Bible Study Predestination and Election in the Bible

[Nathan]

Based off the other thread going on here, Eternal Life and Salvation in the Bible, we have a lot of talk of predestination and election in how it relates to salvation and eternal life. It sparked some interest in me, and it seems to be something a lot of other people are interested in also. Its interesting because I have heard several different radio programs talking about it this week.

So I figured we could look at it from a Biblical study perspective. Dig into the different passages that talk about it, and look at the different meanings of the words used in those passages. Not so much about speculation, but just serious study of what was written about the subject. I am sure there are a lot of rabbit trails that can be run down, but surely we can at least compile a list of the different passages that deal with this topic.

I'll start with the one I know of. I am not sure if it is the most popular one when people think of predestination and election, but it seems to be the one that lays out the process.

Romans 8:22-30
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

I'll start it off with just some simple observations. For one we cannot just look at the word predestination without looking at the entire passage. It seems that Paul was encouraging believers, letting them they are not alone in seeing all the bad stuff around them - letting them know there is hope. Defining hope as something that is not seen - not had already, but waited for. Also encouraging them that while they are still waiting with hope for this 'event', that the Spirit is in us and helps us.

Then......it gets into the 'deep' things of God by letting us know that God has a plan and purpose - even when we do not understand what it is. It really seems to me that Paul is letting them know that by knowing God has this plan, and the end of it is 'glorification' for us - which will be the adoption as sons and redemption of our bodies - that we can use this knowledge for our hope.

To me, this passage says nothing more than God knows the beginning and end, and His plan will work out just as He wants it. But the passage clearly states, with multiple words, that we have to wait for this and be patient for it - setting our hope on it.

I have heard several times that this is looked at as a thing already done, here and now. I can see that through faith, that God will do it, but Paul really seems to be saying "wait for it.....wait for it.....wait for it......"

Your thoughts?

 

[reba]

Nathan you seem like a nice guy why do you wish to torment the mods

I do hope we can get beyond personal attacks and have a conversation about this topic...
So many of the 'forum battle topics' get into the meat of His Word...

Having or thinking a bit different then the other guy does not make one right and the other wrong ... speaking here in the realm of Christianity

Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

 

[Nathan]

Nathan you seem like a nice guy why do you wish to torment the mods

If only I could have recorded myself when I saw this.

I really don't wish. We were talking about it in the other thread and it sparked my interest. Then I started hearing more of it on the radio and I just can't help myself. I want to know what other people think.

I figure if the other thread turned out "ok"(with some help of course), then this one should be easier. Maybe the debate is out of peoples systems. If I waited till all was quiet around here then people will have built back their strength and it could be much worse.

As they say;

"Strike while the iron is hot!"

 

[Nathan]

This is a quote from John Macarthur's radio program I heard;

So he’s starting to talk about salvation here, and he starts with election. Back in eternity past, God chose who would be saved, and He did it, verse 2 says, according to His foreknowledge. Foreknowledge doesn’t mean that everybody acts independently, and God way back looked ahead and saw what they were going to do, and said, “Oh, so that’s what they’re going to do; if that’s what they’re going to do, this is what I’ll do.” Foreknowledge is a predetermined relationship. “Fore” means before we were ever born, before we ever had a choice, before we ever did or didn’t do anything, God predetermined to know us, in the same way that He says, “Israel only have I known.” It doesn’t mean that they’re the only people on the planet that He knows, it means they’re the only ones with whom He has personal relationship.

I've always seen "predestination" as something that God has foreknowledge of, and then lets us know 'how it turns out' so that we can be encouraged. Mr. Macarthur really seems to shoot that theory down, but because I doubt he will engage in correspondence with me I figured I would engage with those on here that feel the same way he does. I just am looking for clarification on this point of view, not trying to change a persons mind to mine.

 

[th1b.taylor]

Nathan said:

Based off the other thread going on here, Eternal Life and Salvation in the Bible, we have a lot of talk of predestination and election in how it relates to salvation and eternal life. It sparked some interest in me, and it seems to be something a lot of other people are interested in also. Its interesting because I have heard several different radio programs talking about it this week.

So I figured we could look at it from a Biblical study perspective. Dig into the different passages that talk about it, and look at the different meanings of the words used in those passages. Not so much about speculation, but just serious study of what was written about the subject. I am sure there are a lot of rabbit trails that can be run down, but surely we can at least compile a list of the different passages that deal with this topic.

I'll start with the one I know of. I am not sure if it is the most popular one when people think of predestination and election, but it seems to be the one that lays out the process.

Romans 8:22-30
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

I'll start it off with just some simple observations. For one we cannot just look at the word predestination without looking at the entire passage. It seems that Paul was encouraging believers, letting them they are not alone in seeing all the bad stuff around them - letting them know there is hope. Defining hope as something that is not seen - not had already, but waited for. Also encouraging them that while they are still waiting with hope for this 'event', that the Spirit is in us and helps us.

Then......it gets into the 'deep' things of God by letting us know that God has a plan and purpose - even when we do not understand what it is. It really seems to me that Paul is letting them know that by knowing God has this plan, and the end of it is 'glorification' for us - which will be the adoption as sons and redemption of our bodies - that we can use this knowledge for our hope.

To me, this passage says nothing more than God knows the beginning and end, and His plan will work out just as He wants it. But the passage clearly states, with multiple words, that we have to wait for this and be patient for it - setting our hope on it.

I have heard several times that this is looked at as a thing already done, here and now. I can see that through faith, that God will do it, but Paul really seems to be saying "wait for it.....wait for it.....wait for it......"

Your thoughts?

Using the general rule of hermeneutics that goes: No scripture, passage of scripture, nor collection of scriptures can ever be understood without the clear light of all scripture shinning on it; I find something else that seems to be a little more complete.

Wee know from reading the Bible that there is, literally, nothing impossible for our LORD. In Genesis 1 we learn that before we were, God is, was or any other way you wish to express it. God, a Spirit Being, literally, out of nothing, created the Universe, the animals, plants and man, But man was created out of the dirt He had created before He created man.

For man, God created the Time/Space Continuum for man to live in. Now, when I built, created out of stock lumber, the movable and arrangeable closets for my wife, neither I nor she were constrained by the set of closets, we exist outside of them. In like manor God can step inside and outside of His Creation, important to always remember!

We know some things about God for truth: 1. God is love, (everyone loves that one) 2. Therefore God is not capricious and would, therefor never create any other being with the ability to comprehend Him, just so
God can ¿enjoy? watching and listening to them suffer, 3. God is Omnipotent, 4. God is Omnipresent.

That fourth one is critical to remember or you will consider the white jacket without holes in the sleeves for me. But God being Omnipresent is everywhere, right now!

So God created the Time/Space Continuum, placing Him outside of it as well as inside of it! Our scriptures teach us that the Book of Life was completed before God created any of us and thus the Doctrine of Predestination. A lot of other Baptists have tried to teach me the Church (men) Doctrine that God creates some people to go to Heaven and most people for the purpose of suffering, all by inference. That is not true!

God is, right now, here with you and I, is right now in the past, and hold on, He is and always has been in the future. Please put the jacket back it the case! I do not understand it but then I have never met anyone that, truly, understands how One God can be Three, Divine Beings but the scriptures teach it, so I believe it, period, that's Saving Faith!

So that part where Our God has always been in the future, that means He actually does know the Beginning from the end. I am fully persuaded that God knew the very instant I would give my entire being over to Him and He knew the instant I would believe. For this reason, my name has always been in the Book of Life and that explains Predestination to me.

God created Mankind with the same Freewill he and the Angels have but He knew way before he created. anything, remember that.

 

[reba]

wow almost 500 words and not one snark.. Love ya

 

[th1b.taylor]

wow almost 500 words and not one snark.. Love ya

I was thinking.

 

[Nathan]

Nathan said:

Using the general rule of hermeneutics that goes: No scripture, passage of scripture, nor collection of scriptures can ever be understood without the clear light of all scripture shinning on it; I find something else that seems to be a little more complete.

Wee know from reading the Bible that there is, literally, nothing impossible for our LORD. In Genesis 1 we learn that before we were, God is, was or any other way you wish to express it. God, a Spirit Being, literally, out of nothing, created the Universe, the animals, plants and man, But man was created out of the dirt He had created before He created man.

For man, God created the Time/Space Continuum for man to live in. Now, when I built, created out of stock lumber, the movable and arrangeable closets for my wife, neither I nor she were constrained by the set of closets, we exist outside of them. In like manor God can step inside and outside of His Creation, important to always remember!

We know some things about God for truth: 1. God is love, (everyone loves that one) 2. Therefore God is not capricious and would, therefor never create any other being with the ability to comprehend Him, just so
God can ¿enjoy? watching and listening to them suffer, 3. God is Omnipotent, 4. God is Omnipresent.

That fourth one is critical to remember or you will consider the white jacket without holes in the sleeves for me. But God being Omnipresent is everywhere, right now!

So God created the Time/Space Continuum, placing Him outside of it as well as inside of it! Our scriptures teach us that the Book of Life was completed before God created any of us and thus the Doctrine of Predestination. A lot of other Baptists have tried to teach me the Church (men) Doctrine that God creates some people to go to Heaven and most people for the purpose of suffering, all by inference. That is not true!

God is, right now, here with you and I, is right now in the past, and hold on, He is and always has been in the future. Please put the jacket back it the case! I do not understand it but then I have never met anyone that, truly, understands how One God can be Three, Divine Beings but the scriptures teach it, so I believe it, period, that's Saving Faith!

So that part where Our God has always been in the future, that means He actually does know the Beginning from the end. I am fully persuaded that God knew the very instant I would give my entire being over to Him and He knew the instant I would believe. For this reason, my name has always been in the Book of Life and that explains Predestination to me.

God created Mankind with the same Freewill he and the Angels have but He knew way before he created. anything, remember that.

If they try to put a jacket on you, then they will have to on me because I believe the same things you do.

 

[Chopper]

O boy, predestination, what a beautiful doctrine and theology. There are so many opinions on this topic, and that is what has driven me to understand what little brain power is left in this old Country Preacher.

There are those who believe that God predetermined some to be saved, but many to be lost. I simply don't believe that line of thinking because of John 3:16. God wants all to be saved, period! One needs to understand that from the beginning of time, God has always had a remnant of men and women who believe in God by faith. From Abraham to the Apostle Paul and in between.

The remnant of believers are those who represent God in the old Testament and they represent Jesus in the New Testament. These are the ones that Ephesians speak about....
Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1:5 Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."

There you go! That's where God's remnant of believers come from and each one of them have a calling on their lives to spread the "Good News" to those who are lost. These people also make up the Bride of Christ IMO. I guess you might say that these people are super Holy Spirit fired up Evangelists.

Now, these Evangelists go out and spread the Gospel to those who are not of the "predestined" they have a choice to either accept God's call to Salvation or reject it. This is called the "General call of the Gospel."

 

[Nathan]

O boy, predestination, what a beautiful doctrine and theology. There are so many opinions on this topic, and that is what has driven me to understand what little brain power is left in this old Country Preacher.

There are those who believe that God predetermined some to be saved, but many to be lost. I simply don't believe that line of thinking because of John 3:16. God wants all to be saved, period! One needs to understand that from the beginning of time, God has always had a remnant of men and women who believe in God by faith. From Abraham to the Apostle Paul and in between.

The remnant of believers are those who represent God in the old Testament and they represent Jesus in the New Testament. These are the ones that Ephesians speak about....
Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1:5 Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."

There you go! That's where God's remnant of believers come from and each one of them have a calling on their lives to spread the "Good News" to those who are lost. These people also make up the Bride of Christ IMO. I guess you might say that these people are super Holy Spirit fired up Evangelists.

Now, these Evangelists go out and spread the Gospel to those who are not of the "predestined" they have a choice to either accept God's call to Salvation or reject it. This is called the "General call of the Gospel."

Your right Chopper, it really is a beautiful doctrine. I think it was very gracious of God to include it in the Bible.

I to look at John 3:16 and scratch my head at "if" God truly only wanted 'some' to be saved then He would not use the words He did. But there are so many other passages that lean that way also, while not even accounting for the 'big picture' of why write the NT in the first place?

If it was;

God predetermining, before He knew what would happen(which kind of makes you scratch your head)
versus
God predetermining, because He knew what would happen(which makes more sense to me)

Then, if it was the first above, why would we need the NT to read? Whats the point? To tell us we have been selected apart from our desire? Just to "let us know"? If there is nothing that determines our fate, the finality of time, then whats the point of all the instruction for our time on earth? Reason being, the Bible is filled with admonishment to not look at this earth as anything but very temporal.

Or, if it was the second, He gave us the NT so that we know He has a plan, and this world may seem chaotic, but its all apart of His plan - that He knows beginning to end. Its written to us so we can have hope. So that we know to keep on waiting for Him. The list goes on and on.

So, Chopper, whats your thoughts on John Macarthur's quote?

 

[Pegasus]

Based off the other thread going on here, Eternal Life and Salvation in the Bible, we have a lot of talk of predestination and election in how it relates to salvation and eternal life. It sparked some interest in me, and it seems to be something a lot of other people are interested in also. Its interesting because I have heard several different radio programs talking about it this week.

So I figured we could look at it from a Biblical study perspective. Dig into the different passages that talk about it, and look at the different meanings of the words used in those passages. Not so much about speculation, but just serious study of what was written about the subject. I am sure there are a lot of rabbit trails that can be run down, but surely we can at least compile a list of the different passages that deal with this topic.

I'll start with the one I know of. I am not sure if it is the most popular one when people think of predestination and election, but it seems to be the one that lays out the process.

Romans 8:22-30
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

I'll start it off with just some simple observations. For one we cannot just look at the word predestination without looking at the entire passage. It seems that Paul was encouraging believers, letting them they are not alone in seeing all the bad stuff around them - letting them know there is hope. Defining hope as something that is not seen - not had already, but waited for. Also encouraging them that while they are still waiting with hope for this 'event', that the Spirit is in us and helps us.

Then......it gets into the 'deep' things of God by letting us know that God has a plan and purpose - even when we do not understand what it is. It really seems to me that Paul is letting them know that by knowing God has this plan, and the end of it is 'glorification' for us - which will be the adoption as sons and redemption of our bodies - that we can use this knowledge for our hope.

To me, this passage says nothing more than God knows the beginning and end, and His plan will work out just as He wants it. But the passage clearly states, with multiple words, that we have to wait for this and be patient for it - setting our hope on it.

I have heard several times that this is looked at as a thing already done, here and now. I can see that through faith, that God will do it, but Paul really seems to be saying "wait for it.....wait for it.....wait for it......"

Your thoughts?

The waiting no doubt you mention is the resurrection when we are glorified and like Christ. Paul's encouragement is God will not leave you alone, that the Holy Spirit guides, rebukes, corrects, exhorts us in our sanctification.

A very comforting passage indeed.

 

[JLB]

This is a quote from John Macarthur's radio program I heard;



I've always seen "predestination" as something that God has foreknowledge of, and then lets us know 'how it turns out' so that we can be encouraged. Mr. Macarthur really seems to shoot that theory down, but because I doubt he will engage in correspondence with me I figured I would engage with those on here that feel the same way he does. I just am looking for clarification on this point of view, not trying to change a persons mind to mine.

Two things need to be taken into account when studying this topic.

God's Foreknowledge and mans freewill.

Most who teach about this subject tend to reject man's freewill.

God foresaw who would choose Christ, and He chose them.


God foresaw that Pharoah would choose to continually harden his heart, so God chose him to raise him up, and make an example out of him.


JLB

 

[reba]

God foresaw that Pharoah would choose to continually harden his heart, so God chose him to raise him up, and make an example out of him.

My opinion and i will say this and move on with the topic

The train of thought held by many as JLB has laid out puts man in control ..I believe God is in control

 

[Nathan]

I'll say that I believe God is in complete, 100%, control. But since God created man, why can't He have control over mans free will?

Knowing what will happen, controlling it, and allowing freedom can happen. We might not understand how, in fact, it is impossible to understand how. But we can know it.

I'm sure because we don't know how, we put God inside our tiny box - that He has put us in. If we would just understand He made the box, then we can understand He holds the box.

He can have complete control, knowing where we are and what we will do, but allow us freedom inside the box. We can only see our box, but God sees all the tiny boxes. Why don't we suppose that He can 'move' boxes around when He chooses?

That would indicate that we have the ability to choose, but He only gives us the choices He wants.

Imagine a big table with 50 different colors. You want your kids to choose a certain color. They may or may not chose the correct one first. Then you take some away if they don't and allow them to chose again. Over and over till they either chose correctly or they are left with two.

At that point, you have been in control of the whole thing, knowing the outcome will be either they chose correctly in the end or don't. Your plan doesn't change if they choose one or the other. You just simply give them the reward or don't.

Everything I see in the Bible points to the one final choice God gives. Choose Him or don't. All the other choices are made for you, but your allowed to choose them anyways. If there was not that one single choice to be made, then it may sound simple.....but.....there is no choice.

God does not lie. So if He says "choose" - which He does over and over in the Bible - then that means we have to choose. God would not say choose if we were incapable. He is in control because He makes us choose, He knows who will choose Him, and He gives us the free will to make that single choice.

 

[reba]

God is sovereign .

 

[Nathan]

Think of it this way. It says "He hardened Pharohs heart". Now, would God not be in control/sovereign if He allowed Pharoh,s heart to be hardened? The same control if He kept on allowing Pharoh another chance?

God was in control either way, because He allowed it. He knew in the end no matter how many chances He gave, Pharoh would keep on doing wrong. There is no indication of uncontrol, unforeseen actions.

Humans think that allowing something means you give over control. That's not true. God can allow us certain things because He is in control of all things.

He raised Pharoh to power. He sent the Israelites into captivity. He had control, but allowed Pharoh to make a choice inside that control.

If that's not sovereign then what is? Does sovereign mean zero choice for others even if you want them to have a choice?

 

[reba]

We will have to disagree to some degree

 

[JLB]

My opinion and i will say this and move on with the topic

The train of thought held by many as JLB has laid out puts man in control ..I believe God is in control

Can you point out in my post, where I mentioned your phrase "puts man is in control"?


As anyone can see, I never said these words.

• Man has a freewill to choose.

That's not "putting man in control", that just recognizing that man has to make a choice to believe or not, because God will not do the "believing" for man.

15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14


God is in control, and allows us to make choices everyday.

When man makes a choice to obey God, though he can not see Him, this pleases and glorifies God.


For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

God prepared beforehand, good works for us to walk in, but that doesn't mean we will walk in all of them, or any of them.

It takes a conscious choice for man to make, and the longer man remains in Christ, the more likely he will choose more and more to be fruitful in good works, that are inspired from within; from the nature of Christ maturing within.


Paul made sure he made it clear, over and over about maintaining good works, because man doesn't always make good choices.

• 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. Titus 3:8

• 14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. Titus 3:14

God will indeed send people into our lives to correct us and turn us in the right direction, but it is still up to us to take heed.


Choose this day whom you will serve...



JLB

 

[Chopper]

I like John MacArthur. In all but one area, he is right on. He had trouble on the body of Jesus being more important than the Blood of Christ for redemption. This might not be absolutely accurate but close. Dr. MacArthur is teaching the truth in the quote that you shared. Even though God has the option of looking forward in time to see who will be saved, and then base certain gifts on those people, or He didn't.

I like my Ephesians Scripture for what I'm going to say....Ephesians 1:4 "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:"

Lets notice that God's choice of His Remnant (my name for all those chosen) was before God created our world. To say that God looked into the future for those people, is to take away from God His mighty power and plan to spread the Gospel with His pre- creation selection of certain people to love Him.

I'm sorry, but to say that God foresaw who would choose Christ, and He chose them is a cop-out IMO. It's the easy way out of having to explain a miraculous system of choice of the miraculous God. I personally believe that somehow God knows before we are born, what He wants to do with each of us.

Lets take Jeremiah for instance....
Jeremiah 1:4 "Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

I think that if God knew what we would in the future, He would have told us. Instead, He decides what we will be in the future because He sanctifies each one of the Elect and equips that person to do what God has called him/her to be and to do.

 

[reba]

Can you point out in my post, where I mentioned your phrase "puts man is in control"?


As anyone can see, I never said these words.

• Man has a freewill to choose.

That's not "putting man in control", that just recognizing that man has to make a choice to believe or not, because God will not do the "believing" for man.

15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14


God is in control, and allows us to make choices everyday.

When man makes a choice to obey God, though he can not see Him, this pleases and glorifies God.


For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

God prepared beforehand, good works for us to walk in, but that doesn't mean we will walk in all of them, or any of them.

It takes a conscious choice for man to make, and the longer man remains in Christ, the more likely he will choose more and more to be fruitful in good works, that are inspired from within; from the nature of Christ maturing within.


Paul made sure he made it clear, over and over about maintaining good works, because man doesn't always make good choices.

• 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. Titus 3:8

• 14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. Titus 3:14

God will indeed send people into our lives to correct us and turn us in the right direction, but it is still up to us to take heed.


Choose this day whom you will serve...



JLB

I did not say you said those words... Can you point out the post where i said you said those words... you cant cuz i did not say it... I said the thought..

Because our thoughts differ does not make either one of right