Predestination is misunderstood...

  • 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.

Genez

Junior Member
Oct 12, 2017
2,972
420
83
Do you want to know the meaning of Grace?
If he did?
He would be knowing it by grace.

When we have questions that we can not solve when they enter in to challenge us..
We have to learn to let go and allow God to lead us into correct thinking in His timing.
Not demand an answer immediately.

Its when we demand it immediately that we end up grabbing something from our imagination... usually with the help
of demonic influence that wants always to steer us away from truth.

We need... Patience. Suffer as needed because of not knowing.. And, leave it in the Lord's hands.
Forget about it even...

And, at the right time, God can have what is needed to be understood delivered into our thinking...
But, we are to learn and study the Word all the while so He can use the Word to give us what is needed via correlation.

Too many are in a hurry and want answers now.. They become victims of cosmic thinking when that happens.
That way of thinking is what divides the body of Christ.


grace and peace .................
 

Johann

Active member
Apr 12, 2022
928
212
43
If he did?
He would be knowing it by grace.

When we have questions that we can not solve when they enter in to challenge us..
We have to learn to let go and allow God to lead us into correct thinking in His timing.
Not demand an answer immediately.

Its when we demand it immediately that we end up grabbing something from our imagination... usually with the help
of demonic influence that wants always to steer us away from truth.

We need... Patience. Suffer as needed because of not knowing.. And, leave it in the Lord's hands.
Forget about it even...

And, at the right time, God can have what is needed to be understood delivered into our thinking...
But, we are to learn and study the Word all the while so He can use the Word to give us what is needed via correlation.

Too many are in a hurry and want answers now.. They become victims of cosmic thinking when that happens.
That way of thinking is what divides the body of Christ.


grace and peace .................
Shalom brother-thanks for the advice.
J.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,130
3,689
113
Uh-what I post IS Scripture @John146 -or would you prefer this?


Eph 1:13 ἐν en|G1722|Prep|in ᾧ hō|G3739|RelPro-DMS|whom καὶ kai|G2532|Conj|also ὑμεῖς, hymeis|G4771|PPro-N2P|you, ἀκούσαντες akousantes|G191|V-APA-NMP|having heard τὸν ton|G3588|Art-AMS|the λόγον logon|G3056|N-AMS|word τῆς tēs|G3588|Art-GFS|- ἀληθείας, alētheias|G225|N-GFS|of truth, τὸ to|G3588|Art-ANS|the εὐαγγέλιον euangelion|G2098|N-ANS|gospel τῆς tēs|G3588|Art-GFS|of the σωτηρίας sōtērias|G4991|N-GFS|salvation ὑμῶν, hymōn|G4771|PPro-G2P|of you, ἐν en|G1722|Prep|in ᾧ hō|G3739|RelPro-DMS|whom καὶ kai|G2532|Conj|also πιστεύσαντες pisteusantes|G4100|V-APA-NMP|having believed, ἐσφραγίσθητε esphragisthēte|G4972|V-AIP-2P|you were sealed τῷ tō|G3588|Art-DNS|with the Πνεύματι Pneumati|G4151|N-DNS|Spirit τῆς tēs|G3588|Art-GFS|- ἐπαγγελίας epangelias|G1860|N-GFS|of promise τῷ tō|G3588|Art-DNS|- Ἁγίῳ, Hagiō|G40|Adj-DNS|Holy,
Eph 1:14 ὅ* ho|G3739|RelPro-NNS|who ἐστιν estin|G1510|V-PIA-3S|is ἀρραβὼν arrabōn|G728|N-NMS|[the] guarantee τῆς tēs|G3588|Art-GFS|of the κληρονομίας klēronomias|G2817|N-GFS|inheritance ἡμῶν, hēmōn|G1473|PPro-G1P|of us, εἰς eis|G1519|Prep|to ἀπολύτρωσιν apolytrōsin|G629|N-AFS|[the] redemption τῆς tēs|G3588|Art-GFS|of the περιποιήσεως, peripoiēseōs|G4047|N-GFS|acquired possession, εἰς eis|G1519|Prep|to ἔπαινον epainon|G1868|N-AMS|[the] praise τῆς tēs|G3588|Art-GFS|of the δόξης doxēs|G1391|N-GFS|glory αὐτοῦ. autou|G846|PPro-GM3S|of Him.


Now don't get worried-this makes perfect sense to me-WHEN were we sealed brother? Here-I'll assist you-V-AIP-2P<< What is this and can you parse it for me-just to see IF we are on the same page?

Thanks
Johann.
You posted verses along with other "stuff".

Before God predestinates a man, He must first know him, thus, have foreknowledge. For God to know a man, he must first become a son of God.

Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Notice verse 9 says, “But now, after that ye…are known of God.” These Galatian believers are known of God because they have become sons of God. One becomes a son of God by believing on Jesus Christ.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

God predestinates the believer to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. This is the future hope of the believer. It is the final “destination” of those who are in Christ. It has not occurred yet, thus the term, "predestinate." God has determined the outcome of the believer before it occurs. What is that outcome? The adoption which is the redemption of the body.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,130
3,689
113
Think about that a second.

God is knitting us together in our mother's womb. Giving us all our physical and mental abilities, gifting us our Faith, KNOWING the end from the beginning, and who WILL choose Him, as He's creating us.

The argument that HE isn't the One who chooses us is patently silly.
A little mixture of truth doesn't make it all true brother.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,319
6,647
113
62
Think about that a second.

God is knitting us together in our mother's womb. Giving us all our physical and mental abilities, gifting us our Faith, KNOWING the end from the beginning, and who WILL choose Him, as He's creating us.

The argument that HE isn't the One who chooses us is patently silly.
All that without ever getting to a description of man in Romans 3 and other places revealing man's contrary disposition and utter inability.
 

Johann

Active member
Apr 12, 2022
928
212
43
God predestinates the believer to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. This is the future hope of the believer. It is the final “destination” of those who are in Christ. It has not occurred yet, thus the term, "predestinate." God has determined the outcome of the believer before it occurs. What is that outcome? The adoption which is the redemption of the body.
Nope-you bring no Scriptural evidence but you accuse me of bringing "other stuff"

You

God predestinates the believer to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. This is the future hope of the believer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You obviously are not familiar with the Syntax and Grammar of the Greek Text.


The process of being conformed into the image of Christ can be understood in two ways: now and in the future.
Conformed now: The Holy Spirit is at work in believers, gradually transforming them into the image of Christ. This transformation is a lifelong process that begins at the moment of salvation and continues throughout one's life. The Bible teaches that God's people are being renewed in knowledge after the image of their creator (Colossians 3:10) and are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). This transformation is a result of the Spirit's work in believers, enabling them to bring holiness to completion (2 Corinthians 7:1)
.
Conformed in the future: The Bible also speaks of a future completion of this process, when Christ will bring about the final glorification of His people. At that time, believers will reflect the image of their God and Savior with perfection (Philippians 1:6). This future state is not a replacement for the ongoing transformation that occurs throughout one's life, but rather a culmination of the process

Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
.

In summary, believers are being conformed into the image of Christ now through the work of the Holy Spirit, and this process will be completed in the future when Christ returns.

Take my advice and study sanctification
Gill is an excellent read on doctrinal studies.

J.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,130
3,689
113
Take my advice and study sanctification
Gill is an excellent read on doctrinal studies.
Take my advice, do not study the words and theology of man, but the very words of God in the KJV.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,319
6,647
113
62
What if I told you you would need probably an hours teaching to understand?
Taught from a competent teacher?
Would you seek it there?
I understand the subject just fine. I'm asking questions to bring discussion points. You seem reticent to share.
 

Johann

Active member
Apr 12, 2022
928
212
43
I am familiar with the KJV, the holy word of God in English.
You are being silly here-I quote Scriptures and you don't answer questions-deflecting.
have a nice day.
J.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,130
3,689
113
Nope-you bring no Scriptural evidence but you accuse me of bringing "other stuff"

You

God predestinates the believer to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. This is the future hope of the believer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You obviously are not familiar with the Syntax and Grammar of the Greek Text.


The process of being conformed into the image of Christ can be understood in two ways: now and in the future.
Conformed now: The Holy Spirit is at work in believers, gradually transforming them into the image of Christ. This transformation is a lifelong process that begins at the moment of salvation and continues throughout one's life. The Bible teaches that God's people are being renewed in knowledge after the image of their creator (Colossians 3:10) and are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). This transformation is a result of the Spirit's work in believers, enabling them to bring holiness to completion (2 Corinthians 7:1)
.
Conformed in the future: The Bible also speaks of a future completion of this process, when Christ will bring about the final glorification of His people. At that time, believers will reflect the image of their God and Savior with perfection (Philippians 1:6). This future state is not a replacement for the ongoing transformation that occurs throughout one's life, but rather a culmination of the process

Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
.

In summary, believers are being conformed into the image of Christ now through the work of the Holy Spirit, and this process will be completed in the future when Christ returns.

Take my advice and study sanctification
Gill is an excellent read on doctrinal studies.

J.
According to this scripture, how does God know who are his?

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
 
Dec 18, 2023
6,402
406
83
Why can't it be both? What if we're all saved also because someone else merited God's favor-- that someone being the Son of God who always did his Fathers will perfectly?

Re your question: It depends. I know I do, and I think many other Christians I know also do. But certainly, some may not. Some may have a rather shallow view of salvation. I think to a very large extent, the difference between the two groups would be their understanding of sin. To the degree that a person rightly understands sin that will also reflect their understanding of God's grace and his love which motivated that grace.

No One Is Righteous
9 What then? Are we Jews[a] any better off?[b] No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;
11 no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
13 “Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 in their paths are ruin and misery,
17 and the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”



This is how people are untill they become saved.

Tell me who is deserving of an unmerited favour here.
 

Johann

Active member
Apr 12, 2022
928
212
43
According to this scripture, how does God know who are his?

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Give me a short-condensed definition on justification-sanctification-salvation and regeneration.
Thanks
J.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,130
3,689
113
Give me a short-condensed definition on justification-sanctification-salvation and regeneration.
Thanks
J.
Justified - to be made right
Sanctified - to be set apart
Salvation - to be delivered
Regeneration - to be made new
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,130
3,689
113
Give me a short-condensed definition on justification-sanctification-salvation and regeneration.
Thanks
J.
Now, answer my previous post concerning how God knows who are his. Thanks!
 
Dec 18, 2023
6,402
406
83
Depends-are you Calvinist or Arminian? Reformed or not toReformed?
J.
What different would it make who I was.

It has to be one or the other,

You over get saved by Good will or an unmerited favour.
 
Dec 18, 2023
6,402
406
83
The difference between good will and unmerited favor (grace) lies in their sources and the conditions for receiving them.
Good will refers to a positive disposition or intention towards someone. It is a voluntary choice to be kind, friendly, or supportive. Good will can be earned through one's actions and is based on merit.
Unmerited favor (grace) is the free and undeserved goodness and favor of God.


It is not based on merit or earned through human effort.

Grace is a gift from God, given to sinners who cannot earn salvation or favor through their own actions.
In summary, good will is a human response that can be earned, while grace is a divine gift that is unmerited and undeserved. Grace is the foundation of salvation in Christianity, while good will is a human response that can be expressed towards others.

Shalom
J.
this was your answer which is more of an opinion.

I provided scripture that shows the word Grace being used as Good will by Paul.

You've provided an opinion of Good will.