Luke 7:30 examples of those who reject the purpose of God for themselves

[Iconoclast]

Some claim the teachings of Calvinism, and Hyper Grace is the truth while others believe the scriptures are the truth.

Sure JLB...many claim many things. We are to sort it all out as you already mentioned the Bereans.
Here again you error thinking that reformed persons do not use scripture as primary.
It is not either or, but both and.

 

[Iconoclast]

Not even close.


Here is what Jesus taught —

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

15 that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during,

16 for God did so love the world, that His Son -- the only begotten -- He gave,
that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during.

whosoever believes...are the ELECT...there is no non elect person who will ever" to use your term" believe
No non elect person will ever believe!

Here is what Calvinism teaches —

For God so loved the world the elect that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him is predestined to be saved should not perish but have everlasting life. Calvinism 3:16
Which one is the truth?

The free offer of the gospel is made every time the gospel is preached. It is offered to all men.
To use your term...whoso ever will may come, but THEY WILL NOT...They do not want to.
The fact is God elected a multitude of sinners who had no inclination to come until God effectually drew them in.

JLB

 

[Iconoclast]

So when you say, “cleansed from all sin” do you mean the moment we are saved, we are cleansed from our sins, past present and future?

Yes... we are justified at regeneration. Judicially there is no condemnation upon us;
1689:

Chapter 11: Of Justification​

1._____ Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth, not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing Christ's active obedience unto the whole law, and passive obedience in his death for their whole and sole righteousness by faith, which faith they have not of themselves; it is the gift of God.
( Romans 3:24; Romans 8:30; Romans 4:5-8; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:30, 31; Romans 5:17-19; Philippians 3:8, 9; Ephesians 2:8-10; John 1:12; Romans 5:17 )
2._____ Faith thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification; yet it is not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.
( Romans 3:28; Galatians 5:6; James 2:17, 22, 26 )

3._____ Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are justified; and did, by the sacrifice of himself in the blood of his cross, undergoing in their stead the penalty due unto them, make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in their behalf; yet, inasmuch as he was given by the Father for them, and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead, and both freely, not for anything in them, their justification is only of free grace, that both the exact justice and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners.
( Hebrews 10:14; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; Isaiah 53:5, 6; Romans 8:32; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:26; Ephesians 1:6,7; Ephesians 2:7 )

4._____ God did from all eternity decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did in the fullness of time die for their sins, and rise again for their justification; nevertheless, they are not justified personally, until the Holy Spirit doth in time due actually apply Christ unto them.
( Galatians 3:8; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Timothy 2:6; Romans 4:25; Colossians 1:21,22; Titus 3:4-7 )

5._____ God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified, and although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure; and in that condition they have not usually the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.
( Matthew 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9; John 10:28; Psalms 89:31-33; Psalms 32:5; Psalms 51; Matthew 26:75 )

6._____ The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament.
( Galatians 3:9; Romans 4:22-24 )

Or do you mean when we are saved we are forgiven our past sins, and must confess any sin we commit from point on to be forgiven and cleansed from our sins according to 1 John 1:9


If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

If means there is a condition that must be met.

That condition is to confess our sins.


The way born again Christians are forgiven and cleansed from their sins is by confessing there sins.

5._____ God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified, and although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure; and in that condition they have not usually the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.
( Matthew 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9; John 10:28; Psalms 89:31-33; Psalms 32:5; Psalms 51; Matthew 26:75 )

Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4

Justification is a one time act, sanctification continues until glorification.

JLB

The confessional statement , although it is a man-made statement is completely biblical.

 

[Highway54]

... and what choice did the rest of the nation make:

"Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' " [Matthew 15:7-9 NKJV] - from the lips of Jesus

[John 6:44-45 NKJV] "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me."

• God draws, or we do not come at all; everyone God draws, does come and will stay.
• That's the difference between Joshua and the hypocrites: spirit chooses spirit and flesh chooses flesh ... every time.

The account goes on to say that as a whole they chose to serve Jehovah At:
Jos 24:16 And the people answered and said, Far be it from us that we should forsake Jehovah, to serve other gods;
Jos 24:17 for Jehovah our God, he it is that brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and that did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the peoples through the midst of whom we passed;
Jos 24:18 and Jehovah drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites that dwelt in the land: therefore we also will serve Jehovah; for he is our God.
Jos 24:19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve Jehovah; for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgression nor your sins.
Jos 24:20 If ye forsake Jehovah, and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you evil, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.
Jos 24:21 And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve Jehovah.

 

[GodsGrace]

In your mind it is with no basis in fact. The words do not mean in scripture what you non cals suggest.
We do not have to search in history to find apostates who might suggest other things.
In fact is it is not taught by Christianity even today.

Do you really think I'm encouraged to reply to the above post?
Do I sound like someone with rolling eyes to you?
Why do y ou have to be so ..... je ne sais pas quoi?
If non-cals don't seem to understand what you seem to understand, it can only mean one thing...
One of "us" is NOT RIGHT.

 

[GodsGrace]

Yes... we are justified at regeneration. Judicially there is no condemnation upon us;
1689:

Chapter 11: Of Justification​

1._____ Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth, not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing Christ's active obedience unto the whole law, and passive obedience in his death for their whole and sole righteousness by faith, which faith they have not of themselves; it is the gift of God.
( Romans 3:24; Romans 8:30; Romans 4:5-8; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:30, 31; Romans 5:17-19; Philippians 3:8, 9; Ephesians 2:8-10; John 1:12; Romans 5:17 )
2._____ Faith thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification; yet it is not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.
( Romans 3:28; Galatians 5:6; James 2:17, 22, 26 )

3._____ Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are justified; and did, by the sacrifice of himself in the blood of his cross, undergoing in their stead the penalty due unto them, make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God's justice in their behalf; yet, inasmuch as he was given by the Father for them, and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead, and both freely, not for anything in them, their justification is only of free grace, that both the exact justice and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners.
( Hebrews 10:14; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; Isaiah 53:5, 6; Romans 8:32; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:26; Ephesians 1:6,7; Ephesians 2:7 )

4._____ God did from all eternity decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did in the fullness of time die for their sins, and rise again for their justification; nevertheless, they are not justified personally, until the Holy Spirit doth in time due actually apply Christ unto them.
( Galatians 3:8; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Timothy 2:6; Romans 4:25; Colossians 1:21,22; Titus 3:4-7 )

5._____ God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified, and although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure; and in that condition they have not usually the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.
( Matthew 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9; John 10:28; Psalms 89:31-33; Psalms 32:5; Psalms 51; Matthew 26:75 )

6._____ The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament.
( Galatians 3:9; Romans 4:22-24 )

5._____ God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified, and although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure; and in that condition they have not usually the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.
( Matthew 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9; John 10:28; Psalms 89:31-33; Psalms 32:5; Psalms 51; Matthew 26:75 )

Justification is a one time act, sanctification continues until glorification.

The confessional statement , although it is a man-made statement is completely biblical.

Oh yes.
I can say the same...

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, although it is a man-made statement, is completely biblical.

Right.
Let's all just start using our own confessionals, and the reformed have a few.
Maybe we don't need the bible at all?

 

[GodsGrace]

A ludicrous suggestion reformed theology is all about the cross.

Oh. Another great post.
They make for such good reading!

Guess this is easier than explaining HOW or WHY the cross is necessary if GOD PICKS THE SAVED.

The NT teaches that those that choose to be followers of Christ will be saved.
In this case the cross DOES make sense since I must choose and follow Jesus.
John 3:14-15
14“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up;
15so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

How does it make sense if God does the choosing?
And ARBITRARILY.

 

[Iconoclast]

Oh yes.
I can say the same...

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, although it is a man-made statement, is completely biblical.

Right.
Let's all just start using our own confessionals, and the reformed have a few.
Maybe we don't need the bible at all?

Everyone knows there are many beliefs.
Everyone is free to examine them and use one that they think demonstrates scriptural truth.
The RC church departed from truth years ago.
How did they depart? much teaching is outside of, and additions to scripture.
They have tons of fables that they suggest we believe.
I left when I saw the teaching contradicted scripture all over the place.The RC person called Mungo on this board reads and quotes well from the bible. I am hopeful God is dealing with him as he quotes more from the bible and I think he is really searching it out as many of us have done.
I found it quite shocking going into more than a few rectories and speaking to various priests and finding out face to face they did not know their bibles.
You can use what you want, but a gospel of works does not save.

 

[Iconoclast]

Do you really think I'm encouraged to reply to the above post?
Do I sound like someone with rolling eyes to you?

I think that emoji depicts in part the confused thinking that is possibly going on. It looks like a pleasant confusion and being I have no idea of who you really are, I am left scanning the emoji's

Why do y ou have to be so ..... je ne sais pas quoi?

w...I have driven a commercial vehicle an average of 120000-140000 miles a year for over 40 years. I am sure inhaling diesel fumes has left me somewhat diminished

If non-cals don't seem to understand what you seem to understand, it can only mean one thing...
One of "us" is NOT RIGHT.

Yes, one of us is not right, and I know who it is

 

[Iconoclast]

Oh. Another great post.
They make for such good reading!

Thank you, W! I try to inform and entertain

Guess this is easier than explaining HOW or WHY the cross is necessary if GOD PICKS THE SAVED.

W...God does that in scripture.
mt.1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Gal4
4 and when the fulness of time did come, God sent forth His Son, come of a woman, come under law,

5 that those under law he may redeem, that the adoption of sons we may receive;

Those elected before the world was were called to be saints. Those elected were chosen while they were still sinners.The work on the cross was the means God had purposed to accomplish full redemption for the elect sheep and turn away the wrath of God. Penal Substituionary Atonement is the biblical teaching of that fact.
Do I really need to go over this?
I do not mind as I love all things about the perfect sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jn10
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Acts20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Ask your self a question W...if He died for all men, why are only the sheep and the church mentioned?
it does not say, sheep and goats, it does not say all mankind does it?

The NT teaches that those that choose to be followers of Christ will be saved.

Well it actually teaches everyone believing, and continuing on in a state of believing will be saved, but we can just keep that as a secret between us

In this case the cross DOES make sense since I must choose and follow Jesus.
John 3:14-15
14“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up;
15so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

it does not say choosing, it says everyone believing, it is a stated fact.
15 that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during,

16 for God did so love the world, that His Son -- the only begotten -- He gave, that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during.

How does it make sense if God does the choosing?

He chooses the ways and the means is exactly how

And ARBITRARILY.

A perfect God does not do arbitrary

 

[GodsGrace]

Then, you mean, men DO have an excuse?!

Icon...
In post 122 you said:
The teaching of Romans 2 is very solid.
It is not however given as a teaching of a possible works salvation.
Nature and conscience allow men to have an incomplete knowledge , but not a saving knowledge.
That is easily proven ,even by Romans 10.9-17
In post 124 I then made the comment that then men DO have an excuse.

Because:
Romans 1:19-20 states that man does not have an excuses - not because God did not offer him saving knowledge,
but because God DID offer saving knowledge to man, but some men turned it down.
THIS is why they will be without excuse...

Romans 1:18-21
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.
20For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
21For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks,

Please note what the above states:

1. God is wrathful against all ungodliness of men.
2. Because God is evident to ungodly men.
3. Because God's invisible attributes, His eternal power and His divine nature have been clearly seen through what has been created/made.
4. Man will be WITHOUT EXCUSE because even though THEY KNEW GOD, they DID NOT HONOR HIM.

I hope you remember that you once told me that in the NT the word KNEW means in an intimate way.
So man has always had the opportunity to clearly perceive God through what God created.
If God has the opportunity to KNOW God, as is stated above, then man IS WITHOUT excuse.
Man is RESPONSIBLE for whether or not He accepts God, with whatever light man is given.

 

[GodsGrace]

W...Romans 1 comes before romans 2;
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
This is clearly declared. When we go a few verses further it does not change

Agreed.
Except that in post 122 you stated that man does not have enough knowledge to know God.
(in a salvific way).

The above states that man DOES HAVE enough knowledge so that he is without excuse.

Please be clear instead of banging away with that hammer!

 

[GodsGrace]

Everyone knows there are many beliefs.
Everyone is free to examine them and use one that they think demonstrates scriptural truth.
The RC church departed from truth years ago.
How did they depart? much teaching is outside of, and additions to scripture.
They have tons of fables that they suggest we believe.
I left when I saw the teaching contradicted scripture all over the place.The RC person called Mungo on this board reads and quotes well from the bible. I am hopeful God is dealing with him as he quotes more from the bible and I think he is really searching it out as many of us have done.
I found it quite shocking going into more than a few rectories and speaking to various priests and finding out face to face they did not know their bibles.
You can use what you want, but a gospel of works does not save.

Why are you changing the subject?
And I don't think Mungo needs your hope for Him regarding God.

Could you reply to my post instead?
I've spent a lot of time on here quoting THE INSTITUTES, THE WCF, and for what?
You don't even accept what THEY state.

So, maybe we could stick to the bible and see what happens?

 

[atpollard]

The account goes on to say that as a whole they chose to serve Jehovah At:

Then Jesus stands corrected ... I'll let YOU tell Him.

 

[Iconoclast]

Why are you changing the subject?
And I don't think Mungo needs your hope for Him regarding God.

I have posted on another board with Mungo. I like much of what he is doing, but believe he needs to free himself from roman superstition.

Could you reply to my post instead?

I have offen replied to your posts. I even replied to the one you keep copy and pasting.One time I said nothing is wrong with the post, only you are not understanding what you are quoting [many do not]. you do not like me telling you so, often now I pass by, like God passes by non elect persons. Then you do not get mad.

I've spent a lot of time on here quoting THE INSTITUTES, THE WCF, and for what?
You don't even accept what THEY state.

You need to understand what you are quoting. I use the 1689 cof. It is carefully worded document. you should read it slowly, sentence by sentence, and not re-word it. that is when this happens to you

So, maybe we could stick to the bible and see what happens?

Sounds good, except the same questions remain...What does the bible mean when it says; xyz.That is where the confession of faith and other links come in.

 

[GodsGrace]

I think that emoji depicts in part the confused thinking that is possibly going on. It looks like a pleasant confusion and being I have no idea of who you really are, I am left scanning the emoji's

w...I have driven a commercial vehicle an average of 120000-140000 miles a year for over 40 years. I am sure inhaling diesel fumes has left me somewhat diminished

Yes, one of us is not right, and I know who it is

I don't think it's worth buying diesel fuel anymore.
Get with the program!

 

[atpollard]

Why do you have to be so ..... je ne sais pas quoi?

Why do you have to be so ... CALVINIST!!!!


Why can't you just be a Calvinist.

 

[GodsGrace]

Thank you, W! I try to inform and entertain

LOL

W...God does that in scripture.
mt.1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Gal4
4 and when the fulness of time did come, God sent forth His Son, come of a woman, come under law,

5 that those under law he may redeem, that the adoption of sons we may receive;

Those elected before the world was were called to be saints. Those elected were chosen while they were still sinners.The work on the cross was the means God had purposed to accomplish full redemption for the elect sheep and turn away the wrath of God. Penal Substituionary Atonement is the biblical teaching of that fact.
Do I really need to go over this?

No. You don't need to go over this because it's not what I asked you.
I just never get my questions answered.

As you've stated so eloquently, the work on the Cross was the means by which God purposed to accomplish full redemption for the elect. All Christians know this. You keep telling me what all Christians know and accept.
Could we figure out why YOU are reformed? And IF you could explain your theology?

God sent Jesus, just as you've said to be our savior.
What makes Him our savior is that He saves those that desire to be saved as In John 3:16. (it's not my sides fault if you don't understand that it's prescriptive).

So...
Since man will not be having to desire and choose to follow Christ and accept His sacrifice,
but instead...
God will be doing all the choosing/decreeing and predestinating from before the beginning of the world...
WHY OH WHY was the sacrifice of Jesus necessary?

Before answering, think this over.

I do not mind as I love all things about the perfect sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jn10
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Agreed.
The problem is WHO ARE HIS SHEEP?

Jesus said it's the ones that hear His voice and recognize it.
How did that happen to them? They entered through the door...they took an action.
John 10:9
9“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved,,,


He didn't mention anything about God choosing anyone...
just that those that listen and learn from the Father get sent to Him...the Savior.
John 6:44-45
44“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.
45“It is written in the prophets, ‘AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.


Verse 44: God wishes all to come to salvation. 1 Timothy 2:4
Verse 45: The Father will personally teach everyone. Jeremiah 31:34

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:14
I am the good shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me...

Jesus lays down His life for the sheep.
WHERE does it state that the sheep were chosen by God??

It states that Father and Son know each other, just like Jesus and His sheep know each other.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Acts20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

The gentiles are the other sheep.
Who do YOU think they are?

Ask your self a question W...if He died for all men, why are only the sheep and the church mentioned?
it does not say, sheep and goats, it does not say all mankind does it?

Jesus died for all men.
Not all men wish to be saved.
However, His sacrifice was large enough and sufficient enough to save ALL MEN...

Well it actually teaches everyone believing, and continuing on in a state of believing will be saved, but we can just keep that as a secret between us

it does not say choosing, it says everyone believing, it is a stated fact.
15 that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during,

16 for God did so love the world, that His Son -- the only begotten -- He gave, that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during.

Right.
Everyone who is believing at the time of their death will be saved.
No believing-
No salvation.

John 3:16
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD
THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
SO THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM
WILL NOT PERISH
BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.

WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM....
this is why Jesus was sacrificed.
So that WHOEVER BELIEVES in HIM WILL NOT PERISH.

He chooses the ways and the means is exactly how

Happily for us, God let's us know the ways and means...
He does not keep it a secret as Calvin taught.

A perfect God does not do arbitrary

Correct.
Unfortunately, the reformed believe God chooses arbitrarily.
Look up what UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION MEANS.
It means God chooses FOR NO REASON AT ALL...
which means: ARBITRARILY.

 

[atpollard]

Look up what UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION MEANS.
It means God chooses FOR NO REASON AT ALL...
which means: ARBITRARILY.

Technically, that is not quite what it means ... it means "for no reason having to do with any merit in us". God did not choose US because WE met some condition OURSELVES ... (like We chose to believe and they chose not to believe, so God elected US because we earned God's selection by believing). There is a CONDITION, but that CONDITION has NOTHING to do with us and EVERYTHING to do with GOD. What is it? (We don't know ... God doesn't say, exactly. It has SOMETHING to do with "according to His purpose" and "for His glory", but God is light on explaining the details of why He chooses what he chooses.)

 

[atpollard]

Unconditional election - is it biblical?​

Unconditional election is a phrase that is used to summarize what the Bible teaches about the predestination—or the election—of people for salvation. It represents the second letter of the acronym TULIP, which is commonly used to enumerate the five points of Calvinism, also known as the Doctrines of Grace. Other terms for the same doctrine include “unmerited favor,” “sovereign election” or “adopted by God.” All these terms are good names for this doctrine because each reveals some aspect of the doctrine of election. However, more important than the term we use to describe the doctrine is how accurately the doctrine summarizes what the Bible teaches about election and predestination.​

​

The debate over unconditional election is not whether or not God elects or predestines people to salvation but upon what basis He elects them. Is that election based upon foreknowledge that those individuals will have faith in Christ, or is it based upon God’s sovereign choice to save them? As the word “unconditional” implies, this view believes that God’s election of people to salvation is done “with no conditions attached, either foreseen or otherwise.” God elects people to salvation by His own sovereign choice and not because of some future action they will perform or condition they will meet. Those who come to Christ become His children by His will, not by theirs. “They were not God’s children by nature or because of any human desires. God himself was the one who made them his children” (John 1:13 CEV).​

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God, before the foundation of the world, chose to make certain individuals the objects of His unmerited favor or special grace (Mark 13:20; Ephesians 1:4-5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8). These individuals from every tribe, tongue and nation were chosen by God for adoption, not because of anything they would do but because of His sovereign will (Romans 9:11-13; Romans 9:16; Romans 10:20; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29; 2 Timothy 1:9). God could have chosen to save all men (He certainly has the power and authority to do so), and He could have chosen to save no one (He is under no obligation to save anyone). He instead chose to save some and leave others to the consequences of their sin (Exodus 33:19; Deuteronomy 7:6-7; Romans 9:10-24; Acts 13:48; 1 Peter 2:8).​