Yes, Calvinists—free will IS in the Bible.

[Red Baker]

Acts 10:1-9~"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa."

The Holy Ghost dedicated a whole chapter in the Acts of the apostles to "the conversion" (not the new birth, that's God's work apart from men, etc., see https://letgodbetrue.com/bible-topics/index/salvation/regeneration-and-conversion-roland/ written by an old saint ~ 95 years old, and still living, with a very sharp mind!) of the Gentiles coming to a more complete knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ.

Consider a few important thoughts with me from Acts 10 that proves Cornelius was born again before Peter ever arrived, or Peter would have never went there to cast pearls before men who thought Jesus Christ and his gospel was foolishness, never!

1.) The Holy Ghost gave witness that Cornelius was a devout man.

Webster 1828: Yielding a solemn and reverential attention to God in religious exercises, particularly in prayer.

We must be constant and devout in the worship of God.

2. Pious; devoted to religion; religious.

Simeon was a just man and devout Luke 2:25.

DEVOUT men carried Stephen to his burial. Acts 8:2.

2.) He fear God with all his house. No sinner not born of God have the fear of God, which fear is seen in goldy fruits. See:

Romans 3:18​

“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Not even a little fear of God.

3.) He prayed to God ALWAYS! He was man who was known being a man to beleive in and prayed to teh God of heaven, but much more is said concerning his prayers:

Acts 10:4​

“And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.”

Both his alms giving and prayers were accepted by the God of heaven coming from a pure heart who had a single eye to the glory of God alone, showing that he was not just a religious man, but a godly man that just needed some biblical information concerning Jesus Christ to have him on the right track of enjoying his faith to the degree he could do, with proper knowledge of the gospel of Christ.

4.) Even Peter acknowledge him as already being accepted by God:

Acts 10:35​

“But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, "is" accepted with him.”

Peter is confessing that he understood Cornelius and some of his household were righteous before he ever arrived there!

Peter did bring a message to them directing them to a salvation that they hither forth had not yet received and that salvation is one of a more perfect knowledge of the truth than they had before Peter's arrivals, which included water baptism into the religion of Jesus Christ !

Later....

 

[brightfame52]

I would say yes

Acts 10:3–6 (KJV 1900) — 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

However, in a vision, he was told to call upon Simon Peter.

Then he was a saved righteous man before God. That's who the Gospel is sent to. Peter was sent to him to instruct him in the things of God, things to do, practically

 

[TomL]

Then he was a saved righteous man before God. That's who the Gospel is sent to. Peter was sent to him to instruct him in the things of God, things to do, practically

Not until he believed

Acts 10:32 (Sahidic Coptic New Testament in English) — 32 Dispatch therefore to Ioppē and send for Simōn, he who is called Petros; this (one) is dwelling in the house of Simōn the tanner by the sea; this is coming and saying to thee words by which thou wilt be saved.

Acts 11:12–14 (LEB) — 12 And the Spirit told me to accompany them, not hesitating at all. So these six brothers also went with me, and we entered into the man’s house. 13 And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter, 14 who will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’

Which is a difficult issue for your doctrine

Cornelius a not yet saved man, was devout and feared God together with all his household, doing many charitable deeds for the people and praying to God continually.

His prayers and his charitable deeds have gone up for a memorial offering before God.

 

[TomL]

1st Corinthians 2:14​

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

In context the things spoken of

1 Corinthians 2:6–9 (LEB) — 6 Now we do speak wisdom among the mature, but wisdom not of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are perishing, 7 but we speak the hidden wisdom of God in a mystery, which God predestined before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew. For if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and have not entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him.”

The gospel is not being spoken of

 

[TomL]

I have never labored to put forth Calvinism per se~Calvinism as some problems as well and I have pointed them out more than once over the years, even though I'm connected with them on unconditional election which I make no apology for, also connected with them on limited atonement, which again I make no apology for.

Scripture's testimony that Jesus died for all refutes Limited Atonement

Hebrews 2:9 (LEB) — 9 but we see Jesus, for a short time made lower than the angels, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that apart from God he might taste death on behalf of everyone.

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 (KJV 1900) — 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

A ransom for all, as God desires the salvation of all people

1 Timothy 2:3–6 (LEB) — 3 This is good and acceptable before God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and human beings, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time,

He was therefore making propitiation for all the world's sin

1 John 2:2 (LEB) — 2 and he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Christ is therefore a savior for all the world

1 John 4:14 (LEB) — 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

Titus 2:11 (LEB) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people,

1 Timothy 4:10 (LEB) — 10 For to this end we labor and suffer reproach, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

 

[civic]

In context the things spoken of

1 Corinthians 2:6–9 (LEB) — 6 Now we do speak wisdom among the mature, but wisdom not of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are perishing, 7 but we speak the hidden wisdom of God in a mystery, which God predestined before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew. For if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and have not entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him.”

The gospel is not being spoken of

yep

 

[civic]

Scripture's testimony that Jesus died for all refutes Limited Atonement

Hebrews 2:9 (LEB) — 9 but we see Jesus, for a short time made lower than the angels, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that apart from God he might taste death on behalf of everyone.

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 (KJV 1900) — 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

A ransom for all, as God desires the salvation of all people

1 Timothy 2:3–6 (LEB) — 3 This is good and acceptable before God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and human beings, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time,

He was therefore making propitiation for all the world's sin

1 John 2:2 (LEB) — 2 and he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Christ is therefore a savior for all the world

1 John 4:14 (LEB) — 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

Titus 2:11 (LEB) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people,

1 Timothy 4:10 (LEB) — 10 For to this end we labor and suffer reproach, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

I call it being blinded by the Light like saul before his conversion. Seeing the bible through the teachings and traditions of men like the pharisees.

 

[praise_yeshua]

The verses posted spoke of physically living individuals who were either also dead or had passed out of death while living

What is that death state?

You're such a dishonest person. I have already explained this to you and here you are restating the same questions over and over again.

How is this not dishonesty?

 

[praise_yeshua]

You should observe scripture as it has spoken of it.

Ephesians 2:1–5 (LEB) — 1 And you, although you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all formerly lived in the desires of our flesh, doing the will of the flesh and of the mind, and we were children of wrath by nature, as also the rest of them were. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, 5 and we being dead in trespasses, he made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved),

These are living people who were dead in their trespasses and sin

How were they dead?

Colossians 2:13 (LEB) — 13 And although you were dead in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

Again these people were dead in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of their flesh but were made alive having forgiven their trespasses

How were they dead?

1 Timothy 5:6 (LEB) — 6 But the one who lives for sensual pleasure is dead even though she lives.

This woman was currently dead

How so?

1 John 3:14 (LEB) — 14 We know that we have passed over from death to life because we love the brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.

These all passed from death

What death did they pass from?

1 John 3:14 (LEB) — 14 We know that we have passed over from death to life because we love the brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.

What death are these passing from?

This always happens Tom when you're "stumped" on a subject. There is no need to keep repeating these verses "at" me. I ask questions and you ignore them.

Lets put this before our peers? I'll accept @civic as a peer in this dispute between us.

@civic

I know it is difficult to get in the middle of a dispute between two friends. However, choices in life very seldom ever come easy.

I have clearly stated that man lives under the disposition of physical death until they receive Eternal Life. Tom insists that this isn't an answer when he asks.....

The Bible says we are dead while we live. Now, he has said the same things over a dozens time now with a single argument that disputes the validity of my view.

Can you assist? Judge between us.

 

[praise_yeshua]

Those who passed from death to life

What death did they pass from?

Is Adam and Eve dead right now Tom? What death did they pass from?

There was a death they already had though they were physically alive.

What is it?

This is absolutely ridiculous.

I mentioned before and I'm going to mention it this one last time. For what you say is true, Matthew 8:22 can't possibly be true.

Mat 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Please notice, dead burying the dead. The "dead" mentioned here are still alive but under the disposition of death. Unless they change and receive Eternal Life, they will die under the disposition of physical death.

They are not literally dead physically. However, they do not have Eternal Life.

Eternal Life is Eternal Life. Physical life absent Eternal Life is death.

 

[praise_yeshua]

The nonsense of "spiritual death".

I don't know why I have to state the obvious here but I'm do just that.

Death can not exist without something first being alive. Life has to exist before death can take place. There is no death without life ending.

It is "spiritual life" can't be classified as death when a person doesn't first possess spiritual life.

In the context of humanity, no person is born first with Spiritual Life. Thusly, the very phrase "spiritual death" is a "misnomer".

@civic @TomL

 

[civic]

The nonsense of "spiritual death".

I don't know why I have to state the obvious here but I'm do just that.

Death can not exist without something first being alive. Life has to exist before death can take place. There is no death without life ending.

It is "spiritual life" can't be classified as death when a person doesn't first possess spiritual life.

In the context of humanity, no person is born first with Spiritual Life. Thusly, the very phrase "spiritual death" is a "misnomer".

@civic @TomL

I agree. Especially how “ spiritual death “ has been defined by the church over the centuries. It goes hand in hand with original sin and total depravity and inability.

All misnomers IMHO.

 

[brightfame52]

Not until he believed

So God accepted the prayers and alms of a unregenerate man dead in sin at enmity against Him ?

 

[TomL]

Is Adam and Eve dead right now Tom? What death did they pass from?




This is absolutely ridiculous.

I mentioned before and I'm going to mention it this one last time. For what you say is true, Matthew 8:22 can't possibly be true.

Mat 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Please notice, dead burying the dead. The "dead" mentioned here are still alive but under the disposition of death. Unless they change and receive Eternal Life, they will die under the disposition of physical death.

They are not literally dead physically. However, they do not have Eternal Life.

Eternal Life is Eternal Life. Physical life absent Eternal Life is death.

Sorry but you are offering only a dodge

Your statement simply ignores the multiple verses which speak of people still alive who had not physically died but had passed over from death to life

Ephesians 2:1–5 (LEB) — 1 And you, although you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all formerly lived in the desires of our flesh, doing the will of the flesh and of the mind, and we were children of wrath by nature, as also the rest of them were. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, 5 and we being dead in trespasses, he made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved),

These are living people who were dead in their trespasses and sin

How were they dead?

You have provided no answer.

Colossians 2:13 (LEB) — 13 And although you were dead in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

Again these people were dead in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of their flesh but were made alive having forgiven their trespasses

How were they dead?

You have provided no answer.

1 Timothy 5:6 (LEB) — 6 But the one who lives for sensual pleasure is dead even though she lives.

This woman was currently dead

How so?

You have provided no answer.

Here one is currently dead though physically alive

1 John 3:14 (LEB) — 14 We know that we have passed over from death to life because we love the brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.

These all passed from death

What death did they pass from?

You have provided no answer.

1 John 3:14 (LEB) — 14 We know that we have passed over from death to life because we love the brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.

What death are these currently passing from?

You have not answered these

Now lets deal with your interpretation of

Matthew 8:22 (LEB) — 22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead!”

The spiritually dead who are physically alive may bury their physically dead

We have different forms of death here which at that particular time existed.
https://berean-apologetics.communit...IROSGRAM|ResourceVersion=2014-10-07T22:09:56Z

 

[TomL]

This always happens Tom when you're "stumped" on a subject. There is no need to keep repeating these verses "at" me. I ask questions and you ignore them.

Lets put this before our peers? I'll accept @civic as a peer in this dispute between us.

@civic

I know it is difficult to get in the middle of a dispute between two friends. However, choices in life very seldom ever come easy.

I have clearly stated that man lives under the disposition of physical death until they receive Eternal Life. Tom insists that this isn't an answer when he asks.....

The Bible says we are dead while we live. Now, he has said the same things over a dozens time now with a single argument that disputes the validity of my view.

Can you assist? Judge between us.

Laughable

You have never addressed those many verses I posted let alone stumped me

One form of death has man in a grave

The other form not in the grave

 

[TomL]

You're such a dishonest person. I have already explained this to you and here you are restating the same questions over and over again.

How is this not dishonesty?

No, you have never explained how the current form of death exists when the person is alive.

You keep pointing to a future rather than a current reality.

The dishonesty here is yours.

 

[TomL]

I call it being blinded by the Light like saul before his conversion. Seeing the bible through the teachings and traditions of men like the pharisees.

Yep

 

[TomL]

So God accepted the prayers and alms of a unregenerate man dead in sin at enmity against Him ?

Um he was not at enmity

Acts 10:1–4 (LEB) — 1 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Cohort, 2 devout and fearing God together with all his household, doing many charitable deeds for the people and praying to God continually. 3 About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him and became terrified and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your charitable deeds have gone up for a memorial offering before God.

 

[brightfame52]

Um he was not at enmity

If he was unregenerate he was. Thats why he was regenerate, a just man. Do you disagree he was a just man b4 God b4 he heard and believed the Gospel. Acts 10:22

And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

 

[TomL]

The nonsense of "spiritual death".

I don't know why I have to state the obvious here but I'm do just that.

Death can not exist without something first being alive. Life has to exist before death can take place. There is no death without life ending.

It is "spiritual life" can't be classified as death when a person doesn't first possess spiritual life.

In the context of humanity, no person is born first with Spiritual Life. Thusly, the very phrase "spiritual death" is a "misnomer".

@civic @TomL

Spiritual death is separation from God

BTW your statement

There is no death without life ending.

Runs into major problems for verses exist speaking of people dying who are in fact physically alive

example

1 Timothy 5:6 (LEB) — 6 But the one who lives for sensual pleasure is dead even though she lives.

This woman was currently dead while currently living

How so?

Paul wrote

Romans 7:9–11 (LEB) — 9 And I was alive once, apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life 10 and I died, and this commandment which was to lead to life was found with respect to me to lead to death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.

Paul was once alive yet he died while still physically alive.

While currently living, he died without physical death