Calvin did not invent the doctrines of grace

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Everlasting-Grace

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#81
... I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants
as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your
offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed,
because Abraham listened to My
voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.


He heard and obeyed.
Sadly, some people hate that man has been given the ability to chose.
 

Everlasting-Grace

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#82
Deuteronomy 14:2...You have been set apart as holy unto the LORD your God, and He has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be His own special treasure...
Yes he chose them for a purpose.. That through them, all the nations of the world would know that the God of abraham is the one true God.
 

Everlasting-Grace

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#83
Yes, but God's choosing of Israel and God's keeping His oath to Abraham are two distinctly different points in the verses of Deuteronomy. Verses 6 &7, say that He chose first. Verse 8, says because He loved them and because of the oath. The oath did not cause His choice nor His love towards them.
Abraham still had to chose.

If he did not. we would not know an abraham, God would have chose someone else to birth his special people
 

IsaiahA

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Jan 24, 2023
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#84
What I'd like to know is why Calvanists even bother to haunt a place like this. You're chosen; it's a done deal for you. And only the elect can be saved; nothing you can do or say makes any difference. What are you doing here? What are you trying to prove?
"Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints." (Jude 1:3)

"Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing." (Phil 1:27-28)

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to set us free from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed!" (Gal 1:3-9)
 

HeIsHere

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#85
I agree with EG in post 53 but I understand where you’re coming from. Your heart is in the right place and for that I rejoice. 🙏
It is a doctrine of "Calvinism" (Reformed, Augustine, John MacArthur, Piper, Got Questions, Slick, Driscoll, Kellar, Begley Ligionier etc.,) and one from which the entire TULIP (lite or full) rests.

It has been repeated continually so that everyone just accepts it as true.

Saving faith is not a gift in Ephesians 2:8, the Greek grammar of the sentence makes it clear, and one verse should not be interpreted a certain way when other verses make it clear saving faith is not a gift.

Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

After being born again God does give a measure of faith in order to use one's spiritual gifts. The context of the other verses where faith is given makes it clear that is the correct interpretation.
 

IsaiahA

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Jan 24, 2023
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#86
To reject unmerited election by God, you must reject the clear, plain statements of the Bible.

All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. (Matt 11:27)

For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matt 22:14)

And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. (Mark 13:20)

And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? (Luke 18:7)

You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. (John 15:16) in context

If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. (John 15:19)

When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. (Acts 13:48)

For those whom[NOT what] he foreknew[NOT foresaw] he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Rom 8:29-30)

Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (Rom 8:33)

Even before they had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose of election might continue, not by works but by his call) she was told, “The elder shall serve the younger.” (Rom 9:11-12)

So then he has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses....What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath that are made for destruction; and what if he has done so in order to make known the riches of his glory for the objects of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— including us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? (Rom 9:18, 22-24)

So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (Rom 11:5-6)

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1Cor 1:27-31)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (Eph 1:3-6) Chose us, individual believers who are in Christ.

and all who dwell on earth will worship it, every one whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that was slain. (Rev 13:8)

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Col 3:12-13)

For we know, brethren beloved by God, that he has chosen you; for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. (1Thess 1:4-5)

For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, (1Thess 5:9)

BUT WE ARE BOUND to thank God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because from the beginning of time God chose you to find salvation in the Spirit that consecrates you, and in the truth that you believe. (2 Thess 2:13)

who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, (2Tim 1:9)

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? (Jas 2:5)

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood: May grace and peace be yours in abundance. (1Pet 1:1-2)

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. (Eph 2:8-10)
 

IsaiahA

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Jan 24, 2023
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#87
We are not all as ignorant of Scripture as you may think.
Romans 1
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Did you catch that? A few things PRECEDED their hearts being darkened. Let's continue...

22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

All men are born with a choice. The call goes out to all. Equal opportunity. No "master class".
You did not address the scriptures clearly stating that some are left, by God's decree, reprobation. You concluded: "All men are born with a choice. The call goes out to all. Equal opportunity. No 'master class'".

Yes, all have a choice, but not a free will to make the right choice unless God quickens them and gives them repentance -

"And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will." (2Tim 2:24-26)

Not much free will to be found in the natural man bound by sin.

As to the call going out to all, we have no knowledge of God's call going to the Americas in the first century. But we know the call went to many, but God did not choose all -

"For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matt 22:14)

I'm so sure I'd go with "Equal opportunity" as again, there was the Americas. Also, Jesus did not seem to teach Equal Opportunity -

"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them." (Mark 4:11-12)

As to a "master class", those who teach that Christ died for everyone without exception but saved no one, until the individual does something... that is who believes in a "master class". It is those who seem to believe they have a spark of divinity within them so that they believe and others without that spark of divinity do not believe. It is they who made the difference, the "master class".

"So no place is left for any human pride in the presence of God. By God’s act you are in Christ Jesus; God has made him our wisdom, and in him we have our righteousness, our holiness, our liberation. Therefore, in the words of scripture, ‘If anyone must boast, let him boast of the Lord.’" (1Cor 1:29-31) Remember, it is God who gives us saving faith, Phil 1:29
 

Cameron143

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#88
He did not ignore the others. He event sent Jonah to one of the others

His plan was for Israel to evangelize to the others. Israel failed
In the old testament God told His people continually to separate from the other nations. He did show favor at times to point to a future time when His people would go into all the earth, but that was the exception, not the rule.
 

HeIsHere

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May 21, 2022
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#89
To reject unmerited election by God, you must reject the clear, plain statements of the Bible.
I reject it because these verses are plucked from their surrounding text and out of context.

While Calvinism can seem internally consistent, it does make God morally ambigous an on this basis alone it is refuted.
 

Everlasting-Grace

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#90
In the old testament God told His people continually to separate from the other nations. He did show favor at times to point to a future time when His people would go into all the earth, but that was the exception, not the rule.
He tells us to be separate from them too.. But at the same time. To go into the world. and make disciples.

Many Gentiles were saved in the OT, just like many Jews are saved today
 

Everlasting-Grace

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Dec 18, 2021
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#91
It is a doctrine of "Calvinism" (Reformed, Augustine, John MacArthur, Piper, Got Questions, Slick, Driscoll, Kellar, Begley Ligionier etc.,) and one from which the entire TULIP (lite or full) rests.

It has been repeated continually so that everyone just accepts it as true.

Saving faith is not a gift in Ephesians 2:8, the Greek grammar of the sentence makes it clear, and one verse should not be interpreted a certain way when other verses make it clear saving faith is not a gift.

Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

After being born again God does give a measure of faith in order to use one's spiritual gifts. The context of the other verses where faith is given makes it clear that is the correct interpretation.
Lets use your own post to prove you wrong

romans 10: 7 faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word.. Is not the word a gift? What if God did not give us his word

the fact is, if it were not for the cross (a gift) the word (a gift) the HS drawing us to Christ (a gift)

you would never have faith in God. so in essence, it is a gift.

Stop trying to defeat Calvinism at all costs.. it has you blinded to other areas of truth
 

Everlasting-Grace

Well-known member
Dec 18, 2021
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#92
To reject unmerited election by God, you must reject the clear, plain statements of the Bible.

All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. (Matt 11:27)

For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matt 22:14)

And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. (Mark 13:20)

And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? (Luke 18:7)

You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. (John 15:16) in context

If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. (John 15:19)

When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. (Acts 13:48)

For those whom[NOT what] he foreknew[NOT foresaw] he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Rom 8:29-30)

Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (Rom 8:33)

Even before they had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose of election might continue, not by works but by his call) she was told, “The elder shall serve the younger.” (Rom 9:11-12)

So then he has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses....What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath that are made for destruction; and what if he has done so in order to make known the riches of his glory for the objects of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— including us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? (Rom 9:18, 22-24)

So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (Rom 11:5-6)

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1Cor 1:27-31)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (Eph 1:3-6) Chose us, individual believers who are in Christ.

and all who dwell on earth will worship it, every one whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that was slain. (Rev 13:8)

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Col 3:12-13)

For we know, brethren beloved by God, that he has chosen you; for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. (1Thess 1:4-5)

For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, (1Thess 5:9)

BUT WE ARE BOUND to thank God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because from the beginning of time God chose you to find salvation in the Spirit that consecrates you, and in the truth that you believe. (2 Thess 2:13)

who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, (2Tim 1:9)

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? (Jas 2:5)

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood: May grace and peace be yours in abundance. (1Pet 1:1-2)

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. (Eph 2:8-10)
sorry My friend

I do not have to be a calvinist (fatalist) to be saved.

I was saved By Gods grace (unmerited) through faith.

faith is not a merit. it is the work of God we believe.
 

Everlasting-Grace

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Dec 18, 2021
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#93
You did not address the scriptures clearly stating that some are left, by God's decree, reprobation. You concluded: "All men are born with a choice. The call goes out to all. Equal opportunity. No 'master class'".

Yes, all have a choice, but not a free will to make the right choice unless God quickens them and gives them repentance -

"And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will." (2Tim 2:24-26)

Not much free will to be found in the natural man bound by sin.

As to the call going out to all, we have no knowledge of God's call going to the Americas in the first century. But we know the call went to many, but God did not choose all -

"For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matt 22:14)

I'm so sure I'd go with "Equal opportunity" as again, there was the Americas. Also, Jesus did not seem to teach Equal Opportunity -

"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them." (Mark 4:11-12)

As to a "master class", those who teach that Christ died for everyone without exception but saved no one, until the individual does something... that is who believes in a "master class". It is those who seem to believe they have a spark of divinity within them so that they believe and others without that spark of divinity do not believe. It is they who made the difference, the "master class".

"So no place is left for any human pride in the presence of God. By God’s act you are in Christ Jesus; God has made him our wisdom, and in him we have our righteousness, our holiness, our liberation. Therefore, in the words of scripture, ‘If anyone must boast, let him boast of the Lord.’" (1Cor 1:29-31) Remember, it is God who gives us saving faith, Phil 1:29
if men do not have free will to make a choice. then by a perfect justice system, They can not be condemned for their choice..
 

Cameron143

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Mar 1, 2022
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#94
He tells us to be separate from them too.. But at the same time. To go into the world. and make disciples.

Many Gentiles were saved in the OT, just like many Jews are saved today
I think it is a little disingenuous to suggest that God's focus with Israel was evangelism.
 

Everlasting-Grace

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Dec 18, 2021
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#95
I think it is a little disingenuous to suggest that God's focus with Israel was evangelism.
What did God say?

in you shall all the people of the world be blessed.

In you shall the world Know That am the lord your God.

I think it is disingenuous to say Israel should not be about evangelism.. Especially when in the end, when she fulfills her purpose that is what she will be all about..and not considering God sending Jonah to Nineva to get them to repent..
 

Snacks

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Feb 10, 2022
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#96
It is a doctrine of "Calvinism" (Reformed, Augustine, John MacArthur, Piper, Got Questions, Slick, Driscoll, Kellar, Begley Ligionier etc.,) and one from which the entire TULIP (lite or full) rests.

It has been repeated continually so that everyone just accepts it as true.

Saving faith is not a gift in Ephesians 2:8, the Greek grammar of the sentence makes it clear, and one verse should not be interpreted a certain way when other verses make it clear saving faith is not a gift.

Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

After being born again God does give a measure of faith in order to use one's spiritual gifts. The context of the other verses where faith is given makes it clear that is the correct interpretation.
Thank you for clarifying 😊❤️🙏
 

Cameron143

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Mar 1, 2022
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#98
What did God say?

in you shall all the people of the world be blessed.

In you shall the world Know That am the lord your God.

I think it is disingenuous to say Israel should not be about evangelism.. Especially when in the end, when she fulfills her purpose that is what she will be all about..and not considering God sending Jonah to Nineva to get them to repent..
They were blessed and are being blessed. But not in Abraham, in Christ.
 

Everlasting-Grace

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Dec 18, 2021
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#99
They were blessed and are being blessed. But not in Abraham, in Christ.
Christ came from Abraham. yes in Christ

God still chose to seperate them and he has a purpose for them which he will fulfill

that does not mean God now or ever ignored the gentiles..
 

Nehemiah6

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This is not true.The gift of salvation is available to all. Its not up to God to help a person chose. But anyone who has faith. that faith is also a gift. Because without God and his work,. there would be no faith to have..
I already pointed out that the Gospel is THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION. So why did you say "without God and His work there would be no faith to have"? When the Gospel is preached the Holy Spirit is also right there to empower the Gospel. So God is fully involved. But that does not mean that saving faith is "a gift" of God ( similar to the spiritual gift of faith mentioned by Paul). Saving faith is generated through the preaching of the Gospel. So I am pretty sure you did not bother to read and study Romans 10.