MATTHEW 13:38
38.) The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
Don't be so readily fooled in the thinking that Satan has no seed...
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Preaching the Gospel !
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MATTHEW 13:38
38.) The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
Don't be so readily fooled in the thinking that Satan has no seed...
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Who is the wicked one?
Satan as a fallen angel is not written.
Satan is anybody or anything in opposition.
Thus Jesus called Peter Satan.
Thus the angel of God Satan to Baal.
Thus God made David to curry out counting of Israel.
beloved57
Well-known member
Be made alive First !
Can a dead man do anything ? Absolutely not. Could Lazarus come forth without being made alive first by the power of Christ ? Only the deceived would answer in the affirmative, but that's why the figure of death is wisely used to describe the lost person, to indicate his or her total inability to bring oneself to life, a resurrection is therefore needed. However many deceived souls believe they can regenerate themselves, bring themselves to life because they claim they are made alive as soon as they Believe ! But the question remains, can a spiritually dead person perform an spiritual act, as can a physically dead person can perform a physical act ? Believe the Gospel, is spiritual act, for the gospel is a spiritual message, for its the Gospel of God who is Spirit Rom 1:1
1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Jn 4:24
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Scripture is very clear that the natural man cannot receive a spiritual word 1 Cor 2:13-14
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
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.
The word receive here in context means:
to receive favourably, give ear to, embrace, make one's own, approve, not to reject
The Natural man cannot receive favourably the Gospel, cannot give ear to it, nor embrace it, or make it his own, nor give approval, or not reject it.
So, they cannot believe it ! We must first be spiritually quickened, that is made alive, which is what the Truth teaches, and this being the case, then there is absolutely nothing in the natural man to cause him to be saved.
Matt 19:25-26
25When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Jesus here is not advocating synergism as in God and Man can work together in a man becoming saved, but instead He is affirming that salvation is out of the control and ability of man, and relies solely on God's ability, that is Salvation is only possible if God saves us !
If we are saved, it must be wholly by the Grace of God, in God's elective purposes [election of grace] for no works or abilities of our own are sufficient or needed.
Thats the meaning of Eph 2:5
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)
Before believing one must be passed from death unto life ![see Jn 5:24]
That God makes alive some people even while still dead in sin, even dead in unbelief !
Folks if man is saved by his own faith, that faith is an ability in us, then God does not save us by His ability only, but we save ourselves, and to us [at least partly] is the glory due, however if we be dead in sin and unbelief, and totally incapacitated from doing any good [which is true whether we believe it or not] spiritually, and Faith be a gift of God's electing Grace, then salvation is surely of Grace, it is of God, and to Him be all the Glory..
Rev 19:1
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
Can a dead man do anything ? Absolutely not. Could Lazarus come forth without being made alive first by the power of Christ ? Only the deceived would answer in the affirmative, but that's why the figure of death is wisely used to describe the lost person, to indicate his or her total inability to bring oneself to life, a resurrection is therefore needed. However many deceived souls believe they can regenerate themselves, bring themselves to life because they claim they are made alive as soon as they Believe ! But the question remains, can a spiritually dead person perform an spiritual act, as can a physically dead person can perform a physical act ? Believe the Gospel, is spiritual act, for the gospel is a spiritual message, for its the Gospel of God who is Spirit Rom 1:1
1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Jn 4:24
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Scripture is very clear that the natural man cannot receive a spiritual word 1 Cor 2:13-14
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
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.
The word receive here in context means:
to receive favourably, give ear to, embrace, make one's own, approve, not to reject
The Natural man cannot receive favourably the Gospel, cannot give ear to it, nor embrace it, or make it his own, nor give approval, or not reject it.
So, they cannot believe it ! We must first be spiritually quickened, that is made alive, which is what the Truth teaches, and this being the case, then there is absolutely nothing in the natural man to cause him to be saved.
Matt 19:25-26
25When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Jesus here is not advocating synergism as in God and Man can work together in a man becoming saved, but instead He is affirming that salvation is out of the control and ability of man, and relies solely on God's ability, that is Salvation is only possible if God saves us !
If we are saved, it must be wholly by the Grace of God, in God's elective purposes [election of grace] for no works or abilities of our own are sufficient or needed.
Thats the meaning of Eph 2:5
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)
Before believing one must be passed from death unto life ![see Jn 5:24]
That God makes alive some people even while still dead in sin, even dead in unbelief !
Folks if man is saved by his own faith, that faith is an ability in us, then God does not save us by His ability only, but we save ourselves, and to us [at least partly] is the glory due, however if we be dead in sin and unbelief, and totally incapacitated from doing any good [which is true whether we believe it or not] spiritually, and Faith be a gift of God's electing Grace, then salvation is surely of Grace, it is of God, and to Him be all the Glory..
Rev 19:1
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
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Was it the power of Christ or the power of the Father the only true God?
Joh 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Scripture is very clear that the natural man cannot receive a spiritual word 1 cor 2:
The Father is the "wind". Compare what Jesus said:
Joh 3:8 The wind "pneuma" bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit "pneuma".
Spirit "wind" of God not God the spirit "wind".
The word receive here in context means:
beloved57
Well-known member
Grace goes before to give Faith !
Grace goes before to give Faith ! Thus making salvation to be solely of God's Grace Eph 2:8 to be saved by grace through faith, is all of grace, even the Faith is of grace, for believers believe through or by means of grace, the very grace we are saved by Acts 18:27
27And 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:
Also the word believed in this scripture is in the perfect tense , denoting the permanency of their believing, they will always believe.
Now in addition there are many scriptures that allocate faith to the grace of God, though they are ignored or wrested to give man the glory. The proud sinner will not bow to God in that He is Sovereign in Salvation, even in who believes, and those who do not yet confess this, are still not taught of God. We will look at some text that absolutely teach the Sovereignty of God in who Believes, even though I am sure they will be assailed..
Grace goes before to give Faith ! Thus making salvation to be solely of God's Grace Eph 2:8 to be saved by grace through faith, is all of grace, even the Faith is of grace, for believers believe through or by means of grace, the very grace we are saved by Acts 18:27
27And 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:
Also the word believed in this scripture is in the perfect tense , denoting the permanency of their believing, they will always believe.
Now in addition there are many scriptures that allocate faith to the grace of God, though they are ignored or wrested to give man the glory. The proud sinner will not bow to God in that He is Sovereign in Salvation, even in who believes, and those who do not yet confess this, are still not taught of God. We will look at some text that absolutely teach the Sovereignty of God in who Believes, even though I am sure they will be assailed..
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Which of these verses Paul rejected?
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
Joh 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Joh 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Joh 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father...
Please note that every epistle begins with such salutation:
1Co 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father...
1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Act 13:23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
Act 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
1Co 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Eze 34:23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
Eze 34:24 And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.
Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Rom 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen
1Co 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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.
Phi 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
1Pe 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
1Pe 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
beloved57
Well-known member
Grace goes before to give Faith ! cont
I will be sharing a few scriptures from the word of God that confirms that Grace goes before to give Faith, Acts 18:27b confirmed it, but now lets read Acts 13:48
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Now this ordination is an eternal act of God, yet the opposer's of God's Truth will swear that a man can ordain himself to eternal life [what arrogance ] and how deceived. But taken in its most plainest meaning this verse means that a person believes because they had been ordained to eternal life, in other words they had been Heirs of Promise.
The greek word for ordained in the verse is tasso and means:
to put in order, to station
a) to place in a certain order, to arrange, to assign a place, to appoint
1) to assign (appoint) a thing to one
b) to appoint, ordain, order
1) to appoint on one's own responsibility or authority
2) to appoint mutually, i.e. agree
It is also in the perfect tense in the greek a perfect passive participle.
This means they once and for all in the past were ordained or appointed to eternal life, such arrangement continuing into the present. The passive voice is the subjects being acted upon, and not the subjects acting upon themselves.
Of the eight times this verb is used in the NT its not once used in the middle voice, the closest usage with that meaning is in 1 Cor 16:15
15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
Where the word is translated addicted, they are said to have addicted themselves to the ministry, but even then, the verb is followed by the pronoun autou !
And of course if anyone knows anything about Sovereign Grace, even then that addicting was due to God working in them both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
So, unless one has been ordained to eternal life by God, a Eternal act, they cannot believe the Truth of the Gospel, or believe in Christ.
I will be sharing a few scriptures from the word of God that confirms that Grace goes before to give Faith, Acts 18:27b confirmed it, but now lets read Acts 13:48
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Now this ordination is an eternal act of God, yet the opposer's of God's Truth will swear that a man can ordain himself to eternal life [what arrogance ] and how deceived. But taken in its most plainest meaning this verse means that a person believes because they had been ordained to eternal life, in other words they had been Heirs of Promise.
The greek word for ordained in the verse is tasso and means:
to put in order, to station
a) to place in a certain order, to arrange, to assign a place, to appoint
1) to assign (appoint) a thing to one
b) to appoint, ordain, order
1) to appoint on one's own responsibility or authority
2) to appoint mutually, i.e. agree
It is also in the perfect tense in the greek a perfect passive participle.
This means they once and for all in the past were ordained or appointed to eternal life, such arrangement continuing into the present. The passive voice is the subjects being acted upon, and not the subjects acting upon themselves.
Of the eight times this verb is used in the NT its not once used in the middle voice, the closest usage with that meaning is in 1 Cor 16:15
15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
Where the word is translated addicted, they are said to have addicted themselves to the ministry, but even then, the verb is followed by the pronoun autou !
And of course if anyone knows anything about Sovereign Grace, even then that addicting was due to God working in them both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
So, unless one has been ordained to eternal life by God, a Eternal act, they cannot believe the Truth of the Gospel, or believe in Christ.
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beloved57
Well-known member
There are no scriptures teaching that we as natural men have the inherent ability to believe the Truth of God, for we must hear [spiritually] to believe, and we must be born of God to hear ! For Faith cometh by Hearing Rom 10:17 and being of God is requisite to hear Jn 8:47
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
So, if we believe, its through Grace Acts 18:27b, by the power of God Eph 1:19, for Faith [the ability to believe] is given to every man [ elect] Rom 12:3; some times its given by ministers who God blesses the gospel message to its hearers 1 Cor 3:5
5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
Now another scripture to consider Phil 1:29
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Notice that it is given, not offered, in behalf of Christ to believe on His name, for to believe on Christ is not up to man's so called imaginary freewill and contingency, but its given by God, for Christ sake, for its part of the fruit of His reward for those He bore their sins, to believe in Him..
So believing in Christ is not something any sinner does to save themselves from hell, but they [believers] are the Fathers gift to His Son for His suffering and Death..
Thats why it reads in Isa 53:10
10Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
So, if we believe, its through Grace Acts 18:27b, by the power of God Eph 1:19, for Faith [the ability to believe] is given to every man [ elect] Rom 12:3; some times its given by ministers who God blesses the gospel message to its hearers 1 Cor 3:5
5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
Now another scripture to consider Phil 1:29
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Notice that it is given, not offered, in behalf of Christ to believe on His name, for to believe on Christ is not up to man's so called imaginary freewill and contingency, but its given by God, for Christ sake, for its part of the fruit of His reward for those He bore their sins, to believe in Him..
So believing in Christ is not something any sinner does to save themselves from hell, but they [believers] are the Fathers gift to His Son for His suffering and Death..
Thats why it reads in Isa 53:10
10Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
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beloved57
Well-known member
Now another scripture to consider Phil 1:29
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Notice that it is given, not offered, in behalf of Christ to believe on His name, for to believe on Christ is not up to man's so called imaginary freewill and contingency, but its given by God, for Christ sake, for its part of the fruit of His reward for those He bore their sins, to believe in Him..
Also the Apostle Paul teaches here in Phil 1:29 that both believing and suffering are given as gifts of God, for he tells the believers in phillipi that these things hath been granted unto them. Suffering for Christ is a great privilege Matt 5:10-12
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Acts 5:4
41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
And the suffering and afflictions also have been appointed by God as so was the believing.
1 Thess 3:3
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed[destined] thereunto.
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Notice that it is given, not offered, in behalf of Christ to believe on His name, for to believe on Christ is not up to man's so called imaginary freewill and contingency, but its given by God, for Christ sake, for its part of the fruit of His reward for those He bore their sins, to believe in Him..
Also the Apostle Paul teaches here in Phil 1:29 that both believing and suffering are given as gifts of God, for he tells the believers in phillipi that these things hath been granted unto them. Suffering for Christ is a great privilege Matt 5:10-12
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Acts 5:4
41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
And the suffering and afflictions also have been appointed by God as so was the believing.
1 Thess 3:3
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed[destined] thereunto.
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beloved57
Well-known member
Another scripture indicating that Grace goes before Faith or believing is Acts 16:14
14And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
This verse is describing how God imparts Faith in a Person, for its a Divine Operation, that we can attend [pay attention] to the things of God, for God works with the Heart, Rom 10:9-10
9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Remember Phillip said to the Ethiopian eunuch before baptism if what ? Acts 8:37
37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
The Eunech gave evidence to Philip that he had believed his witness to him of Christ, probably from the close attention he observed the eunuch paying to his teaching, his willingness to learn and listen, he was not combative of things of God and challenging and debating him. Phillip could tell a work of Divine Grace had been implanted in him..
The apostles could perceive that a work of grace had happened in Paul before they gave him the right hand of fellowship per Gal 2:9
9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
God had done unto the Saul turned Paul what He done unto Lydia, opened the heart to believe the things of God, this is done by God through Grace, for they believed through Grace Acts 18:27
27And 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:
In Acts 16 14 it is clearly stated that God opened her heart, for she did not open her own heart, nor did Paul open her heart, but The Lord, the Master did it..by His conquering Grace and Spirit..
Without this Divine opening, no one could believe the sacred Truths and Mysteries of the Gospel..
14And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
This verse is describing how God imparts Faith in a Person, for its a Divine Operation, that we can attend [pay attention] to the things of God, for God works with the Heart, Rom 10:9-10
9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Remember Phillip said to the Ethiopian eunuch before baptism if what ? Acts 8:37
37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
The Eunech gave evidence to Philip that he had believed his witness to him of Christ, probably from the close attention he observed the eunuch paying to his teaching, his willingness to learn and listen, he was not combative of things of God and challenging and debating him. Phillip could tell a work of Divine Grace had been implanted in him..
The apostles could perceive that a work of grace had happened in Paul before they gave him the right hand of fellowship per Gal 2:9
9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
God had done unto the Saul turned Paul what He done unto Lydia, opened the heart to believe the things of God, this is done by God through Grace, for they believed through Grace Acts 18:27
27And 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:
In Acts 16 14 it is clearly stated that God opened her heart, for she did not open her own heart, nor did Paul open her heart, but The Lord, the Master did it..by His conquering Grace and Spirit..
Without this Divine opening, no one could believe the sacred Truths and Mysteries of the Gospel..
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beloved57
Well-known member
Another scripture to look at that supposes Grace operating in order to believe or have Faith is Acts 15:8-9
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
It should be noted that it is God who does the purifying of the heart ! Note: If man believes its his own faith that purifies the heart, then we become guilty of this thinking Prov 20:9
9Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
The act of purifying hearts by Faith is an act of God and not mans. The Faith that purifies is an product of the blood of Christ.
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beloved57
Well-known member
Lk 17:5
5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
This prayer would not be relevant if Faith was of human ability, but if its of God, which the apostles here seem to imply, He being the Author and Finisher and the source of it, then this prayer is in order.
5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
This prayer would not be relevant if Faith was of human ability, but if its of God, which the apostles here seem to imply, He being the Author and Finisher and the source of it, then this prayer is in order.
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beloved57
Well-known member
That there must be antecedent Grace before Believing is seen again in this passage Jn 6:64-65
64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
65And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. see Phil 1:29
The word therefore connects the unbelief of these with the fact that it had not been given unto them of the Father to come unto Christ, this confirms that the coming and believing are the same, and so scriptures like Jn 6:37,44
37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
These regards Faith, that is to come believing in Him, from the Father revealing Him to them as per Matt 16:16
16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Thats why they could come to Him Believing in Him.
64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
65And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. see Phil 1:29
The word therefore connects the unbelief of these with the fact that it had not been given unto them of the Father to come unto Christ, this confirms that the coming and believing are the same, and so scriptures like Jn 6:37,44
37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
These regards Faith, that is to come believing in Him, from the Father revealing Him to them as per Matt 16:16
16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Thats why they could come to Him Believing in Him.
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beloved57
Well-known member
That there must be antecedent Grace before Believing is seen again in this passage Jn 10:26
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
One must first be a sheep before they can believe in Christ. We cannot make ourselves sheep either Ps 100:3
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
We must be made a New Creature in Christ before we can Believe in Him, else how can darkness come into the Light ?
Before being made a new creature, we are darkness Paul writes Eph 5:8
8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
So, how could darkness trust in Light ? Its impossible. By Nature Christ is Light
Jn 12:35-36
35Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
36While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
By nature we are darkness and cannot come to the light Eph 5:8 and Jn 3:19-20
19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
So Grace must go before and create us into Children of Light to believe in the Light..
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
One must first be a sheep before they can believe in Christ. We cannot make ourselves sheep either Ps 100:3
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
We must be made a New Creature in Christ before we can Believe in Him, else how can darkness come into the Light ?
Before being made a new creature, we are darkness Paul writes Eph 5:8
8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
So, how could darkness trust in Light ? Its impossible. By Nature Christ is Light
Jn 12:35-36
35Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
36While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
By nature we are darkness and cannot come to the light Eph 5:8 and Jn 3:19-20
19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
So Grace must go before and create us into Children of Light to believe in the Light..
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beloved57
Well-known member
John 3:16
In light of witnessing about the antecedent grace needed to believe in Christ in conversion, its befitting to add these words:
Jn 3:16
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Many today have been deceived by the great deceiver [Rev 20:7-8] in that they take the word believeth here to mean that believing is a condition one must do to gain everlasting life.
Another scripture that is abused and many have been deceived by is Acts 16:32, for this scripture has been construed to be giving a condition [to believe] on what to do to get saved. To say the least scripture can be multiplied with the word believe or faith in regards to salvation is used; but the truth of the matter is this, not once is the word used as a condition for salvation, but as a evidence or fruit of salvation. Believing is a evidence that one has partook of the New Birth or the saving work of the Holy Ghost. Yes there is a saving work prior to believing called the renewing of the Holy Ghost Titus 3:5
5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
So before believing, a healing, a new life is given in order to believe, a spiritual life ! Before one can embrace spiritual Truth, spiritual life is needed.
Who takes part of the saving renewing work of the Holy Ghost that capacitated one to believe the Truth about Jesus
Its all for whom Christ died, for after His death, burial and resurrection and ascension, for His accomplishment, the Father gave Him the Holy Ghost to shed or pour upon all those He died for i.e Acts 2:32-33
32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33Therefore 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 is the greek word
ekcheō and means:
to pour out, shed forth
2) metaph. to bestow or distribute largely
corresponding its the same word used in Titus 3:6 after having said that one was saved by the renewing of the Holy Ghost, the source was through the risen Christ. Titus 3:5-6
5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
So as I stated earlier, the Holy Spirit renews all those Christ died for in preparing them to believe on His name or His Gospel Truth..
Since those who Christ died for, all their sins have been paid for, so Christ by the work of His Spirit makes them righteous as per Rom 5:19
19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
He does this [makes them righteous experientially] by sending His Spirit to them, giving them a new birth, which begins the process of making them righteous because of His obedience.
This is what's behind those believing in Jn 3 16.
In light of witnessing about the antecedent grace needed to believe in Christ in conversion, its befitting to add these words:
Jn 3:16
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Many today have been deceived by the great deceiver [Rev 20:7-8] in that they take the word believeth here to mean that believing is a condition one must do to gain everlasting life.
Another scripture that is abused and many have been deceived by is Acts 16:32, for this scripture has been construed to be giving a condition [to believe] on what to do to get saved. To say the least scripture can be multiplied with the word believe or faith in regards to salvation is used; but the truth of the matter is this, not once is the word used as a condition for salvation, but as a evidence or fruit of salvation. Believing is a evidence that one has partook of the New Birth or the saving work of the Holy Ghost. Yes there is a saving work prior to believing called the renewing of the Holy Ghost Titus 3:5
5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
So before believing, a healing, a new life is given in order to believe, a spiritual life ! Before one can embrace spiritual Truth, spiritual life is needed.
Who takes part of the saving renewing work of the Holy Ghost that capacitated one to believe the Truth about Jesus
Its all for whom Christ died, for after His death, burial and resurrection and ascension, for His accomplishment, the Father gave Him the Holy Ghost to shed or pour upon all those He died for i.e Acts 2:32-33
32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33Therefore 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 is the greek word
ekcheō and means:
to pour out, shed forth
2) metaph. to bestow or distribute largely
corresponding its the same word used in Titus 3:6 after having said that one was saved by the renewing of the Holy Ghost, the source was through the risen Christ. Titus 3:5-6
5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
So as I stated earlier, the Holy Spirit renews all those Christ died for in preparing them to believe on His name or His Gospel Truth..
Since those who Christ died for, all their sins have been paid for, so Christ by the work of His Spirit makes them righteous as per Rom 5:19
19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
He does this [makes them righteous experientially] by sending His Spirit to them, giving them a new birth, which begins the process of making them righteous because of His obedience.
This is what's behind those believing in Jn 3 16.
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beloved57
Well-known member
Grace is antecedent in the preservation of the saints !
Ps 37:28
For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
The saints are preserved forever, that is their spiritual interest in Christ. Now it is a negative reflection on the grace of God to teach that men must perfect the work of God in salvation by his own works; for the psalmist says Ps 138:8
8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Phil 1:6
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
The foundation of Christian growth is knowing that it is God's work in you, He began it and will consummate it. All Spiritual progress is depended upon what God has done, is doing, and will do. God's Faithfulness ensures His work in believers until Jesus returns 1 Cor 1:8
So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thess 5:23
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ps 37:28
For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
The saints are preserved forever, that is their spiritual interest in Christ. Now it is a negative reflection on the grace of God to teach that men must perfect the work of God in salvation by his own works; for the psalmist says Ps 138:8
8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Phil 1:6
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
The foundation of Christian growth is knowing that it is God's work in you, He began it and will consummate it. All Spiritual progress is depended upon what God has done, is doing, and will do. God's Faithfulness ensures His work in believers until Jesus returns 1 Cor 1:8
So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thess 5:23
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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beloved57
Well-known member
All of Salvation is of God !
The Gospel of the Grace of God, attributes all of Salvation unto the Eternal Purpose of God 2 Tim 1:9
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
It's pretty cut and dry here, Paul says:
1.Who saved us ! Who is the us ? see 2 Tim 1:10
2. according to His own purpose and grace
3. Which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began !
And Paul's gospel was centered in these Truths as we see in vs 10
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Thats is the gospel includes the Truths of vs 9.
Salvations moving cause is the Sovereign [Rom 9:18] everlasting [ Jer 31:3] and immutable [Rom 9:29] Grace of the Triune God [Eph 2:4-5] by whom the saints were Chosen in Christ before the foundation of the World Eph 1:4, also predestinated to the adoption of Children, in order that all may redound to His Eternal Glory as per Rev 7:10
and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"[esv]
The freewillers however would prefer that it be said " Salvations belongs to our god and our freewills"
However
Salvations meritorious cause, that is salvation is not because of anything we did to get saved [faith or believe or repent] not of works of righteousness as stated in Titus 3:5, but the meritorious cause is the obedience unto death of the Lord Jesus Christ Rom 5:19 b
so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Phil 2:8
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
His death was of the Grace, saving Grace of God Heb 2:9
9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
note: everyone here is limited to the context of everyone of the new covenant sons, which brings them to Glory
10 For it was fitting that he for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering [His Death].
Christ in His death hath obeyed in Behalf of the Sons He brings to Glory, He obeyed the Law for them [ Gal 4:4] enduring in their stead the punishment due unto their sins [ 1 Cor 15:3;Isa 53:5; Gal 3:13] and that His perfect God Honoring Righteousness was imputed to them, as their sins imputed to Him, and this is the meritorious grounds of their complete Justification before God, and not mans freewill.
And Salvations Efficient Cause is the Internal work of the Holy Ghost, Phil 2 :13, for He imparts into the soul the principal of life Eph 2:1; 1 Pet 1:23; 1 Jn 3:9, whenever He gives us a New Birth Jn 3:3-8 and delivers us from the power of darkness and translates us into the Kingdom of God's Dear Son, this is His Work in Salvation..
Salvation is therefore by the Three P's of God, The Fathers Purpose of Grace, The Son's Purchase of Grace and the Holy Ghost Power of Grace.
This is My Gospel Today.
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beloved57
Well-known member
The Gospel of Election or the Grace of God !
I am amazed at how many, even of those claiming to believe the doctrines of Grace and election, do not consider it [Election] a Gospel doctrine to be preached in plain Gospel witnessing ! But thats just the problem, it is a foundational gospel Truth, and its negligence is due to the great deceiver himself, for to preach the Gospel of God's Grace as per Acts 20:24
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Its a given, when preaching the Gospel of God's Grace, to explain the election of Grace per Rom 11:5-7
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
For if salvation is by Grace [election of grace] then it is no more of works [what we do], otherwise grace [election] would be no longer grace [election]
Folks thats just fundamental Gospel preaching on salvation by grace Eph 2:5-9
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved )
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
I am amazed at how many, even of those claiming to believe the doctrines of Grace and election, do not consider it [Election] a Gospel doctrine to be preached in plain Gospel witnessing ! But thats just the problem, it is a foundational gospel Truth, and its negligence is due to the great deceiver himself, for to preach the Gospel of God's Grace as per Acts 20:24
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Its a given, when preaching the Gospel of God's Grace, to explain the election of Grace per Rom 11:5-7
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
For if salvation is by Grace [election of grace] then it is no more of works [what we do], otherwise grace [election] would be no longer grace [election]
Folks thats just fundamental Gospel preaching on salvation by grace Eph 2:5-9
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved )
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
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beloved57
Well-known member
Election in the Gospel !
Now in light of these things and some people knowing full well that election is in the bible, yet not being acquainted with it experimentally, they put a humanistic spin on it to deprive it of its Truthfulness and force. They say things like this about election:
They say elect is only to service, though that it is in many scripture accounts a election to service and office, its equally true that there is a election to salvation :
2 Thess 2:13
13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
What can be plainer ? Also 2 Tim 2:10
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
And then on top of this, many who were chosen to service, their salvation was a given, since the service they were chosen for required them to be saved or new creatures in Christ; for the works for believers that were ordained for them to walk in them, required for them to walk in them, to be new creation.
Then we have those who say that election is totally of man, it goes something like this, God casts a vote for you, the devil against you, and now you can cast the deciding vote, hence electing oneself , this is so absurd, I will not even bother to entertain it further.
Then its those who say election is True, but why preach it and the gospel, well Gospel Preaching is God's appointed means to bring to pass His eternal decree, and to supply the elect with the good news of their salvation and sealing Eph 1:13
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Also God's elect are made manifest to other elect through believing the preached Gospel, its by the Spirit's application of the gospel, the elect believe. God uses the Truth of the Gospel to bring forth and make manifest spiritual life James 1:18
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
To Preach election in the gospel is informing the elect sinner of the cause and source of their salvation through Christ and prevents the pride of man of taking to himself the Glory of salvation, which belongs to God alone.
Now in light of these things and some people knowing full well that election is in the bible, yet not being acquainted with it experimentally, they put a humanistic spin on it to deprive it of its Truthfulness and force. They say things like this about election:
They say elect is only to service, though that it is in many scripture accounts a election to service and office, its equally true that there is a election to salvation :
2 Thess 2:13
13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
What can be plainer ? Also 2 Tim 2:10
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
And then on top of this, many who were chosen to service, their salvation was a given, since the service they were chosen for required them to be saved or new creatures in Christ; for the works for believers that were ordained for them to walk in them, required for them to walk in them, to be new creation.
Then we have those who say that election is totally of man, it goes something like this, God casts a vote for you, the devil against you, and now you can cast the deciding vote, hence electing oneself , this is so absurd, I will not even bother to entertain it further.
Then its those who say election is True, but why preach it and the gospel, well Gospel Preaching is God's appointed means to bring to pass His eternal decree, and to supply the elect with the good news of their salvation and sealing Eph 1:13
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Also God's elect are made manifest to other elect through believing the preached Gospel, its by the Spirit's application of the gospel, the elect believe. God uses the Truth of the Gospel to bring forth and make manifest spiritual life James 1:18
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
To Preach election in the gospel is informing the elect sinner of the cause and source of their salvation through Christ and prevents the pride of man of taking to himself the Glory of salvation, which belongs to God alone.
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