CHRIST THE CHOSEN ONE, THE ELECT OF THE FATHER

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Jan 14, 2021
1,599
526
113
#81
This verse is limited to Jacob, as Israel, not the whole nation of Israel. God changed Jacob's name to be called no more Jacob, but to
be called Israel (Gen 32:28). Jacob represents God's elect (Rom 9:11).
It would be Jacob-Israel and those chosen in Jacob-Israel: the Spiritual Israel. And if we compare Exo 4:22 and Psa 89:27, unless there is more than one firstborn, Christ is Israel.

"And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:" - Exo 4:22 KJV

"Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth." - Psa 89:27 KJV
 
Jan 31, 2021
8,658
1,064
113
#82
kaylagrl said:
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jaco
This verse is limited to Jacob, as Israel, not the whole nation of Israel.
Hm. So then, "all Israel" only means 1 Isrealite. Good to know. :ROFL:

God changed Jacob's name to be called no more Jacob, but to
be called Israel (Gen 32:28).
Why didn't God rename Him "All Israel", I wonder.

Jacob represents God's elect (Rom 9:11).
There you go. All Israel is ALL of God's elect.
 
Jan 14, 2021
1,599
526
113
#83
There you go. All Israel is ALL of God's elect.
Either you are stating that those in Christ are Israel, or that no Christians are elect.

"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;" - Col 3:11-12 KJV

Christian scripture tells us that Christians from all nations are the elect.
 
Jan 31, 2021
8,658
1,064
113
#84
Either you are stating that those in Christ are Israel, or that no Christians are elect.
Neither. All believers are "in Him", obviously. Israel is the chosen PEOPLE of God, chosen for their service, which they failed again and again.

NT believers are chosen also for service.

"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;" - Col 3:11-12 KJV
Christian scripture tells us that Christians from all nations are the elect.[/QUOTE]
Don't forget Judas, who was chosen, and he never believed in Jesus as His Savior. John 6:70,71. He was chosen to be the betrayer.

No doubt there were many in Israel who would have done it, including Judas the scumbag. And God chose him to do the deed.

If you think that election is to salvation, please quote the most clear verse that God chooses unconditionally for salvation.
 
Jan 14, 2021
1,599
526
113
#85
Neither. All believers are "in Him", obviously. Israel is the chosen PEOPLE of God, chosen for their service, which they failed again and again.
Christianity has a clear, preferred interpretation for "elect" which appears to differ from Dispensationalism.

It is hard to follow Dispensationalist English sometimes. I think you are trying to say that "election" and "chosen" would all be types of dispensations. And that "dispensation"/"election"/"chosen" all would just mean the assignment unto something. So Satan would be elected/chosen/dispensed unto the Lake of Fire, etc.

If that is what you mean, then what do you mean "elect"? Elect unto what?

When you say "All Israel is ALL of God's elect." Elect unto what?

And do you mean "of" in the sense of belonging to a set? Or "All of" in the sense of in itself being the complete set? The second "All" becomes confusing.

I believe you mean to say "The whole Israel is part of God's elect [unto service]". Or "the whole Israel is God's elect unto a specific set of services"

Please clarify what you mean to say.

NT believers are chosen also for service.
It follows under the Dispensationalism definition of "elect" that since God has a purpose for everyone that everyone is "elect". "Elect" in Dispensationalist English is a meaningless word unless attributed to a specific service or duty. Everyone would be the "elect of God" in Dispensationalism.

Don't forget Judas, who was chosen, and he never believed in Jesus as His Savior. John 6:70,71. He was chosen to be the betrayer.
From the Dispensationalism perspective, is Judas part of Israel? Is Judas saved?

Does Judas inherit any promises in Dispensationalism scripture?

If you think that election is to salvation, please quote the most clear verse that God chooses unconditionally for salvation.
So your interpretation is that "All Israel will be saved" is a dispensation unto Talmudic Jews, correct?

And from Dispensationalist English, you are questioning what kind of dispensation Col 3:11-12 is? It would clearly be a dispensation unto a type of service. But you are asking whether there is a passage that specifically states that those in Christ are chosen for salvation?

That concept is a staple in Christianity. I'm not sure how familiar Dispensationalists are with Christian scripture.

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:40 KJV
 
Jan 31, 2021
8,658
1,064
113
#86
FreeGrace2 said:
Neither. All believers are "in Him", obviously. Israel is the chosen PEOPLE of God, chosen for their service, which they failed again and again.
Christianity has a clear, preferred interpretation for "elect" which appears to differ from Dispensationalism.
This isn't about dispensationalism. I don't know why you even bring it up. The Bible teaches that God chooses for service. OT and NT.

It is hard to follow Dispensationalist English sometimes. I think you are trying to say that "election" and "chosen" would all be types of dispensations.
Not at all. Election/choice is God's choosing people for service. And angels. 1 Tim 5:21.

And that "dispensation"/"election"/"chosen" all would just mean the assignment unto something. So Satan would be elected/chosen/dispensed unto the Lake of Fire, etc.
No. The Bible does NOT ever speak of God choosing anyone for the LOF.

If that is what you mean, then what do you mean "elect"?
A choosing that is more formal than picking out your sox.

Elect unto what?
Service. In EVERY verse where the purpose of election is given, it is always about service.

1 Cor 1:27-28
27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are,

Those who read these verses and see "salvation" are blind. There's nothing about salvation here. Only service.

When you say "All Israel is ALL of God's elect." Elect unto what?
Service. The people of Israel were chosen to protect and promote God's written Word and follow His commandments. And they failed.

It follows under the Dispensationalism definition of "elect" that since God has a purpose for everyone that everyone is "elect". "Elect" in Dispensationalist English is a meaningless word unless attributed to a specific service or duty. Everyone would be the "elect of God" in Dispensationalism.
This isn't about dispensationalism.

From the Dispensationalism perspective, is Judas part of Israel?
Judas was a Jew.

Is Judas saved?
No, of course not. He is the son of perdition.

Does Judas inherit any promises in Dispensationalism scripture?
I don't what "dispensational scripture" is or means. I read the Bible.

So your interpretation is that "All Israel will be saved" is a dispensation unto Talmudic Jews, correct?
I understand that verse as Jesus at the Second Advent will rescue/deliver the nation from being wiped out.

And from Dispensationalist English, you are questioning what kind of dispensation Col 3:11-12 is?
I've never heard of "dispensational english" an don't know what you are referring to.

It would clearly be a dispensation unto a type of service. But you are asking whether there is a passage that specifically states that those in Christ are chosen for salvation?
Yes. Is there a verse that specifically says God chooses unconditionally (reformed) for salvation?

That concept is a staple in Christianity.
Then you should be able to find a verse then.

I'm not sure how familiar Dispensationalists are with Christian scripture.
I don't even care. This isn't about dispensationalism anyway.

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:40 KJV
This isn't about election. It's about a promise for those who believe on His Son. Which proves this isn't unconditional election to salvation.
 
Jan 14, 2021
1,599
526
113
#87
This isn't about dispensationalism.
You are a Dispensationalist, are you not?

Nothing is going to make sense unless there is an active effort to translate between Christianity terminology and Dispensationalist terminology.

Not at all. Election/choice is God's choosing people for service. And angels. 1 Tim 5:21.
Does "Dispensed a stewardship" mean something different than "chosen"/"elect" "unto a service" in your religion?

No. The Bible does NOT ever speak of God choosing anyone for the LOF.
That's not what Christian scripture says:

Those that do not obey the gospel of Jesus Christ and those that do not know God will be punished with everlasting destruction in 2 Thes 1:

"Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:" - 2 Thes 1:6-11 KJV

And again we see that those that do not have their name written in the book of life are chosen for the Lake of Fire in Rev 20:15:

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." - Rev 20:15 KJV

The prophesy that states that Satan goes into the Lake of Fire indicates that Satan was chosen for the LoF.

Judas was a Jew.

No, of course [he was not saved]. He is the son of perdition.
Judas was a Jew and Judas was not saved? So not all Jews are saved. So if all Israel is saved, you agree that not all of Israel are Israel?

A choosing that is more formal than picking out your sox.
Everyone does more than just picking out socks. Everyone is part of God's plan, therefore everyone is chosen for their part in the plan.

Service. The people of Israel were chosen to protect and promote God's written Word and follow His commandments. And they failed.
Did Saul fail after becoming Paul?

The way you are using "chosen" and "elect" here is strange. From a Christian perspective we would call this a "calling". Many are called, few are chosen.

I understand that verse as Jesus at the Second Advent will rescue/deliver the nation from being wiped out.
And you believe that this nation is represented solely by Talmudic Jews, correct?

Yes. Is there a verse that specifically says God chooses unconditionally (reformed) for salvation?
Yes. God will shew mercy on whomever He so chooses (Rom 9:16). And this choice was from the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4).

Then you should be able to find a verse then.
This was my mistake. I assumed you were able to read the next paragraph and connect the dots. Let me explain: John 6:40 demonstrates a chosen people in Christ. The elect are Christian. Here is John 6:40 again:

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:40 KJV

This isn't about election. It's about a promise for those who believe on His Son. Which proves this isn't unconditional election to salvation.
The promise isn't conditional, it is a representation of an election unto being a chosen people.

We should unfuddle what is meant by "elect"/"chosen" vs. "called". We should stick to Christian terminology rather than Dispensationalist terminology for the sake of clarity.

You are basically saying that all Jews have a calling, but that they fail to heed the calling over and over again. We see this imagery in the murderous invitees in the parable of the wedding banquet. To fulfil their calling and become part of the chosen people, they must accept Christ. To put on Christ or be cast into the outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. All of the "chosen Israel" is the "Israel" that is saved in Rom 11, but not all of the "called Israel" is saved.

Everyone has an unconditional calling to salvation. Many are called, few are chosen.
 
Jan 31, 2021
8,658
1,064
113
#88
FreeGrace2 said:
This isn't about dispensationalism.
You are a Dispensationalist, are you not?
Are you deaf? Though I am, this is not about dispensationalism. Can you understand this?

Nothing is going to make sense unless there is an active effort to translate between Christianity terminology and Dispensationalist terminology.
I don't know what you are talking about. I've never heard the words "dispensational terminology". My SOLE focus is on biblical terminology. So please quit trying to shift the focus.

Does "Dispensed a stewardship" mean something different than "chosen"/"elect" "unto a service" in your religion?
I don't have a religion. I am a Christian, which is NOT NOT NOT a religion. Christianity is different than EVERY religion. Don't you know that?

FreeGrace2 said:
No. The Bible does NOT ever speak of God choosing anyone for the LOF.
That's not what Christian scripture says:
Those that do not obey the gospel of Jesus Christ and those that do not know God will be punished with everlasting destruction in 2 Thes 1:

"Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:" - 2 Thes 1:6-11 KJV

And again we see that those that do not have their name written in the book of life are chosen for the Lake of Fire in Rev 20:15:

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." - Rev 20:15 KJV
You are abusing the word "elect/choose". Please don't do that. You still have not quoted ANY verse that supports your claims.

Yes, of course God has a plan for those who believe and those who never believed. The believers will spend eternity with God. The never believers will spend eternity apart from God, and with Satan. That is God's choice, but the Bible NEVER describes any of this as an election. So please stop misusing the word.

The prophesy that states that Satan goes into the Lake of Fire indicates that Satan was chosen for the LoF.
The Bible NEVER states this as an election. You are just making up stuff.

I use the Berean study method, whereby I "search the Scriptures daily to see if what YOU say is true". Just like the Bereans did of Paul's teaching.

If the Bible uses the word "choose/elect", then study what is says about election. If the Bible doesn't use the word, DON'T you insert the word. You are not authorized to do that.

Judas was a Jew and Judas was not saved?
Seriously? Conser Acts 1-
24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen
25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”

Do you think he went to heaven? There is NO evidence in Scripture that says he ever believed in Jesus as the Christ.

So not all Jews are saved.
Do you think that all Jews are saved?

So if all Israel is saved, you agree that not all of Israel are Israel?
Paul said that. Rom 9:6 - It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.

Everyone does more than just picking out socks. Everyone is part of God's plan, therefore everyone is chosen for their part in the plan.
Instead of just a statement, do you have any verse that says this? I will take your statement as an opinion. I am looking for Scripture.

FreeGrace2 said:
Service. The people of Israel were chosen to protect and promote God's written Word and follow His commandments. And they failed.
Did Saul fail after becoming Paul?
This is totally irrelevant. The people of Israel were chosen in the OT, from the beginning of the Jewish people.

This is what Paul said about his ministry in 2 Tim 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

The way you are using "chosen" and "elect" here is strange. From a Christian perspective we would call this a "calling". Many are called, few are chosen.
You're not making sense. The quote from Matt actually uses the Greek word for "chosen". And yes, there is some overlap between being invited and being chosen for a specific service. But you need to explain yourself about my "strange" use of the word "elect/choose". I don't know what you mean.

And you believe that this nation is represented solely by Talmudic Jews, correct?
Tell me what a "talmudic Jew" is and means. Then I'll be able to answer.

Yes. God will shew mercy on whomever He so chooses (Rom 9:16). And this choice was from the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4).
Please tell me what the word "us" refers to in Eph 1:4. "God chose us". Who are the us?

This was my mistake. I assumed you were able to read the next paragraph and connect the dots. Let me explain: John 6:40 demonstrates a chosen people in Christ.
You assumptions are incorrect. John 6:40 has nothing about election in it. In fact, it is about how to have eternal life, which is conditional. The reformed view of election is that God's choice is unconditional, which is unbiblical.

The elect are Christian.
Please explain what this means. For example, do you believe that God chooses who will believe? Or what?

Here is John 6:40 again:

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:40 KJV

The promise isn't conditional
It absolutely IS IS IS conditional. "every one who sees and believes on the Son, may have everlasting life". Since you appear rather confused about what "conditional" means, the verse clearly says that those who believe (that is the condition( will have eternal life.

[QUOE]it is a representation of an election unto being a chosen people.[/QUOTE]
No it's not. The word isn't used, and there IS IS IS a condition. Reformed theology claims election is unconditional.

We should unfuddle what is meant by "elect"/"chosen" vs. "called".
I don't have a problem and am not befuddled. How are you befuddled?

We should stick to Christian terminology rather than Dispensationalist terminology for the sake of clarity.
I'm getting rather tired with your constant use of "dispensational terminology". I use biblical terminology. That is even better than "Christian terminology", since many things are said by Christians that can't be found in the Bible.

You are basically saying that all Jews have a calling, but that they fail to heed the calling over and over again.
To be clear, they failed the service to which they were chosen. As I said, there is some overlapping with elect and calling. But there are differences.

We see this imagery in the murderous invitees in the parable of the wedding banquet. To fulfil their calling and become part of the chosen people, they must accept Christ.
It still appears you think that election is to salvation. So, whre are your verses that say that? I study the Bible the way the Bereans did.

Everyone has an unconditional calling to salvation. Many are called, few are chosen.
Could you please explain what "unconditional calling to salvation" means. Specifically. I have no idea. Thanks.
 

Mem

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2014
7,149
2,168
113
#89
Speculative interpretations can have good value and can be edifying, especially if we can make a compelling case for them.

I think before we explore speculation, we should reasonably establish the boundaries of possible interpretations. This requires a sound process for exegesis. The concept that "the most literal interpretation is the best interpretation" that some people have opined should be understood as a convention for sorting preferred possible interpretations rather than as part of a foundation for sound exegesis. That convention should not be used for ruling out possible interpretations by itself. Only to voice that certain types of interpretations belong or don't belong in a school of thought.



The base authority (ethos) for Christianity is at the very least the standard scriptural canon, and for any Trinitarian form of Christianity it will also be the concepts set out by the founding fathers of the Church, including the Nicene Creed, Apostles Creed, etc. These are going to be elements that do have authority as Christian teachings in themselves, regardless of the form of Christianity. And if something contradicts the established Christian ethos, it isn't genuinely a Christian school of thought.

In the frame of Christian ethos, you can question some things but not all things (or else you are exiting Christian ethos).
I'm not sure if my Christian has just been revoked, but God calls me "Wendy". :giggle:
 
Jan 14, 2021
1,599
526
113
#90
Are you deaf? Though I am, this is not about dispensationalism. Can you understand this?
So long as you continue to choose Dispensationalism as your religion, that will always be the biggest communication barrier. Christian scripture is different than Dispensationalist scripture.

Please explain what [the elect are Christian] means.
100% of the elect are Christian, including Abraham and other OT saints. This isn't hard to understand when you use the term "elect" correctly.

You are abusing the word "elect/choose"
As I said, I would prefer to use "elect" and "chosen" in their proper Christian sense. We should avoid using them from a Dispensationalist sense because it is going to cause confusion. And admittedly, you might be confused because you may not understand the Christian perspective yet.

You still have not quoted ANY verse that supports your claims.
I did provide exactly that, but only from a Christian perspective, not a Dispensationalist one. I am still fairly new to the way that Dispensationalism uses these terms. Asking for clarification feels fruitless because a clear answer is never made. Again, please use these terms in a Christian sense if you are able so that we can both communicate clearly with one another.

The Bible NEVER states this as an election.
This was my attempt at understanding what you mean by "election"/"chosen", etc. You had every opportunity to present the Dispensationalist definition of the terms and you haven't yet. Let's move on and please just use these terms in a Christian sense.

I use the Berean study method, whereby I "search the Scriptures daily to see if what YOU say is true". Just like the Bereans did of Paul's teaching.
Christians believe that the OT needs to be interpreted through the NT due to verses such as 2 Cor 3:14 which states that interpreting the NT through the OT creates a veiled understanding. Does Dispensationalist scripture contain 2 Cor 3:14?

If the Bible uses the word "choose/elect", then study what is says about election. If the Bible doesn't use the word, DON'T you insert the word. You are not authorized to do that.
What is the authorized Dispensationalist interpretation of scripture? I have suspected for a while now that is largely based on an oral culture as the primary source of authority. Is that true?

Do you think that all Jews are saved?
I'm actually just surprised that Dispensationalists disagree with each other on that point. Most say there is a hypergrace for Talmudic Jews (that all Talmudic Jews regardless of their deeds will be saved) but you're the first I've encountered that claimed that not all are saved.

The Dispensationalist handbook states to treat all Talmudic Jews like royalty and also proposes unquestionable hypergrace for them. I'm just confused why your belief is different. Are you considered a Dispensationalist heretic?

How does your belief even work within Dispensationalism?

[Saul's lack of failure as Paul] is totally irrelevant.
The fact that you think it is irrelevant means that you don't understand what I am asking.

The people of Israel were chosen in the OT, from the beginning of the Jewish people.
It's not clear what you mean by this.

It absolutely IS IS IS conditional. "every one who sees and believes on the Son, may have everlasting life".
You are parsing that incorrectly. Either that or you are using a Dispensationalist convention for parsing that I'm not familiar with. The statement is "X allows Y", or "X happened so that Y may happen". This isn't a conditional statement, it is a description of cause and effect.

The quote from Matt actually uses the Greek word for "chosen". And yes, there is some overlap between being invited and being chosen for a specific service. But you need to explain yourself about my "strange" use of the word "elect/choose". I don't know what you mean.
"Invited" and "chosen" mean distinctly different things in Christianity. It perhaps would be helpful if you can translate into plain English what you mean, in your Dispensationalist view, by "chosen" and "elect". A few Dispensationalists I've encountered had a difficult time explaining what "many are called, few are chosen" meant from a Dispensationalist perspective because "called" and "chosen" meant the same thing to them. In Christianity, they don't mean the same thing, and there is a clear differentiated meaning conveyed by "called" and "chosen" but these meanings very apparently differ from the Dispensationalist rendering of the words. Here's your chance to explain how your religion handles these words. And specifically, what these words mean to you, as it seems that Dispensationalists disagree with each other on this point too.

Tell me what a "talmudic Jew" is and means. Then I'll be able to answer.
The modern Rabbinic group that calls itself Orthodox Judaism, follows the teachings of the Babylonian Talmud, and claims to be a continuation of the OT priesthood of the faith of Yahweh's people. From a Christian perspective, the "orthodox" title is a misnomer, and they do not represent a continuation of the OT priesthood (Christ is the head priest of the faith in Christianity, and the orthodoxy rests with Him and the covenant of Christ).

Talmudic Judaism have rules and conditions for the Law of Return which may differ from a literal and straightforward interpretation of "descendant of Judah". A Talmudic Jew is one that is authorized to be identified as a Jew by the modern Rabbinic priesthood.

Please tell me what the word "us" refers to in Eph 1:4. "God chose us". Who are the us?
The Christian perspective is that "us" is in reference to Christians collectively.

The breakdown is that Paul (an Israelite that found Christ) is talking to an audience in a Greek territory likely containing predominantly gentile converts. Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Christ and his audience as the faithful in Christ.

Since Dispensationalists sometimes consider Paul a gentile and other times consider Paul an Israelite, the Dispensationalist interpretation appears to interpret "us" in this case to mean whichever meaning is most convenient to the conversation at hand. I would ask you what you interpret "us" to mean in this case, but I really don't care for the flip-flop answer. Show me door #2 Monty.

I don't have a problem and am not befuddled. How are you befuddled?
Befuddled? No. The Christian perspective follows after the source material (Greek manuscripts, etc). Dispensationalism goes for an "intuitive" re-imagining of what words mean based on interpolated word association irrespective of the origin-language's meaning. The befuddling comes in the erroneous assumption that Christianity and Dispensationalism use terms in the same way.

I'm getting rather tired with your constant use of "dispensational terminology". I use biblical terminology. That is even better than "Christian terminology", since many things are said by Christians that can't be found in the Bible.
Dispensationalism relies on a significant amount of eisegetic content. Terminology is used differently between Dispensationalists and Christians. It's part of the reason there are so many disputes based on simple points like the definitions of words. If a Dispensationalist and a Christian were to write respective dictionaries on the meaning of words, they would come up with completely different dictionaries.

To be clear, they failed the service to which they were chosen. As I said, there is some overlapping with elect and calling. But there are differences.
Like I said, it would be more fruitful if you are able to leave behind the Dispensationalist usage for a moment and try to understand from a Christian point of view. That's not how the terms are used in Christianity. Being the "elect" or "chosen" in the NT is in reference to being in Christ (a "favourite" in a sense), and destined for everlasting life as a child of God in Christ. I'm just telling you how Christians use the terms. You can circle back to the Dispensationalist usage, but it defeats the purpose if your intention is clear communication. And heck, maybe you don't care for clear communication.

It still appears you think that election is to salvation. So, whre are your verses that say that?
You don't understand the Christian perspective on what election, chosen, called, and salvation mean. Dispensationalists don't generally regard the Greek or put any weight into real academic study, but if you want to understand the Christian perspective, you need to look to the Greek (or Latin if you want to compare with the Vulgate). You need to be able to put together larger holistic contexts from multiple verses instead of analyzing individual verses in isolation.
 
Jan 14, 2021
1,599
526
113
#91
I'm not sure if my Christian has just been revoked, but God calls me "Wendy". :giggle:
I noted that three things are important:

1) Scriptural Canon
2) The Trinity
3) The Nicene and Apostles' Creeds

If you have a problem with any one of these three things, if nothing else, that would make you a heretic.

"Rejecting historic essentials of the faith is heresy"
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
#92
So long as you continue to choose Dispensationalism as your religion, that will always be the biggest communication barrier. Christian scripture is different than Dispensationalist scripture.



100% of the elect are Christian, including Abraham and other OT saints. This isn't hard to understand when you use the term "elect" correctly.



As I said, I would prefer to use "elect" and "chosen" in their proper Christian sense. We should avoid using them from a Dispensationalist sense because it is going to cause confusion. And admittedly, you might be confused because you may not understand the Christian perspective yet.



I did provide exactly that, but only from a Christian perspective, not a Dispensationalist one. I am still fairly new to the way that Dispensationalism uses these terms. Asking for clarification feels fruitless because a clear answer is never made. Again, please use these terms in a Christian sense if you are able so that we can both communicate clearly with one another.



This was my attempt at understanding what you mean by "election"/"chosen", etc. You had every opportunity to present the Dispensationalist definition of the terms and you haven't yet. Let's move on and please just use these terms in a Christian sense.



Christians believe that the OT needs to be interpreted through the NT due to verses such as 2 Cor 3:14 which states that interpreting the NT through the OT creates a veiled understanding. Does Dispensationalist scripture contain 2 Cor 3:14?



What is the authorized Dispensationalist interpretation of scripture? I have suspected for a while now that is largely based on an oral culture as the primary source of authority. Is that true?



I'm actually just surprised that Dispensationalists disagree with each other on that point. Most say there is a hypergrace for Talmudic Jews (that all Talmudic Jews regardless of their deeds will be saved) but you're the first I've encountered that claimed that not all are saved.

The Dispensationalist handbook states to treat all Talmudic Jews like royalty and also proposes unquestionable hypergrace for them. I'm just confused why your belief is different. Are you considered a Dispensationalist heretic?

How does your belief even work within Dispensationalism?



The fact that you think it is irrelevant means that you don't understand what I am asking.



It's not clear what you mean by this.



You are parsing that incorrectly. Either that or you are using a Dispensationalist convention for parsing that I'm not familiar with. The statement is "X allows Y", or "X happened so that Y may happen". This isn't a conditional statement, it is a description of cause and effect.



"Invited" and "chosen" mean distinctly different things in Christianity. It perhaps would be helpful if you can translate into plain English what you mean, in your Dispensationalist view, by "chosen" and "elect". A few Dispensationalists I've encountered had a difficult time explaining what "many are called, few are chosen" meant from a Dispensationalist perspective because "called" and "chosen" meant the same thing to them. In Christianity, they don't mean the same thing, and there is a clear differentiated meaning conveyed by "called" and "chosen" but these meanings very apparently differ from the Dispensationalist rendering of the words. Here's your chance to explain how your religion handles these words. And specifically, what these words mean to you, as it seems that Dispensationalists disagree with each other on this point too.



The modern Rabbinic group that calls itself Orthodox Judaism, follows the teachings of the Babylonian Talmud, and claims to be a continuation of the OT priesthood of the faith of Yahweh's people. From a Christian perspective, the "orthodox" title is a misnomer, and they do not represent a continuation of the OT priesthood (Christ is the head priest of the faith in Christianity, and the orthodoxy rests with Him and the covenant of Christ).

Talmudic Judaism have rules and conditions for the Law of Return which may differ from a literal and straightforward interpretation of "descendant of Judah". A Talmudic Jew is one that is authorized to be identified as a Jew by the modern Rabbinic priesthood.



The Christian perspective is that "us" is in reference to Christians collectively.

The breakdown is that Paul (an Israelite that found Christ) is talking to an audience in a Greek territory likely containing predominantly gentile converts. Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Christ and his audience as the faithful in Christ.

Since Dispensationalists sometimes consider Paul a gentile and other times consider Paul an Israelite, the Dispensationalist interpretation appears to interpret "us" in this case to mean whichever meaning is most convenient to the conversation at hand. I would ask you what you interpret "us" to mean in this case, but I really don't care for the flip-flop answer. Show me door #2 Monty.



Befuddled? No. The Christian perspective follows after the source material (Greek manuscripts, etc). Dispensationalism goes for an "intuitive" re-imagining of what words mean based on interpolated word association irrespective of the origin-language's meaning. The befuddling comes in the erroneous assumption that Christianity and Dispensationalism use terms in the same way.



Dispensationalism relies on a significant amount of eisegetic content. Terminology is used differently between Dispensationalists and Christians. It's part of the reason there are so many disputes based on simple points like the definitions of words. If a Dispensationalist and a Christian were to write respective dictionaries on the meaning of words, they would come up with completely different dictionaries.



Like I said, it would be more fruitful if you are able to leave behind the Dispensationalist usage for a moment and try to understand from a Christian point of view. That's not how the terms are used in Christianity. Being the "elect" or "chosen" in the NT is in reference to being in Christ (a "favourite" in a sense), and destined for everlasting life as a child of God in Christ. I'm just telling you how Christians use the terms. You can circle back to the Dispensationalist usage, but it defeats the purpose if your intention is clear communication. And heck, maybe you don't care for clear communication.



You don't understand the Christian perspective on what election, chosen, called, and salvation mean. Dispensationalists don't generally regard the Greek or put any weight into real academic study, but if you want to understand the Christian perspective, you need to look to the Greek (or Latin if you want to compare with the Vulgate). You need to be able to put together larger holistic contexts from multiple verses instead of analyzing individual verses in isolation.
I’m reminded again of why I love reading your commentaries. You always make it very clear and logical to me.
 
Jan 31, 2021
8,658
1,064
113
#93
FreeGrace2 said:
Are you deaf? Though I am, this is not about dispensationalism. Can you understand this?
So long as you continue to choose Dispensationalism as your religion
OK, so you ARE deaf. Good to know. You need to find some hearing aides. And regarding your ridiculous comments about dispensationalism, first, it's NOT a "religion". That is just a very ignorant comment. And I've already told you to define what you meanby "dispensational terminology" since I have no idea what that even is.

If you want a discussion from me, then please DEFINE your ridiculous terms.

that will always be the biggest communication barrier. Christian scripture is different than Dispensationalist scripture.
Oh, stop it. I use biblical terms. And what is "dispensational scripture". Some other kind of bible?

100% of the elect are Christian, including Abraham and other OT saints. This isn't hard to understand when you use the term "elect" correctly.
I have been. But since you disagree, show me where I have used the term incorrectly.

As I said, I would prefer to use "elect" and "chosen" in their proper Christian sense.
I use the words in the BIBLICAL sense. The words apply to both the OT and NT. And ALL of the uses, whether OT or NT, are about SERVICE. Or prove me wrong.

We should avoid using them from a Dispensationalist sense because it is going to cause confusion.
I'm getting real tired of your silliness. Give up on your phony dispensationalist "sense" as if there is other senses than the Bible's. I can prove from Scripture that election is to service, in EVERY case.

What can you prove?

And admittedly, you might be confused because you may not understand the Christian perspective yet.
What kind of snark is this? You suggesting that I'm not a Christian? That would be very stupid.

FreeGrace2 said:
You still have not quoted ANY verse that supports your claims.
I did provide exactly that, but only from a Christian perspective, not a Dispensationalist one.
Stop your nonsense. Grow up. None of the verses you quoted even mentioned election. So you continue to FAIL to prove your point.

Again, please use these terms in a Christian sense if you are able so that we can both communicate clearly with one another.
I think you are just being silly to avoid the FACT that you cannot prove your view about election.

I asked you to define your terms but it is clear you have no intention of doing so. That means you are dishonest. You don't want an honest discussion. So you couch everything in terms that you refuse to define. Quit being dishonest.

This was my attempt at understanding what you mean by "election"/"chosen", etc.
I TOLD you what the BIBLE means. God chooses or elects to service, including Jesus Christ Himself.

You had every opportunity to present the Dispensationalist definition of the terms and you haven't yet.
Until you get over your dishonesty and define what YOU mean by "the dispensationalist definition", there is no way to advance this discussion. Which is what you probably want anyway, since you can't defend your own view from the Bible.

Let's move on and please just use these terms in a Christian sense.
Would you just STOP this insanity.

. Does Dispensationalist scripture contain 2 Cor 3:14?
The ONLY Scrpture I read is the Bible itslef. So get off your insane ideas about there being a dispensational scripture. I've never heard of it.

What is the authorized Dispensationalist interpretation of scripture?
stupid comment.

The Dispensationalist handbook
Oh, so there is such a thing. Where did you get one? I''ve never even heard of such a thing. Or, are you just making all this up, just to avoid having to defend your own views?

How does your belief even work within Dispensationalism?
I couldn't care LESS. Your questions are just so stupid and childish.

FreeGrace2 said:
[Saul's lack of failure as Paul] is totally irrelevant.
The fact that you think it is irrelevant means that you don't understand what I am asking.
No, it means exactly what is says. Your comment is irrelevant to this discussion, Maybe if you would actually explain/define what you mean, it would help.

FreeGrace2 said:
The people of Israel were chosen in the OT, from the beginning of the Jewish people.
It's not clear what you mean by this.
Sure it is. When did the Jews become Jews? Adam wasn't Jewish. Neither was Noah. My point was when God commanded circumcision, as a sign of His people being distinct from all other peoples.

FreeGrace2 said:
It absolutely IS IS IS conditional. "every one who sees and believes on the Son, may have everlasting life".
You are parsing that incorrectly.
I haven't parsed anything. Johbn 6:40 is a clear condition for receiving eternal life; which is to believe. Calvinists just have blinders on.

The statement is "X allows Y", or "X happened so that Y may happen". This isn't a conditional statement, it is a description of cause and effect.
Same thing. IF the cause, THEN the effect. See? Real simple. Not difficult at all.

"Invited" and "chosen" mean distinctly different things in Christianity.
Yes, they are different, but there are verses that speak of the same things, yet one verse has kletos and the other has eklectos. So there IS overlap, even if you were ignorant of that fact.

It perhaps would be helpful if you can translate into plain English what you mean "chosen" and "elect".[/QUOTE]
OK, now pay close attention. These 2 words mean the SAME THING. :eek: I hope you were sitting down when you read that. The Greek word is the SAME, so the 2 words, used by translators is the same as well.

A few Dispensationalists I've encountered had a difficult time explaining what "many are called, few are chosen" meant from a Dispensationalist perspective because "called" and "chosen" meant the same thing to them.
Since you won't define what you mean by dispensationalist perspective, dispensationalist scripture, etc, I'm just going to ignore all these very childish snipes.

In the text where the phrase occurs, the context is about salvation. The "many are called" is evangelism. Which is for everyone, as Titus 2:11 plainly says. "few are chosen" refers to the fact that only those who believe the gospel and are saved are chosen for service.

In Christianity, they don't mean the same thing, and there is a clear differentiated meaning conveyed by "called" and "chosen" but these meanings very apparently differ from the Dispensationalist rendering of the words. Here's your chance to explain how your religion handles these words. And specifically, what these words mean to you, as it seems that Dispensationalists disagree with each other on this point too.
Believers are invited to serve and chosen to serve. Real simple.

FreeGrace2 said:
Please tell me what the word "us" refers to in Eph 1:4. "God chose us". Who are the us?
The Christian perspective is that "us" is in reference to Christians collectively.
I'm totally NOT interested in whatever you might mean by "Christian perspective". You only have to look across evangelicalism today and see the WIDELY and VARIOUSLY held views of the Bible and KNOW that there is no unity at all.

I am interested in ONLY what the Bible says. So you can jettison your flimsy "Christian/dispensationalist" junk. My focus is only on what the Bible says.

I would ask you what you interpret "us" to mean in this case, but I really don't care for the flip-flop answer.
My answer was straightforward and clear. The "us" in Eph 1:4 is actually defined in Eph 1:19.
and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength

That is very clear. So 1:4 actually says "God chose believers". What the verse doesn't say, nor any other, is that God chooses who will believe. That's just the calvinist perspective, but without any biblical support.

Dispensationalism relies on a significant amount of eisegetic content.
So do the calvinists.

Terminology is used differently between Dispensationalists and Christians.[/QUOTE]
Well, that's an interesting snipe. So you view dispensationalists as non Christians then. Wow. I guess we don't need to continue this phony discussion, since your calvinist elitist perspective has you so blinded to truth, that there is no point in any kind of discussion.

[QIUOTE]And heck, maybe you don't care for clear communication.[/QUOTE]
No, that would be your problem. You hide behind phony ideas etc, and even don't consider a dispensationaist as a Christian. That is insanity.

You don't understand the Christian perspective on what election, chosen, called, and salvation mean.
You can clear all this up by simply quoting a verse that shows that election is to salvation. But so far, all you do is make long posts without any evidence from Scripture. Yet, I can quote many verses that clearly show what election is for; service.

I even gave you 1 example: 1 Cor 1:27,28. I suspect you just ignored it, since it doesn't fit your elitist calvinist perspective. You should join the Christian perspective and accept what the Bible says.
 

Mem

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2014
7,149
2,168
113
#94
I noted that three things are important:

1) Scriptural Canon
2) The Trinity
3) The Nicene and Apostles' Creeds

If you have a problem with any one of these three things, if nothing else, that would make you a heretic.

"Rejecting historic essentials of the faith is heresy"
It wouldn't be the first time I've been called that I guess. It's a good thing they don't look kindly at chopping heretics' heads off anymore. I've only become as a little child, and there's too many hoops to jump through in order to sit at the adult table.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#95
No, Israel is the root, we are grafted into them, not the other way round. This is talking to the Jews, not the church.
You have the right to believe the way that you want to, but it does not harmonize with the other scriptures.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#96
Christ is Israel.
Christ is the husband of the invisible church, which includes all of God's elect, known as Jacob/Israel, and God is their Father. The visible church, which includes those that the Holy Spirit has revealed the knowledge of Jesus finished work on the cross, known as the remnant, the little flock, the few, etc. The visible and invisible church is referred to as if it were a wheel within a wheel (Ezk 10, especially verse 10).

This also harmonizes with the two gates in Matt 7:13-14. The wide gate, being the outer wheel, which includes God's elect that are going about teaching eternal salvation is gained by doing good works, and the straight gate, being those elect that have been revealed the knowledge of what Jesus has accomplished on the cross.

God's instructions for those in the narrow way, is to preach to, the lost sheep of the house of Jacob/Israel (Matt 10:6) (Rom 10:1-3) the good news of what Jesus has done for them on the cross.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#97
kaylagrl said:
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jaco

Hm. So then, "all Israel" only means 1 Isrealite. Good to know. :ROFL:


Why didn't God rename Him "All Israel", I wonder.


There you go. All Israel is ALL of God's elect.

the "all Israel", that you have printed in bold, dark letters, is Jacob, as Israel, which is spiritual Israel, and not all of the nation of Israel (Rom 9:6). Jacob/Israel includes people from every nation, kindred and tongue.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#98
If you think that election is to salvation, please quote the most clear verse that God chooses unconditionally for salvation.
John 17:2 - As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to " as many as thou hast given him"


How many did God give to Jesus? Was it all of mankind? If so, will all of mankind have eternal life?

The truth is God choose his elect, which was not all of mankind, and predetermined that Christ would adopt them as his children (Eph 1:4-5).
 
K

kaylagrl

Guest
#99
You have the right to believe the way that you want to, but it does not harmonize with the other scriptures.


What doesn't harmonize with other Scriptures?! Come on now, it's in black and white.

17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.”

Exactly what I said, YOU are grafted in to the ROOT. Apology accepted.
 
K

kaylagrl

Guest
the "all Israel", that you have printed in bold, dark letters, is Jacob, as Israel, which is spiritual Israel, and not all of the nation of IBsrael (Rom 9:6). Jacob/Israel includes people from every nation, kindred and tongue.


25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way[e] all Israel will be saved. As it is written:
“The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27 And this is[f] my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”


There in black and white... and red so you can see it this time. Apology accepted again.