Good morning IGIT,
I'll post your questions IGIT, and then respond to them individually;
<<< Do you believe in salvation by predestination alone ? >>>
Absolutely, Before creation the Bible says that God chose all those that would belong to Him throughout the ages.
It is because of HIS choosing me that I came to repentance and into a saving knowlege of My Lord Jesus Christ.
<<< aren't you saved before birth? >>>
Yes, I was a lost sheep ( I never knew I was lost till the Great Shepherd came after me and found me )
I was chosen to be in Christ before creation, however my conscious experience of this great event for me happened in 1983.
Romans 10:10-14, says
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Although I was predestined to be saved before creation, I had to be born and " hear " the " Good News ", verses 10 and 14 stress this fact.
<<< Would the timing of the return of Christ really have to wait until all being saved are saved >>>.
Of course, none of Gods Elect would be lost, therefore He patiently waited for all that He had chosen to come.
<<< do you consider being chosen and your being saved two separate events? >>>
I believe that God predestined and chose me to be in Christ before the foundation of the world, from His viewpoint I was saved also..........................I had to be born to come into this salvation experience.
This is a hard subject to grasp and understand, I know full well the struggle you are having IGIT.............but I also know Our Lord will give you understanding as you push onward.
It is a joy to converse with you IGIT on the Holy Scriptures..........................May the Lord honor those who honor His Word.
Grace and peace be unto you ,
Robert |
