Why do some people believe and some do not?

[LifelongLearner]

As an old dear who is a very young believer, know i have much to learn and thankfully, I'm very cosy changing my mind when new info fits better and often answers another question or two. The people who helped me begin this journey were Calvinists, to whom i am so grateful, so i automatically accepted the thinking.

My thinking has changed some, now think it's possible there is an elect who God favours more and i see nothing wrong with that. Many other parents will understand what i mean when saying i love all my children but as a Mum of 4, there are two i'm closer to/have more in common with. Also, there are SO many scriptures where it's made clear God wants us to turn from wickedness, he doesn't want to destroy us but will if we don't. Personally think learning about and developing love for Him is very much to his glory too.

Personally don't think FREE will can, let alone does exist, at least currently, however, i do believe we have personal agency to make many choices. Think the evil/problems caused by our corruption make it impossible for us to exercise free will, because we must accommodate the needs and desires of others too. Mike Winger is a podcaster i've grown very fond of and has really helped my spiritual growth, I love the joy he seems to experience in his relationship with the LORD, so posting a link to one of his podcasts:

The Entire Book in One Video: The Hebrews Series pt 1

 

[Magenta]

Jeremiah 17:9 plus John 3:19-20 ~ The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? This is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds
will be exposed.

 

[Magenta]

As an old dear who is a very young believer

Always so lovely to see you, and I do hope you are feeling much better...

 

[LifelongLearner]

Jeremiah 17:9 plus John 3:19-20 ~ The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? This is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds
will be exposed.

So beautiful sweetest friend and so true, have tears in my eyes. So hoping i'll be able to post often again, people like you are so encouraging to me. Hugs and God's blessings to you for now.

 

[LifelongLearner]

Always so lovely to see you, and I do hope you are feeling much better...

Bless you friend and i've made a mess of the post above Going to have a lovely long soak in the bath with this lovely shea butter bubble bath and essential oils, does soothe the aches and pains some.

Hugs and love again for now, hope i'll see you soon precious friend

 

[Magenta]

So beautiful sweetest friend and so true, have tears in my eyes. So hoping i'll be able to post often again, people like you are so encouraging to me. Hugs and God's blessings to you for now.

Thank you so much! And your perspective is greatly appreciated, as many here believe the natural man can of his own will -which is under the influence of the evil one while captive to the devil and a lover of darkness, being a slave to sin inherently hostile in his mind to God with a stony heart, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness- can simply choose to believe as if he were picking out which socks to wear, if any. It truly boggles the mind that it is so widely denied that God must open people's hearts, minds, eyes and ears... Hugs to you!!!

 

[Magenta]

We put on the righteousness of Christ. “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.” You were dead in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. The Son gives life to whom He is pleased to give it. If Christ is in you, your spirit is alive because of righteousness.

 

[sevoldoG]

My thinking has changed some, now think it's possible there is an elect who God favours more

Hello LifelongLearner:
I feel a little awkward barging in to a thread containing so much personal feelings, but I felt the pull to inform you that God does not favor any of his children more than any other. he does give a certain measure of the Spirit and faith according to the good pleasure of His will, but he loves us all equally. The price of eternal life, and the penalty for sin is the same for all.
For example, I believe that he loves “Mother Mary” the same as the homeless man with addiction issues (not to stereotype)
Anyhow, I’m going to butt-out now. I apologize.
God bless you.

 

[LifelongLearner]

Blessings and thanks for pointing out that comment can be interpreted differently to my intention sevoldog, definitely think you were right to do so.

Did say i love all my children but two of them i have more in common with, so feel closer to them. Which i think God might experience too when you look at the relationship he had with people like David. That isn't the same as loving someone more and wasn't what i meant to say, however it could be interpreted like that.

Thanks again for pointing that out sevoldog so i can make thing clearer, hopefully. It was a good thing for you to do, i'm old in years but a very young Christian and don't take umbrage when people want to help/do what's right.

 

[GWH]

As an old dear who is a very young believer, know i have much to learn and thankfully, I'm very cosy changing my mind when new info fits better and often answers another question or two. The people who helped me begin this journey were Calvinists, to whom i am so grateful, so i automatically accepted the thinking.

My thinking has changed some, now think it's possible there is an elect who God favours more and i see nothing wrong with that. Many other parents will understand what i mean when saying i love all my children but as a Mum of 4, there are two i'm closer to/have more in common with. Also, there are SO many scriptures where it's made clear God wants us to turn from wickedness, he doesn't want to destroy us but will if we don't. Personally think learning about and developing love for Him is very much to his glory too.

Personally don't think FREE will can, let alone does exist, at least currently, however, i do believe we have personal agency to make many choices. Think the evil/problems caused by our corruption make it impossible for us to exercise free will, because we must accommodate the needs and desires of others too. Mike Winger is a podcaster i've grown very fond of and has really helped my spiritual growth, I love the joy he seems to experience in his relationship with the LORD, so posting a link to one of his podcasts:

The Entire Book in One Video: The Hebrews Series pt 1

I think you mean that free will or volition is limited and influenced but sufficient for changing one's mind or repentance when GW is learned regarding the question, "What is GRFS or what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30) and choosing to believe the answer, "Believe in the LJC" (Acts 16:31, etal.).

(Despite TULIP :^)

 

[LifelongLearner]

Thank you so much! And your perspective is greatly appreciated, as many here believe the natural man can of his own will -which is under the influence of the evil one while captive to the devil and a lover of darkness, being a slave to sin inherently hostile in his mind to God with a stony heart, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness- can simply choose to believe as if he were picking out which socks to wear, if any. It truly boggles the mind that it is so widely denied that God must open people's hearts, minds, eyes and ears... Hugs to you!!!

I'm still in the very early stages of good spiritual development precious friend, there is considerable change to what i originally thought was right but think there's a solid, basic foundation too.

We are fallen, it's impossible for us to make ourselves righteous. However, there are so many Scriptures where God literally pleads with us to repent so he doesn't have to destroy us, i now think we have a little potential agency. Salvation is absolutely by his grace and mercy but i do think there could still be a remnant of spiritual need in some, which our loving Father/Creator accepts and builds on. Which isn't us having anything to do with our salvation, i had moments where i thought God must exist earlier in life. Usually because of the beauty and wonders experienced when walking through the countryside, forests etc. I do think showing such mercy and grace is to His glory and he makes it very clear he feels no joy at destroying anyone. However, he is Almighty God, the only God and his purposes will ALWAYS be fulfilled, for they are great and wonderful.

Hope that makes some sense sweet friend, i still have so much to learn, an infant in knowledge still. Going to wash my hair but hope to look in later, it's lovely being able to comment some at the moment, hope it'll continue for at least a while. Too much to hope the problem will disappear, it's a getting old sort of problem for sure.

Blessings and all that's good for now.

 

[LifelongLearner]

I think you mean that free will or volition is limited and influenced but sufficient for changing one's mind or repentance when GW is learned regarding the question, "What is GRFS or what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30) and choosing to believe the answer, "Believe in the LJC" (Acts 16:31, etal.).

(Despite TULIP :^)

Spot on GWH, you explained that so well and interestingly, those scriptures were part of my Bible reading earlier. Nice one!