lives, illustrating that becoming children of God is a result of divine regeneration rather than human actions or intentions.
When the text says, "the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul," it's like saying that God did something special in Lydia's heart. It's not that she wasn't interested before, but this divine action helped her truly understand and embrace the message Paul was sharing.
So, in a way, it's like God turned up the volume on what Paul was saying to Lydia, making her really pay attention and respond in a deep and meaningful way. It's a beautiful example of how God can work in someone's heart to bring about a life-changing transformation, even for someone who was already seeking Him.
You raise a really insightful point about the interplay between God's sovereignty and human responsibility when it comes to faith and belief. Let's unpack this a bit further.
You're absolutely right that Proverbs 21:1 teaches us that God has the power and authority to direct the heart of a king, turning it wherever He wishes. This demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty - He is in control and can influence the decisions and actions of even the most powerful human leaders.
The question then becomes, if God can so easily sway the heart of a king, can He not also direct the heart of any individual to believe in Him? This is a fair observation, and it gets at the heart of the tension between divine sovereignty and human free will.
The Bible does repeatedly place the responsibility to believe squarely on the individual. Verses like John 1:12-13 and Acts 16:14 make it clear that people must make the choice to receive Christ and respond to the gospel message. God may open hearts, but people still have to make that decision themselves.
So while God certainly has the power to override human will and compel belief, it seems that is not typically how He chooses to work. The Bible suggests God desires a genuine, freely-chosen faith response from people, not forced belief.
This is a complex theological issue that godly Christians have debated for centuries. But the overall witness of Scripture seems to be that God sovereignly orchestrates circumstances and supernaturally works in people's hearts, yet still allows them the freedom to accept or reject Him.
It's a both/and - God's sovereignty and human responsibility. He is all-powerful, yet also desires a loving relationship with us that requires our willing participation.
I do not believe the verse teaches God determines the affections of the king's heart
Nope
John 1:12–13 (ESV) — 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
it is the being born which is not of blood or the will of the flesh or the will of man
It is faith which makes man a child of god
Galatians 3:26 (ESV) — 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
and as noted faith is man's responsibility
Um that appears to be an assumption
God could have simply given her witness concerning Paul
We just do not know
in any case regarding those who fear the lord
Psalm 25:14 (ESV) — 14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.
Lydia and those like Cornelius would be examples of those God would provide with further revelation
In Cornelius case he sent him Peter to preach. That was sufficient
In the case of those at Philippi he sent Paul a dream or a vision that he was needed there
and they were granted faith in that manner
Again the question is not what God can do but what he does. The spirit does work in man to convict him but ultimately it is the man who is responsible for believing. God can work in various ways, with Paul a blinding light and a fall is what it took
exactly
love cannot be forced and must be freely given
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