We really CAN'T answer some of these

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Jay Ross

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Here is the literal translation from the Hebrew: Look to me and be saved all you ends of the earth for I [am] God and [there is] no other.
כָּל־ אַפְסֵי־ אָ֑רֶץ
(kol-) (af·sei-) (a·retz)

It was a very brief look at the interlinear and as such it could have been also translated as: -

"Look unto me, and be saved, all {i.e. the people} unto the end of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else."
Where previously I had left the "at" stand, but on reflections "unto" is a far better positional word to use.

As I previously stated; right up to and until the last bell/call, salvation is available to all the peoples of the earth.

It really depends on the context in which the verse is understood.

Shalom
 

marks

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But, if for instance, God planned the crucifixion, then weren't the whole cast of the people that carried it out, predestined to do what they did.... and were they not, therefore, damned before they did a thing? Even damned and condemned before they were born because of the part they were predestined to play in Jesus' death? I mean, not a single one of them ever had a chance of being "saved", right?

I see it as God sending Jesus into a situation in which He knew Jesus was going to be killed by the Romans. Either because the Jewish leaders demanded it, having rejected Jesus, or, had they received Jesus, Rome would have seen it as insurrection, and would have killed Jesus.

Evil men did as their evil hearts led them. God knew when the time was right that Jesus would be certain to be killed. So the men who participated are guilty for their deed, yet God did not predestine them to act that way.

Nicodemas was on the council, but it doesn't seem that he would have condemned Jesus to death. It seems to me that individual players had their own choices to make. And I expect that Nicodemas, for one, was saved. Was Joseph of Arimathea (sp?) on the council also? I don't recall off hand.

Much love!
Mark
 

Kermos

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We DO choose to follow Jesus.
You know who said so? JESUS did.
...snip...
He gives US the choice to follow Him or to reject Him.
...snip
The Apostle John recorded Lord Jesus saying:

"You did not choose Me but I chose you" (John 15:16)

"apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5)

The Apostle John wrote:

"the whole world lies in [the power of] the evil one" (1 John 5:19)

The Apostle Paul wrote:

"for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin" (Romans 3:9 but see Romans 3:9-18)

The Apostle John recorded:

"We know that God does not hear sinners" (John 9:31)

You aver, BreadOfLife, by adding words as well as subtracting words attributed to the Lord Jesus. Here is the supporting explanation for assertion.

The Apostle Matthew recorded Lord Jesus saying:

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling." (Matthew 23:37)

In Matthew 23:37, the Lord Jesus said "you were unwilling"; moreover, He did not say "you had the willpower to gather your children but you chose not to gather your children". It does not follow that the verse can be read as the people of Jerusalem had the free will/choice to have their children gathered together; therefore, Matthew 23:37 does not support freewill/choice/human agency. In the self same verse, Lord Jesus said that they fought against Him, so to speak, as opposed to fighting for Him - recall the Apostle Matthew recorded the Lord Jesus saying "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (Matthew 12:28). They were in bondage to captivity of the world for Lord Jesus said "you were unwilling". A person can only be saved by the intervention of the Almighty God named the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is to His glory.

The Apostle Matthew recorded the Mighty Lord Jesus saying:

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24)

This statement concurs with the words of Lord Jesus "apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5) for the Savior did NOT say:

"on your own volition"
"by your free will"
"by your willpower"
"choose to"

The Lord Jesus did not imply nor express those points.

In your heart, BreadOfLife, you try to negate the words of Lord Jesus when He said:

"You did not choose Me but I chose you" (John 15:16)

Please see "Examination of "all" in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 in the Light of our Lord Jesus Post (in this thread)" and "The Apostle Paul does not indicate 'choose Jesus' nor freewill to salvation in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 Post"

Please see "Predestination Means God Destined Beforehand Including Salvation Post (in this thread)" which remains true according to the Spirit! Man cannot choose Jesus, period, Jesus chooses men (John 15:16). Acknowledge Lord Jesus in all your ways, and He will make your path straight - do not be deceived by the teachings of men - trust in Him with all your heart - He is the door of the sheep. This is quoting Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 7:13-14 and Matthew 22:37-40 and Luke 13:23-24 and John 10:7).

To the eternal God and Savior Jesus Christ be all glory and honor and power forever!
 
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Kermos

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Agree.
An individuals freewill to Choose Him is Required, FOR particular Blessing to be given that individual.

1 Thes 1
[4] Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

Glory to God,
Taken
The New American Standard Bible has this for 1 Thessalonians 1:4 :

"knowing, brethren beloved by God, [His] choice of you;"

My beloved brother Paul is not going to contradict the words of Jesus where Lord Jesus said:

"you did not choose Me" (John 15:16)

"Examination of "all" in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 in the Light of our Lord Jesus Post (in this thread)" and "The Apostle Paul does not indicate 'choose Jesus' nor freewill to salvation in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 Post"

"Refutation of freewill/choice/human agency in Matthew 22:37 and Matthew 16:24 Post"

Please see "Predestination Means God Destined Beforehand Including Salvation Post (in this thread)" which remains true according to the Spirit! Man cannot choose Jesus, period, Jesus chooses men (John 15:16). Acknowledge Lord Jesus in all your ways, and He will make your path straight - do not be deceived by the teachings of men - trust in Him with all your heart - He is the door of the sheep. This is quoting Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 7:13-14 and Matthew 22:37-40 and Luke 13:23-24 and John 10:7).
 

BreadOfLife

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The Apostle John recorded Lord Jesus saying:
"You did not choose Me but I chose you" (John 15:16)
"apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5)
The Apostle John wrote:
"the whole world lies in [the power of] the evil one" (1 John 5:19)
The Apostle Paul wrote:
"for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin" (Romans 3:9 but see Romans 3:9-18)
The Apostle John recorded:
"We know that God does not hear sinners" (John 9:31)
You aver, BreadOfLife, by adding words as well as subtracting words attributed to the Lord Jesus. Here is the supporting explanation for assertion.

The Apostle Matthew recorded Lord Jesus saying:

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling." (Matthew 23:37)

In Matthew 23:37, the Lord Jesus said "you were unwilling"; moreover, He did not say "you had the willpower to gather your children but you chose not to gather your children". It does not follow that the verse can be read as the people of Jerusalem had the free will/choice to have their children gathered together; therefore, Matthew 23:37 does not support freewill/choice/human agency. In the self same verse, Lord Jesus said that they fought against Him, so to speak, as opposed to fighting for Him - recall the Apostle Matthew recorded the Lord Jesus saying "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (Matthew 12:28). They were in bondage to captivity of the world for Lord Jesus said "you were unwilling". A person can only be saved by the intervention of the Almighty God named the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is to His glory.

The Apostle Matthew recorded the Mighty Lord Jesus saying:

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24)

This statement concurs with the words of Lord Jesus "apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5) for the Savior did NOT say:

"on your own volition"
"by your free will"
"by your willpower"
"choose to"

The Lord Jesus did not imply nor express those points.

In your heart, BreadOfLife, you try to negate the words of Lord Jesus when He said:

"You did not choose Me but I chose you" (John 15:16)

Please see "Examination of "all" in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 in the Light of our Lord Jesus Post (in this thread)" and "The Apostle Paul does not indicate 'choose Jesus' nor freewill to salvation in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 Post"

Please see "Predestination Means God Destined Beforehand Including Salvation Post (in this thread)" which remains true according to the Spirit! Man cannot choose Jesus, period, Jesus chooses men (John 15:16). Acknowledge Lord Jesus in all your ways, and He will make your path straight - do not be deceived by the teachings of men - trust in Him with all your heart - He is the door of the sheep. This is quoting Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 7:13-14 and Matthew 22:37-40 and Luke 13:23-24 and John 10:7).

To the eternal God and Savior Jesus Christ be all glory and honor and power forever!
First of all - in John 15 - Jesus was speaking to the 12 APOSTLES. Yes, He DID choose them - but it DOESN'T mean that He chose them for salvation. He chose them to spread His Gospel. Remember what He told them a few chapters earlier??
John 6:70
“Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

NOT
all of the chosen 12 would eventually be saved.

Secondly - you have perverted Matt. 23:37.
I NEVER said that the people of Jerusalem had the free will/choice to have their CHILDREN gathered together. They had the free will/choice to have THEMSELVES gathered to Christ. Jesus was talking to THEM and saying that He wanted to gather THEM to Himself like a hen gathers her chicks - but they were NOT WILLING. This is a perfect example of free will.

As for "negating" the words of Christ - not sure where you're getting that. Without Him, we CAN'T do anything - but this doesn't imply that we don't have control of our actions. We ABSOLUTELY do - otherwise, there would be NO Judgement. How could He judge us on actions ant we had absolutely ZERO control over??

The heretical Calvinist doctrine of Double Predestination makes God both a Rapist who forces His love on some - and a Monster who creates the bulk of humanity simply to toss into Hell for His own pleasure. This is NOT the God of the Bible.

Finally - I don't you understand what God's "foreknowledge" means.
God is outside of time and is NOT bound by it as we are. He is ETERNAL, that is, without beginning or end.

God sees ALL of history at the SAME time - like a finished painting. He knows exactly what choices WE made and therefore has a "foreknowledge" of our lives.
 

Kermos

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I see it as God sending Jesus into a situation in which He knew Jesus was going to be killed by the Romans. Either because the Jewish leaders demanded it, having rejected Jesus, or, had they received Jesus, Rome would have seen it as insurrection, and would have killed Jesus.

Evil men did as their evil hearts led them. God knew when the time was right that Jesus would be certain to be killed. So the men who participated are guilty for their deed, yet God did not predestine them to act that way.

Nicodemas was on the council, but it doesn't seem that he would have condemned Jesus to death. It seems to me that individual players had their own choices to make. And I expect that Nicodemas, for one, was saved. Was Joseph of Arimathea (sp?) on the council also? I don't recall off hand.

Much love!
Mark
Hello Mark,

You wrote "yet God did not predestine them to act that way", but the Jewish Religious Leaders cried out saying, "Crucify, crucify!" about Jesus according to John 19:6 and the "You" and "Your" in the next quote is referring to God "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur." (Acts 4:27-28) which is a record of the words of Peter and John!

May the Spirit of Truth and the God of Love be with you,
Kermos
 

marks

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Hello Mark,

You wrote "yet God did not predestine them to act that way", but the Jewish Religious Leaders cried out saying, "Crucify, crucify!" about Jesus according to John 19:6 and the "You" and "Your" in the next quote is referring to God "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur." (Acts 4:27-28) which is a record of the words of Peter and John!

May the Spirit of Truth and the God of Love be with you,
Kermos

Hi Kermos,

I think the answer is in that God determined what would happen, and these men were gladly accomodating.

As I read the passage:

Acts 4:24-28
And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

. . . the Jews and the Romans gathered together to do the work that God had had determined to be done.

I don't see the requirement in this passage that the people's actions had be predestined for those men to do. I see where the outcome is predetermined, but is it certain that, for instance, Pilate's actions were predestined for him to do?

Or was it a matter of God knowing full well that to send Jesus into that hornet's nest was sure to get Him killed?

That's how I think of it.

Much love!
Mark
 

GerhardEbersoehn

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But, if for instance, God planned the crucifixion, then weren't the whole cast of the people that carried it out, predestined to do what they did.... and were they not, therefore, damned before they did a thing? Even damned and condemned before they were born because of the part they were predestined to play in Jesus' death? I mean, not a single one of them ever had a chance of being "saved", right?

You talk about 'they'; you should talk about 'us'. We were indeed damned before we did a thing; we caused Jesus’ death before we were born in Adam. I mean, not a single one of us ever gave it a thought we needed salvation, we needed grace, before grace brought it to our senses. Well, that was Salvation even from before we were born.
 
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Kermos

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First of all - in John 15 - Jesus was speaking to the 12 APOSTLES. Yes, He DID choose them - but it DOESN'T mean that He chose them for salvation. He chose them to spread His Gospel. Remember what He told them a few chapters earlier??
John 6:70
“Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

NOT
all of the chosen 12 would eventually be saved.

Secondly - you have perverted Matt. 23:37.
I NEVER said that the people of Jerusalem had the free will/choice to have their CHILDREN gathered together. They had the free will/choice to have THEMSELVES gathered to Christ. Jesus was talking to THEM and saying that He wanted to gather THEM to Himself like a hen gathers her chicks - but they were NOT WILLING. This is a perfect example of free will.

As for "negating" the words of Christ - not sure where you're getting that. Without Him, we CAN'T do anything - but this doesn't imply that we don't have control of our actions. We ABSOLUTELY do - otherwise, there would be NO Judgement. How could He judge us on actions ant we had absolutely ZERO control over??

The heretical Calvinist doctrine of Double Predestination makes God both a Rapist who forces His love on some - and a Monster who creates the bulk of humanity simply to toss into Hell for His own pleasure. This is NOT the God of the Bible.

Finally - I don't you understand what God's "foreknowledge" means.
God is outside of time and is NOT bound by it as we are. He is ETERNAL, that is, without beginning or end.

God sees ALL of history at the SAME time - like a finished painting. He knows exactly what choices WE made and therefore has a "foreknowledge" of our lives.
Here is Matthew 23:37 in which Jesus talks about "gather your children together" then He says "and you were unwilling", but between those two phrases lies this phrase "the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings". Here is the unadulterated words of Jesus the Lord:

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling." (Matthew 23:37)

Jesus is refering to their children, and you try to force the passage to say "They had the free will/choice to have THEMSELVES gathered to Christ" despite the fact that (1) Jesus is talking about their children and (2) there is no indication of freewill/choice toward Jesus/nor human agency.

REGARDING THE AUDIENCE WHEN JESUS SPOKE THE WORDS IN JOHN 15:16

Prior to John 15:16, the Apostle John last reported that the disciples were with Jesus, and after John 15:16 the Apostle John reports the subsequent movement of the disciples departing with Jesus to Gethsemane. The Apostle John does not report the 12 nor just the Apostles exclusively were with Jesus, no, rather the Apostle John did report the disciples were with Jesus at the time our Lord and Savior said "you did not choose Me but I chose you" (John 15:16), and we know that the women followed Jesus, too. And what of the two disciples, Cleopas and his companion who were on their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem after the crucifixion - those two whom the Risen Lord Jesus intercepted and comforted? The Apostle John wrote that the disciples were with Jesus at the time John 15:16 was recorded.

Nobody living today is better that the 12 Apostles! Jesus said:

"You did not choose Me but I chose you" (John 15:16)

"apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5)

God is the Potter, and we are the clay, some for honorable use and some for dishonorable use (Romans 9:20-22, Isaiah 10:15, Isaiah 45:9, Jeremiah 18:6). The heretical Armenian teachings lead to eternal death for Jesus the Lord said "You did not choose Me" (John 15:16) and that we can do nothing apart from Him (John 15:5) therefore the Armenian cannot be worshiping Jesus because the Armenian says that the Armenian did precisely what Jesus said the Armenian cannot do. You can do nothing means that you can do nothing, no control, period. To aver otherwise is to try to negate the words of the Living Lord Jesus Christ!

The Truth:

"Examination of "all" in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 in the Light of our Lord Jesus Post (in this thread)" and "The Apostle Paul does not indicate 'choose Jesus' nor freewill to salvation in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 Post (in this thread)"

"Refutation of freewill/choice/human agency in Matthew 22:37 and Matthew 16:24 Post (in this thread)"

Please see "Predestination Means God Destined Beforehand Including Salvation Post (in this thread)" which remains true according to the Spirit! Man cannot choose Jesus, period, Jesus chooses men (John 15:16). Acknowledge Lord Jesus in all your ways, and He will make your path straight - do not be deceived by the teachings of men - trust in Him with all your heart - He is the door of the sheep. This is quoting Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 7:13-14 and Matthew 22:37-40 and Luke 13:23-24 and John 10:7).
 
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Davy

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Very seriously, will you give us some short, explicit bullet-points on the differences?
For instance: Men think this about ________ , but God says this ________ .

Too many pearls to get into on a place like this. It would just confuse the majority here. See John 17 for an example of predestination that our Lord Jesus gave.
 

Davy

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The bigger problem is that Calvinists themselves do not understand predestination as God sees it, yet they refuse to abandon their false doctrine (and those questions are all from a Calvinist).

God does NOT predestine anyone for either salvation or damnation. And that is because the offer of eternal life is to all mankind. The grace of God is for all mankind. The Gospel is for all mankind. Christ is for all mankind. Salvation is for all mankind. The Bible is crystal clear about this fundamental truth.

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. (Isaiah 45:22).

Prove to me that our Lord Jesus Christ did NOT... specifically strike Apostle Paul down and removed his doubt about Jesus.

Before Jesus struck him blind on the way to Damascus, Saul (Paul) had authority from the Jews to hunt down Christians and bring back to Jerusalem for trial.
 

farouk

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Willie T, I have a reply format question. What would be the best way to respond? Meaning, make one reply and enter answers under the questions, or one question per reply? I'm a newbie, hence the question.
Hi, Sir, good to see you. Just try clicking 'reply' a few times, in the end it may work...
 

Helen

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Willie T, I have a reply format question. What would be the best way to respond? Meaning, make one reply and enter answers under the questions, or one question per reply? I'm a newbie, hence the question.

Hey there.
Welcome to the Site. :)

The way I did it was to take the questions one at a time...( in one post) and then put my answer by the side. But he was a long way around.

Later Willie wrote that he was disappointed with yes and no answers...and really wanted a deeper answer.

So, If I were you I would 'quote' on question or a few questions and answer them in one post, then go back for others if you wish to.
That may be easier.

Or none of the above...and just do what feels right to you! :)
 
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Helen

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You talk about 'they'; you should talk about 'us'. We were indeed damned before we did a thing; we caused Jesus’ death before we were born in Adam. I mean, not a single one of us ever gave it a thought we needed salvation, we needed grace, before grace brought it to our senses. Well, that was Salvation even from before we were born.

Good one!!
Yes, I like that :)
 

Roger Beutel

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2. Could Pharaoh Have Repented?

Yes, of course! Agency is the "ability and privilege God gives people to choose and to act for themselves." Agency is the 1st law in heaven. Without agency all judgments, mercies, graces, etc., remain solely in God's domain. Because He is no respecter of persons, God fiercely defends this gift and right He established in the beginning. Were it not so, life's test would be utterly meaningless.

God is good!

2. Could Pharaoh Have Repented?
 

Enoch111

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Prove to me that our Lord Jesus Christ did NOT... specifically strike Apostle Paul down and removed his doubt about Jesus.
That won't be necessary. I have ALREADY posted that God does elect specific individuals for specific ministries or purposes, and that has been true since creation. Paul is a good example. Each of the apostles is another good example.

But God does NOT elect anyone for salvation or damnation, since that would violate both His character and His Gospel. Since God desires the salvation of all mankind, He commands all men everywhere to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
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Kermos

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Hi Kermos,

I think the answer is in that God determined what would happen, and these men were gladly accomodating.

As I read the passage:

Acts 4:24-28
And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

. . . the Jews and the Romans gathered together to do the work that God had had determined to be done.

I don't see the requirement in this passage that the people's actions had be predestined for those men to do. I see where the outcome is predetermined, but is it certain that, for instance, Pilate's actions were predestined for him to do?

Or was it a matter of God knowing full well that to send Jesus into that hornet's nest was sure to get Him killed?

That's how I think of it.

Much love!
Mark
But, Mark, Acts 4:28 has the sound of "hands on" as opposed to "hands off" because they said "Your hand". That sure sounds like active involvement with the creation by the Creator for he created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in them.

Here is an account from The Book of Daniel which concerns the hand of God:

"But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever;
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
And His kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
But He does according to His will in the host of heaven
And among the inhabitants of earth;
And no one can ward off His hand
Or say to Him, 'What have You done'"
(Daniel 4:34-35)

Among so much said in the passage, please notice "no one can ward off His hand". Such an acknowledgement of God!

In Acts 4:28, they said "predestined to occur" which is the same as"determined beforehand". This directly references to "Your hand" thus conveying not a passive role but rather an active intervention in the affairs of men. Granted, the "Your purpose" conveys the predetermined outcome.

The words of Peter and John and all the Way companions convey both of these points:

- active involvement by God in who did what and when, where, why and how, all predetermined ("Your hand" in Acts 4:28).

- the predetermined outcome of sending Jesus "into that hornet's nest was sure to get Him killed" so to speak ("Your purpose" in Acts 4:28).

Peace,
Kermos
 

Davy

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That won't be necessary. I have ALREADY posted that God does elect specific individuals for specific ministries or purposes, and that has been true since creation. Paul is a good example. Each of the apostles is another good example.

But God does NOT elect anyone for salvation or damnation, since that would violate both His character and His Gospel. Since God desires the salvation of all mankind, He commands all men everywhere to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Of course as usual when you don't know, you create a response that proves nothing.

Per Acts 9, Saul (later called Paul), was on the road to Damascus with authority to hunt down Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial. He was zealous like he said, in following the doctrines of the Pharisees. He had... to have known about The Gospel Message because he was given to find Christians, and that was the main doctrine they had, that Jesus of Nazareth is The Messiah that died on the cross.

Jesus DIVINELY INTERVENED with Saul, showing him who He is, and bringing Saul into Christ's service. Divine intervention is a sign of a chosen elect. And Apostle Paul was the best example of that intervention in God's Word. In John 17, Jesus showed that His Apostles first belonged to The Father and then were given to Him, showing their election before the foundation of the world. Not every believer is a chosen Apostle in Christ Jesus. The very word 'apostle' means to be 'sent'.
 

Kermos

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snip...
Since God desires the salvation of all mankind, He commands all men everywhere to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
My beloved brother and Apostle Peter wrote to and of the Assembly of God "not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance".

The context which occurs immediately prior, "is patient toward you", speaks loud and clear to the audience, as does the opening of the epistle "Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:1). BTW, that "received" contains "siezed by", as in siezed by God, just like the Apostle John wrote with:

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, [even] to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13)

Please see that "nor of the will of man". See that it is not man's will. Behold children of God are born of God.

Recalling that Peter wrote to and of the Assembly of God as found in 2 Peter 1:1, here is the entirety of 2 Peter 3:9:

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

This Holy Spirit inspired writing contains telling phrases:

- His promise (referring to eternal life in the Lord Jesus Christ)

- is patient toward you (that "you" refers to people who received or [by God's patience] will receive the faith delivered by our God and Savior, Jesus Christ)

- not wishing for any to perish (that "any" refers back to that "you")

- but for all to come to repentance (that "all" refers back to that "any")

The Apostle Peter clearly, absolutely, and literally points to the members of the Assembly of God, the congregation of believers and/or future believers on the Lord Jesus Christ.

The passage has nothing to do with free will; in other words, the verse provides nothing in support of accepting/choosing Jesus.

For the explanation of "desires all men to be saved" in 1 Timothy 2:4, please see "Examination of "all" in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 in the Light of our Lord Jesus Post (in this thread)" and "The Apostle Paul does not indicate 'choose Jesus' nor freewill to salvation in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 Post"

Please see "Refutation of freewill/choice/human agency in Matthew 22:37 and Matthew 16:24 Post"

Please see "Predestination Means God Destined Beforehand Including Salvation Post (in this thread)" (along with the indepth examination of "The Hand of God upon His Creatures and all His Creation as spoken by Apostle Peter and Apostle John and Way companions recorded in Acts 4:28 Post (in this thread)") which remains true according to the Spirit! Man cannot choose Jesus, period, Jesus chooses men (John 15:16). Acknowledge Lord Jesus in all your ways, and He will make your path straight - do not be deceived by the teachings of men - trust in Him with all your heart - He is the door of the sheep. This is quoting Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 7:13-14 and Matthew 22:37-40 and Luke 13:23-24 and John 10:7).