Does Christ Choose

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Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,258
697
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#22
Who is to be Saved?
I do believe the poorer members of society are more likely to respond, to the gospel. Try preaching the gospel in wealthy suburbs!

Poorer countries probably have a better attendance at church.

The outcast, the sick, those who do not have a high opinion of themselves. These are usually the folk that will respond.

1 Corinthians 11:26-28
For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are.

That's your church, the chosen.
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
4,940
586
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#23
John 15:16
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. ~NASB
This "choosing" refers to "service" not "salvation."...
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
16,540
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#24
What if he has chosen not to know? Much like he has chosen to forget our sins.
What if he has chosen not to know? Much like he has chosen to forget our sins.
There’s a point in time when God knows you.

See Galatians 4:9 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?
 

Evmur

Well-known member
Feb 28, 2021
4,863
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London
christianchat.com
#26
God's will always comes to pass. But God can perform it directly or within the choices of mankind or some combination of the two.
mixed seeds were against the law ...

God's will shall always prevail.

If we choose to live that is God's will
if we sin it is God's will that the sinner shall surely die.

He who gives the options has sovereign will.
 

Beckie

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2022
2,516
935
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#27
O man how important you are! You decide the Salvation that belongs to God. You have the power of eternal life and death at your whim.

Most here will say God chooses/chose Israel. Yet are arrogant enough to say 'I chose my Salvation. ' I chose to be born of the Father. ' I chose the Shepherd who was lost.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
11,744
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#29
Christ chose to die for our sins, but it is up to us humans to accept Jesus into our hearts. :) It is a two-way street that we must act on.
Agree completely it’s about the message of the gospel it is sent out to everyone on earth and will be accepted by some and rejected by others what your saying is the correct mind of a disciple

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:

but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:12-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus has done his part much more than just the cross he’s taught us the truth that gives life it’s about who will hear the gospel and respond as if they believe

Many nations are called but few choose him
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
11,744
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#30
Christ chooses everyone to be saved. Not everyone chooses Christ.
christ spoke the truth

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

So we share the gospel truth amkng those who believe Jesus died for them in hopes they will acknowledge it and repent

“in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:25-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus made a way for us to be saved he doesn’t bend our arm behind our back and force us to be saved instead he did this

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;

but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In other words

“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:22, 24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And witnessed by the apostles Paul of course and the other apostles

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭17:30-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:42-44, 47-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As people hear and Learn from Jesus it eventually means they have to choose one way or the other if we never choose to stop serving sin and start believing the gospel it’s never going to change us like it’s meant to do

“that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:22-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We can choose to hear and accept what Jesus said will save us and we can also freely choose to deny and reject it

theres nothing stopping anyone from accepting his word it’s just what’s in our heads that stops us and In Our hearts that keeps us from acknolwedging the truth and finding repentance freely offered to all who hear and believe
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
11,744
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#31
What if he has chosen not to know? Much like he has chosen to forget our sins.
God has chosen not to know ?

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:10-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Brother repentance and remission of sins is the key

because not a single deed or word is hidden from Christ Jesus and his spirit we have to repent when we repent and are baptized for remission of sins , that’s what removes sin that act of faith

from tbat point forward we have the doctrine of Jesus our lord to death with our mistakes

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

that’s the doctrine we need to hear and believe because all of us have done thimsg wrong along the way so we need the gospels law of mercy repentance and remission of sins

Jesus wasn’t telling them “ if you ever sin again your damned , he was teaching them “ forgive others when they offend you , and it will be the same for you that day of judgement we all face “

awe can go to God as sinners who have come to repentance and remission of our sins

or we can go to him as those saying “ I’m not responsible for the things I have done after being given Gods spirit and what I do doesn’t affect anything “


This is a message to Gods children who believe the gospel

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged:

condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned:

forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall be given into your bosom.

For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:36-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

arhats not a message of how to be forgiven “before the cross “ but it’s for believers of the gospel who believe Jesus died for thier sins.

His teachings aren’t erased by his blood the blood is shed according to his teachings we need both because everything is open to God and naked before his eyes

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

a when we receive the spirit of God we need to hear his word and believe it’s the word of everlasting life
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
11,744
4,779
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#32
What if he has chosen not to know? Much like he has chosen to forget our sins.
consider this parable spoken by our lord brother rather than what I had to say just look for the meaning he’s getting across in the parable to someone willing to hear thier saviors word he says is life

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his Lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the Lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.


But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.


So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their Lord all that was done. Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant,

I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.


So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:21-35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:45‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We just need to be willing to hear it and Jesus the Lord can teach us about God and salvation.

Those parables are important to roll around the whole parable in our heads believing Jesus is definately speaking important things to Christian’s

“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:34-35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

until we hear what he’s saying clearly in those parables and it becomes active faith in our mind and heart

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall be given into your bosom.

For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:36-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬
 

Papermonkey

Active member
Dec 2, 2022
724
256
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#33
Who is to be Saved?
The Lamb's Book of Life referred to in Revelation would indicate yes.

If all were to be saved I suspect Universalism would not have been labeled a heresy by some.

Pauls Romans 3 letter indicates we are incapable of understanding the things of God by our own fallen nature.
So that would tell me we can't rightly divide the gospel message ourselves. Romans 8 tells us God calls whom he will to his grace and salvation.

Which coincides with Romans 3 telling us we can't choose because we can't understand the need to be saved in the first place.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
11,744
4,779
113
#34
This "choosing" refers to "service" not "salvation."...
It’s just the one verse ideology with single versus we can support basically any argument we can think up

“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:14-17‬ ‭

that’s all flowing from the context beforehand and after

Meaning he said this to them first which gives context of who he’s speaking to ( those who hear his word in the gospel ) and what he’s saying

“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: ( there are branches in him that will be taken away because they don’t bear fruit )

and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:2-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

a Jesus came to save us but we have to accept what he offered and the way and truth and life he gave us to believe and live by
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
16,540
3,503
113
#35
It’s just the one verse ideology with single versus we can support basically any argument we can think up

“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:14-17‬ ‭

that’s all flowing from the context beforehand and after

Meaning he said this to them first which gives context of who he’s speaking to ( those who hear his word in the gospel ) and what he’s saying

“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: ( there are branches in him that will be taken away because they don’t bear fruit )

and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:2-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

a Jesus came to save us but we have to accept what he offered and the way and truth and life he gave us to believe and live by
Works based salvation if applying to the body of Christ....which these verses should not....
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
16,540
3,503
113
#36
O man how important you are! You decide the Salvation that belongs to God. You have the power of eternal life and death at your whim.

Most here will say God chooses/chose Israel. Yet are arrogant enough to say 'I chose my Salvation. ' I chose to be born of the Father. ' I chose the Shepherd who was lost.
God chose Israel to bring forth the seed, Jesus Christ. God did not force salvation on them. They rejected God's way unto salvation, the very seed that came through them.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,696
113
#38
Christ-God chose Judas, yet Judas was lost.
((John 15:16, John 17:12))

Christ-God's will cannot be opposed or undone
((Daniel 4:35))


how does that work?
Very simple. God wills to give man a choice. Judas chose apostacy.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,696
113
#39
John 15:16
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. ~NASB
1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”