Predestination is misunderstood...

------------We have so much error rampant through this forum. Hopefully every believer listens.------------

Believers have a responsibility to point out error and guide others towards truth as part of their commitment to love, truth, and the spiritual well-being of the community. This responsibility is rooted in the broader biblical commands to love one's neighbor, to pursue righteousness, and to be agents of reconciliation and truth in the world. Several passages throughout the New Testament underscore this aspect of Christian duty:

Galatians 6:1 (NKJV): "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to help restore those who have fallen into sin. The approach should be characterized by gentleness and self-awareness, highlighting the importance of humility and care in correcting others.
Matthew 18:15-17 (NKJV): "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector." Here, Jesus provides a process for addressing sin within the community, emphasizing the importance of private correction and the goal of reconciliation. It shows a structured approach to pointing out error, with the ultimate aim of restoration.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV): "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." Paul instructs Timothy—and by extension, all believers—to be diligent in teaching the truth of God's Word, which includes correcting errors and encouraging right living. This exhortation underscores the role of Scripture in guiding the process of correction and the need for patience and dedication in this task.
James 5:19-20 (NKJV): "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins." James highlights the life-saving impact of correcting error and guiding someone back to the truth. It presents the act of pointing out error as an expression of care and concern for the spiritual state of others.

with meekness and fear: The manner in which believers are to defend their faith is critically important. "Meekness" suggests gentleness and humility, indicating that our defense should not be aggressive or confrontational but characterized by the humility that comes from understanding that our faith is a gift from God. "Fear" in this context refers to a deep respect or reverence for God, reminding believers that their ultimate accountability is to Him. This respectful approach ensures that the conversation about faith honors God and respects the dignity of the person asking.

These passages collectively illustrate that believers are indeed called to lovingly and carefully address error within the community, always aiming for the restoration and spiritual health of the individual. This responsibility is carried out within the context of a commitment to truth, love, humility, and the ultimate goal of salvation. It's important that such correction is done in a spirit of gentleness, respect, and love, reflecting the character of Christ.

I am only presenting the truth of God's word it is up to you to have ears to hear.

"those who have ears to hear, let them hear" ties directly into the varied responses individuals have to hearing the same sermon or the gospel message. This phrase, used by Jesus, emphasizes the role of spiritual receptivity in understanding and responding to divine truth. It holds the idea that not everyone will perceive or accept the message of the kingdom of God, not because the message itself lacks power or clarity, but because the condition of the hearers' hearts affects their ability to truly "hear" and respond.

In the context of the Parable of the Sower, which Jesus explains to His disciples, the different types of soil represent the various states of the human heart and its receptiveness to the word of God. The seed that falls on good soil and produces a harvest symbolizes those who "hear the word and understand it" (Matthew 13:23). These are the individuals who have "ears to hear" in the spiritual sense; they are open and responsive to the Holy Spirit's work, leading to genuine faith and transformation.

Conversely, the seed that falls on the path, rocky ground, or among thorns illustrates various reasons people fail to respond fruitfully to the gospel. These scenarios can be seen as examples of those who do not have "ears to hear." Whether it's due to a hardened heart, superficial acceptance, or the distractions and cares of this world, these individuals are unable to truly hear and embrace the message of salvation.

The phrase "those who have ears to hear, let them hear" serves as a call to self-examination and openness to the Holy Spirit. It's an invitation for individuals to consider their own receptiveness to God's word. Are they allowing the message of the gospel to penetrate deeply and produce change in their lives, or are they merely hearing without understanding or responding? This call underscores the importance of a prepared heart—one that is humble, receptive, and ready to be transformed by the truth.

Jesus explains that His use of parables serves both to reveal and to conceal truth (Matthew 13:10-17). To those with "ears to hear," parables unveil the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. However, for those with hardened hearts, the same parables obscure the truth. This dual function of parables fulfills prophecy and illustrates the sovereign work of God in salvation, where spiritual understanding is granted to some while being withheld from others based on their responsiveness to God's word.

In summary, the varied responses to hearing the word of God, as illustrated in the Parable of the Sower, are intimately connected to Jesus' admonition to have ears to hear. It highlights the necessity of spiritual openness and readiness to not only hear but also to truly listen and respond to the divine message, acknowledging the crucial role of the condition of one's heart in the process of receiving and living out the gospel. Without "ears to hear"—without spiritual openness and readiness to receive God's truth—individuals will struggle to discern the meaning behind Jesus' parables and the deeper truths of the gospel. The call to have "ears to hear" is a call to spiritual attentiveness and a receptive heart, which are crucial for understanding and embracing the truths of God's Kingdom as revealed in Scripture.

2 Corinthians 6 is written to believers. It is not dealing with salvation, but sanctification. Paul tells the people about his love and concern for them and instructs them on a number of areas where their conduct is no different from that of heathens. And he calls them out of the sin that they are engaging in and live acceptably before God.

Are you wanting me to sum up what I just wrote in a few sentences is that right?

every person is made to believe by the lord in some way, you will always get new believers amongst grown believers

Paul went to a group of believers who didn't even know who the holy spirit was.

They hadn't received the holy spirit, because they hadn't been baptised in the name of the lord.



And I believe your looking at believers in a different light half the time.

A lot of people whom Paul was addressing where people of a faith who had not excelled like a true Hebrew 😊

There will be many people of a congregation, but you will still always get a black sheep of the family, as to how many black sheep in a family there are,

Well many are called few are chosen

I will grant you that amongst any group of believers there are those who are not saved. But this is a church Paul founded. He understands the people and their sin. There was a man in the congregation living intimately with his own mother. They were making a mockery of communion. All manner of sin was taking place. So much so that Paul tells them that their sin is greater than that of pagan...1 Corinthians 5:1. So, Paul is not primarily concerned with salvation in the passage in 2 Corinthians 6, but is calling them to a life of purity that reflects the life of one who bears the name of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1

New International Version



1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is just the start of a letter that is addressed to the leaders of the Corinthian church,

Then the rest of his letter is addressed on how people of the church and people coming to the church should be corrected.

There is also correction for leaders of this Corinthian church to.

That's my point. It's dealing with appropriate conduct and not salvation.

Maybe this can help....

More than you can realize.. https://www.rbthieme.org/index.html#tabs-3

second part of the Corinthian letter is addressed to the leaders of the church who can't come together for the sake of church.

A Church Divided Over Leaders
10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,[a] in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.


Obviously even the leaders of the Corinthian church, where not believing correctly

I agree. But going back to our initial conversation, the verse in question is dealing with sanctification and not salvation.

Well we have just come to understand not.all the Corinthian church where true believers.

So how can a believer who is not a true believer be sanctified.

Yes.

But man is responsible before God at inception whether he acknowledges it or not. Romans 1 teaches of this accountability as well as John 3:17.
But what is the impetus for belief? 2 people hear the same sermon. One gets saved and another does not. Why the different responses?

But what is the impetus for belief?

Faith cometh by hearing: This part is saying that faith, or belief in God and the teachings of Christ, starts with listening. It's not just about hearing sounds; it's about truly listening and understanding what's being said.
Hearing by the word of God: This is what kind of hearing we're talking about. It's not any kind of hearing, but specifically listening to the "word of God." This could mean reading the Bible, listening to sermons, or any other way of engaging with God's teachings. The idea is that when people really pay attention to God's message, and respond to the convicting power of His Word, with embrace and humbleness of heart before God, instead of running away in worldly fear.

I hope that help answer what you needed to know. God Bless you.

Sanctified means set apart. It doesn't mean saved. Read 1 Corinthians 7:14. Unbelieving spouses are sanctified by believing spouses.

1 Corinthians 7:14. Unbelieving spouses are sanctified by believing spouses.

Do you believe in progressive sanctification,. Where as, as your faith grows you are sanctified progressively by the indwelling of the holy spirit.

Then there is the full sanctification when a person is joined in with Christ in person.

For the indwelling of the holy spirit, it must be the lord has to receive them, as in the initial discussion,.if they don't separate and surender and no longer touch what is unclean, then how can they be received and how can progressive sanctification begin

Sanctified means set apart. It doesn't mean saved. Read 1 Corinthians 7:14. Unbelieving spouses are sanctified by believing spouses.

Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

It doesn't necessarily refer to predestination, the idea that God predetermines who will be saved. Here's why:

Context of the Parable: This verse comes from the Parable of the Wedding Feast, where a king throws a banquet and invites many guests. Some refuse, while others come unprepared. The "chosen" refers to those who attend appropriately dressed, symbolizing those who accept God's invitation and live according to his teachings.
Focus on Response: The parable emphasizes the importance of human response to God's invitation. It's not about a predetermined fate, but about actively accepting God's grace.
Universality of God's Love: The Bible emphasizes God's love for all people (John 3:16). This verse in Matthew doesn't contradict that message. It simply highlights the importance of accepting God's offer.

We are both set apart and being progressively set apart as a result of the work of the Spirit. But a trap that many Christians fall into is that they can live the life they are called to in their own strength. We are no more able to keep the law than our unsaved counterparts. The law serves for us as a reminder to turn continuously to Christ for help...apart from me, ye can do nothing. And as we lean on Him, He lives through us. He is not only our salvation, but also our sanctification.

We are both set apart and being progressively set apart as a result of the work of the Spirit. But a trap that many Christians fall into is that they can live the life they are called to in their own strength. We are no more able to keep the law than our unsaved counterparts. The law serves for us as a reminder to turn continuously to Christ for help...apart from me, ye can do nothing. And as we lean on Him, He lives through us. He is not only our salvation, but also our sanctification.