Greetings Steve,
I had intended to remain silent, but upon reading " your " interpretation and your belief that you have proved your point, I am compelled to refute what you have said, according to the Holy Scriptures.
You said;
<<<The bible clearly says salvation is not based on predestination alone, as clearly shown in Ephesians1.>>>
Please take heed that the Apostle Paul is writing this letter to the saints at Ephesus and that they are probably of Jewish and Gentile extraction.
Verses 7, 11, and 12, Paul uses the word " we " which I believe has reference to the Jewish converts who had the Gospel first preached to them, since Jesus stated He had come primarily to the House of Israel.
Verse 12 also states that the "we " meaning the Jewish converts were the first to trust in Christ. This agrees with what Jesus had previously stated that He had first come to the Jews.
Mt 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Verse 13, " In Him , You also trusted after you heard......"
I believe the Apostle Paul is stating here by the use of the word " YOU " as all believers throughout the ages probably mostly of Gentile extraction since the favour of God was extended to them.
Predestination stands alone as God decreed it would. All believers have been predestined according to the Word of God. If you are not predestined then you will not become a believer. ( hard to understand..Yes, but Gods Word )
Ro 8:29 ô For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
The above verses includes " ALL " believers
The first believers who heard the Gospel and believed are no different than all believers throughout the ages that have heard the Gospel and believed since they have been predestined to be conformed to the image of the Son.
You have proved nothing of what you think you you have, rather you show your lack of understanding of the Holy scriptures.
I certainly respect you Steve as a brother in Christ, but I find it impossible to sit silent while you twist and distort scripture to says things that are not there.
Grace and peace be unto you.
In Christ, Robert |
