OSAS : Gnostic Heresy

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Eternally Grateful

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It's absolutely hilarious. Robots don't have a sense of humour though. Robots only repeat what they're told.
I did not think it was hilarious at all

I am not calvin, nor do I follow or agree with their theology

so do not put me in their shoes.

Yet I believe in eternal security, or as yu call it OSAS.. I believe it is based on Gods promise, not my ability
 
J

Johann

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You're correct that election is spoken of in both the OT and the NT.
The election is for a purpose....to achieve something that God wants to achieve.

For instance, God elected the Hebrew people through whom He would reveal Himself.
Perhaps because they were good story tellers and could remember stories from generations past.
Perhaps because they didn't even exist in the beginning when Abraham moved from Ur and He wanted to show
that He would make a people for Himself.

Predestination is also in the bible.
Some things were predestined.
Some events. Even the crucifixion of Jesus was predestined because God knew from the beginning that Adam would fail,
and that some kind of atonement would be necessary.

Predestination is also referred to in salvation economy, or soteriology, in the sense that we were, from the beginning, predestined as to HOW we would be saved. For instance, Ephesians 1:4 states that we were chosen before the foundation of the world to BE SAVED IN HIM.
IOW, the HOW we would be saved, known before the foundation of the world, would be IN JESUS.

It's always a how or a purpose.

God did not choose who would be saved and who would be lost.
This would take all the common sense readings out of the NT specifically.

I don't know who Arminius was, but I surely know who Calvin was because I've read a lot of his writings, and I've read one of the Confessions, and I can say with no doubt, that IF God is LOVING, MERCIFUL, and JUST....there is no way that He would choose that most of HIS most cherished creation (US) for whom He prepared an entire planet (Genesis) would go to hell and for no reason at all.

I think that if you're going to speak of election and predestination and do NOT want to fall into the reformed/calvinist camp,,,you should study a little on what those two terms mean in mainline Christianity....NOT in reformed theology.
How about you quoting Scriptures for each statement you make and remember Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and a whole then known world perished, men women, children and livestock. Is God to blame here @GodsGrace?

Is God unjust to inflict punishment upon vessels who willfully deny Him and the Christ?



God’s Love and Justice: The Bible teaches that God is both loving and just. His love is evident in the creation of the world and in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity’s sins (John 3:16). However, His justice means that He cannot ignore sin (Romans 3:23-26). Hell is described as a place for those who reject God and persist in sin (Matthew 25:41).

Free Will: God created humans with free will, allowing them to choose whether to follow Him or not. This freedom is essential for genuine love and relationship. Unfortunately, many choose to reject God, leading to separation from Him (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

God’s Desire for Salvation: The Bible states that God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). He does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked but rather that they turn from their ways and live (Ezekiel 33:11).

Human Responsibility: While God provides the means for salvation through Jesus, individuals must choose to accept this gift. The path to salvation is open to all, but not all choose to walk it (Matthew 7:13-14).

Purpose of Hell: Hell was originally created for Satan and his angels, not for humans (Matthew 25:41). However, those who align themselves with evil and reject God’s grace will share in that fate (Revelation 20:15).

God’s Sovereignty and Mystery: Some aspects of God’s plan and justice are beyond human understanding. Trusting in God’s goodness and justice, even when we don’t fully understand, is a recurring theme in the Bible (Isaiah 55:8-9).
In summary, the Bible presents a God who is loving and just, who desires all to be saved but respects human free will. Hell is a consequence of rejecting God, not His desire for humanity123.




John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 3:23-24 - “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 2:4 - “Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Ezekiel 33:11 - “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’”

Matthew 25:41 - “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.”

Romans 6:23 - “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

2 Peter 3:9 - “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Revelation 20:15 - “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
These verses provide a comprehensive view of the biblical teachings on God’s nature, human responsibility, and the consequences of our choices.

Is God unjust in pronouncing judgement upon those not even thanking Him and His goodness, mercy and grace, Jesus Christ, pardon from sins, the cross, atonement, justification, sanctification, salvation?


Fair question, isn't it?
 

ReChoired

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I did not think it was hilarious at all

I am not calvin, nor do I follow or agree with their theology

so do not put me in their shoes.

Yet I believe in eternal security, or as yu call it OSAS.. I believe it is based on Gods promise, not my ability
I didn't mention Calvin - you did. I mentioned "robots". Robots do not have a sense of humour. They (robots) only repeat what they are told.
 

Eternally Grateful

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I didn't mention Calvin - you did. I mentioned "robots". Robots do not have a sense of humour. They (robots) only repeat what they are told.
so you must be a robot. No sense of humor

Your post was offensive and lacked any real thought on those you were mocking.

You want to mock those who place their faith in God and trust that God will keep his promise Feel free

If you want to pump your chest like a Good legalist does.. You just show your true lack of faith
 

GodsGrace

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How about you quoting Scriptures for each statement you make and remember Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and a whole then known world perished, men women, children and livestock. Is God to blame here @GodsGrace?

Is God unjust to inflict punishment upon vessels who willfully deny Him and the Christ?

Hmmm. You don't sound like a "loner in search of the Truth". (which is how you described yourself).
Seems like you think you've already found the truth.
So let's take this one paragraph at a time ...

Two concepts:

1. I didn't state whether God is to blame or not.
And you just now brought this up.
GOD IS NOT TO BLAME FOR ANYTHING.
But He would be for sending unwitting souls to hell.
But let's read on.

2. Please give me your definition of JUST since no reformed person I've ever posted to has ever done so.
GOD IS JUST.
What does JUST mean?

God’s Love and Justice: The Bible teaches that God is both loving and just. His love is evident in the creation of the world and in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity’s sins (John 3:16). However, His justice means that He cannot ignore sin (Romans 3:23-26). Hell is described as a place for those who reject God and persist in sin (Matthew 25:41).

Agreed.

Free Will: God created humans with free will, allowing them to choose whether to follow Him or not. This freedom is essential for genuine love and relationship. Unfortunately, many choose to reject God, leading to separation from Him (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

Agreed.

God’s Desire for Salvation: The Bible states that God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). He does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked but rather that they turn from their ways and live (Ezekiel 33:11).

Agreed.

Human Responsibility: While God provides the means for salvation through Jesus, individuals must choose to accept this gift. The path to salvation is open to all, but not all choose to walk it (Matthew 7:13-14).

Agreed.

Purpose of Hell: Hell was originally created for Satan and his angels, not for humans (Matthew 25:41). However, those who align themselves with evil and reject God’s grace will share in that fate (Revelation 20:15).

Agreed.

God’s Sovereignty and Mystery: Some aspects of God’s plan and justice are beyond human understanding. Trusting in God’s goodness and justice, even when we don’t fully understand, is a recurring theme in the Bible (Isaiah 55:8-9).
In summary, the Bible presents a God who is loving and just, who desires all to be saved but respects human free will. Hell is a consequence of rejecting God, not His desire for humanity123.




John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 3:23-24 - “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 2:4 - “Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Ezekiel 33:11 - “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’”

Matthew 25:41 - “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.”

Romans 6:23 - “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

2 Peter 3:9 - “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Agreed.

Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

I agree. I do want to state that Jesus came to reveal God Father even more than He had ever been in the OT.

Revelation 20:15 - “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
These verses provide a comprehensive view of the biblical teachings on God’s nature, human responsibility, and the consequences of our choices.

I agree if you mean by a name being found in the book of life as referring to the end times.
Why?
Because it is possible to be blotted out of the Book of Life.
Psalm 69:28
28Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous.

Exodus 32:33
33But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.” But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book.



Is God unjust in pronouncing judgement upon those not even thanking Him and His goodness, mercy and grace, Jesus Christ, pardon from sins, the cross, atonement, justification, sanctification, salvation?

Fair question, isn't it?
I agree.
But it does sound very much like a sentence in something John Calvin wrote.
Which should scare every reformed/Calvinist person.
 

JunChosen

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You never replied to a post of mine.
No matter.

HOW are the elect chosen?
Could you please post some verses that show that God CHOSE WHO WILL BE SAVED and WHO WILL BE LOST
?
Romans 9:27; 11:5. Also, same as with every nations of the world!!
The only way the reformed can explain scripture is to CHANGE and TWIST what it means.
WHOEVER means WHOEVER.
So say you!!! The remnant saved by grace are the "whosoever" in John 3:16. You and many Christians like you just don't understand Bible doctrines and its interpretations.
John 3:17 states that God sent Jesus to save THE WORLD....NOT just those that are "chosen".
If that is true. then surely there will no one be in hell for all will be saved but Scripture states that hell will heavily be populated.
This means that WHOEVER in THE WORLD comes to believe in Jesus --- he will be saved.
And HOW does one come to be saved?
Acts 16:31
BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS AND YOU WILL BE SAVED.
Believe in Jesus for what?? The devils believe and they tremble!!
The above is A COMMAND.
BELIEVE....and you WILL BE saved.

The bible is very consitant.
It's the reformed that are not and so need to change the meaning of scripture.
Prove it that the Reformers changed the meaning of Scripture!!!
There are conditions to being saved.
The condition is that WE ARE TO BELIEVE in Jesus AND OBEY HIM.
Lol! Conditions??? Did you know that "to believe" is a works Gospel??? (See, John 6:28-29).
Not everyone is willing to do this.
Yes, another problem ---- you don't believe in free will.
And from there all scripture is twisted and made to suit the needs of the non free will believers.
How can a spiritually dead person have free will when he is dead?? A dead person has no life in him, can he??
Jesus will lose no one.
BUT A PERSON IF FREE TO ABANDON JESUS.

THE PERSON abandons Jesus.
JESUS abandons no one.
Some more twisting to get to Perseverance of the Saints.
Jesus indwells the saints and it is He who perseveres!!
 
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J

Johann

Guest
Hmmm. You don't sound like a "loner in search of the Truth". (which is how you described yourself).
Seems like you think you've already found the truth.
So let's take this one paragraph at a time ...

Two concepts:

1. I didn't state whether God is to blame or not.
And you just now brought this up.
GOD IS NOT TO BLAME FOR ANYTHING.
But He would be for sending unwitting souls to hell.
But let's read on.

2. Please give me your definition of JUST since no reformed person I've ever posted to has ever done so.
GOD IS JUST.
What does JUST mean?



Agreed.



Agreed.



Agreed.



Agreed.



Agreed.



Agreed.



I agree. I do want to state that Jesus came to reveal God Father even more than He had ever been in the OT.



I agree if you mean by a name being found in the book of life as referring to the end times.
Why?
Because it is possible to be blotted out of the Book of Life.
Psalm 69:28
28Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous.

Exodus 32:33
33But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.” But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book.




I agree.
But it does sound very much like a sentence in something John Calvin wrote.
Which should scare every reformed/Calvinist person.
Well, since we agree why do you need the definition of "just?" There are plenty good dictionaries out there-that's if you read secondary sources.
Shalom
J.
 
J

Johann

Guest
2. Please give me your definition of JUST since no reformed person I've ever posted to has ever done so.
GOD IS JUST.
What does JUST mean?
Some of the most important discussions that a Christian can have are around the character, nature, and attributes of God — otherwise known as “Theology.” Accurate theology is crucial for believers because, in order to deepen a relationship with someone (or have a relationship at all), we must get to know who they are in a deeper way.

According to Scripture, God has many attributes that we need to know, such as self-existence, intellect, omnipresence (meaning everywhere at once), and omnipotence (meaning all-powerful). While some of his attributes are easy to accept or at least appreciate (such as his mercy and love), he has other attributes that many people find difficult to accept or understand. Among God’s more seemingly complicated characteristics is his justness. As the writer declared in Deuteronomy:

For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God! “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he” (Deuteronomy 32:3-4, ESV).

God Is Just
So, what does it mean that God is just? What does his justness mean for us?

The Oxford dictionary explains that someone or something that is “just” is “behaving according to what is morally right and fair.” Considering the use of the word “just” in Scripture as well as in modern language, other synonymous words might be “accurate” (as in measurement), “correctness” (as in a judgment), and, of course, “righteous” (as in a description of a person’s condition).

Therefore, for God to be just means that he is consistent, virtuous, innocent, and right. And since his justness is part of his immutable nature (meaning it cannot change), then he is always right and just in whatever he does.

But as clear as that definition might be, many people have issues with God’s justness that inhibit them from fully understanding it. The following are four common problems that many people encounter when considering the justness of God.

Firstly, many people judge God according to their own finite, changing standards. Instead of God being the standard for his own righteousness, they use themselves or their own opinions as the standard or ruler. This results in an inaccurate theology that confuses truth and reality because the human heart is “deceitful” beyond our own understanding (Jeremiah 17:9).

To take it to the extreme, common post-modern thinking is that there are no absolute standards of morality, resulting in everyone’s judgments of right and wrong being completely arbitrary. But God’s justness is based on his own standards of righteousness because he alone is God (2 Peter 3:9). This is important because if God is not actually completely righteous and purely just or if he has the slightest lack in judgment, then he is no longer fit to be God.

Secondly, many people struggle with the concept of God’s justness because humans are very good at being partial, which affects our view of God. We easily give ourselves grace by thinking that our sins (or the sins of those we care about) are insignificant while placing harsh judgments on others for similar or even lesser offenses.

But no matter what the sin might be (such as lying, cheating, stealing, lusting, or cursing), we are essentially committing “cosmic treason” against God’s holy kingdom (as R.C. Sproul calls it), resulting in the highest level of consequence: Death and Hell (Romans 6:23; 2 Peter 2; Matthew 10:28).


Thirdly, another common “pothole” that many people run into when trying to accept God’s justness is confusing our own ideas of fairness with justness. Fairness has to do with equal distribution without discrimination. But while fairness might seem to work at times, it is actually a very low standard of thought (especially compared with justness). For example, if a mother was giving cookies to her children and wanted to be fair, she would give them the same size of cookie no matter their size, age, metabolism, or reaction to sugar.

But for her to be just, she would have to consider those factors and adjust the cookie size accordingly. As it plays out, fairness might make all the children momentarily happy, but justness will result in a better life lesson and healthier children, especially if one of the children is diabetic! Even in this simple example, we can see where it is better for God to be just than fair.

If God was fair, then either everyone goes to Heaven no matter what kind of life they’ve lived, or no one goes to Heaven because none of us deserve it, as Paul clearly explains in Romans 3:9-20. This is how God is all-powerful and all-loving, as well as just at the same time in the midst of the existence of evil in the world.

A fourth common difficulty with accepting God’s justness comes when we misunderstand his more palatable or pleasant attributes (like mercy and love) for a lapse or instability in his character. This particular confusion is not surprising because in order for God to be merciful to some people and not to others can seem contradictory and create dissonance in his character.

But this only happens if you remove the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the equation. This is why a biblical understanding of the gospel is paramount to a proper concept of who God is. God is not inconsistent or subject to passing whims or personal favoritism.

Instead (as John Barnett explains in his article), because of Jesus’ substitutionary atonement on the cross, God can remain just in his judgment of the lost while still giving mercy to those who, by faith, have received the forgiveness of their sins. This is what the writer of Hebrews meant when he wrote that “...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22, ESV).

God Is Love
However, if we work past these (and no doubt other) difficulties and begin to understand God’s justness for what it really is according to Scripture, then we will see it as a beautiful attribute of God that we cannot help but be grateful for.

Because of God being just, not only will sinners be punished, but (as I stated above) we can be saved from that punishment because of the gospel in the same way that Noah and his family were saved from the flood in Genesis 7 or Lot and his family were saved from being destroyed in Sodom as seen in Genesis 18.

In fact, the very justness of God (and his law) illuminates his love, grace, and mercy in a way that nothing else could because not only is God just, but he is our justifier — meaning he alone has the power and ability to make us righteous before him. As Paul laid out for us:

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:23-26, ESV).

Shalom
J.
 
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GodsGrace

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Well, since we agree why do you need the definition of "just?" There are plenty good dictionaries out there-that's if you read secondary sources.
Shalom
J.
Because some don't seem to understand what the word JUST means.
Those in the reformed camp CANNOT define this word because it goes against the grain of all they believe
and they're theology would necessarily have to be redefined.
 
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GodsGrace

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Some of the most important discussions that a Christian can have are around the character, nature, and attributes of God — otherwise known as “Theology.” Accurate theology is crucial for believers because, in order to deepen a relationship with someone (or have a relationship at all), we must get to know who they are in a deeper way.

According to Scripture, God has many attributes that we need to know, such as self-existence, intellect, omnipresence (meaning everywhere at once), and omnipotence (meaning all-powerful). While some of his attributes are easy to accept or at least appreciate (such as his mercy and love), he has other attributes that many people find difficult to accept or understand. Among God’s more seemingly complicated characteristics is his justness. As the writer declared in Deuteronomy:

For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God! “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he” (Deuteronomy 32:3-4, ESV).

God Is Just
So, what does it mean that God is just? What does his justness mean for us?

The Oxford dictionary explains that someone or something that is “just” is “behaving according to what is morally right and fair.” Considering the use of the word “just” in Scripture as well as in modern language, other synonymous words might be “accurate” (as in measurement), “correctness” (as in a judgment), and, of course, “righteous” (as in a description of a person’s condition).

Therefore, for God to be just means that he is consistent, virtuous, innocent, and right. And since his justness is part of his immutable nature (meaning it cannot change), then he is always right and just in whatever he does.

But as clear as that definition might be, many people have issues with God’s justness that inhibit them from fully understanding it. The following are four common problems that many people encounter when considering the justness of God.

Firstly, many people judge God according to their own finite, changing standards. Instead of God being the standard for his own righteousness, they use themselves or their own opinions as the standard or ruler. This results in an inaccurate theology that confuses truth and reality because the human heart is “deceitful” beyond our own understanding (Jeremiah 17:9).

To take it to the extreme, common post-modern thinking is that there are no absolute standards of morality, resulting in everyone’s judgments of right and wrong being completely arbitrary. But God’s justness is based on his own standards of righteousness because he alone is God (2 Peter 3:9). This is important because if God is not actually completely righteous and purely just or if he has the slightest lack in judgment, then he is no longer fit to be God.

Secondly, many people struggle with the concept of God’s justness because humans are very good at being partial, which affects our view of God. We easily give ourselves grace by thinking that our sins (or the sins of those we care about) are insignificant while placing harsh judgments on others for similar or even lesser offenses.

But no matter what the sin might be (such as lying, cheating, stealing, lusting, or cursing), we are essentially committing “cosmic treason” against God’s holy kingdom (as R.C. Sproul calls it), resulting in the highest level of consequence: Death and Hell (Romans 6:23; 2 Peter 2; Matthew 10:28).


Thirdly, another common “pothole” that many people run into when trying to accept God’s justness is confusing our own ideas of fairness with justness. Fairness has to do with equal distribution without discrimination. But while fairness might seem to work at times, it is actually a very low standard of thought (especially compared with justness). For example, if a mother was giving cookies to her children and wanted to be fair, she would give them the same size of cookie no matter their size, age, metabolism, or reaction to sugar.

But for her to be just, she would have to consider those factors and adjust the cookie size accordingly. As it plays out, fairness might make all the children momentarily happy, but justness will result in a better life lesson and healthier children, especially if one of the children is diabetic! Even in this simple example, we can see where it is better for God to be just than fair.

If God was fair, then either everyone goes to Heaven no matter what kind of life they’ve lived, or no one goes to Heaven because none of us deserve it, as Paul clearly explains in Romans 3:9-20. This is how God is all-powerful and all-loving, as well as just at the same time in the midst of the existence of evil in the world.

A fourth common difficulty with accepting God’s justness comes when we misunderstand his more palatable or pleasant attributes (like mercy and love) for a lapse or instability in his character. This particular confusion is not surprising because in order for God to be merciful to some people and not to others can seem contradictory and create dissonance in his character.

But this only happens if you remove the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the equation. This is why a biblical understanding of the gospel is paramount to a proper concept of who God is. God is not inconsistent or subject to passing whims or personal favoritism.

Instead (as John Barnett explains in his article), because of Jesus’ substitutionary atonement on the cross, God can remain just in his judgment of the lost while still giving mercy to those who, by faith, have received the forgiveness of their sins. This is what the writer of Hebrews meant when he wrote that “...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22, ESV).

God Is Love
However, if we work past these (and no doubt other) difficulties and begin to understand God’s justness for what it really is according to Scripture, then we will see it as a beautiful attribute of God that we cannot help but be grateful for.

Because of God being just, not only will sinners be punished, but (as I stated above) we can be saved from that punishment because of the gospel in the same way that Noah and his family were saved from the flood in Genesis 7 or Lot and his family were saved from being destroyed in Sodom as seen in Genesis 18.

In fact, the very justness of God (and his law) illuminates his love, grace, and mercy in a way that nothing else could because not only is God just, but he is our justifier — meaning he alone has the power and ability to make us righteous before him. As Paul laid out for us:

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:23-26, ESV).

Shalom
J.
Johann,
The above is an excellent explanation of God's justice.
However, if I may, I'd like to condense it to a very simple and correct explanation as to what justice means....
The definition works for both the secular world and the biblical understanding of God's justice.

Justice simply means: Giving to each person what he deserves.

That's it.
Now, to the calvinist this explanation MUST be denied because in reformed theology God cannot possibly be just because He picks some to go to hell FOR NO REASON AT ALL, except one that only HE knows. This is UNJUST. So, because the reformed insist that God is a just God,,,,this simple and correct definition MUST necessarily be denied.

So, yes, it looks like we agree on everything.
Sometimes you sound like you lean toward reformed theology, but I don't think you do.

I'd like to say that every denomination teaches something or other that we may not agree with or be able to accept EVEN IF it were correct.
However, the problem with reformed theology, is that it actually CHANGES the NATURE of God....making its teachings blasphemous.
Blasphemy....attributing to God disrespect. (and even more but this will suffice).

Indeed God is a just God and will judge us based on all the reasons you have stated above.
This is the ONLY just action to take.
Any other action is UNJUST.

Thanks for the discussion.
 
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GodsGrace

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Romans 9:27; 11:5. Also, same as with every nations of the world!!

I asked you HOW a person becomes saved and you reply with the above?
The above is speaking about corporate salvation economy.

What I asked you, and which you apparently cannot answer is this:

HOW DOES A PERSON BECOME SAVED?

Are you beliefs so awkward that you are embarrassed to reply?

HOW is a PERSON saved?

So say you!!! The remnant saved by grace are the "whosoever" in John 3:16. You and many Christians like you just don't understand Bible doctrines and its interpretations.
You don't believe John 3:16?
Do you believe this verse?:

Acts 16:31 The jailor was asked HOW HE COULD BE SAVED.....
Paul replied:
Believe in the Lord Jesus and YOU WILL BE SAVED.

John 5:24
24Truly, truly, I say to you,
whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.

Romans 10:9
9if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.


There's more but perhaps you'd like to exegete the above and explain how it does NOT state how to be saved....
OR
Perhaps you'd like to post some scripture to support your view...
Which you HAVE NOT yet stated.


If that is true. then surely there will no one be in hell for all will be saved but Scripture states that hell will heavily be populated.

You don't believe that Jesus was sent to buy us, as a human race, back from satan?
JOHN states that Jesus came to save THE WORLD,,,,not me.

1 John 2:2
2He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.


Of course, there are those nasty conditions I had mentioned,
and I'm not sure you understand what atonement is.


Believe in Jesus for what?? The devils believe and they tremble!!
So the devils are saved too?
WHY do YOU believe in Jesus?

and HOW were YOU saved?

Prove it that the Reformers changed the meaning of Scripture!!!
Here's your proof Jun....
NO ONE in the early church believed what you MIGHT believe, but which you have not stated to me yet.
EVERYONE in the early church believed that a person is saved by BELIEVING IN and OBEYING JESUS CHRIST.

Until, of course, in about the year 1,500AD when Luther and Knox and Calvin and some others INVENTED some really weird doctrine.

Lol! Conditions??? Did you know that "to believe" is a works Gospel??? (See, John 6:28-29).
Believing is a works salvation?
And you post John 6:28-29 for support?

First of all Ephesians, and all of the NT, states that salvation is a gift from God.
THROUGH FAITH in Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.


Now let's look at your verse:
John 6:28-29
28Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”
29Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”


The above mentions a WORK OF GOD. Not a work of man.
HOW does this support your theory that BELIEF IS A WORK?

Could you post scripture that supports your idea that belief is a work.
Thanks.



How can a spiritually dead person have free will when he is dead?? A dead person has no life in him, can he??

The person is not physically dead.
He is SPIRITUALLY dead because he is still serving satan.

Romans 6:16
16Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?


Paul states above that we PRESENT OURSELVES.
Presenting ourself requires free will.

Perhaps you could post a verse that states we do not have free will....
Adam had free will,,,,when did he lose it?
Scripture please.
 
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GracePeace

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How have you missed that 5 out of the 7 churches of the first century, Christ had "somewhat against?" Or that Peter stated matter a factly that "false teachers" would enter into the church spreading "destructive doctrines?" Or Paul's warnings of certainty, that a "lie" would be believed causing "strong delusion?"

If you base your case and beliefs upon what "the Church fought" for--you have failed. For they did not follow as directed, but rather "somewhat against" Christ. Which I would not state so harshly, but you are in need of correction (which is a biblical measure instated for just such a purpose).

But will you turn from it?
This is the type of unsound argument used by Orthodox and Catholics to justify their "traditions"--you find a hole where you think you can stealth your idea in.

No, I'd rather go with what seems clear and what the earliest Church believed.
 
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GracePeace

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OSAS had its beginning in the Garden of Eden...
God: in the day ye eat of ye SHALL surely die
Satan: ye SHALL NOT surely die

Augustine is also credited with the false teaching of original sin which he derived from the Gnostics. The Gnostics believed all flesh was inherently evil, therefore they did not believe God came in the flesh as Jesus, else He would have been born with this evil flesh Himself. Hence John would tell them "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: .."

Augustine derived the idea of OS from the Gnostic's idea all flesh is born inherently evil. Agustine claimed all men are born with Adam's sin, born with a sinful nature. The difference is that the Gnostics did not make exceptions that even Christ would have been born with evil flesh where Augustine made an exception for Christ. Yet if Christ was born as man, He then he would have been born with OS. Note that would be a major theological problem, a problem the BIble does not give a solution to. Hence Catholics developed the non-Biblical idea of immaculate conception to get around this man-made problem. The Gnostics just denied God came in the flesh to get around their man made problem.


But neither idea has any bases in the BIble.
Well aren't we born with "the body of sin" (Ro 6:6) Christ destroys?
 

GracePeace

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OSAS simply comes down to Jesus' promise, "Believe in Me and you will be saved."
He is the Author of our faith.
So He wrote the story of your salvation.
What is faith? It is a gift, with certainty attached to it, His assurance of things hoped for. We believe that we ARE SAVED, NOT that maybe we will be saved! If you thought you could lose it, you would not be certain. Your faith would be shallow and conditional, based on your performance. In other words, a salvation by works.
" ...Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4

" ...He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, Eph. 1:4-5
Our Father gives His Son His sheep, Whom He calls and they come. Would He give a gift, then take it away? If He did not know the future, He could make that error. Why would He give something to someone knowing that they would recklessly lose it - if they could?
We are saved.
The Parable of the Sower of Seed enlightens us to the narrow path to heaven. The seed planted in shallow soil or rocky soil does not grow deep roots, nor does it grow to produce fruit. Only the seed planted in fertile soil grows, because it was cared for, nourished properly and produces fruit.

There will be a great faling away coming soon. Those who fall away and are cut-off and thrown in the fire, never had true faith. Whatever they have (a weak, humanly constructed facimile of real faith) will be tested and will fail when the trials in the Great Tribulation comes. The rest of us born again Christians will persevere through it all.

A possible test that some actually are given today:
Muslim terrorists break down your door, threaten to chop your head off if you do not denounce Jesus and convert to Islam! At that moment, you will know if your faith is real or shallow. Will you look him in the face and say NO, or to save your life, cower and do what they say?
Will you be afraid, cry, beg or stand strong with the knowledge that in moments you will be with the Lord?
Death comes unannounced sometimes, quickly, but for most of us, gradually and so we are given time.
Is your hope in Jesus' promise real and secure or not?
Yep, He saves us. I never disputed that.
 

GracePeace

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I do not understand what the rub is. I left my attempt to go to Nashville, the heart beat of sin, and I am forever saved. Do you want to know how I know? I cannot imagine being 79 years old and running around on my wife and my only use for beer is for slug and snail bate.

I a man or a woman profess Salvation and walk away from the LORD, never to return, I'll tell you the Ruah, Holy Spirit, was never resident there in the first place, as is the case with too many Church Membership Rolls today.

Can I tell you, with certainty, who is saved? Nope, it just ain't none of my business, that belongs to Yehova and I try not to but in.
OSAS was only known among Gnostics, and the Church fought it until a former Gnostic Christianized it.
 
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Johann

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The earliest statement regarding “once saved always saved” comes from Augustine (A.D. 354-430), so this is where the false doctrine of OSAS got started.
Your claim that Augustine (A.D. 354-430) was the earliest source of the doctrine of "once saved, always saved" (OSAS) is not accurate. The doctrine itself, which asserts that once a person is truly saved, they cannot lose their salvation, has roots that precede Augustine and is more complex than can be attributed to a single source.

Sources:
Clement of Rome: 1 Clement, Chapter 58.
Irenaeus: Against Heresies, Book IV, Chapter 27.
Cyprian: The Lapsed, Chapter 3.
Augustine: On the Gift of Perseverance, Chapter 14.
John Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book III, Chapter 24.
 

GracePeace

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Don't be fooled by the craftiness of sinful men. These men in the video are dishonest, they misrepresent what perseverance of the saints means.

There are no verses in the Bible to suggest that born again believers can live double lives. We can't give ourselves to live lives of sin, if we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. There's a big difference between wrestling against the temptation to sin and being overcome, then repenting and continuing the fight. That's not the same as planning to sin and making provisions for sin.

The men in the video deliberately muddy the water by making presumptions about the biblical doctrine of the atonement, which Christ purchased on the c ross and imputed it on those His Father gave Him. Christ said, "it is finished" I believe that means that He paid for all the sins of those He came to save. That includes their past, present and future sins.

Born again believers don't fight against temptation and live sacrificial lives to attain salvation. We do it because we love the Lord so much that we don't want to offend Him, if we love our sin more than we love God then we're not worthy to be called His children. Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to lead us and keep us from being deceived by the enemy.

Salvation is 100% of the Lord, He grants us repentance, faith, a new life, wisdom, perseverance, strength and everything else we need to keep us planted by His living waters, so we can endure to the end. God never said that salvation is dependent on anything we can contribute. He is thew author and finisher of our faith, so no man has anything to boast about.


Ephesians 1:4
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love

2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

2 Timothy 1:9
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

They're pointing out the simple reality that OSAS was only known among Gnostic heretics until former Gnostic Augustine Christianized it.

Do you recognize that or no?
 
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Johann

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OSAS was only known among Gnoatics, and the Church fought it until a former Gnostic Christianized it.
The statement that "OSAS was only known among Gnostics, and the Church fought it until a former Gnostic Christianized it" is not accurate and misrepresents both the doctrine of "once saved, always saved" (OSAS) and the historical relationship between Gnosticism and orthodox Christian teachings.
 
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GodsGrace

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The presentation says it was Gnostic, so came much earlier than the Reformation.
Correct.
But the reformation expoused some beliefs that are gnostic...
that came from gnostic teachings...

like the absence of free will.
Gnostics believed that outside forces determined what humans would or would not do.

I think it's important to note that the church REFUSED the idea that we have no free will and instead believed that man is indeed free.

It's the reformation that brought the idea to the church FROM GNOSTICISM that man has no free will but will be coerced by outside forces...
in the case of the church...by GOD.