What does it mean to be born again?

[marks]

Oh my gosh, it just strikes me as insanely futile suddenly. I’m not going to argue with you about which promises you say you have already attained to or how much more trusting and believing you are than me since you walk in the Spirit all the time. It’s just insane. It’s like a silly game where you try to look good to others by claiming your great spirituality to win points in the game.

I'm sorry, I'm trying to give to you a gift but it's not coming through. I've never said I walk in the Spirit all the time. The promises aren't about what we have or haven't, I think the main idea is to get our eyes off ourselves, and onto what God can do, and like Scott said, just walk.

A lot has been said, maybe best to leave it here.

Much love!

 

[stunnedbygrace]

I’m off to read about Sampson. I think I caught something in it…:)

 

[Episkopos]

Oh my gosh, it just strikes me as insanely futile suddenly. I’m not going to argue with you about which promises you say you have already attained to or how much more trusting and believing you are than me since you walk in the Spirit all the time. It’s just insane. It’s like a silly game where you try to look good to others by claiming your great spirituality to win points in the game.
Even the other posters avowal that you could be walking in the Spirit and not even know it is ridiculous and is without a single biblical support. It’s what got me started laughing and now I just can’t take either of you seriously right now.

and then came behold. And it undid me. I can’t take you guys seriously any more.

The salesmanship isn't seen when people want the product bad enough. But when you see what is being peddled is saccharine sweet (sweet spot) and full of decay...that only props up the flesh in encouraging dogmatic foolishness...then the salesmanship becomes apparent. Too sweet is as bad as bitter.

But the flesh still loves it.

 

[stunnedbygrace]

God's love sent His only Begotten Virgin born SON down here so that by Jesus's SHED BLOOD....and horrible death, our sins are paid for, and by this one time Sacrifice of Christ on The Cross, we are allowed to come home to GOD and God's family.

And when these heretics, take that Holy Bible, and try to chop down the Cross of Christ by twisting the Word and word of God, in their devil led effort to replace Jesus with Their WORKS and WATER false gospel........ it is the CROSS that shines HOT on their LIES and makes them appear as they are...
.= reveals them, as Deceivers.

See, God is NOT Mocked, and a person will be uncovered by The Cross if they are trying to deny what Jesus has done for us, by substituting their gospel of SELF EFFORT.. in place of God's GRACE.= ""That is the GIFT of Salvation. and The GIFT of Righteousness"

 

[ScottA]

Rom_8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

1Co_1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2Th_3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
2Th_1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

2Ti_2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2Ti_2:10 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.

2Ti_4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2Ti_4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Heb_12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Heb_12:20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

Jas_5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

1Pe_2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
This is a perfect example of how theological systems abuse the proof-texting method of interpretation. Usually a guiding principle or chief text is used to construct a theological grid by which all other texts are viewed. Be careful of grids from any source. They come from western logic, not revelation. The Bible is an eastern book. It presents truth in tension-filled, seemingly paradoxical pairs. Christians are meant to affirm both and live within the tension. The NT presents both the security of the believer and the demand for continuing faith and godliness. Christianity is an initial response of repentance and faith followed by a continuing response of repentance and faith. Salvation is not a product (a ticket to heaven or a fire insurance policy), but a relationship. It is a decision and discipleship. It is described in the NT in all VERB TENSES:

AORIST (completed action), Acts 15:11; Rom. 8:24; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5
PERFECT perfect (completed action with continuing results), Eph. 2:5,8
PRESENT (continuing action), 1 Cor. 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor. 2:15
FUTURE (future events or certain events), Rom. 5:8,10; 10:9; 1 Cor. 3:15; Phil. 1:28; 1 Thess. 5:8-9; Heb. 1:14; 9:28

Yeah we wait, and to endure, according to the scriptures, and might I add, persevere/watching?

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Mat_25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Luk_12:38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

Luk_21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
1Co_16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Col_4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

1Th_5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

2Ti_4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Heb_13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

1Pe_4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Rev_3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.


1Pe_4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

So Scott, we don't watch, endure and wait?

So Scott, we don't watch, endure and wait?

It is important to understand that Paul preached on the cusp of the greatest change regarding the meaning of the scriptures that shall ever be. It is for this reason that he came to say, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The idea of "waiting upon the Lord" was first given to Israel (not the gentiles) hundreds of years before His coming. Indeed, they waited, as do we. But since He has come already, we (the gentiles) do not wait until He comes as they waited, but rather as He said--we wait until He knocks at the door. And what--does He not then come?

He does.

Why then do so many still wait? I submit to you that it is only because they have opened the door only a crack, and not seeing Him have closed it again...that is, until they die in the flesh and another comes and takes them.

 

[Behold]

The salesmanship isn't seen when people want the product bad enough.

You're "selling" StunnedByGrace, and the rest of us your gospel of self effort in place of The Cross of Christ. (Legalism)
So If you are even half as smart as you think you are, you'll get off that ministry, Episkopos.

And remember we are still waiting for you to explain to us, why you BELIEVE that JESUS does not keep you saved.

""" I can lose my Salvation".... "Salvation can be lost".

That's #8......... as You've avoided the question 8x.

So, while you are up to that........read this carefully.
-
Paul told you....

""""For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him Crucified"""

Paul told you...

""" but we preach Christ Crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles"....(heretics)


Episkopos.... today you said that this Gospel of Paul, the Gospel of our Salvation, the Blood Atonement.......>"is Whipping BOY", nonsense"......

"whipping BOY" nonsense
"whipping Boy"..Nonsense.
"whipping BOY" nonsense.

So, Paul then defines you here..

"" For the preaching of The Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.""""

 

[Johann]

Oh my gosh, it just strikes me as insanely futile suddenly. I’m not going to argue with you about which promises you say you have already attained to or how much more trusting and believing you are than me since you walk in the Spirit all the time. It’s just insane. It’s like a silly game where you try to look good to others by claiming your great spirituality to win points in the game.
Even the other posters avowal that you could be walking in the Spirit and not even know it is ridiculous and is without a single biblical support. It’s what got me started laughing and now I just can’t take either of you seriously right now.

and then came behold. And it undid me. I can’t take you guys seriously any more.

What Marks and Scott describe is biblically correct, perhaps this will help....

Their character is, that they are “after the Spirit”, or are spiritual men; they are
born of the Spirit and his grace, and so are spirit or spiritual, in whom the Spirit of God
dwells, and in whom grace is the governing principle; though they are not without flesh,
and have much carnality in them, yet being renewed in their minds, their conversations are
spiritual; they walk after and live in the Spirit. Hence,


1b2. They mind “the things of the Spirit”, they love spiritual doctrines, desire spiritual
gifts, especially an increase of spiritual grace, and a clearer view of interest in all spiritual
blessings; they savour the things of God, and of the Spirit of God; they have a gust for them,
a relish of them, they are sweet unto them, their taste being changed. Wherefore,


1b3. The disposition of their souls is Godward, and to his service; they have an understanding of him, and desire to know more of him, and follow on to know him the use of
means; their thoughts are employed about him, they think on his name, his nature, and
perfections, and lovingkindness, as displayed in Christ; their affections are set upon him,
and they love him cordially and sincerely; their desires are after him, and to the remembrance
of his name; they pant after more communion with him, and the manifestations of his love
unto them; they have their spiritual senses exercised upon him; they see him with the eyes
of their understandings opened, his beauty, his power, and his glory, in the sanctuary; they
hear his gospel with pleasure, it is a joyful sound unto them, and they can distinguish his
voice from that of a stranger; they taste that the Lord is gracious; his word and the doctrines
of it, his fruit and the blessings of his grace are sweet to their taste, these are savory things
which their souls love; they handle Christ the word of life, and feel the power of his gospel
on them; that effectually working in them through the demonstration of the spirit. Now,

1b4. These are truly godly persons, ευσεβεις (2 Pet. 2:9),

2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

persons well disposed to the
worship of God, and who rightly perform it; these have their minds powerfully impressed
with the doctrine that is according to godliness, under the influence of which they live


Of Internal Worship, and of Godliness the Groundwork of it.
soberly, righteously, and godly; these have all things given them pertaining to life and godliness, every grace, and every needful supply and increase of it; in the exercise of which lies
internal worship, or inward, spiritual, experimental, and practical worship; which is called
ευσεβεια, or “godliness”, and stands opposed to bodily exercise, or external worship (1 Tim.
4:8).

2. Secondly, godliness not in name and profession only, but godliness in the life and
power of it, an inward fervent devotion of the mind, a gracious disposition of the heart towards God, as hits been explained, is the ground work of true gospel; and without this
there can be no internal worship, nor indeed any external worship rightly performed;.....

And Gill would concur


Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Eph 1:13 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,
Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Eph 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
Eph 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Eph 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Eph 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Me, personally, have benefit tremendously from the interactions going on between you, Scott and Marks, and this is me, instead of fighting, kicking and protesting against the truth, I embrace ALL of it, whether I understand it, or not, I need to hear this, be constantly reminded of these wonderful promises which is rightfully ours.

I heard this story of a caged Gorilla, for years locked up, then they decided to set him loose, in his habitat where he should be swinging [with freedom] from tree to tree. Guess what? The Gorilla couldn't, freedom in front of him, door opened, all he needed to do is step out, but he couldn't, he was caged.

Shalom
J.

 

[Behold]

The Gorilla couldn't, freedom in front of him, door opened, all he needed to do is step out, but he couldn't, he was caged.

Legalism is a cage.
It'll keep a believer sinning and confessing.

 

[Johann]

He does.

Why then do so many still wait? I submit to you that it is only because they have opened the door only a crack, and not seeing Him have closed it again...that is, until they die in the flesh and another comes and takes them.

@ScottA , I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me, I really do, reminds me of many are called, few chosen but I am old school, and for most of my life I was "indoctrinated" with leaven, it is only these last couple of years that the eyes of my understanding being enlightened by the grace and mercies of our Father and the shocking realization that I have to unlearn, and relearn the pure, unadulterated doctrines as recorded in Scriptures.
A condescending thought, that at my age I need to walk by faith, not putting my trust in man, for in man nothing good dwells, nor in the sarx/flesh.

Since I am a visual character, I would appreciate you using the scriptures with me, just as Jesus walked and opened the scrolls to our two brothers.

As you can imagine, for years without hope, and hope deferred makes the heart sick, especially with the passing of my dear wife. I have a copy of a Baptist minister notes, Bob Utley, and though I do not swallow everything he says, at least this is giving me directives on how to study, and his manner in dealing with the scriptures is very appealing to me.

If you have doubts about me being born from above, don't.

I do not mind, should I share in future, you correcting me, since this is what I need and would be most welcomed.

I do not, however, give that authority of correcting me to anyone on this Forum, except a few.
Hope you understand my Afrikaans/English way of wording my metaphors..

J.

 

[Johann]

Legalism is a cage.
It'll keep a believer sinning and confessing.

I blocked you, all the way in YisraEl, and have decided to uncage you, but I don't give you permission to correct me, that privilege is reserved to only a few.

 

[CadyandZoe]

That’s a lot of time spent discussing such a simple concept that is thoroughly explained in scripture friend.

I think he is asking "what are the important and significant implications of being born again?" In his view, dereliction is NOT an implication of being born again. What if a man fails to take care of his family or what if a man fails to do his job? What if a teenager, claiming to be "born again," becomes morally lax? What if a person claiming to be born again is uncaring, lacks compassion, remains impatient, continues to hold a grudge, gossips, and causes division? Is such a person really born again?

And if a born again person is supposed to produce fruit, what is "fruit", and what does it look like?

Good thread I think.

 

[ScottA]

@ScottA , I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me, I really do, reminds me of many are called, few chosen but I am old school, and for most of my life I was "indoctrinated" with leaven, it is only these last couple of years that the eyes of my understanding being enlightened by the grace and mercies of our Father and the shocking realization that I have to unlearn, and relearn the pure, unadulterated doctrines as recorded in Scriptures.
A condescending thought, that at my age I need to walk by faith, not putting my trust in man, for in man nothing good dwells, nor in the sarx/flesh.

Since I am a visual character, I would appreciate you using the scriptures with me, just as Jesus walked and opened the scrolls to our two brothers.

As you can imagine, for years without hope, and hope deferred makes the heart sick, especially with the passing of my dear wife. I have a copy of a Baptist minister notes, Bob Utley, and though I do not swallow everything he says, at least this is giving me directives on how to study, and his manner in dealing with the scriptures is very appealing to me.

If you have doubts about me being born from above, don't.

I do not mind, should I share in future, you correcting me, since this is what I need and would be most welcomed.

I do not, however, give that authority of correcting me to anyone on this Forum, except a few.
Hope you understand my Afrikaans/English way of wording my metaphors..

J.

You have made a much appreciated point...that is, that many have indeed learned by the scriptures, and should now be concerned more with relearning by the Spirit. This is that time, that time of the seventh angel's sounding.

The scriptures then become the sounding board--not by previous perspective, but "in spirit and in truth." This was to come, and has come.

So then, knowing that these times were to come as promised, know that "there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them" was also foretold...and "strong delusion." This has been "My strength is made perfect in weakness." Do not consider it a shame, as each generation has been partially blind and in slumber for the sake of the next. All is well in hand, and yet we are indeed free to press on--He who restrains (2 Thessalonians 2) has loosened His grip.

 

[Behold]

I blocked you, all the way in YisraEl, and have decided to uncage you, but I don't give you permission to correct me, that privilege is reserved to only a few.

Ive been teaching on both sides of the world, in real life,and on forums for a long time.
Regarding forums, i have never blocked anyone....ever.
See, if i blocked, id be blocking self righteous people who i can address which is teaching others, while im posting to them.
"be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove"....
People read what i post, even haters.....and that is good, as that is seed being planted in them that God can water into their deliverance.

On Forums, Ive had the same people respect me and hate me, over time, and i never change my Teaching in 30+ yrs.
Paul said it, i repeat it....."Pauline Theology".
They change., and that is what happens when just a touch of legalism gets in them, as then, what i wrote become a stinger.
When they are in the right mind of faith, these same give me LIKES.
Im use to it.

I just had a confused and hurting member, who is kept confused by people like Episkopos, post a video that defined "behold" as a braying ass.
When i see things like this, or "people picking sides", i just give God the Glory, as that behavior is expected.
And i didn't block Stunned, as she's posted that video toward me at least 2 times.
its not a prob.........i am not offended by such things.
The reality is, strongholds that are causing people like you to have confessing issues....... as they are being dealt with, its painful and its frustrating, and it makes people angry with me.
It should, as strongholds have to be torn down and torn out.......they do not come out willingly, J.
That HURTS.

Also If "they" can help you out of your sinning and confessing issue, then God bless them to do it..... amen.

If they can't, i can, but you have to listen.
You came to my Romans Thread and tried to become its Teacher.
You're not there yet., J.

 

[CadyandZoe]

Thank you but, how do you know, please?

Jesus points out that one can not SEE the kingdom of God without being born again. Some people understand "see" as "stand in the presence and live during that time." But I think Jesus literally meant "see", meaning "gain enlightenment." (not in a new-age way.) Nikodemus notes that Jesus must be the "coming one" because of all the miracles that he performs. Jesus notes that Nikodemus wouldn't have recognize the miracles for their significance and meaning had Nikodemus not been "born again" or "born from above." There remains a great correlation between spiritual enlightenment and the ability to see the Kingdom of God in action and to recognize it when it appears.

Nikodemus recognized it. Others didn't.

Why?

He was given new eyes to see and new ears to hear; that is, he was born of the Spirit. Those who are born of the Spirit see things that others can't seem to see. Those who are born of the Spirit of God gain wisdom and understanding and knowledge. Our eyes are opened. And this takes place in this lifetime. Those who do not have the Spirit of God are darkened in their understanding. The Spirit of God is a spirit of wisdom and those who are born of the Spirit are seeking wisdom or already possess it. The Spirit opens our eyes so that we might realize the truth and come to a complete knowledge of Jesus Christ.

 

[Pierac]

1Co 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed"; and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

Read this verse in context...

NASB Act 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

Again... Read this verse above in context...

NASB Eph 1:11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

Net Eph 1:11 In Christ28 we too have been claimed as God's own possession29,(G280) since we were predestined (G4309) according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will

29 tn Grk "we were appointed by lot." The notion of the verb κληρόω (klēroō) in the OT was to "appoint a portion by lot" (the more frequent cognate verb κληρονομέω [klēronomeō] meant "obtain a portion by lot"). In the passive, as here, the idea is that "we were appointed [as a portion] by lot" (BDAG 548 s.v. κληρόω 1). The words "God's own" have been supplied in the translation to clarify this sense of the verb. An alternative interpretation is that believers receive a portion as an inheritance: "In Christ we too have been appointed a portion of the inheritance." See H. W. Hoehner, Ephesians, 226-27, for discussion on this interpretive issue.

Word study
G2820
κληρόω
klēróō; contracted klērṓ, fut. klērṓsō, from klḗros (G2819), a lot. To cast lots, determine by lot, i.e., to determine something, choose someone. In Eph_1:11, it means, "in whom the lot has fallen upon us also, as foreordained thereto . . . to be" (a.t.). The idea expressed here is that Christians have become heirs of God due to the fact that God predestined them according to His purpose. In a manner of speaking, the "lot" fell to believers not by chance but solely because of the gracious and sovereign decision of God- Almighty to select them to be His heirs.
Deriv.: prosklēróō (G4345), to give or assign by lot.

Word study

G4309
προορίζω
proorízō; fut. proorísō, from pró (G4253), before, and horízō (G3724), to determine. To determine or decree beforehand (Act_4:28; Rom_8:29-30; 1Co_2:7; Eph_1:5, Eph_1:11). The peace of the Christian Church has been disrupted due to the misunderstanding which surrounds this word. It behooves the Church to consider the divinely intended meaning of this word by carefully examining the critical passages where it is used.

In 1Co_2:7 it has a thing as its obj., namely, the wisdom of God. The purpose was our glory, i.e., our benefits of salvation.

In Act_4:28 the verb is followed by the aor. inf. genésthai (gínomai [G1096], to be, become), to be done. The action of Herod and Pontius Pilate in crucifying Jesus Christ is said to have been predetermined or foreordained by the hand and will of God. This indicates that Christ's mission, especially His death and resurrection, was not ultimately the result of human will but originated in the eternal counsel of God which decreed the event determining all its primary and secondary causes, instruments, agents, and contingencies.

In Rom_8:29-30, predestination is used of God's actions in eternally decreeing both the objects and goal of His plan of salvation. Proorízō has a personal obj., the pl. relative pron. hoús, whom. This relative pron. refers to those previously mentioned as those whom God foreknew (proégnō [G4267]). The translation is, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate." The objects of predestination are those whom He foreknew. Predestination does not involve a predetermined plan only but also includes the individuals for whom the plan is devised. The goal of predestination is expressed in the phrase, "to be conformed to the image of his Son."

In Eph_1:5, Eph_1:11 this same purpose of foreordination is termed adoption. Adoption (huiothesía [G5206]) is the placing into sonship or legal heirship of those who are born of God. According to Eph_1:5 the basis of this prior decree is "the good pleasure of His will." The word rendered "good pleasure" is eudokía (G2107) and means pleasure or satisfaction, that which seems good. Paul is careful to add that it is the good pleasure of God's will, it is what seems good to God-not man. Similarly, in Eph_1:11 foreordination is based upon "the purpose (próthesis [G4286]) of the One who is working all things ([neut. acc. pl.] tá pánta [G3844], an idiom for the entire metaphysical and physical universe) according to the decision of His will" (a.t.). This same thinking is reflected in Rom_8:30 where foreordination is joined successively to foreknowledge. Here it is presented not as a capricious, arbitrary or whimsical exercise of raw will or unreasoned impulse, but as the expression of a deliberate and wise plan which purposes to redeem those undeserving sinners whom God freely favors as the objects of His mercy.

Because it is neither possible nor permissible for us to pry into God's secret counsel, it is not proper to be fixated with determining who the predestined are. Instead, we should contemplate the glories of what they are predestined to, i.e., salvation, adoption, or glory.

Syn.: protássō (G4384), to appoint before; procheirízō (G4400), to appoint beforehand; proetoimázō (G4282), to prepare before.

No, I'm not a Calvinst... I see the truth... In context...

1Ti 4:10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

Your answer is in this verse in context...
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, (Christians) then comes the end, (Sinners) when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death (Sin). For HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET. But when He says, "All things are put in subjection," it is evident that He (Jesus) is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him (God). When all things are subjected to Him (God), then the Son (Jesus) Himself also will be subjected to the One (God) who subjected all things to Him (Jesus), so that God may be all in all.

This is.... Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him...

To be born again is to be ressurected... Jesus is the first born from the dead... as the wages of sin is death... What...? you think you are immortal...? 1Ti 6:16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

If you believe your immortal... then you stiil believe the lie of satan.... Gen 3:4 The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die!

I say to you what Jesus said... Mat 22:29 But Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.

 

[Johann]

So then, knowing that these times were to come as promised, know that "there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them" was also foretold...and "strong delusion." This has been "My strength is made perfect in weakness." Do not consider a shame, as each generation has been partially blind and in slumber for the sake of the next. All is well in hand, and yet we are indeed free to press on--He who restrains (2 Thessalonians 2) has loosened His grip.

Thank you for the encouragement, and the warnings my brother. This is the way I appreciate discussion/dialog and correction, and I am not ashamed nor prideful to receive correction for it is appointed once for a man to die, and after that the judgement.
Today was a wonderful day with you and Marks, we are in this race, our eyes fixed on Christ Jesus and how welcome to have brothers and sisters together in this race, spurring and encouraging each other onward, sealed with the Holy Spirit going onward to the Celestial city

Eph 1:12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
Eph 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
Eph 1:14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Shalom to you and family @ScottA

 

[Johann]

It should, as strongholds have to be torn down and torn out.......they do not come out willingly, J.
That HURTS.

Also If "they" can help you out of your sinning and confessing issue, then God bless them to do it..... amen.

I don't appreciate your methodologies and tactics, as if I am sinning and confessing my shortcomings daily, habitually, God forbid that I should sin habitually and living in a state of never ending sinning, like that of unbelievers, or be constantly "sin conscious" instead of reflecting on Isaiah 53 and appreciate what Christ endured on that Cross, for me.

You haven't "figured me out" @Behold and I am not interested in discussing Stun or Episkopos on YOUR thread.

Like I have said, I will stand corrected by a few brothers, you are not one of them, don't take this personally, there's no malice or venom from me.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

J.

 

[Behold]

I don't appreciate your methodologies and tactics, as if I am sinning and confessing my shortcomings daily,

Its ok if you dont.
Its expected.

Also, you stated that you sin and confess a lot.......perhaps you said "daily".
Im not gong to research it, because if its once a day or once a week....its a wrong belief issue that is driving the problem.
Wrong Theology + Pride is the root core, because its pride that is the root anchor regardibg any type of wrong belief that manifests as..>"i can lose salvation" or "God accepts me if i do this".
Most people who are locked in the confessing repenting revolving door , believe both.

You can't just resist sin to overcome it.
Paul tried that, and said...>"who will deliver me from this body of death"....."for that which i would do i cannot do and that which i hate, i do".

see that? That is the end result of not understanding God's Grace .

All deliverance comes from the word. And that means the bible or Jesus Himself.

Just remember that when you have a special issue, you have to see the right doctor for the cure.

Keep trying Marks and ScottA for a month or so, and see if your issue is resolved.
Do NOT listen to Episkopos or Randy Kluth, as they will inflame your issue and grow it.
Believe it.

 

[Johann]

1 John 3:10 - No one who is born of God practices sin,

I guess most miss the "habitually, continuously never-ending, living in a STATE of sin", as opposed to the believers occasional ACTS of missing the mark, brother.
Also the Tenses makes no sense to "most" That gives our opponents the right to say to us that we promote "sin" whilst they themselves are IN sin.

 

[Behold]

I guess most miss the "habitually, continuously never-ending, living in a STATE of sin", as opposed to the believers occasional ACTS of missing the mark, brother.
Also the Tenses makes no sense to "most" That gives our opponents the right to say to us that we promote "sin" whilst they themselves are IN sin.

Its none of that.

To stop sinning you have to understand WHY 1 John 3:9 is true.
And that the real you, is not your body and mind.
Its the born again Spirit., as that is the SON of God....and only. that....nothing else.
So, you have to get the Renewed MIND that is related to the born again spirit in control, as yours is in the flesh, and totally related to the body of sin that Paul told you to "reckon dead', and you have not. So, you are dealing with it....and you can't overcome it., as noone can.
That's your issue., and that is the "WAR" inside you that Paul describes.