A state of open, armed, often prolonged, conflict - carried on by Satan, wages in the lives of true believer’s, as he attempts to crumble the foundation on which we stand through a cancerous (CA) confusion among the body. We must study the Scriptures in their entirety and not selectively, "Beware lest any man spoil you through their philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Col. 2:8 ). Are you subject to ordinances, after the commandments and doctrines of men? Are not all Scriptures given by the inspiration of God and are they not profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness (Col. 2:20, 22; 2 Ti. 3:16)?
Many who profess to be Christians derive at their truth through the teachings of another, never seeking the truth given by God in His Word. They merely echo the views or opinions of those who wrongly divide the Word. Seemingly, by giving only a portion of the truth (a half-truth) that is worse than a whole lie.
The worldly church has experienced divisions among those who attend with regard to Election and Free-will doctrines. These doctrines are probably better known as Calvinism and Armenianism (CA). While the Bible does indeed teach us that Salvation is by Grace (Unmerited Favor) in Christ (the Way, the Truth and the Life) through Faith (the assurance of things hoped for – the conviction of things not seen) and not of works, least any man should boast. The confusion seems to come from – "it is given to me alone" (Election), or "it is received by me alone" (self-determination or will). Perhaps the subtitle should read, "Can God cure, us of Cancer" (CA).
The word Election [Gk. ekloge #1589; "Selection" and eklegomai #1586; to select: - make choice, choose out (Strong’s Concordance)] in the Scriptures has several distinctive and applied meanings; to the choice of nations by God for His purpose (the Jews – a chosen nation); to the choice of certain individuals by Jesus (the twelve apostles and the apostle Paul, etc.); to the selection of those who would become the Sons of God (Saints-rule and reign with Christ). The latter one seems to cause all the confusion and the theological debate over who are to be…the Sons of God? Are they not those who by faith, "OVERCOME" and are chosen. For many are called?
...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Rev. 2:7)
...He that overcometh shall not be hurt by the second death. (Rev. 2:11)
...To him that overcometh will I give...hidden manna...white stone, and in the stone a new name written, (Rev. 2:17)
“And he that overcometh, and keepth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” “And he shall rule...” “And I will give him the morning star.” (Rev. 2:26-28)
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment: and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but will confess his name before my father... (Rev. 3:5)
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: ... (Rev. 3:12)
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, (Rev. 3:21)
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Rev. 21:7)
[Gk. nikao #3528; to subdue (lit. or fig.): - conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. Gk. pas #3956; all, any, every, the whole (see also; Heb. kowl #3605)].
Therefore, the question seems to be – "who will receive the gift of Salvation?" Is it only those who were saved from/for all eternity (as opposed to those who were damned from/for all eternity- double predestination), those who choose for themselves of their own free will (self-determination), or those who are drawn (Gk. - dragged) by the Spirit of God in the faith of Christ – all of humanity?
1). Calvinism basically states that "God declined to give salvation to all." He pre-destined only a certain few to be saved, and the rest of humanity is pre-destined to be eternally separated and damned.
2). Armenians believe all are offered salvation, as God desires all to be saved. But given free will, "man not God", determines who will receive salvation. Those who reject the opportunity for salvation will be eternally separated and damned, as well.
3). God is Sovereign: He has sworn by Himself and the Word is gone out of His mouth in righteousness, and shall not return – that unto Him every knee shall bow, every tongue shall declare…"Jesus Christ is Lord…to the glory of God the Father." In praise and worship!
The Apostle Paul declared that he was not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes (Ro. 1:16) and further states that whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Ro. 10:13). How does this happen except the Lord sends, or calls certain individuals to preach (the bible-truths), in order that one may hear and believe. Is there anyone who seeks the Lord of his or her own free-will without the preaching of the gospel – the good news? No not one!
Salvation on the basis of our accepting the Gospel of Christ has been misconstrued as being deserving; a form of "human merit" because we profess in Christ with are lips. Yet, the Scriptures state unequivocally that faith comes from hearing (not merely speaking the words), and hearing by the word of God (Ro. 10:17). And, without faith it is impossible to please Him…"For he that comes to God must believe that He is" (Heb. 11:6). Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness (Ro. 4:3), thus, would not the perfect "Righteousness of Christ" be attributed to those, whosoever, believes in Him for their salvation. Furthermore, "For by Grace you are saved through faith (of Christ), and not of yourself – it is the gift of God."
The truth is that God has already charged "all under sin" (Ro.3: 9), both Jews and Gentiles alike. Hence, the penalty for sin is death…"for as in Adam all die". Therefore, justification is by the faith of Christ and Him alone, being the atonement (crucified), is the only way for man to be reconciled from death to God … "for in Christ shall all be made alive" (I Cor 15:22). This was His foreordained plan from the beginning, designed to save the lost when that individual trusts in Him (Christ) for their salvation. Regardless of whether you are Jewish or not, nor when that person believes. Is a gift any less of a gift merely because we accept or reject it? Is the atonement, limited because of what man desires, or thinks?
What about the rest of humanity? The fearful (timid) and unbelieving – to the worst of the worst, will they eventually confess (Phil. 2:10-11) in the name of Jesus, and all he came to accomplish which is the will of the father?
"That at the name of Jesus every (all) knee should bow, of things (all) in heaven and, things (all) in earth, and things (all) under the earth; And that every (all) tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (also – Isa. 45:23, Rom. 14:11)
"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. And, all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the Ministry of Reconciliation, 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" ( 2 Cor. 5:17-19)
If you have felt uncomfortable in a church (i.e. building – per se) consider that there are three Fundamental Doctrines that are taught; and every shade or color in between each of them which account for the rainbow of denominations (thousands) existing today. Also, is this the reason for so much confusion in the church (that was to be of one mind, heart and purpose)? All denominations believe and endorse one of the following opinions and deny the others.
ETERNAL TORMENTS IN HELL – those who do not believe of their own "free will", or those who are not "elected" to salvation; the majority of humanity (CA).
ANNIHILATION – All of the "wicked."
RECONCILIATION – complete salvation of all in "due time and order."
After an in depth study of each of these; comparing the Scriptures (Spiritual with Spiritual), through prayer, faith and the teachings of the Holy Spirit - there are but seven questions to answer, as follows:
1. Which doctrine reflects "GOD’S GLORY, GRACE AND FULNESS"?
2. Which doctrine exhibits "GOD’S LOVE, MERCY and RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT" that overcomes "ALL THINGS"?
3. Which doctrine bears the most "FRUIT"?
4. Which doctrine fills your mind and heart with a purpose – to proclaim the "GOSPEL" to the world?
5. Which one is filled with "HIS LOVE"? (Love of Christ)
6. Which of these is truly the "GOOD NEWS"?
7. Which was "JESUS CHRIST" sent to accomplish? (Will of the father)
God is indeed Sovereign – "He is the Ultimate Authority", not man and his misguided tenets which are derived from Pagan mythologies and Satan’s deceptions. Thus, we must study the scriptures and not be carnally minded.
The Apostles said, "there would be a falling away from the truth" and it would get worse and worse. Yet, most believe that this applies only after our time (generation), and not over the previous two thousand years. How ignorant have we become?
If there be TEN with the "faith of Christ", will He not receive the rest? I therefore pray for a few more that would believe in the complete word of God, and not justify only themselves. For God is not the author of "confusion" (Babylon), especially in the churches. And, I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins…" Did not Jesus say, "Why are you fearful”? "Where is your faith"? Do you not know that the fearful and unbelieving shall have their part in the Lake of Fire? All will come to the knowledge of the "truth" for Jesus is a consuming fire!
We were given the "Ministry of Reconciliation". The churches teach that "All" means "All" only when one speaks of sin and death, but that "All" only means a "few" when spoken of final Salvation. They give more power to Adam and Satan, than to "Jesus Christ our Lord."
Does not GRACE ABOUND MUCH MORE?