Quote XTruth : " All men are called to become God's elect or chosen ones and can be if they will choose God"
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Hi X
I read your post from which this was taken. For the most part I agree with what you said. However, when you made this comment, it detracted from what you previously said.
"If they will choose God " ? ?
"All men " ? ?
No, not all men are called to become God's elect, or chosen ones !
Many are called, but few are chosen < So the scriptures say !
Here is another scripture which tells us that we did not choose God, but he chose us >
II Thess. 2:13 - "God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation of the Spirit and belief of the truth"
This belief in II Thess. 2:13 is not our belief. First, this word should have been translated "faith" and not belief. Its the greek word "pistis". I believe this is the only verse that "pistis" was translated - "belief" instead of "faith", of which it is translated - "faith" everywhere else. There are two exception where this greek word "pistis" was translated - "assurance" and ""fidelity". 239 times it was translated - "faith".
The reason I bring this up, is because our faith is not good enough. Being chosen from the beginning, shows that our faith had nothing to do with it.
We as Christians are given the faith of Christ - Galatians 3:22 - "But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe" < Here, this word "believe" is the greek word - "pisteuo" and this greek word means ---- To ahere to, or rely on. So this verse is stating that we are to rely upon the faith of Jesus Christ , not our faith.
Also, in Romans 5:5 thru verse 8, that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" . I would encourage reading the full context.
We are also one of the two folds of sheep. These sheep were given to Jesus by his Father. This again shows predestination, or a being chosen.
Bless - MM