Here is the dilemma. A promise of eternal life is eternal life to the elect.
But to the lost, the promise is not fulfilled. Is it not fulfilled because of failure of their faith present time,
or what will happen later? And are we called to bring doubt in the elects mind today by introducing doubt
because to the lost it literally does not matter though they will think it applies to them also.
Jesus's promises are to the elect, His sheep, and He defines them well.
I have had believers literally deny Jesus's words on obedience and walking in His ways, and then claim Jesus's
promises apply to them, even though their very rebellion declares they are not His sheep.
But only the elect understand this. Which is ironic on a forum for unbelievers and believers. But then Jesus
faced the same issue, but it is a little mind bending, God bless you
Peter openly declared he was not a follower of Jesus.
Was he saved when he denied Jesus?
Yup.
There is no dilemma when you separate mans judgment from Gods judgement.
Our words and actions before man can surely make us appear to not be a part of Christs body.....
But God sees deeper and knows who He has started in despite what might make you lack confidence in someone else.
I'd agree... to call good evil and evil good is not of God.....
To do evil and justify it as "good" certainly would make it appear that this person is void of the indwelling Holy Spirit or a heart that desires to conform to the will of God.....
God saved His own appart from their performance, knowing where they would stumble....
Peter knew better than to do what he did and man could say "of course he is not a believer he said he wasnt"....
if a parent says
"i steal because i need to feed my family"
and justifies it before a man who rightfully rebuked him.... it doesnt mean he isnt crying to God and asking for an opportunity behind closed doors
i wont pretend to know who else is saved
but those who are saved
are saved forever
and appart from their own merit
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