Freewill

Slave or servant?

In kicking off in this very long and expounding treatise, I would first like to make something very clear. This iz, did you know the Lord has made you and me to such specifics, even to the point it is His will for us to be able to govern our very own life (under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy ghost of course)!? Furthermore, I betcha (in most cases) have not been taught this before, have you? Probably because you may learn a little bit more about yourself and why God created you in the first place, as well as why He has called and reconciled you back to Himself. Something devils and religious powers would never want you know, and would prevent you to know, while allowing you some sort of religious experience to emotionally appease and spiritually deceive. After all, if this secret got out (that's Ephesians 3:3-6) then there could be a massive break-out from Christendom and a great exodus to the kingdom of God.

One other very important point to be made clear: If you happen to get arrested by the authorities for being a Bible believer (may not be too far off - 2 Tim. 2:9) and made to do forced labour without wages or privileges (made a slave in other words) please don't misinterpret this treatise as letting you off the hook? This is because I will be dealing with our calling here in regards to our position before the Lord, not in the position He may place us in through being witnesses or to refine us as proof of this. Whether in good times or bad times, lavishing in milk and honey or suffering in trials and tribulations, there is no guarantee of being exempt from any of these if we are prepared to live for the cross. While on earth we are both called as a servant and a witness!

On this theme someone has just written to me questioning the redeemed individual having any say or sway over his very own life or salvation, and is emphatic that as believers, we are called to be slaves. Slaves of God that is! And "slaves period" was the impression I was given. This was a swift reminder that this is not the first time, nor the last time, I or you will be faced with this teaching.

Furthermore, this made me go back to my Bible and check it out again (you see I do like to be thorough in checking everything out, even when I am convinced it is not in scripture), and guess what? Yes, the word slave is only found ONCE in the WHOLE Bible. Moreover, NOWHERE is the word slave found in the New Testament for that matter. Additionally, the word 'slaves' in the plural is only mentioned ONCE in the whole Bible, which happens to be in the New Testament this time (Rev. 18:13)! And the good news again ... it has got nothing to do with being a Christian! It is merely referring here to those outside of Christ. How does this one and only verse go, the only verse which mentions the word slave between the two covers of the Bible? Jeremiah 2:14 ... in regards to God's rebellious people:

"Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?"

There it is, the word slave! Only mentioned once in the whole Bible as stated, which is to do with a question in reference to God's people ... Were the children of Israel born to be slaves? Nope! However, through disobedience they got to know what being spoiled and real slavery was all about in the foreign, pagan land of Egypt. Was this their calling? Nope! Was this their chastisement? Yes! This was nothing to do with servantry or any willingness on their part, but everything to do with bondage and entrapment, as well as forced labour. Something God has called us out of and to be free to choose to serve Him. As well as where the word servantry (or should I say servant) scripturally kicks in.

Servantry! That's the word which is derived from the word 'servant'! Furthermore, another question: Is this word 'servant' mentioned in the Bible? Yes ... scores and scores of times for that matter! Is this word 'servant' mentioned in the New Testament? Yes ... scores and scores of times again, just like in the Old Testament. In fact, the word servant is mentioned so many times that I couldn't be bothered to count them on this occasion. This has got nothing to do with being slack by the way, but just plain proving a point. Therefore, the conclusion here is that the word slave and servant are words of quite different meanings. This is made clear in the above verse where both words are used descriptively and independently. Now let's get out de world's english dictionaries and consider even the world's difference?:

Servant ... "someone who has been employed by someone else!" No wonder we use to have (before privatization) people who were employed by the government who were called 'public servants'! These people were no way slaves to the public as any more to the government who employed them.

Slave ... "someone who has no rights at all and is banished to do what he is told, without privileges or repercussion, and serius consequences if he fails!" The reason a slave would hope and pray his master would be a bit more lenient towards him than what others were to their salves. Additionally, servants are entitled to wages (Luke 10:7) whereas slaves are not. Proving, this big difference is not only scriptural but as real evidence the world see it this way too. Confirming a slave and a servant are two different roles whether in the eyes of God or offically in the eyes of the world.

Yes, we may be the property of God as He has brought us with a great price. However, in this same case He has brought us as slaves in order to emancipate us, not turn us over to another tyrant to be kept in bondage. In fact, to be really scriptural, the Bible does not even call sinners slaves in this context, but still uses the word servant. Do you know why? Could it not be because we have chosen to follow the Devil after we were born the first time? He did not just come and take us over without our approval. From the words of Jesus Himself:

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."

Or in the words of Paul (if you believe in choice that iz):

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

Furthermore, what happens to a former slave (the word chosen only for metaphoric purposes) when a new master purchases him in order to free him, and exchanges him for his very own son, of whom he loves dearly? Would not this broken slave be so overcome with gratitude and overwhelmed with relief that he will choose to follow and serve the new master with his whole life, knowing his new master is not a tyrant but a compassionate saviour, who was prepared to go all the way for him? Furthermore, would this not be the product of what scripture calls unfeigned love? True selfless love in other words, that is prepared to they down his life for others!

You know what? Many of us (being products of Christendom) have been taught and told that we are slaves of God and reminded that a slave has no rights at all! Is that so? Would not this also mean we could not test and prove all things, as well as exercise our right as Bereans? This may put someone out of business in the world of religions and 'many faiths' if the contrary proved to be so. My Bible tells me that "as many as received him, to them gave he power (the right) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"! Moreover, if the poor have rights as Psalms 140:12 says, then how much more the sons of God? There you go ... no one owns you but God! That goes for your pastor, or any "spiritual" mentor, or your "spiritual" "mother" you were conned into adopting, after you came to the Lord.

Here's how it works ... we have been adopted as sons and called as servants! Pretty simple really! Moreover, a faithful servant does not demand his rights but honours and trusts his employer. If we have really been called to be slaves, this would mean that we would have no right over anything and God could master us at His whim. Basically, it would mean He could run all over us, all the time, and compel us to respond at His beckoning, as if we were just machines. Scripture does not say, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his machines," does it? No, "for his friends"! That's what it says! God sees us as His friends! Jesus even called Judas friend after Judas betrayed Him. "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends"!

Just think about it, the implications would be enormous, if we were God's play things? It would also give husbands the right to be like this over their wives (domineering masters) and fathers to be like this over their children (cold dictators). Well, aren't we made in the image of God, and as Christians we have been re created (reborn) to serve (I mean 'slave it out' - joke) for God in this capacity, having the mind of Christ? Being reminded here, that God is not a tyrant, and therefore He has not made us or intended on us being this way either. Therefore ... cancelling out steamrollers in the kingdom of God! Where husbands, are to love their wives, "even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it", "and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."

The truth is, as well as being scriptural to the tee, God does not force His way into our life at all. However, this is the way Satan goes about doing things, who will possess and run his subjects at his whim, when they have yielded to his demands or enticements, and been lead away captive by their lusts. You see, slavery means bondage, whereas servantry means a privilege to be able minister to, and the freedom to experience blessing and reward. Meaning, 'servantry' is another term (in fact the correct term) for the biblical term 'ministry', as in ministering to God and others. Moreover, where a dividend is promised in the end. In contrast, there are simply no rewards for a slave at all.

Another name for a slave could be bondservant. Whereas this word is also only mentioned ONCE in all of scripture, again in the Old Testament. The good news is that when we come to Christ the word says we are neither "bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." And where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty! Yes, former slaves set free, now free to serve God (true servantry), who "is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." From a God and Saviour who says to His chidren ... "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

A wee intro

Sovereignty, a word not found in scripture. However, a word so dear and so vital to those of a watertight pre-set doctrine, having its roots in the teachings of various prominent men of the Reformation, mainly John Calvin, to his contemporary disciples of the present. Whereas, like the word Trinity, nowhere will you find this word in the Bible. Therefore, due to the word sovereignty being unbiblical and therefore of man, let us look up the meaning of this word in de english dictionaries of men, to grasp an understudying of its meaning, in order to pursue this treatise biblically. Comparing the difference between what the scriptures represent, to what much of its adherents have unscripturally embraced back to the Reformers.

What Sovereignty teachers don't understand, or fail to teach, is just as God is sovereign (He must be if He "is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords") so is man, created out of the sovereignty of God for this very purpose. This purpose ... to name the animals and go forth and multiply, while subduing the earth. Under and through his Maker of course. You could say, even though this is a type of sovereignty in itself, within a given sphere; it is only limited sovereignty, coz God is sovereign over all things when it comes to all things.

Freedom or propulsion?

Before we move on, here is a verse taken from the New Testament I wish you to consider:

"And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets."

This verse does not say, "subject to the Lord", does it? Meaning, a prophet or minister of the word has no control over his own speech as God forcefully does the talking through him. If the servant was just an empty channel like an automatism. Also, here's another question to consider: Who is the creator of spirits (the light and source of the true individual)? Answer ... God Almighty, the Creator Himself! Just as Hebrews 12:9 reveals how God is "the Father of spirits" and as James 1:17 reveals how God is "the Father of lights"!

When someone speaks the oracles of God, or gives a word in season, or a prophetic utterance, or witnesses to the goodness of God, or moves in the anointing and unction of the Holy Ghost, it is not because the person is taken over and run and propelled by the Spirit, as if the individual had no say or control in any way to his speech or actions. Or behaviour for that matter. It is because he has chosen to yield to the Spirit in being obedient to God, and God has manifested Himself to that person granting him divine unction, or inspiration, or power, or in whatever way the Lord has seen fit to aid and help His servant by filling him with His Spirit. Yes, God comes beside when He is welcomed and reverenced ("Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you"), while Satan gatecrashes and over runs a persons life, if he can find a loophole of fear, sin or unbelief, to enter in and capitalize on. His whole object is one of control, whereas God stands back waiting for our willingness to obey His voice.

Therefore (in summary, as just pointed out), the scripture does no say "the spirits of the prophets are subject to the Lord"! No, it does says however, "the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets (themselves)"! Who happen to be servants of the most high God.

Reminding again, the above verse means the prophet or the child of God has complete control (or should have) over using his own faculties and the actions that he chooses. God created him this way and has liberated him again (given a second chance) through the cross, to fulfil this function in choosing to become a servant of God. The Devil is the one who controls and dominates and subjugates and conquers the soul, in order for him to use the person for his own sinister ends, before he discards him and rights him off, or takes him out literally. Bearing in mind here ... the truth (abiding in the word) sets us free to function the way we should in God; while lies, deceit and intimidation bring us back under the bondage of slavery.

Crying out

Luke 19:40. "And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."

Crying out (like the whosoever calling upon the name of the Lord) for some sort of deliverance, or calling out to someone for help in a time of anguish or great need, is both a natural response and evidence that choice can be exercised to some degree or another. Even an animal would call out when it is aware (whether its intelligence or instinct is being activated) to know the possibility of help could be at hand. However, there is a doctrine entrenched in the Body today, which would refute this claim and replace it with a doctrine of branding our Maker the creator of sin and railroading our walk in Him, where it would be considered evil to even attempt to make our own individual choices. In this treatise I will label this brand of teaching the doctrine of unconditional Special Selection/Pre Election for identity purposes.

In a nutshell ... the doctrine of unconditional Special Selection/Pre Election sainthood in Christ, is contrary to the full counsel of God in rightly dividing the word of truth from Genesis to Revelation, and is therefore categorized as the spirit of error.

By 'Special Select Pre Elect' I am referring to the doctrine many call 'Calvinism' (whether coming in a mild form or coming as 'Ultra-Calvnism or Hyper-Calvinism - give us a break!)' or 'Predestination Only' in that God the Creator had a pre-Creation plan for a very special elitist few, before time came into existence. This "few" being a very small group of people in mind before He went about creating man and the rest of Creation (not to be confused with the scriptural remnant right through the Bible). Whereas the rest of mankind (still in blueprint) would never get a chance of redemption, nor taste the forgiveness of God after the latter "pre-planned" fall of man. This would mean in actual fact, the majority of people of all time and ages, are doomed not only in the womb, but even before conception. Meaning, the very purpose of their birth was to be born in rebellion, ever remaining in rebellion this side of hell, with no hope of a second birth and being saved from their sin or eternal damnation. This is justified by using the scriptures that say nothing good dwells within man, making him totally depraved and wicked to the point there is not an inkling of anything in anyone which could respond, or call out for help, within the confines of a doomed and hopeless state of (unbeknown) eventual endless agony.

These statements of course are a generalization to what these people portray. Although I am aware there are many angles to this doctrine, from moderate forms to plain crazy reasoning.

Although I do not have all the answers nor posses all the truth, as any single individual on so-called planet earth (as I have previously stated and also admit this subject is very hard to get a grip on and come to a balance on), as well as admit there is nothing good in any us which deserves the gift of salvation; I am convinced however, there is ample proof from the verses conveyed in this following treatise, to individual choice in obedience to the will of God. Here you will hopefully discover that the teaching pervading the Body today, in that God has not created the individual with freewill (a scriptural term as I will prove beyond a doubt) with space to make his or her own individual choices in life (or in the new life after being born again), has been conjured up in the mind of man. Even a devil would call out for help if it meant a hand in lifting it from a state of agony to relief, would it not? Not only would common sense tell us this but the scriptures again would confirm this (see Amos 3:4, & Mark 5:2)!

Just because an individual calls out for deliverance from a dilemma, it does not mean they will be heard or adhered to (1 Samuel 8:18, Job 19:7). In an eternal sense, a devil's cry would be in vain as they cannot experience redemption. A "Special Select Pre Elect" adherent would say only a select few can, as they can only rightfully receive (by Divine pre-selection and providence) the benefits of the Spirit of God. This notion would also contradict the Holy Ghost being poured out on all flesh (both Jew and Gentile) in the last days, granting divine grace to the wretched sinner in order for the sinner to find space to repent. Think about this? If the Lord granted space to the wretched apostate witch, and false prophetess Jezebel, to repent, then surely there is hope for others being in a even less degenerate state? That's space to repent! God gives this space ... area of allowance, grace, favour, ground to repent and turn! Ever heard of "the valley of decision" (Joel 3:13-14)? Where "multitudes, multitudes" are and "the harvest is ripe"!

Also, you will see how a clear balanced view of scripture will prove that Jesus tasted death for every man; literally meaning every man. Hence, salvation is universal (depending on the individual receiving Christ themselves, Jn. 1:12) in that Christ died for the sins of the whole world. Here's undeniable proof, which could not be spelt out any clearer, that Christ died for the sins of the whole world:

1 Jn. 2:2. "And he is the propitiation for our sins (the Christians): and not for ours only (the Christians), but also for the sins of the whole world (everyone outside of being a Christian)."

How can anyone argue with such crystal clear wording as in the above verse? Unless someone got his hands on God's pure word and changed this verse of course? Also, you will find that the verse below supports this truth:

2 Pet. 1:9. "But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten (forgotten what?) that he was purged from his old sins (who has experienced this?)."

Sounds like Jezebel, or any backslidden apostate to me! This person was once purged from his sins and somewhere along the line has allowed Satan to snatch the word from his life, and has now become blind to his redeemed status, by being taken away at some point in his new life. Now let's look at the next verse:

2 Pet. 2:1. "Some false teachers deny the Lord that bought them (how do they know this?)."

By this verse we can clearly see how we can know the Lord has bought us, then deny Him, and become a false teacher in teaching others our denial of the true faith as well. Because, how can you know the Lord has bought you (redeemed you) then deny it, if you have not experienced it firsthand? You simply can't! Should this not be 'end of story'?

The fact is, salvation is still for those who cry out (the whosoevers)! That's the desperate sinner before God, who calls out in the right name. That name being Jesus, the Saviour! Here's the wonderful promise again from Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13:

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Therefore, "the whosoever" doctrine still means "the whosoever"! That ... "whosoever liveth and believeth in me (Jesus) shall never die. Believest thou this?"

May I reiterate ... "Believest thou this?"

Therefore, whether you believer or saint, the choice is yours to repent. It can't be forced on you, or enforced previously in heaven beyond your control as an individual.

The doctrine of reconciliation

3 John 1:8. "We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth."

Fellow helpers to the truth!!??

How can we (the believers/the elect) be fellowhelpers to the truth, or "labourers together with God", or "workers together with him (thatz God)", if God has done everything, does everything, independent of our freewill or choosing, where we never have a say in anything, coz God has already decreed it, settled it, arranged it, preordained it, etc.? Just can't happen! Hypothetically speaking, if it can, then scripture contradicts itself and God is a liar!

Recapping on the fact that every Bible believer is not only brought to the cross for redemption's sake (is bought by the Lord) but is called to be a witness in this world for Christ; where the Bible believer has been administered with the charge of reconciling the lost to their Maker through the gospel. This is not an additional option but the responsibility of every Christian. It also means it is not a just matter for the individual being saved and ready for heaven, because with spiritual privilege comes spiritual responsibility. This is why scripture refers to the redeemed as "labourers together with God" and "workers together with him". The reason we have been entrusted with this great ministry of reconciliation to God as we co-operate with the Holy Ghost in being "fellowhelpers to the truth".

If this was not so, then why are we (as believers) still here? There would be no point. The only reasonable point would be for the Lord to immediately take us home to heave upon rebirth. Confirmation found in 2 Cor. 5: 14-19 (take a close examination please):

"For the love of Christ constraineth us (the love of Christ constraineth us, motivates us, drives us - not the dictates of God, nor duty, nor guilt , nor obligation ); because we thus judge (so judgement is ours in this case), that if one died for all, then were all dead (that's those outside of their Maker - everyone fallen, the unregenerate): And that he died for all (everyone fallen), that they which live (everyone redeemed, everyone regenerated), should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more (as a mere man in this case). Therefore if (that's the condition) any man (everyone fallen) be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God (meaning, He therefore has the right back to all things), who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing (not pinning the blame on) their trespasses unto them (everyone fallen); and hath committed unto us (those who have received His redemption, been regenerated) the word of reconciliation."

So it is obvious from the above passage of scripture that there is everyone fallen (facing a condition for redemption) contrary to everyone redeemed (who have faced the condition for redemption). Because the above passage is referring to the world (all peoples) who need reconciliation with their Maker, it is scriptural to say that outside of Christ all are dead in sin ('all' that is, v 14), and therefore all are in need of salvation and regeneration. This is because of Christ's unfathomable love and abundant mercy, who died for all (v 15), "the whosoever" can now call unto the name of the Lord for mercy to be saved. It is also for this divine task that His followers are now His instruments (or chosen vehicles), in administering this word of reconciliation (v 19), through this ministry of reconciliation (v18), to the world outside of Christ (v 19). Meaning, all those (the whosoever) in the world can be saved (regenerated) if they call out and turn.

ALL ... those (the world, ALL lost peoples) outside of Christ (more on this latter). Yes, all is ALL!!

THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION ... has been given to those in Christ to reconcile (win, convert, bring to) "the world unto himself". We can all be fishermen of men in other words. This is when the net is cast out into the world (for all) where some will be caught and brought into the kingdom of God.

I am fully aware here that all here means all peoples when it comes to salvation. However, the individual can't come to Christ unless he has been given the Holy Spirit to bring him to repentance. In salvation nothing is required from man apart from his coming to the end himself and his response. As mans righteousness is as filthy rags, nothing man does will earn anything from God. Repentance is a gift. Salvation is a gift. Faith is a gift. As a love for the truth is a gift. Without the Holy Ghost working on us and aiding us, we can do nothing. The flesh can not profit us anything. That's why we bring nothing to the altar with us when we come to Christ. It is just our dirty hearts that need the miracle of being washed and made new through the spilt blood. However, there must be an individual cooperation with God, as scripturally pointed out before. Like being "labourers (or workers) together with God". In other words, when we realize our desperate need for God and begin responding to His call, it is only through His aid we can achieve this response and experience His grace and resurrection power working individually in our life. This is also an ongoing reality as we abide in Him and He in us. This is a two way relationship, and can only work two ways ... God doing His part (holding us up) and man doing his part (like Peter walking on water), "that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth."

Is this a mystery in God? Yes it is, but only without the aid of the Holy Ghost. God send His Spirit in order that we may see and understand.

Rom. 11:32-33. "For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"

Here is God's response when we respond to Him:

1 Cor. 2:9-10. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit".

Admittedly, one person would never have the sole right in knowing the depths of God in these points made (as his ways are past finding out), and revelation is unfolding as the individual seeks the Lord for the truth, found in His word, as only the Holy Ghost can reveal these things. However, balance can be found as one rightly divides the word of truth, and does not try and exploit the truth for his or her gain, an ulterior agenda, or to preserve a party spirit or self-imposed doctrine. It is not a matter of what this or that church's catechism says, or this or that theologian states. It is a matter of simple, childlike faith in what God says!. That "ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left ('making choices' being exercised again)." The way indeed is narrow, and few are those who find it.

The great thing in the end is ... the Holy Ghost has been poured out on ALL flesh, in order to help fallen and wretched man to call out and be saved, and for God to reveal who He is and His ways. Please read on!

Two extremes in the doctrine of reconciliation

Jacob Arminius was a man who lived at the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. His teachings were a backlash against a man called John Calvin who used the Bible as a covering for tyranny and a justification for setting up in political opposition to Papal Rome. Both teachings were in opposition and were a reaction against the other (one taking the soft approach, while the other the hard-line), using scripture taken to extreme to reinforce their doctrines. Hence, these two wings are from the same bird which carried the Reformation into what is also known as the Protestant Movement. When it comes to sound doctrine the Bible always teaches "a just balance" and "rightly dividing the word of truth." Not a false balance of two opposing theologies (no wonder this bird didn't go anywhere apart from returning to it's Mother's nest in Rome). Hence ...

Arminianism as a doctrine (from the JA wing), leads to the notion Jesus is just there for 'the taking or leaving' (due to the doctrine of preservation being left 'open ended'). Therefore, one can choose to accept or refuse to accept Jesus before or after conversion. This means if one chooses to say no to Jesus prior to conversion, then that's fine with God for the present, as the individual can come later when he feels he is ready. If one chooses to say "no" to Jesus after conversion, this is even better, as Jesus will never ever leave that person irrespective of that person walking with God daily, or whether he goes his own way living a life in total rebellion and contrary to everything the Bible teaches.

However, contrary to this teaching the word teaches that we have been predestinated to receive Him. Therefore, if we don't draw near to Him, He will not draw near to us. If we reject Him, He will reject us. Where finally, judgement and eternal hell await any Christ rejecter, including those who were once of the faith (please check these verses out ... 1 Tim. 1:19; 4:1; 5:8,15,24,25; 6:10,21; 2 Tim. 2:18; Heb. 6:6; 10:26-39?) before departing from the faith.

Arminianism as a doctrine, is a gospel of convenience, placing man in the centre and God on the outside, where Jesus becomes an errand boy figurehead.

Calvinism as a doctrine (from the JC wing), teaches us that God is the author of sin. It also teaches us that only a select elitist few have been pre-chosen by the Creator Himself, before creation itself, and that salvation is totally and absolutely unconditional with out any co-working together with God. Therefore, with this teaching, most people can't or will never be able to respond toward God and are already doomed even before they are born (as already pointed out). Which means redemption is always pointless and impossible for the lost to have hope or be granted one iota of a chance for them to be saved, as Jesus only died for a small selective chosen creation, and not for the whole world contrary to 1 John 2:2. This would also rule out God granting the witch and false prophetess Jezebel "space to repent" (or someone in a similar situation), even before she was handed over to delusion. It would also rule out of scripture King David's words (Psalms 144:4):

"Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away."

As it would also rule out the words of King Solomon (Ecc. 12:8):

"Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity."

Not so for the supposed few elitist chosen, who would be born by divine providence for obtaining salvation outside of exercising their willingness to surrender to God, with nothing being able to affect them coming to Christ. However, we do know from scripture that the Lord does grant the most foulest of sinners space (grace, mercy, a measure of His Spirit) to respond towards Him in repentance so that He would come and set up His abode in the repentant sinners life (live and abide in their hearts) after it has been washed clean by the blood of Jesus.

The doctrine of Calvinism portrays a god who is not a loving father but an unreasonable god who exercises His power in a harsh, cruel manner, and will not change His mind despite the desperate, broken, intercessors plea (Ps. 34:18; Jer. 33:3), and denies scriptures like Heb. 2:19 ... that Jesus tasted death for every man.

The fact of the matter is ... God cannot change His word (His precepts which are settled, declared and recorded forever) but He can change His mind (Amos 7:6). Which is also the reason we are encouraged to pray to Him. Like, f'instance the verse which supports this ... "yet ye have not, because ye ask not"!

The following are both non-Arminianism and non-Calvinism in doctrine

John 17:2. "As thou hast given him power over all flesh (both Jew and Gentile od ALL peoples),, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him."

The Holy Ghost is poured out on all flesh like a net over a shoal of fish. The fish represent all nations and are not just one nation as under the Old Covenant. Many are hauled in by the fishermen leaving many of the multitude of fish still in the sea where some will be fished out by others later. However, only a few are chosen in the end as many are thrown back into the deep.

Due to the fact that many actually hear the call of God and respond to a degree, but only a few take full heed and embrace the Son fully, because some seed fall on good ground ... on an honest and good heart (Luke 8:15). Therefore, whosoever calls out to the name of the Lord is actually calling out and acknowledging everything the name pertains to ... to the Son of God, the lamb slain for our sin, our atoner, our intercessor (one who pleads our case) and our mediator for salvation (the one and only avenue to God). In other words, it's what the individual does with the Son (the word, the good seed) which determines their salvation.

1 Pe. 1:23. "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

This is to do with those who receive (embrace, take into heart) the Son!

Ps. 2:12. "Kiss the Son (embrace, cleave to), lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."

The New Testament equivalent:

John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The issue is Jesus! The Son of God! The only begotten of the Father! What we do with Him! That's the pearl of great price! Most will reject Him, but some will fall down and cling to His ankles and wash His feet with their tears and hair. Kissing Him dearly!

But "Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified."

What shall we do with Jesus which is called Christ? This is the issue! Let Him be crucified (over and over again), or call out to one whom we pierced? Most don't and will reject Him, but a few do and will accept Him.

The Holy Ghost was definitely not sent to glorify a nation (tough on patriots). Or a church or a movement (tough on religionists). Or even Himself (tough on Charismatics)! Nor give the Father the pre-eminence (tough on the "Church Restoration" movement). No! Pre-eminence was to be given to the Son! That's the Lord Jesus Christ! It is only those who are called according to His purpose who receive, as the Holy Ghost works in the good ground, unto salvation. Therefore, salvation is only for those who receive (embrace) Jesus. MOreover, some still have the audacity to teach that salvation is unconditional!

Jn. 1: 11-12. "He came unto his own (the Jews), and his own received him not. But as many (any of all the peoples) as received him (that's the free gift - Jesus), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name".

This is completely on His terms and is fair and just and reasonable outside the wisdom of man. If they accept Him as the lamb of God and His blood sacrifice as all sufficient for their redemption and eternal salvation, then they are accepted beloved of the Father and He hands them back to His Son for safe keeping. Not one of them is lost in this security (unless they opt out and leave - "in the latter times some shall depart from the faith"). What a great salvation ... when someone is carried and hidden secure in the bosom of the great shepherd of the sheep!

John 6: 39-40. "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me (the Father giving to the Son) I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day."

Therefore, our walk is a constant walk in the Son. If you are in the Son, then He is in you. This is making JESUS our salvation, as both our surety and assurance. On a continued, eternal, basis. The all and all, the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, the author and finisher of our faith! "For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."

A gift at the end of the day

Remembering:

Repentance is a gift.
Salvation is a gift.
Faith is a gift.
Wisdom is a gift.
And a love for the truth is a gift (stuff like this really kills the flesh - doesn't it?).

All these things come down from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, as good gifts, and cannot be executed unless responded to and accepted by the recipient ... the desperate sinner or the broken saint abiding in Him. Read on and I will supply you with all the scriptural references allowing you to decide (if you believe in choice that is) whether what I write is scriptural or not?

"So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy (Romans 9:16)." His Son being His mercy!

Freely ye have received, freely give. Which means we freely receive Him (God's free gift - our freewill exercised). Then others can receive (accept) from us. Again, this means receiving (or accepting) Jesus is scriptural after all!

John 6:21. "Then they willingly received him into the ship".

If you can willingly receive or accept the person of Jesus (both God and man) physically into your house (Luke 10:38) or boat (John 6:21), then spiritually you can willingly receive Jesus into your life. Does this make sense? This is the same as saying you can receive Him into your heart where He resides or abides, and your body becomes the temple of God. Or ... "Christ in you, the hope of glory"!

1 Pet. 4:10. "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards (one who managers someone's property and affairs) of the manifold grace of God."

A principle in scripture is always first the natural, then the spiritual (1 Cor. 15:46). If one works, or is a possibility, then so is the spiritual latter.

Luke 8:40. "And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him."

So it is one thing to receive Jesus of Nazareth into your midst (company of friends or home) but it is another thing to go further and receive Him into your heart. Likewise, we can also receive the word, or the Holy Ghost, or the anointing, or the promise. Scripture says plainly they "received the knowledge of the truth" or "they received not the love of the truth".

Whattabout receiving "your ministry"? Just don't ever say, "I received Christ into my heart (or life)"!!! Ministry is okay! It's very important or makes one feel important ... doesn't it? But whattabout Jesus? Oh, it's okay to say "I received healing", "I received prayer", "I received counsel", "I received the gift of this or that"! Or, "I received a word, instruction, wisdom, the word, a rhema (oh, don't you just go all gooey over the Greek?) and this or that"! But never say "I received Jesus"!!! This is becoming a big "no no" in many more circles of late! Yeah, right!!! What does scripture say?

Receiving Christ

John 1:11-12. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him (Jesus), to them gave he power to become the sons of God (the Father), even to them that believe on his name".

The above verse is clear that it was God's very own chosen nation who refused to receive Jesus. Out of the nations of the world it was now the whosoever (anyone who received Christ) who could be saved, still including the Jews by the way (who were cut off from the vine), only on the condition of being grafted back in through Christ and His finished work (tough on the "Hebrew Roots" Movement). Yes, the way is still (very) narrow, even for Jews as well as Gentiles, of intellectuals as well as the unlearnt. He is the way and the truth. No one can get there unless they come through the door. No one can make it unless they call out to the one whom they pierced and embrace and kiss the Son.

Matt. 21:22. "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

Seeking, asking, believing, receiving, are all scriptural terms for those who would call out.

1 John 3:22. "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."

Yes, seeking, believing, calling out, receiving, are all scriptural terms for those who would ask.

James 4:2 "... yet ye have not, because ye ask not."

God will not respond to us if we do not respond to Him (more on this later).

Col. 2:6. "As ye have therefore received (passive) Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk (active) ye in him".

Therefore, it is not just enough to ask Him into your life (or heart - in the passive tense). There must be a continuance in these things (in the active tense). We must continue in His word, and walk in the Spirit according to scripture and "continue in faith and charity and holiness".

John 16:23. "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you."

John 20:22. "And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost".

1 John 5:14. "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us".

Oh, it's getting mundane, isn't it? It's not really my intention to plaster scripture all over these posts just for the sake of handing out knowledge like lolly scrambles, as most of us possess Bibles of our own. Yes, indeed it is 'information overload', and information is not revelation! However, I feel all these verses are relevant at this time and need a fresh visit in context with what is being conveyed:

Matt. 7:8. "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

Matt. 10:4. "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him (the Father) that sent me."

Matt. 10:41. "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward."

Matt. 13:20. "But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it".

John 4:10. "Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water."

Thank you Lord for your living water, which you give freely, and which we can receive freely! Thank you it has been written and recorded plainly and clearly for those who seek and receive and place your word above their intellect. Thank you Lord that you say in regards to your word, "exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her"!

Establishing fact or fable

Although some of the following content may be new and thought provoking to some, others may wonder why it is too mundane and simplistic in places, with such detail and explanation. Once I would have felt the same way, but having made personal contact with some Christians in the last few years, which, against all logic and sound reasoning, insist that I, nor anyone else, has a freewill, nor is having a freewill Biblical in any sense of the word. However, I believe, there is no doubt, whatsoever, with sustained scriptural backing, freewill (as one word in this case) is Biblical.

Now lets get down to tin tacks!

Psalms 54:6. "I will freely sacrifice unto thee".

Own freewill ...

Scriptural? Yes!!

Own ... self ownership (under the Lordship of Christ)! Freewill ... the freedom under the Lordship of Christ to self exercise the will!

Ezra 7:13. "I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee."

There it is! Notice ... "own freewill"! Freewill in written form! From the holy script! Belonging to and of the individual!

Freewill is mentioned seventeen times in scripture. Only once (as the verse above) is it mentioned in conjunction with what geographical direction the individual's will chooses (and Jerusalem was the place to worship). The other sixteen times is it mentioned in scripture as in doing with offering/s.

An offering is always to do with what the individual proposes or initiates from within him or herself. It is to do with executing a gift or a consideration. Simply, such as ... "Please accept my gift?" Moreover, as stated earlier ... salvation is a gift (more on this later). On the other hand, in receiving a gift, the freewill is also exercised in responding to or being received by the recipient. In other words, an offering is made by choice as it is also received by choice where two parties are concerned.

1 Pet. 4: 9-10. "Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another".

The gift must be exercised by the recipient which is to do with the exercising the will of of the recipient, as none else can do this for him.

Moving on, lets spell it out again ... offering means (according to the dictionary):

To put forward for consideration; propose: offer an opinion.
To present in order to meet a need or satisfy a requirement:
To present as an act of worship: offer up prayers.
To exhibit readiness or desire

Reiterating ... freewill is to do with what man initiates from within himself, towards God or his fellow man. How he responds to God or his fellow man by an act of his (wait for it) ... will! And being given the ability to exercise it! That's the 'will' folks!:

2 Cor. 8:12. "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not."

The will is free by divine decree and design when conveyed in the right context. Hence, the biblical term 'freewill'! Which means the will is free to do with what the individual can choose to do. However, like in all things, there are limitations ... the will is not free when it comes to choosing according to which we hath not, cannot have, or cannot do. F'instance, I cannot choose to buy the Moon, or how about the planet Mars or the Crown Jewels for that matter, as this of course is way outside my boundaries; isn't it? Oh well, so much for the hyper faith "blab it and grab it" doctrine!!

Are you still with me?

Capping off this point in 1 Corinthians 7:37, Paul mentions a man who chooses not to give his daughter away "but hath power over his own will"! He does so because, as the head of the home (as someone vested with this responsibility) he still "hath power over his own will". E-nuff said?

Also, 'freewill' and 'choice' are two different things in one sense. F'instance, I may choose which colour I want to paint my house because I own it and there are no laws forbidding me not to do so. However, in the same sense, I do not have a choice when it comes to a 'stop sign' while driving on a public road. Because the will of the authority behind the sign (which I am subject to) commands me to, "Stop!" If I exercised my freewill and ignored the sign, and just drove straight through, I would be abusing freewill by my rebellion against the authority I am subject to. This would be called self-will! In like manner, when God makes a command we do not have choice either (what God says ... goes!), although we can abuse freewill (which is self-will) and rebel and suffer the consequences. Like freewill being one word, self-will is also one word in the scriptures as Genesis 49:6, Titus 1:7 and 2 Peter 2:10.

"For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled".

Adam and Eve were created with freewill ... to obey the Lord or obey something contrary. However, in the Garden they were given a command that "every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it". In other words ... Adam and Eve were free to eat from any tree, with a restriction of not eating from one particular tree. They had a free choice with most trees except one. Like ... "I am free to eat pip fruit, stone fruit, and nuts, and also from the tree of life, but I cannot eat from the outer-bounds tree!" This tree they were commanded not to partake from.

So here we find in scripture where man is free to make choices. However, these are restricted choices. Legalism means the bondage and straight-jacket of not being able to exercise the will. Meaning, someone else is doing your thinking for you (does this ring a bell?)! Liberalism means the freedom to go into excess in exercising the will without bounds, which becomes selfwill. This is doing only what feels good or is self-gratifying without being responsible towards consequences (placing experience above the word in other words)! Both legalism and liberalism are wrong doctrines and are two opposite extremes leading away from the truth.

Then there is the region where we can play on words. For example, in the theological, psychological or philosophical world (being very rampant in religious circles) this is the region where the spirit (the inner man) is cleverly bypassed. Moreover, it is when we can then easily misinterpret both an intended meaning from someone because of its phraseology or the context it is in, sometimes innocently or just to prove our own "doctrinal" point. So it is very important we do not twist or use words for our own gain, or eliminate what someone else is saying in another context, because their wording is meaning something different to how we see or use the wording. F'instance, one person my take liberty in using the word 'radical' (because the word radical has dual meanings) to make a point of "getting back to the basics of something" (had to throw in this one). Where another person, through either genuine misunderstanding or pretence, can label the person an 'extremist' because he misunderstood the application of the word, or misconstrued it deliberately (taking advantage of the other meaning in the English language), to wrongfully brand or bag the person.

In a nutshell, everything that has just been conveyed in the opening paragraphs is to do with how our Redeemer puts responsibility on how we make decisions as a believer. Non Christians are lost and outside of grace anyhow, and are therefore outside the spiritual realm. So God's word does not apply outside the call to repentance, despite what the Institutional Church teaches. Therefore (irrespective of the decisions they make outside of the cross), it does not change the fact they are still in rebellion against their Maker and in need of Him as Saviour in the first place. Where time moves on in the world's kingdom, irrespective of mans plans and endeavours. However, only for a season.

Forget about all the "Calvinism" verses "Arminianism" nonsense (and vice versa) and various doctrinal forms of strawman building, to defend a groups position or keep someone on their pedestal. Just the same, forget about the historical "Reformers" verses the "Liberals" of an era, and vice versa. All this stuff only divides, and causes enmity between the brethren because of the many slants and interpretations that can be used. Please bear with me. In this whole treatise I promise I will not be quoting this name or that name, this personality or that personality, but only pure, unadulterated, scripture. Please jump on me if I bend them, brake them, misquote or take them out of context? That's the scriptures I am referring to! But before you shoot me down, just remember I have got nothing to lose or nothing to gain by this article, and do not rely on "church" circles or fraternities for finance or platform. Which means you may have a hard job placing conditions on what I might or might not say. In the end, it is up to you whether you want to become a religious bully or a hierarchical heavy. However, by the grace of God I will merely stick to His word.

Freewill

Freewill! Or "I will!" Meaning ... "I will use (exercise) my will"! Meaning from the dictionary ... Something done of one's own accord; voluntary.

If you think I'm trying to prove a point, let's allow the Lord's word to confirm it. If it is not the Lord automating me to do so, because I happen to be doing it through an act of my own will (and hopefully with the unction and inspiration of the Holy Ghost) then maybe it could worth considering and weighing up with scripture. Obviously the Psalmist could exercise, voluntarily (initiate, execute, exhibit, work, do, demonstrate, determine) his will (freewill). Try and prove me wrong or allow me to confirm it:

Psalms 2:7. I will declare the decree
Psalms 3:6. I will not be afraid
Psalms 5:3 ... in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Psalms 5:7. But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship
Psalms 7:17. I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Psalms 9:1. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
Psalms 9:2. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalms 9:14. That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.
Psalms 13:6. I will sing unto the LORD
Psalms 16:7. I will bless the LORD
Psalms 17:15. As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness
Psalms 18:1 ... I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
Psalms 18:2. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust
Psalms 18:3. I will call upon the LORD
Psalms 18:49. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD
Psalms 20:5. We will (that can be me or you) rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners:
Psalms 20:7 ... we will (notice how "I" has now changed to "we") remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalms 21:13 ... so will we sing and praise thy power.
Psalms 22:22. I will (back to the individual's will) declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
Psalms 22:25. I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
Psalms 23:4. I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalms 23:6 ... I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalms 54:6. I will freely (I better emphasis this word) sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD
Psalms 79:13 ... we will (again, that can be me or you) shew forth thy praise to all generations.
Psalms 80:18 ... we will call upon thy name.
Psalms 115:18 ... we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.
Psalms 118:24. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalms 132:7. We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.

Lot's of "I's" here (not to be confused with "eyes" - aye aye!) plus a few "we's" (as if the onus really is on the believer to respond - oui oui!). Simply because, if God makes commands for us to act on (and He does), then surely doesn't one have the ability to obey or disobey, unless we are programmed with mere instinct like the beasts? Paul had a freewill would you believe? Or at least he encouraged it being exercised:

Eph. 6:6. "Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart".

Eph. 6:7. "With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men".

1 Cor. 9:17. "For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me."

The remnant (that's Jesus' little flock - the true church) can exercise their wills also:

1 Tim. 6:18 - 20. "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called".

No passivity in this department ... but lots of activity! Activated from the heart ... willingly!

Heb. 13:18. "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly."

And whattabout this one?:

Matt. 10:8. "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."

Surely, this is freewill being demonstrated! Joseph, Jesus' step dad, exercised his freewill also:

Matt. 1:19. "Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily."

Obedience or disobedience! Is it a choice? You choose what you decide (whoops, did I say that)?

Is. 1:19. "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land (sounds conditional to me)".

Whose willing? Answer ... those who have a will they are free to exercise one way or the other! E-nuff said?

Getting the balance (or rightly dividing the word of truth)

I remember a brother a few years ago preaching how any truth taken to extreme becomes error. As time went by I realized how true his statement was. Especially by experiencing being caught up in the "Luv Gospel" myself and not having the scripture as my final authority (or at least not being aware) at the time.

The Beatles sang "All you need is love", which became the hallmark of the "Flower Children" era and the boardwalk of the Counter Culture and New Age . It soon was adopted by the Institutional Church to appease the crowds and swell the ranks.

The Bible is plain that love is not all we need (although the Beatles did sing "money can't buy me love", which I place a tick on and the televangelists would not adopt). Although love is always important, love must always be balanced with truth. In other words ... truth is just as important as love, and love is just as important as truth. Take love away and there would be no compassion in the gospel for those lost, only condemnation through legalism ... the cold dead letter of the word. Take truth away and anything goes, as long as it can be justified by good feelings, as license prevails ...

"It can't be wrong when it feeels sooo right ;" as the song from Debbie Boone (representing the evangelical world) went in the late 70's.

John 1:14. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Love and truth ... grace and truth ... mercy and truth. The two must always go together. They are always married ... according to Psalms 85:10 and the rest of scripture.

Yes, "God is love"! Which is all I heard many times back in the Charismatic Movement during the 70's, from gooey teachings to songs and bumper stickers. However (looking from the other side of the spectrum), what was and is omitted in the Institutional Church, or played right down, is also the fact that "God is true" (Jn. 3:33). Or how about "God is holy" (Ps. 99:9)! Which places new light on the word, doesn't it? How about the Book of Job ... "God is mighty"? Or "God is great" (thatz Jehovah, not Allah)? Or how about "God is terrible majesty" (will the War on Terror brand God Almighty a terrorist too)?

Here are some more to consider ... Deut. 4:24; "God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God" (do I really want to hear this)? Or ... Psalms 7:11; "God is angry with the wicked every day" (thatz not when someone misses church only on Good Friday)? However, most don't want to know this, or look outside the religious square of their "spiritual" comfort zone. This doctrine just does not fit in with their PC snazzy doctrine. They only want to hear that "God is love", without even knowing what it really means. How shallow and naive eh!

Here's a couple from the New Testament, proving God's immutability: John 1:5 ... "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." Or, Heb. 12:29 ... "God is a consuming fire (yes, in the New Test)." I guess, we don't want to hear or read this either!? Well, at least the religionist in the flesh would not. While the spirit (quickened by the Holy Ghost) is willing. We also have a few in the New Testament which says what God is not. Here is just one which sums it all up: 1 Cor. 14:33 ... "For God is not the author of confusion"!

In referring to love: Love is always based on trust and granting a beloved space. If space (liberty, freedom, the freedom to make choices) is not granted then there is no freedom, only bondage. My bible tells me that "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." David knew what liberty was. He said in Psalms 119:45:

"I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts."

David chose to follow the word when the chips were down. That's why Jesus said to 'continue' in His word. He did not, and does not compel us, programme us, or use us like a puppet on a string to serve Him, or to serve Him through stupid ceremonies and grand pomp! However, when an individual substitutes the scriptures for tradition, dogma, or a cult's teaching, it always end in some type of bondage. Whether it be to the man or his teachings, or to his system. Because only continuing in the truth sets us free. Which is living and practising the inspired scriptures ... the written word!

More choice (Acts 17:11) "... in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

The Lord gives us liberty to serve Him. He does not straightjacket us or railroad us into a format in how we serve Him, but has actually called us to liberty:

Gal. 5:13. "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love (not through restrain or compulsion) serve one another."

In the manner of Acts 27:3 portrays:

"Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself."

Just the same way the Lord gives us an amount of individual autonomy for His own pleasure and purpose.

Jesus' good news, which He has entrusted to us, is to "to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound". James calls it "the perfect law of liberty". Galatians tells us that we have "been called unto liberty" and to "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." As long as we do not abuse our liberty, or use it to be a cloak of maliciousness, or to allow it to be a stumbling block to others; we are free to choose our friends, our careers, even the place where we live. If you have not had a specific instruction from the LORD direct, or an audible voice from heaven, that is! Which rarely, almost, doesn't ever happen. If it did, we would not be living by faith, but walking around with our heads in the clouds, looking into space for guidance. If God thundered out of Heaven every time we were going to make a next step or turn, "This is the way walk ye in it", then our walk would not be really by faith, would it? Is God really freaky, spooky and eccentric like this? Did Jesus walk around with wide spacey eyes, with a quivering and wavering in His speech every time He spoke? We know from scripture the devils acted oddly, especially in Jesus' presence when they knew their time of comfort was coming to an end. We may be a peculiar people in the world's eyes, because we preach a gospel which is foolishness to them which perish, but we have not been called to the abnormal but to the normal. A 'feet on the ground' normal person, who happens to be saved by grace. Beware of spooky believers! Show caution with those who are ever acting out a conversation with God in their head! Give no room for the airy fairy! If you really love someone you don't have to act 'something' or try to be 'anyone', or "spiritualize" anything. There is no substitute for being open, straight and honest. True love unfeigned, is natural, normal, affectionate, and trustworthy and compassionate:

Charity "is kind (looks out for the well being of others first)", "envieth not (does not compete or compare with others)", "vaunteth not itself (does not brag, seek attention or show off)", "is not puffed up (does not hide behind written qualifications or being a "know all" )". "Doth not behave itself unseemly (is not 'over the top', strange and freaky), seeketh not her own (not out to prove one-self or win at the cost of others), is not easily provoked (can handle correction, opposition and the truth), thinketh no evil (is not suspicious and thinks the best first)". "Rejoiceth not in iniquity (what is harmful, malicious and unjust), but rejoiceth in the truth (what is real, genuine, honest, straight and true)"!

Ephesians 5:24-33 speaks of a great mystery concerning Christ and the church. By reading this passage it is clear Paul is comparing the love affair between Christ and His Bride and a husband and his wife:

Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. How can a husband be loving his wife if he is not giving her choices (space). I have met many dictatorial husbands who brutally treat their wives through abusing their God given right as head of their household. These religious tyrants, snug and smug, and at home in fundamentalist circles, do not give their wives choices but keep them subjected through legalistic bondage. They run them the way they want to run them, all in their favour, with nothing or very little in their wife's favour. This is certainly not how Christ loves His people (His Church, His Bride), who He has called to liberty, giving us space and the liberty in making choices.

Pr. 31:11. "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her".

Scripture says that perfect love casts out all fear. Therefore, as Christ loved the Church and gave His life for His Church, so husbands are to love their wives with this same perfect love. Not manipulating them through quoting a verse (1 Corinthians 7:4:A?). Nor ruling them and keeping them in line with fear tactics and intimidation, or emotional blackmail.

Pr. 3:31. "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."

Looks like choice again! I just couldn't resist!

Decisions is making choices

Adam could have obeyed his Maker and avoided death (Gen. 2:17; 4:7).
Abraham had to make choices to walk with God (Gen. 12:1-4; 17:1; 22:16-18).

He must leave Ur, and walk with God by faith and not by appearance.

Israel under Moses had the choice of obeying God's voice, and keeping His Covenant (Ex. 19:5,6; Deut. 11: 26-28).

The Davidic Covenant is conditional ( 1 Chr. 28: 6-9; Ps. 89: 34,39).

The New Covenant is conditional ( 1 Cor. 15: 1-2; Heb. 10: 38-39; 2 Peter 1:8-10).

God is love! That's scriptural, as already acknowledged. Moreover, because God loves us, He give us choices ... what toothpaste or shampoo we prefer! What meat I want to purchase and can eat (you can eat as much pork as you like, just leave me alone if I choose not to) etc. Which Brother I can call in on and have a cuppa tea with and which friends I choose to associate myself with (try 1 Cor. 5 & 15:33, & 2 Tim. 2:22).

Because we love our wives we just naturally accept they have choices like their husbands ... Is she free to go and have a latte with her girlfriends? What dress she would like to buy, how she wants to wear her hair (the Butch look is out of course), and how she presents her home to her own taste (here's da scriptures ... "her household", "guide the house", "keepers at home")! etc. Or do you work out her grocery list and menu for dinner? And stack the cupboards the way you want them stacked, after your own fashion? Or ... "look out if she gets details wrong!" That's the opposite to love, and is binding her, and being a control freak! Here's those scriptures again ... "her household", "guide the house", "keepers at home"!!!

Mundane? Common sense? Yes, to some. But to others what I am saying is apparently unscriptural, and even error. Some would even get irate! Some may unsubscribe from my list. Usually every time I send out a Beyond Snippets Plus email people unsubscribe, no matter what the topic is. I would say I would have just as many people unsubscribing as I do joining my list. That's life! It could be an indication I am up the Khyber (who's infallible anyhow?). Or it could be an indication I am speaking the truth. You choose (whoops!!! ... only if you believe you can)?

My boys are well and truly young adults now, and working and paying their keep. They have their own cars and within reason can choose if they want to drive down to the shop and buy an ice-cream or go and visit a mate or a girlfriend. That's freedom, is it not? We also gave them the choice of what sports they wanted to play, and whether they wanted to learn to play a musical instrument or not, etc., as they were growing up (what!! ... you didn't make them??). We even gave them the choice to "go to church" or not, and which one to attend (they had been enlightened by their parents, of course). After volunteering they opted out after the second or third Sunday visit (phew!?). Therefore, is it a coincidence they have much more discernment than your average, everyday religionist?

I don't think I am a dictator ("the strict cruel tyrant" has been hopefully humbled over the years) and allow space for my family because I love them. If I made all their decisions and ran their lives, I would be hating them, wouldn't I? Don't get me wrong ... there is a lot of things we made them do and gave them no choices, when it came down to common everyday chores and behaviour. We gave them spankings for far less than what "loving" Christian parents (Pr. 13:24) let their brats off with today ("Oh, don't do that Dear ... O- n - e ... t - w - o ... t - h - r - e - e ... " "One more warning ... O - n - e ... t - w - o ... t - h - r - e - e ... " "I really mean it this time ... your last chance ... O - n - e ... t - w - o ... t - h - r - e - e ..." "Just do as I say ... O - n - e ... t - w - o ... t - h - r - e - e ... " Grrrrr!!). However, if I ruled with an iron fist all the time, I would be a dictator.

I have already mentioned on another occasion, about a Christian KJV man I know who ran his wife so much, because he was an utter control freak, that she took her life when she got hold of a firearm (after they had moved away to another district). I was so deeply saddened by this event, because I felt so powerless in helping her when she use to try and pour out her heart to me (even with the occasional black eye or something) when I use to pass her house walking the dog. I was also angered when I found out some time later this "Christian" husband had the audacity to conduct her funeral service single-handedly. He chose to of course!

Then there is a similar religious deception where people think God does all their thinking for them, just as some men want to do all their wives thinking for them. Or in reverse ... want a Jezebel to do all their thinking for them. Or further ... want a religious professional to do all their thinking for them (well, that's what they are hired to do, isn't it?). I remember going into the religious bookstore in our town a few years ago and bumping into a "Predestinationist Only" brother who was roaming the shelves in deep thought.

"Gidday Bro," I said. "What's ya up to?"

"It's my wife's birthday Tom, and I am asking the Lord to show me what to buy her for a present. However, He hasn't told me what to buy up till now."

"Don't worry about it Bro, as the Lord has given us a choice," I responded. "Just choose one yourself, and thank the Lord for His provision!"

I could tell by his reaction he did not like what I said, as it was totally against what he had been taught by his "Christian" guru. Besides, if he got the wrong present ... guess who got the blame? Then again, how can God get the blame when He has told "me" what to buy or what to say? Which is the big 'put on' many use to manipulate others by taking them aside and quietly saying, "The LORD has told me to tell YOU ... blaa blaa blaa!" In other words ... "You'd better receive what I am saying as being from GOD or else you could be in trouble!" You've got it ... in other words, "Do as I say!"

Three days later, at a house-warming weekend barbecue, I got bailed up in a corner of the garden (almost pinned to the wall in fact) by his leader, himself, and the rest of "the Mob", who came straight at me doing the 'heavy thing', reprimanding me severely for making such an outlandish statement, that we can make choices from exercising our will. Now, of course, they did choose to tackle me for what I said (no one dragged them over to me involuntary wise ... I think?), and it could have been through just plain immaturity and ignorance on their part. Or it could have been because they had chosen to give themselves over to error. Or then again, was it because they were being driven by some invisible heavies they had unbeknownly let into their lives by religious deception? Still, it was hard getting around the fact ... they had chosen to, if this was the case!

Job 34:33. "Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.

Exercising our will is not easy by the way. Especially early, on a very cold and dark frosty morning, when I have to get out of bed to go and earn a living. The Lord has never physically thrown me out of bed yet (although my wife has tried to).

A few years ago a friend of mine, who had just come to the Lord and been delivered of heroin (plus teenage years of financing his habit through crime), was asked by someone how he managed to give up smoking cigarettes. There were other brothers around at the time, who had been confessing Christians, acting spiritual, but were still regular cigarette smokers (you know ... the LORD had not directly and audibly told them to, 'Give up' ... yet, using a heavenly megaphone type of thing!). My friends simple reply was something like this:

"If you are not prepared to give up smoking you have got no excuse. You wilfully go and get your car keys off the shelf, then go and get into your car and start up the engine. Next, you drive down to the nearest dairy yourself (drugstore for my US readers). Then you get out of your car and physically go into the shop on your own accord, and grab a packet of cigarettes off the shelf and pay for them yourself over the counter. Then you take the packet outside and physically open them yourself, and place a ciggy in your mouth and light up to begin to inhale. Next you are inhaling. Nobody else has done this for you. You are the one performing this exercise on your own. You can't blame God, the Devil, but only yourself!"

The scriptures say ... "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments."

Many are forced to give up smoking now not because they have yielded their bodies to God as His temple and dwelling place, but because society has coerced them to through social engineering techniques. However, the believer does so because he chooses to through the conviction power of the Holy Ghost, to live according to the word. His body has now became the temple of God, and not the church "sanctuary" a couple of blocks away.

Isaiah 7:15. "Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good."

Can't getaway from that word "choose" can we? Especially if you choose to read your Bible quite regularly!

Obedience

It's true! We can do nothing except it be HIM and of HIM! The LORD that is!. He is our Maker and the believers Redeemer as scripture says: "For in him we live, and move, and have our being".

However, within the sphere He has called us, or planted us, we do have God given autonomy over our own lives (because God is sovereign and gives gifts unto men for His own purpose). We teach our own children that with gifts and privileges come responsibility. The most paramount responsibility we have is that we have been commissioned to go and make disciples of the nations (the peoples of the world). In every facet of New Testament life and faith, the onus is put on the individual believer. This is an undeniable and irrefutable fact, as already proven in these posts.

To make disciples is to make converts first. The ball is in the believers court and the Lord has called the shot. However, the believer cannot act alone as Jesus said the Holy Spirit would be given as our Comforter and as the Psalmist declared ... "Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul."

Yes, the onus is on the believer, to do the will of the Lord, and not serve his own agenda; with the Lord's help of course. When Jesus met up with a certain lame man at the pool named Bethesda Jesus asked him, "Wilt thou be made whole?" Paraphrased as, "Would you like to be healed?"

The lame man's response was how he couldn't, unless someone picked him up and transported him into the pool. Yes, he wanted to be healed all right and he also thought his healing would be found in that pool. When Jesus told him to "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk", it was the man who responded to Jesus by his own actions, and was not transported supernaturally to that place of walking upright and free from hindrance, as he found that he could stand and walk on his own two feet. This happened as the miraculous process was activated by God, as he responded to Jesus by trusting in His words. Therefore, no pool was necessary, just his obedience to Jesus by acting on His word.

At another incidence, when Peter was in the boat with the rest of the disciples, and Jesus came to them walking on the water, Jesus did not command Peter to come to Him (this command had already been given to Peter when they first met) but Peter appealed to Jesus:

"Lord, if it be thou (not a spirit or a spook, nor a mirage or an illusion), bid me come unto thee on the water."

What happens to a muscle when it is being exercised? It gets strengthened, does it not? What happens to a Christian when faith is being exercised? His faith is strengthened! If it is not being exercised it grows weak and limp. Therefore, though we are weak, we are strong in Him, by walking and trusting in Him, as His power is manifested in our weakness. This is a biblical principle.
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. That our boasting may be in Him and not ourselves."

Peter got out of the boat by an act of his own freewill in response to Jesus' admission. Jesus did not command or compel, or manipulate, or automate Peter the individual disciple. But Peter responded by choice. Walking on water was done by Peter. He was in charge of his own faculties. His limbs responded to the impulses of his brain, which he was supposed to be in control of. The water holding up Peter was God's part. Peter had Divine help as he stepped out in faith. Peter walking was his part. The water miraculously not giving way to Peter was the Lord's part. The fact Peter responded in this contrary situation was to do with faith. Faith is a gift from God. But faith, now (present tense), is a substance according to Hebrew 11:1. The substance of things hoped for. Without this substance being exercised, faith is dead. Thus faith needs to be exercised to prove it is the evidence of things not seen and this is the disciples part. Because without faith (a living substance) being exercised and applied, it is impossible to please God. This is the difference between being a doer of the word than just a mere hearer! Yes, Peter responding and walking, and using his faculties and limbs, was indeed his part. Holding Peter up and not allowing him to sink into the liquid called water was God's part. The miraculous part.

Amos 3:3:

"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"

God does His part and the disciple obeys. God commands the disciple and the command places the onus on the disciple. The disciple is in charge of his own limbs, his own faculties, his own speech, his own responses. This includes his own spirit (Proverbs 25:28). He has a choice in responding to God. If he draws near to God, then God will draw near to him. If he abides in Christ, then Christ will abide in Him. If he dies with Christ, then He will surely reign with Christ. The onus is on the disciple. He can either choose life or death, blessing or cursing, walking in the Spirit or walking in the flesh. The blessings of God are hinged on the disciples obedience. As the verse previously mentioned says, "the Lord is with them that uphold (his) soul." The disciple merely reaps what he sows in the Lord. Remembering; God is still God, who will never violate His own principles.

To be haughty and use the privilege of a free gift and to say it is of your own doing is error, because everything comes back to God anyhow. Even our obedience and the choices we make. Pride can hinder God in our life (especially religious pride) as God may choose to harden or soften our heart, or take grace away and hand us over to depravity. The sins of Sodom, by the way, were not homosexuality; but pride, idleness, and fullness of bread. Going after strange flesh was not a choice in the end (and nothing to do with aliens or monsters or fallen angels), but a handing over to it from the Lord.

This revelation should change our whole idea and attitude to sin and perversion, as well as both personal and collective "moral" crusades we may be instigating. It would also fill us with the fear of God. Knowing, even repentance is a gift. Simply because without it, we are lost and helpless. That is why we need to be desperate for God and walk circumspectly before Him, continually.

Obedience is nothing to do with religion or works. Religion and works are an alternative or counterfeit to obedience. Adam and Eve were disobedient. As an alternative they covered up their inadequacy with rigging fig leaves as a cover. This was the first religious act recorded in the Bible, and was still disobedience (deception actually), as they tried to disguise their disobedience. The next religious act was Cain bringing his produce to God as an offering. Trying to buy his way in other words, thinking God would be pleased with his effort. In contrast, Abel sacrificed a lamb (it cost him and meant an innocent life, with the shedding of blood) and God was pleased. Abel was not automated by God to fulfil God's need, but came as an act of his own accord with a freewill offering. That is why scripture said it was his (Abel's) offering which counted him as righteous. This is why there was an offering in the Old Testament called the free offering (or freewill offering) as already explained (and proven), as in type ... looking forward to the cross, "that speaketh better things than that of Abel".

Ex. 36:3. "And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning."

Amos 4:5. "And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord GOD."

In regards to our services to others, for the Lord's work, let's look at the next two verses:

Ezra 2:68 ... "when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place".

Ezra 7:15. "And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem".

Yes, God responds to us when we respond to Him, in humility and knowing His way is higher than mans, and without Him, we can do nothing. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Being a doer of what is written and not just a forgetful hearer, or going beyond the commandment of the Lord with our own form of service, is indeed better! As Ephesians 6:6 says "... doing the will of God from the heart".

When we don't have a choice

A cult is any religious group where a man teaches that he can overrule the Bible and impose his own teachings. It is where scripture is used to justify a cause other than God's. Many preach a watered down lovey-dovey gospel, where truth has been removed out of the equation. It is where the notion is paraded that God has given us a choice when it comes to salvation and where Jesus pleads with the sinner constantly to come to Him and make some sort of commitment to go in His direction, like we were doing the Lord a favour. This is making salvation comfortable for the sinner ("Jesus is giving me a choice now, which means I can come later when I feel I might be ready") where true biblical repentance is no longer needed in order for someone to be converted. However, repentance is a command not a choice:

Acts 17:30. "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent".

This is the gospel with truth in the equation. However, this truth is not just hard, cold facts, and clinical in application; but is coupled with compassion and feeling for the lost and dying:

2 Peter 3:9. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Many tend to forget that repentance is a gift. Saying, "I will go and enjoy the world now, and later, when I'm ready, I will come back to God." No doubt a great lie from down below. A lie which has fuelled the apostasy of our day, and keeps it rolling like a runaway steamroller.

Does all mean all?

Revisiting the word ALL again in scripture, lets look at 2 Cor. 5: 14-15 again:

"For the love of Christ constraineth us (the love of Christ constrains us, motivates us - whereas duty, guilt or obligation does not constrain us); because we thus judge (so judgement is ours in this case), that if one died for all, then were all dead (all those outside of Christ): And that he died for all (all those outside of Christ), that they which live (everyone redeemed) should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

If all in scripture was only referring to the "us-ward" (as 2 Pet. 3:9 above), then why did the elect need to repent when they already should have, which was the condition for them to become a child of God in the first place (born again into the election)? Paul constantly makes reference to all men throughout his epistles. Some argue that when Paul was saying all men he was only referring to redeemed men, and never to the unregenerated. Though this can easily be construed as true in some cases, from many of the references it can be safely said that when Paul mentioned all he was generalizing (meaning redeemed and unredeemed together), although some times narrowing it to the elect. The above passage (2 Cor. 5: 14-15) is very clear that all is applying to the whole world whereas they is applying to those in Christ, the Household of faith.

F'instance, is Paul only referring to the Household of faith here? Scripture proves he certainly was not:

2 Tim. 2:24. "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient".

If all men was only referring to the elect then Paul wouldn't have mentioned in other verses about our conduct in regards to not only those within (the redeemed) but also those without (the unregenerate lost) ... Titus 3: 1-2 & Hebrews 12:14.

Following is more indisputable proof from scripture that the gospel is to the whosoever and ALL usually does mean ALL:

1 Timothy 2:4. "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

Could this verse just be referring to the elect? No way! Before verse 4 comes, verses 1 and 2 are keeping everything in context:

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."

No doubt Paul was referring to the civil system of men outside the kingdom.

1 Thes. 5:15. "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves (the brethren), and to all men (those outside Christ)."

Try reading through the above verse again and again until you see quite clearly Paul is referring to two distinct groups of people here ... one being those who were part of the Body. And two ... those who were still in the world ... all men outside of Christ! There simply cannot be any other way to look at it unless you delectably change words or lines to fit in with your doctrine, or someone's doctrine.

1 Tim. 4:10. "For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe."

The above verse says God is the saviour of ALL men. Which means ALL, because out of the ALL, the scripture is also pointing out a segment of 'the all' to those that believe. To ... "ALL men (the whosoever)", "specially of those that believe (the remnant)."

Therefore, it is safe to conclude in the following verse that ALL means to ALL men, being reminded that Jesus was the light that shone in darkness:

Titus 2:11. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men"

From Titus 3: 1-2 we can see that Paul was referring to all men from them being in the kingdom as well as those being outside.

Then there are others who justify being indifferent when it comes to fulfilling "the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men".

"All", not meaning "all" in an individual head-count of course. What I am saying here is when scripture says "all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan" went out to meet John the Baptist, it obviously did not mean all the bedridden and insane, and all those who held positions of vital responsibility (in some cases). What scripture means with "all" here is in a blanket generalization ... in all types of people in all categories. But to (all) "them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people (Rev. 14:6)".

However, some would say the word "all" does not necessarily mean "all" in this sense either (contradicting Rev, 14:6 and other equal opposites such as Jer. 2:29, Rom. 3:23, Rom. 5:12, & 1 Cor. 8:1 ), but only purveys to those who qualify, or have been pre qualified, through pre election. If this was true, then how can the verse "let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith", be of relevance? If "all" did not mean "all", then Paul would not have added ... "especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Confirmed by other verses, should I say. F'instance:

"See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves (the brotherhood), and to all men (the world)."

Again, if this particular verse was not literally referring to "all men" would not of Paul mentioned "both among yourselves (the elect within), and to all men (without)"?

Repeating this one again:

"For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe."

Reinforcing the fact, if Paul was not meaning "all men" then again he would not have added "specially of those that believe (the elect)"!

"Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."

"Love the brotherhood", again differentiating the brotherhood (God's elect) from honouring "all men" (within and without)! Also, if honouring "all men" was only referring to those within, scripture would only be referring to honouring a regenerate king, but not an unregenerate king without. I don't think so!!! One of the qualifications of electing elders was for him to be "gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." Not just to the brotherhood within! Paul also said, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

The "some" here would be those few who would be saved. However, Paul was being all things to all men (all men) that some out of them all might come to salvation. Again, we have the "some" as those being within and the "all" being those without. Both parties cannot be the elect here, as in all the above scripture mentioned. Two distinct types of people ... the "all" being those without, and the other party mentioned ... the elect within.

Following is quite a few more examples irrefutably differentiating between those of the household of faith and ALL also including everyone outside the household of faith.

2 Cor. 3:2. "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men"

We are a living witness for Christ unto the whole world, and are not called to be a witness to the elect. What point would that be ... reaching the found and ignoring the lost?

2 Cor. 9:13. "Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men".

"Them" being the household of faith. "All" being those without also ... the lost.

Rom. 5:12. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned".

Rom. 5:18. "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life."

The above scriptures prove beyond doubt that if ALL means ALL in sin and condemnation, then ALL must mean equally ALL when it comes to who the free gift is for ALL men! As the scripture is not showing discrimination one way or the other.

Rom. 12:17. "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."

In other words, our witness to Christ is to be towards ALL men.

1 Cor. 10:33. "Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."

There is no room left for doubt here that Paul is referring to ALL as the lost also, giving as many as he can, the offer of salvation. That the free gift of God is to the 'whosoever' in other words.

The Whosoever

Exodus 32:33. "And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever (of any of ALL the children of Israel) hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book."

Right up to 2 Kings 21:12 there are about 52 "whosoevers" alone in scripture, as pure warnings against the children of Israel in general (not to a special elect of that nation, the remnant of Israel). With these "whosoever" warnings throughout the books of the Bible it can mean no other than ALL the children of Israel, as a type of the world, in the same way as 'the remnant of Israel' being a type of 'the remnant in Christ' carried over into the New Testament. Therefore, the question that needs to be asked against those who claim the "whosoever" are just a pre select few is ... "how can scripture be a warning to the detrimental effect of not obeying God, and only be limited to a few, when common sense knows clearly God was referring ALL those who disobeyed Him?" Just as in the same context, how can God be referring to a few (His chosen remnant) when a blessing is issued to those who obey? Take just these few references f'instance:

Matt. 5:19. "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Here also, "whosoever" must be meaning ALL as it is referring as a warning to anyone who disobeys, in the same sense those "whosoevers" who obey shall be rewarded. If it was just a warning to the chosen few who can't be lost or lose their salvation, then why do the chosen few have to be warned like this, repeatedly through scripture? There is heaps more similarities in scripture, in the same context:

Matt. 10:32. "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."

Opposite to ...

Matt. 10:33. "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

If scripture is referring to those "whosoevers" who deny Him before man, and go to damnation, then surely scripture must be equally referring to the "whosoevers" who confesses Him before man and receive eternal life. It is pure and simple logic as well as plain arithmetic here, that both opposites are the same "whosoevers" referred to:

Matt. 16:25. "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."

Again, the above verse cannot just be referring to the so-called pre elect for the pre elects sake. If it was referring to just the pre elect, then how can the pre elect save or lose his life? How can the pre elect be given the ultimatum of having a choice of two responses? If the pre elect are saved anyway, it would not make sense for God to have this warning and promise together in the scriptures, for the purpose of the "whosoever" (whosoever this is?) to act or respond one way or the other.

Gal. 5:10. " I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be."

There is no doubt Paul was meaning just that ... whosoever he be. And none other. Look out if a religionist of the concession (not a true believer) comes and tries and places a burden on you!

Rev. 14:11. "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

If the whosoever in the above verse is referring to the pre elect when it comes to salvation, then surely using this logic, the whosoever who are lost must only be a selection out of the world. Of course this is not the case, as the scripture means the whosoever is the whosoever:

Rev. 20:15. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

The "whosoever" here is not just a "pre select whosoever", but ALL those who were not found written in the book of life. Which means they were part of those who were lost anyway.

Rev. 22:17. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Surely this call is for the whosoever, not just a pre select whosoever, because both the Spirit (God) and the Bride (the elect) are saying "Come!" So how can, and what is the point of the pre elect calling the pre elect? It is obvious the elect, in agreement with the Spirit, are calling the whosoever, who are not the elect but the lost. It's just plain common sense! The whosoevers in 22:17 are the same categorized whosoevers in 14:11 and 20:15. Just as Matthew 10 verse 32 and verse 33 are.

Whosoever believes this ... do so please, only on the grounds of rightly dividing the word of truth!

Abusing freewill

Many men (and women) are called but few are choosing, as repentance is a gift and is not to be obtained lightly or responded to glibly. Our call to the Lord is not a facile walk:

John 6: 64 - 65. "But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."

The following statement is abuse of freewill, reiterating what we have already touched on:

"I will come to Jesus when I'm ready!!"

Oh yeah!! What if the Lord does not grant His Spirit? Then you can do nothing, and will be with them in the weeping and gnashing of teeth because they fooled with God and abused His gift, and were not desperate for His mercy and grace. Here's the scripture:

2 Tim. 2:25. "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth".

If you have got backslidden friends or relatives then you'd better snatch them out of the fire! Now, before it's too late! If they continually make excuses, then move on, shaking off the dust! Didn't Jesus say, Let the dead bury their dead? The Lord knows from the beginning. He sees the end from the beginning. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Where does the Lord choose His elect? Answer is in Isaiah 48:10:

"Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."

Many are called, but how many of them "being called" receive the word gladly, then "when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended (Mark 4:17)"?

Jesus said, "Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given."

What was the very first command given to Israel? Answer ... TO HEAR!!

Mark 12:29. "And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel (mentioned another seven times in the OT); The Lord our God is one Lord"!

Who's hearing the word of God? May be many of those who are called, but few are those who do it! This is the vast difference between the forgetful hearer and the effectual doer. He also said, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." That's why we are exhorted to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. It is frightening and sobering to know that salvation is not given lightly or thrown at us like a Santa Claus lolly scramble. Nor is it likened unto rubbing a Jeanie Lamp. Because at the end of the day ... God does give every one a chance:

"I gave her space to repent of her fornication."

Good enough for Jezebel the witch, the adulteress, the apostate and deceiver, then good enough for everyone. This is why Peter made it clear to all in Acts that they had to repent in order to be saved. They could not do it on their own merit, or initiative, or strength. It had to be a Divine encounter or nothing:

Acts 3:19. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord".

Acts 8:22. "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."

Paul went further than Peter and the apostles. God had granted him the revelation of Jesus Christ in its fullness. This was also known in the NT as 'the mystery of His will (God's will)' in that salvation is fully wrapped-up in none other than in the person and name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Being decided, in other words, on what we do or don't do with this mystery (the Lord Jesus Christ) ... "Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints"! Has God revealed this mystery to your spirit direct, or are you "saved" on the basis of what your church or minister has said?

Just the other day at work (this part being written about two years after I was well into writing this treatise) I had to correct a Christian sister who tried to make it easy for another work colleague. She said to me in front of our colleague how our colleague was baptized and had asked the Lord into her heart at one time in her life. On these premises (and on these premises alone) she had convinced herself and was trying to convince me and our colleague that she was a Christian. I said in front of them both that although these actions may have been right, at the end they meant absolutely nothing. I said Jesus said we can only be His disciple when we continue in His word. And before we can do this we need to be spiritually born again first, in the innerman that is. Our spirit has to be made new, in other words. This meant our spirit had to go through a spiritual regeneration process called being born again and made alive unto God our Maker through His Son Jesus. A spirit that was willing and obedient to be led by the Spirit of the Lord. Where at the end of the day, we could confidently say, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me"!

A hairy fairy "Jesus in my heart" is not good enough without abiding in the word daily, where we "bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." Paul put it slightly different ... "that they (both Jew and Gentile - Acts 26:20) should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." This is called abiding in Him, and He is in us (Jn. 15:4). Drawing near to God in order for God to draw near to us (to paraphrase the verse James 4:8)!

If I let this person off the hook thinking I was doing her a good turn by my vocal pleasantries, I would be denying her true salvation and would not be loving her God's way that is (who believed you could be a Christian without reading your Bible, along side using His name in vain and having a foul mouth, as well as fraternizing with the world)! According to scripture, let me repeat ... if I did not bring her the truth, the way God sees it, I would be hating her. Even not disciplining your kids or pampering their wants is hating them, according to scripture. Don't take up your argument with me ... take it to Dad! I never wrote the Book! Molly coddling is wicked! This indeed goes against the grain in today's PC age (again, please don't shoot the messenger - Proverbs 27:6) ... "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Heb. 12: 5 - 9:

"Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?"

Yes, salvation is a gift as knowing God is a privilege! However, with this gift comes commands, admonishments, instructions, disciplines, and responsibility. Who wants to be called to this? Do I see that hand!!!

Jesus in your heart

Someone once wrote to me asking me this question:

"Who was the first to coin the phrase "accept Jesus into your heart"? Do you have any historical background of its usage?"

This is the answer I gave (modified to flow better):

I don't think anyone can take credit or merit points, or demerit points for inventing this phrase. It is like anything ... some try to say the Rapture was introduced through the Jesuits to try and discredit it, etc. However, the scriptures go way back to Enoch. The origins of the pagan "One Way Jesus" sign (the finger pointing upwards with Jesus shaped as 'a fish' and 'the sign of the cross' used as an emblem) and many other things, have also become controversial. Some gave Larry Norman credit for this sign during the "Jesus Movement" in the late sixties, while I have seen a photo of a preacher using it a little earlier on in New Zealand from the "Challenge Weekly" Christian newspaper. In all truth, like "the Fish" and so-called "Star of David" sign, it goes back a lot further and have their roots in Babylonian mystery.

What I am trying to point out here is there is nothing new under the sun, and everything has been done or been used before. Getting back to "accepting (or receiving) Christ into your heart" is nothing new but is actually a scriptural principle when taken in context:

Eph. 3:17. "That Christ may dwell (be, live, liveth, abide, reside, make home, tabernacle, set up His residence) in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love"

However, the plea "accepting Jesus into your heart" has been largely misused or taken to extreme (made into a cliché in other words) over the years, going hand in hand with the great end time apostasy of our time, like many other things. Of course, by rightly dividing the word of truth we do not throw out the baby with the bath water as the error of many, but discern a "just weight" through the guidance of the Holy Ghost in compliance with the scriptures.

Now let's continue to see what the word of God says as Col. 1:27:

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory".

How do we get Christ "in us"? Answer ... He comes in when we surrender to Him. When we are born again after conversion. It is still that simple (but not easy):

Gal. 2:20. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

The Apostate Church may teach the truth that Christ is in you (in your heart). However, the truth stops there if it is taught on the pretence that it happened by you uttering a prayer with the right phraseology, in parrot fashion. Yes, it is very cosy to leave it just there and not go any further, and treat the scriptures as options and not commands (as if God was not serious about His redemptive plan or sending His Son to the cross). When the "Once saved always saved" doctrine is applied here, then nothing more is required. On the other hand, the Apostate Church will always soft peddle or omit the line "being crucified with Christ" along with the mortification of the old man (our old sinful life), because this teaching removes the cosiness, comfort, and convenience of the religious status quo. It also makes it easy to attract new converts (or poach new born lambs and old goats from other "folds") in order to add numbers to your church, making the organization into a visible, viable "success"; validating its existence.

By taking the word or the Holy Spirit into our hearts is taking Christ into our hearts. The whole difference between the two covenants is that the New is serving the Lord in newness of spirit from the engrafted word in the heart, while the Old is serving letters inscribed on stone, and leaving God on a mountain or its leader dead in the wilderness. Scripture is very clear and precise:

Gal. 4:6. "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father."

Rom. 5:5. "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

2 Cor. 1:22. "Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."

2 Cor. 4:6. "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Another teaching which is not taught today is the fact we, as the children of God, are also in each others hearts because of the love of God being shed abroad in our hearts. This would mean more of a intimate commitment to each other in the Body, as well as experiencing true communion on a daily basis, outside a ritual. Furthermore, this reality has been replaced in the Institutional Church with a deception and an unscriptural commitment and obligation of "going to church", robbing the saints from true New Testament fellowship and communion one to another as 2 Cor. 7:3:

"I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you."

Where does one see this operating and taught today? If it was, in most cases it would be a "lovely" sermon to add eloquence and colour to Sunday or routine. Which is the religious pattern and platitude of our day, is it not?

2 Cor. 3:2. "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men".

Moreover, this certainly is not leaving God back on a mountain, or leaving Him back in the building as under the Old Covenant!

Some may not have a problem with Jesus living or dwelling in our hearts but may with the term "accepting Him into our heart". I know if the emphasis on this is done in an easy and flippant way, without the aim of sanctification and holiness through being dead to the world and alive unto God, then it is in error. However, the individual being given the ability by His Maker to make choices is scriptural, along with considering God will never gatecrash into our life, violating our willingness or non willingness to yield to Him. Here is the scripture as 1 Peter 3:15.:

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts".

The Lord will never rule over our spirit intruding into our own lives and taking us over, even though He is sovereign, omnipotent, and almighty. Remember this verse?:

"And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets."

Meaning ... no one can blame God if an individual gives a bum prediction of future events, or accuse the Lord of "making them do it!"

Pr. 25:28. "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."

Meaning ... the individual cannot palm off his mistakes and wrong decisions onto others and refuse to take responsibility over his own actions! Self-control after all is a fruit of the Spirit! Or should I be more scripturally accurate in my use of words by choosing the word temperance instead (Gal. 5:23, 2 Pet. 1:6)? Ps. 119:109 sums it up well:

"My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law"

Meaning ... the Psalmist calls his own shots when it comes down to individual responsibility, where he chooses to be in conformity to the safety and surety of God's word!

Ex. 35:29. "The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses"

Meaning ... it is the will of the Lord for His people to use and exercise their own wills toward Him, that their will would be corresponding to His will ... "nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." Moreover ... did not Paul say that God loves a cheerful giver?

1 Chr. 29:9. "Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy."

Meaning ... the children of God did not come to God begrudgingly through obligation, guilt, compulsion or duty. But willingly and joyfully! That ... "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity".

Job 34:4. "Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good."

Meaning, going back to the very beginning people were exercising their God given and entrusted right, to exercise there own judgement either to their good or to their detriment.

The principle of Christ dwelling in our hearts is proportionally dependant on what we do with Christ (Matt. 27:22). If we reject Him, will He reject us. If we receive (embrace) Him, will He receive (embrace) us. If we draw near to Him, will He draw near to us. If we abide (live, dwell) in Him, will He likewise abide (live, dwell) in us (Hosea 4:6; Matt. 10:33, 40; John 15:4; 2 Tim. 2:12; James 4:8). It is how we respond to Him in heart (not outwardly) that determines how He chooses to respond to us, and set up His home in our lives:

Rev. 21:3 ... "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

Again, this is definitely not leaving God back on a mountain or behind in a building, till the next scheduled time on a chosen date.

1 Cor. 6:19. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"

The important thing is that Christ does now live in us (in our hearts) as we are sealed by Him, where we no longer own ourselves but are owned by our Maker, as we also live unto Him. For we have chosen, by a willing heart He has granted us, to relinquish self-ownership and selfwill (a scriptural term) of ourselves to the Lordship of Christ. Being now His servants, serving a gracious and loving King. Therefore, our earnest prayer should be that God gives us His Spirit (Ps. 51:11) to respond to Him in the way He desires. Repeating again ... for without Him, we can do nothing. For we are "the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."

Yes ... Christ in you, the hope of glory!

Who chooses who?

Here's another question which can be taken to extremes both ways. Who chooses who? Does God choose us or do we choose Him?

Answer: Both are correct when explained in the right sense. The young Shulamite lady (a type of the Bride of Christ) said this in regards to Her beloved King Solomon (Her bridegroom - a type of Christ - Song of Sol. 2:16):

"My beloved is mine, and I am his".

What an adorable statement! The beautiful, divine union of betrothment or marriage, that no man can put asunder!

Furthermore, notice how her first statement was "My beloved is mine, and I am his", being centred around her. As a young Christian this is how we perceive our walk. It is a little more centred on self than what we are aware of. Then, after awhile, a deeper union of intimacy and brokenness turns the table. In other words; when we mature and the Lord takes more the pre-eminence in our lives, the acknowledgement shifts paradigm as Song of Sol. 6:3:

"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine".

See hoe the Lord is now first in this instance. This changes yet again in Song of Solomon 7:10:

"I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me."

Meaning, we can say, "I am the apple of my beloved's eye because His desire is towards me first."

Here we must remember that as Bible believers we do know what comes first when it comes to the hen and the chicken. The chicken of course, according to Genesis 1:20! God made the creature before He established procreation or eggs. The same with our relationship with the Father. The father begets the child and the child responds as a natural process out of the love, care, and warmth from the caring father.

My wife and I were never maternal believe it or not. I never really wanted children (I know this sounds unusual - but it's true) and I was not looking forward to it. During the time of my wife's pregnancy with our first child, I had to make a choice. If I was going to be a father (which was unavoidable really) then I was going to be a father lock, stock and barrel, and place my whole heart and life into it. Therefore, after asking the Lord for a change of heart I had to apply this new condition to experience the reality of it. Once my first child arrived I never wanted to stop being a parent (that goes for both of us). This means ... the father comes first. Then it is a natural process for the child to respond, where the child soon discovers it has freewill when it comes to choosing obedience. Our walk with God as our Dad is the same.

In a marriage situation it takes two to become one under mutual consent. I have heard it said that in Biblical times all marriages were arranged. I do not accept this as a Christian principle from scripture although maybe Joseph and Mary's marriage (as some others) could have been arranged and the Lord took care of the details afterwards? We do not know. However, what we do know from New Testament scripture is that an espoused partner can have a choice (or say) to what partner they will live with for the rest of their lives on earth. Take a look at 1 Cor. 7:36 f'instance:

"But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry."

The same goes for a virgin's father, who, if he happens to love and adore his daughter, will respect and honour her wishes. Especially in a situation when the Lord has got a hold of him and placed them in His Body as His humble servant.

Marriage was ordained in heaven. Marriage is God's will for life down here. It takes two to make it work. If one chooses to leave for a season (if you believe in choice that is) then after they have spent time away seeking the Lord, they must be reconciled. If the spouse refuses to come back then how can there be a marriage in the Biblical sense? If the spouse leaves for other reasons outside the word of God, then they are in rebellion anyway. If they go off with someone else then they have committed fornication (adultery in this case). No apologies ... death is the only means for a marriage on earth to be annulled in the will of the Lord:

" ... but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will (you mean the woman has a choice too?); only in the Lord."

To "whom she will" ... written proof backing up my previous statement about choice above arrangement in a Christian marriage. Again, here is limited choices we can make in the Lord by our own will. Confirming a spouse can choose his or her spouse, only within the confines of his spouse being a believer like himself, with the parents blessing, to avoid being unequally yoked. Proving the spouse has power over his own will.

1 Cor. 7:37. "Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well."

Yes, marriage is a choice (or should be) whether spiritually or physically. Or whether a person wants to marry or remain single. Because we love Him (the Lord that is) because He first loved us (the key - 1 John 4:19), this also means we choose Him because He first chose us (the key again). Very profound. However, simple nevertheless!

There is so much freedom in our walk with the Lord. F'instance, all the good qualities the West has had to offer the world over the last few centuries (which could narrow down to the Anglicized/Americanized sphere of influence), like freedom of speech and choice of whom to marry, can be put down to basing so many of it's principles on the Bible, including the New Testament, and the very reason it has been blessed with so much. Chiefly, because God fearing men were the salt agent in society. This all happened through the invention of the printing press and the written word of God becoming readily available to the world (uncensored, unbound and no longer banned) in what was to become the universal language of the end time. The trouble is, unregenerate man (as well as apostatized man) is not wise enough (void of being invested with godly wisdom) to see this and give his Maker (who he does not really know) the full credit.

However, divine revelation is not intended for the world but for the saints, as the Bridegroom's concern is for His Bride. If restriction is placed on the individual saint, it is usually not satanic in nature, but directly or indirectly from the Lord, because He chooses to keep us from abusing our new found freedom, and chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If He did not then we would be as bastards and not as sons. Or end up doing His will in the flesh. This is the freedom of being in the Lord coupled with the restrictions He chooses to place over His beloved children, working together. The goodness and severity of God acting in perfect unison in other words. The very reason we have chosen Him because He first chose us. And the reason we can say scripturally as the Bride of Christ ...

I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine!

Looking to yourself?

2 John 1:8. "Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward."

As everyone is now fully aware (or should be fully aware by the contents in this treatise), and as the end time apostasy intensifies, in order to deceive the very elect, let alone those who have settled down in fallen Christendom; I now make my position clear in regards to the election, grace, works, and keeping your spiritual sanity on a daily basis. Trusting I am being biblically balanced all the way, at least most of the way, as much as within myself I can, through the grace of God.

Firstly, as in all things, the elect are exhorted to study to shew themselves approved unto God! Unto God is the key! Not unto man or a system or a church. In other words, the elect do not go around looking for and finding the right doctrine or church to please themselves, nor to be approved by others, or their "Pastor", or their "Minister" or their "Priest". 'Approved unto God' is the divine mandate! This is where study, research, and being well versed in the scriptures, and calling on the Lord daily, is a normal part of our pilgrimage. Not just for collecting information or even knowledge (which puffeth up), but for revelation, guidance and wisdom, through experience. It is the religious hierarchies nightmare. It may mean their job is in serious jeopardy or may become redundant overnight. Moreover, it may mean you have to give up your popularity or prestige and suffer opposition. Even persecution.

As "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Again, this is nothing to do with being 'ashamed' unto man. However, we should be ashamed before God if we do not remain faithful to His call. An apostle called Paul once declared, and was prepared to put it in writing, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation".

Remember, the gospel is foolishness unto them that perish. Which means mere carnal man will be looking upon the bearer of glad tidings and those who adhere to such simplicity which is in Christ, as mere foolishness. Or at best, irrelevant!

Being studious, inwardly hungering, and constantly seeking, to be approved unto God means ... to be conformed to His ways, and to please Him first, before our family, our job, our friends, and our ambitions and desires. Learning to please Him first and know what is acceptable unto Him, comes before going after the "apostates" and "heretics" of our time. Or those who are of a different "theological" camp.

The remnant are to rightly divide the word of truth to make sure they are in the way (and outside error) before going out and exposing error. Far too many are on personal crusades, or justifying their institutions existence, or defending their patch outside the kingdom; by abusing scripture and twisting passages, or verses, instead of looking for the Lord's balance and just weight through rightly dividing the word of truth. Scripture speaks about being watchful, being alert at all times, strengthening the things which remain, and working out OUR OWN salvation with fear and trembling. Too many are using "scripture" to correct error in others, rather than allowing scripture to correct error in themselves. As the verse that has been quoted so many times ... "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

Here is something very personal between you and God (Ps. 119 verse 9) ... "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." Or (verse 11) ... "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

Before we act we should first measure and balance scripture against scripture in all things, and allow the cutting edge of the sword of the Spirit (the word of God) to discern the thoughts and intents of our own heart; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Why carry the burden all the time of worrying about someone else's salvation when there is so much about our own personal salvation at stake, and takes a lifetime to sort out?

A just weight and balance are the LORD'S

Proverbs 20:23 says, "Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good."

Please notice scripture does not say an untrue balance, or an imbalance is an abomination unto the LORD, but divers (a choice of many) weights. This is things not summed up in comparison to other truths (truth in the plural), like a verse or statement taken out of context and been found wanting because it did not line up with another verse or verses in scripture. Not only does scripture say a false (misrepresented) balance is not good, but it is an abomination to the LORD:

Proverbs 11:1. "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight."

A just weight being a statement or a truth kept in it's correct context or balanced by another truth or statement, keeping everything in the right perspective. The way God sees it in other words!

F'instance, I have no problem with the doctrine of "eternal security" when it is presented in context. This supports that nothing (and that means absolutely nothing) can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. Meaning, if we are in Him, then nothing can remove Him, or remove us from Him. However, as you already know, I do have a huge problem with the "once save always saved" (OSAS) doctrine. This is where someone is told they are saved because they used the correct prayer in parrot fashion (termed "the Sinners Prayer") just to receive the outward benefits of Christianity. Whereas their desire was to do their own thing and use 'the grace of God doctrine' to their own advantage. Being reformed, or turning over a new leaf, or having a "spiritual" experience has got nothing to do with being born again. Anyone can redefine or reinvent themselves (even in the name of Jesus). In fact, this is not only the trend today, but the norm.

There are many people in our town who use to attend an evangelical church when they were young and when that particular church was supposed to be "on fire" "for God". Many of these churches have had their day of popularity and "full attendance", as they just happened to have captured the mood of the youth of their era, by introducing the effectiveness of hip youth clubs and coffee hang-outs, etc. Then the trend moves on, and the new youth of "today" are going elsewhere, like always. To the place that is alive and vibrant, with much catering made to pamper their needs and wants. Where many have made shipwreck of their faith or were not even saved in the first place. Many party, rebel, get drunk, fornicate, and believe they are saved because they were taught, after they apparently came to the Lord, they would always be saved, no matter what they did, or how far they backslid, using the verse "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Heb. 13:5)," for their own sake and not Jesus sake. Omitting of course the behavioural bit at the beginning of verse 5, about covetousness in contrast to being content with what you already have, along with the previous verse, "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." Let's keep it all in context, and not just take a slice of the cake that has a cherry on top.

Departing from the faith

Yes, it is true ... the Lord has promised to "never leave thee, nor forsake thee". However, haven't we been taught that all the promises of God come with conditions? Has He not also promised in 2 Chronicles 15:2?:

"The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you."

Oh, but we don't really want to read stuff like this, do we? Wouldn't we rather throw it aside, brushing it off as an act of the Old Testament "God", with no relevance to the New?   As if Jesus and Jehovah were irreconcilable and two separate gods. One for the Jew BC, and the other for the Christian AD. Which is plain crazy thinking anyway, as God changeth not!

Some others would say it is because these other lukewarmers were never really saved in the first place. This being maybe so! However, what is true is that OSAS was always part and parcel of the watered down message they received, to make it easy for these folk to get involved with church ('swelling the numbers' game) through their youth groups and programmes, by making an easy 'commitment' to Jesus. Not to forget about the verse in Revelation of God spewing the lukewarm believer out of His mouth. When scripture is undeniably clear that we can walk away from grace or the faith, if we determine ourselves to (Heb. 2: 1-3):

"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip (what we have learnt through revelation). For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect (take for granted, abuse, turn-off) so great salvation".

This means the elect can let eternal things slip and that the gift of salvation can be neglected to their spiritual detriment. If you disagree then how can you get past the above verse without omitting it or changing it? Also, doesn't the word neglect sound like the chosen individual can become slack, irresponsible, and down right untrustworthy towards His Maker and His call? The very reason a certain nobleman (figurative of Jesus) said, "Occupy till I come."

Here's an even scarier passage of scripture found in Hebrews 6: 4-6:

"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened (notice, they were once enlightened - saw the kingdom through rebirth), and have tasted of the heavenly gift (notice they have tasted of the heavenly gift - salvation), and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost (were walking in the Spirit and experiencing its transformation power and anointing from on high), And have tasted the good word of God (knew God's revelation knowledge), and the powers of the world to come (seen the future through prophetic scripture), If they shall fall away (away from the faith), to renew them again (bring them back) unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh (declaring Jesus' once and only sacrifice on the cross wasn't enough), and put him to an open shame (that's our precious Saviour - aimed at those who were once enlightened!)."

1 Tim. 5:12. "Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith."

Meaning ... they (not God) cast off what they came to at first (revealing they were lost before finding the faith). I don't think anything could be spelt out any clearer, do you? Colossians 1:23 lays down a condition:

"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel (meaning, we can move away - isn't this the same as backslide?) "

In the same context as when Jesus said:

"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed"

Revealing ... we can cast off, move away from, back slide from, by refusing to continue in! Therefore, "continuing in" makes you a disciple of Jesus, whereas backing away makes you a backslider!

Here's another one which would be impossible for anyone to get their head around unless they changed key words in certain verses to change the meaning to fit another gospel:

"From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm."

Does not "turned aside" mean to turn away from something? You can either go up or go down according to the Lord, depending on what road you choose to travel. If you veer to the left or to the right without correction, within time you will veer off to such an extent that you will be going the other way. Does not scripture call a person who does this a backslider? Someone who was going forward who is now going back or "moved away".

According to 1 Timothy 4:1 and 6:10 a saved person can 'depart from the faith' or 'err from the faith'. I am not making this stuff up. Please check the passages. Just as a spouse has no control over their mate when they are determined to go their own way and do their own thing, and even run off with someone else. How can the Lord have control over an individual if they chose to go their own way, after their own inklings and desires, and turn-off being mindful of their Maker and Saviour and His plan?

Just recapping again on salvation being a guaranteed gift conditional on abiding in Him (continuing in the word and in the faith):

2 Pet. 2:15. "Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness".

Verse 20 - 22: "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire."

It is not only enough to take heed unto the doctrine. We need to also take heed unto ourselves, because at the end on the day it is ourselves who are held accountable and nobody else. Therefore, the two must be working together in total agreement and unison. This way we find deliverance and become an example and light unto others for Christ:

1 Tim. 4:16. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."

Earning by works or showing by works

Who is a true disciple of Jesus? Those that abide in the vine! Don't look back! Who are a doer of the word (many like to be tickled by it!!)! Doer of the work (work?? ... must be a translation error or something!!!) Doer of the law (law?? ... I thought we weren't under the law!!!) Who continueth therein (sounds like striving to me!!)!

James 1:25. "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."

So it is not a matter of works (keeping the Old Testament ordinances) or striving in the flesh (lest any man should boast), but a matter of (instant) obedience to the word of God, in fear and trembling.

In order to walk this straight line, without veering to the left or the right, one has to also come to terms with the two extremes of "pre selection elitists" verses the 'doctrine of choice'. To me, if the word of God is not rightly divided and balanced in context, like someone doing good works to keep their salvation, or prove they are earning it, then it is a false balance. For how can one earn a free gift? Salvation is a free gift! However, good works are scriptural. Because what good works do is express our salvation contrary to earning it:

Matt... 5:16. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Therefore, good works in the Lord cannot be frowned upon or despised. Although, doing good works to impress the Lord or others is an abomination, as is being forced or bullied into it by emotional blackmail or religious heavy handiness. God does indeed look at the heart. Think about what happened to Cain and King Saul? They thought sacrifice was more important than obedience. It is no use coming before the Lord in worship and acts of "adoration" if our hearts are contrary to His commands and way. It is one thing saying we love the Lord but do not do as He says, because this is a contradiction and an emotional lie. If we don't do what He says then we are hating Him, if you believe in the scriptures. It is no use coming before Him through compulsion and obligation either. As God loves a cheerful giver, we must come before Him with a free heart:

2 Chr. 29:31 ... "And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings."

Reiterating as we said before, as it works both ways ... Romans 5:18. "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life."

Again, ALL means ALL here of course, because it is associating judgement and justification to ALL in the same context. End of story!

We are to work out our own salvation and occupy till He comes. Because, as we work the works of Him that sent us, God the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, happens to work with us (Isaiah 41:10,13 -14; 44:2; 50:7 - 9) performing the good pleasure of His will.

Receiving the gift (the second birth)

A gift means you have a choice. If there was no choice then how could it be called a gift? A gift means there must be a giver as well as a recipient. If I placed something on you without your approval, acceptance, response, or acknowledgement, then it probably would not be a gift but a burden ... or it may be a bribe or a payoff! Or how about a down payment for a favour?

Let's get a glimpse of four biblical gifts (in the plural and in the right following order) the Charismatics somehow avoided teaching back in the 70s and 80s (they kept only emphasizing the nine "power" gifts for some reason):

The gift of grace
The gift of repentance
The gift of righteousness (of faith)
The gift of a love for the truth

It is the gift of grace (the goodness of God) that leadeth thee to repentance, whereas repentance is also a gift. Meaning, because our righteousness is as filthy rags we desperately need the righteousness of God's dear Son in order to stand blameless before a Holy God (God's free gift to those caught by the offence of Adam - Rom. 4: 16-17) which is nothing to do with waving a magician's wand or conjuring up wishful thinking in our mind. Nor is it scrambling for a treat at a lolly (candy) scramble. Salvation is simply not haphazard, facile or cheap. To obtain it we need the gift of grace and of repentance, which only God can give. Moreover we know it is His will for Him to grant it, according to scripture, for those who are humble enough to keep seeking, asking and knocking. Therefore, in order for someone to come to repentance, and continue in it, we need to receive a love for the truth. Because it is only through receiving a love for the truth can we avoid being handed over to delusion by God Himself, by our responding to the truth.

Yes, that's right! Nobody ever taught you this at Sunday School or First Principles Class did they? Nor caught up in Charismania, where regeneration was somehow not important. However, if you are hearing now, maybe it could be the Lord speaking? If it is a gift then just as easy as you reject it, God could very well hand you over to delusion for rejecting and hating His truth. No, this is not scare tactics or manipulation but just stating plain facts. It is up to you whether you bring it before the Lord or not, get His mind on it, and embrace it with your life, or go and get your ears tickled somewhere else. If you believe in choice that is!

Gifts that are given must be received by a recipient. Those recipients are they who are responding to and receiving His grace. That we would be, or not be, as Paul saying ... "no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only."

1 Peter 4:10. "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Yes, there is a principle in scripture of giving and receiving. God does not gatecrash into our lives and force something onto us. He does not intervene and take us over without us permitting it. Meaning ... the Holy Ghost does not possess us involuntarily (in fact ... we can never be possessed by God in this sense), but fills us when we are yielding to Him. Imagine a loving bridegroom taking over and doing all the thinking for His bride to be? The enemy (the Devil) would gatecrash, storm and takeover if he could. But this way would be too obvious in most cases. That is why he has to beguile and deceive, and trick people into yielding territory in their lives over to him, and be enslaved. Yes, this is also scriptural:

Rom. 6:16. "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey".

Have you given this scripture much consideration 1 Cor. 14:32?:

"And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets."

In other words, when a believer wants to speak according to the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost does not run your vocal chords/faculties for you. You are in control. You are not forced into being an automotive of God's Spirit. After all ... temperance is a fruit of the Holy Ghost:

Pr. 29:11. "A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards."

Please, once again, don't shoot the messenger.   Best to remain calm until you have got it from God!

The disciples initiative

The onus is on the disciple. He is in charge of his own mind by making it subject to his spirit (or to the Spirit through his own spirit), as the Holy Ghost operates through our spirit, and not our mind, or our will or emotions. These things must be in subjection to our spirit in order for us to have control under the Lord. Satan will by pass our spirit and attack or infiltrate the mind or our emotions, to throw us of living out of our spirit and being yielded to God.

Pr. 25:28 says:

"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."

Our Maker and Redeemer never wants us to be passive in mind nor given over to vacuity. We resist the enemy! God will never do this for us! He would have us to be constantly exercising our mental faculties and staying sharp and disciplined in Him, without giving the enemy any occasion. Remember, what I said earlier about a reborn spirit which would yield and follow the guidance of the Spirit of God? God wants us to have sovereignty over our own spirit. God will not take over and run us. This is how we can discern between a wrong (evil) spirit and the Spirit of God. What is running who? Who is driving who? God does not drive in the propulsion sense but leads, aids, and helps.

When we speak the truth in love, according to His word, God grants the preacher divine unction, strength, boldness and zeal. This is called being filled with the Spirit and is the opposite to having a spirit of compulsion or domination. You can tell a spooky eccentric person from a level headed, collective man of God; and normality, from a wide-eyed religious freak, acting by constraint. The things of God are normal, sweet, and level headed. The spirit of a sound mind. Remember the EEC (nothing to do with Europe by the way)?   ... to edification, and exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3)! The spirit of how New Testament prophetic utterance should always be conveyed in.

I will not use the word 'supernatural' when it comes to help from God but 'divine'. God is not supernatural, but above the supernatural. He is simply Divine. The Devil and his hoards operate in the supernatural realm (the mid-heaven). Which is parallel and in conjunction with the soul (mind, will and emotions). If the Devil can enter the flesh to gratify or inflict, or more cunningly ... if the Devil can enter the mind and gain a foothold, then he can isolate a person's soul from the spirit and control his will. Then no longer is the believer operating from or in control from his spirit, but his mind is doing the dictating, influenced from without (until the enemy can have a foothold from within). Hence, the believer is no longer operating as a spiritual man from the inner man, but the carnal mind has taken over again.

The Trojan Horse comes from without in order for the enemy to infiltrate within and isolate the spirit, the willing spiritual faculty which responds to God. The soul is the realm of religiosity, and if the soul is in control, the spirit is dormant and is as good as dead. Hence, the over indulgence in churches with music, so-called "praise and worship", and all the antics of "having" a church service, with someone cracking the whip from upfront, or mesmerizing their captured audience, which is more of a programme or a performance ... pampering to the needs of the flesh than feeding a defunct spirit. The question that then needs to be asked ... who is really presenced himself in the (so-called) sanctuary acting as God? Behind the stained glass, piped music, and veiled curtain (this could be metaphorically speaking today of the fallen living sanctuary in Ezk. 28: 1-17) who is really calling the shots, using priestcraft as a cover?   Is it truly God or is it an image of God, set up to be worshipped? That is nothing short of disguised idolatry.

Adam's spirit died unto the Lord by sin (became disconnected from in other words) and he became a religious creature. He made a Clayton's cover for himself (a fig rig) to hide his shame and be right in his own eyes pretending it to be in God's eyes. This was the first religious act recorded in the Bible. Jesus came as our second Adam and he breathed on His called-out disciples, and saith unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost". In this act the disciples became spiritually alive again (born again) just as Adam was first born when the Lord breathed on him. That is why it is imperative that we get the second birth to enter the kingdom.

Religion has always tried to cloth its adherents with masks or religious cover, which has only a fading glory. Remember Moses coming down off the mountain and masking his face so the people would not see a fading glory (something outward and temporal, represented by the Old Covenant)? However, the remnant are clothed in Christ's righteousness and walk in His ways, instead of being railroaded into sacrifice and obligation through ordered ceremony or "controlled" pandemonium. Who wear no veils or mask their faces to hide something temporal ("But we all, with open face"), because God is not left back on a mountain, but is within us eternally, as we abide in Him.

Predestination

Why is the doctrine of 'Predestination' being pushed so much at present, even to the extent of being majored on above other doctrines in many cases, causing all sorts of havoc and division within the Body? Please show me where Predestination Only is being taught by preachers without reference to "famous" "heroes" and advocates being used as evidence to its supposed scriptural validity as in the context of 'pre elitism through Divine pre selection'? In other words, why the absence of using just pure scripture to back scripture, placing this recycled movement on a par with other man-made teachings at present, adding to the confusion Christendom already portrays? Instead of relying on the likes of the "credibility" of the Reformers and other historic preachers, whose writings have been re-translated over and over again, distorted and taken out of context in many instances, with the questionable side of their character removed from sermons and quotations? Even Christian books from the turn of the 20th Century have been edited and changed to the point it is hard to sort out the authentic from the falsified. Meaning, the only true reliable account we can get our hands on today is, as always, the Holy Bible. In the end, why not believe God who said not "one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass", above the wisest and cleverest statements ever made by mere flesh and blood? Very elementary really!

The above questions are not so puzzling when you consider the age old heresy of religionists insinuating anyone found outside their clique as lost, whereas inside their group one would be guaranteed "the exclusive rights" of salvation and heaven to come. A convenient way for man to stamp his own marker-points on salvation and eternity, no matter how biblically packaged he tries to sell it; so he gets the final control over revelation and holds the keys to the kingdom in the end.

This following passage rules out sectarianism, denominationalism, cliques and "spiritual clubs" of any sort, entirely:

John 9: 38 - 42. "Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. "For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea."

The amazing thing is God had His purpose and plan all sown-up before Creation . For ALL His Creation that is, and not just a selective, pre-worked-out special few. Scripture is clear that God does not choose an individual before Creation (show me just one verse where He does?) but "in the furnace of affliction (Is. 48:10)", after the calling (post Creation) ... "For many are called, but few are chosen."

My question again ... show me just one verse where He does call us individually as separate pre made and pre determined persons? I know He has chosen us, His elect, even as an individual, because He had a plan for a second creation after the first one fell. This is those who receive the only begotten Son of the Father (John 1:12 - "But as many as received him") and are given rights to become sons of God because this inheritance was foreordained (predestined) according to Ephesians 1:11. Which means God had an election of people in mind for those who would come to that place later in receiving His Son, and this eternal inheritance as sons of the living God. Here's how I have answered the response to this question from other readers (as a generalization and changing the name to avoid public identity):

Eph 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".

2 Tim 1:9. "Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began".

Regards,

Bill.

Remember Brother, 'us' is plural where as 'me' or 'I' is singular. Although I could say that I was predestined for salvation before Creation as a part of God's collective plan for every sinner. Most miss out of course because they would not call out in His name, for salvation. We can say we have made it thus far, and are secure in Him, due to the Lord giving His Holy Ghost to us, to lead us into all truth and aid our walk, and grant us the power to be His witnesses. It is more comforting and easy to believe though, that God chose us and pre determined us (as foreseen individuals - by name and fingerprint and character) while on the blueprint before Creation, than later in the fires of trial and tribulation. This way it does not really matter what we do, how we respond, behave, or turn out (although we may state token displeasure's are expedient in our walk) as we have always been chosen and pre determined pre-birth let alone second birth, so other things in our lives (whether good or bad) are only consequential, not conditional. What a convenient and easy doctrine to embrace eh!? One could almost call it escapism and sell it to anyone for free, if it was not toooo goood to believe!!! Even sinners would line up for it if they could only bring themselves to believe that they could deceive themselves into being a part of the pre-selective chosen few. However, I know this statement is hypothetical, as sinners are not chosen to see anyway, unless they are born again. Which they can't be, as they are not the pre selective elite according to some, whereas the Bible says:

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name".

Does this not go for any individual - that space is given to ALL to repent, even a witch, a false prophetess, or a Jezebel (Rev. 2:21)?

Here's a letter Bill, I just sent to a brother which I will adapt as a response to yours:

Thanks for sending the three appropriate verses to this subject, and the ones the POs use to their apparent advantage to win their case in apparently God singling out individuals above the rest of doomed creation, before it had any chance to manifest itself with fallen man being given a chance to repent, or find God's mercy which endureth forever. Now let's examine closely:

<< Scripture is clear that God does not choose an individual before Creation (show me just one verse where He does?) >>

1 Pet. 1:1-2. "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Let's dissect it a little and look at some points in more detail ... "to the strangers (plural) scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect (the strangers in Christ - plural) according to the foreknowledge of God the Father"!

Yes, God has an elect who were worked out pre-creation due to God knowing in His foreknowledge (as His manifold wisdom) that there would be a fall and that He would have to make provision for a reconciliation for those ALL who rebelled that some may choose His plan of election and take hold of His grace. Meaning, if we choose Him "this day whom we would serve" (the day of salvation - because Christ tasted death for ever man and came to save a sinner not a "chosen" individual or "chosen" few) then those who would call out in the name of His Son would be saved and added to this inheritance of the saints - also called His election, His chosen, His elect, His predestined. This is post cross and post Adam by the way!

Eph 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".

Some more points in detail to look at ... "chosen us (plural) in him (which includes His redemptive plan) before the foundation of the world (He had a people in mind - Plan B ... a new creation. Who were they going to be? Those who would "call upon the name of the Lord and be saved" - Acts 2:21 & Rom. 10:13).
Rom. 5:10. "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."

Meaning, He has chosen us, His called out, before the beginning (which includes anyone who has or will find space to repent) to fit into His election plan. This does not mean though that Bill or Tom are purposely and singularly singled out and saved or chosen on God's blueprint before His Creation, irrespective of the way we chose or how we did or did not respond towards His loving kindness and mercy in our latter fallen state ... "when we were (His) enemies"!

2Th 2:13. "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

Again, looking at points in more detail ... "chosen you" means those brought into His pre planned election. A generalization .. . you being them or those in the plural ... you ALL! Not you as Tom or you as Bill, but you (all) as the church in such and such a place. This is why Paul could feel safe and accurate in referring this to his Brethren in Christ (in the plural sense) as 'you' (them - the redeemed)! This does not give licence however, to individualize this as it is a blanket reference to the saints because they all heeded the call at some point of time in their lives (after the fall and not before), and were or are faithful to this call, bringing them all together as one collective company who he addressed directly as reference to "you':

Again, with more detail ... "you, brethren (plural) beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you (brethren - plural)"

Reiterating again ... that Christ came to save sinners (desperate individuals who respond to the call) not the elect. If the elect meant that only certain individuals were chosen at the beginning and not an accompany of believers who would be in His predestined purpose later, then it would not make sense (even be a contradiction) to say that Christ came to save sinners (those in disobedience, the world's lost, His enemies) let alone to say that Jesus tasted death for every man, and not just a pre-selected individual few. It would also be illogical, a lost cause, with no purpose, to preach the gospel to every creature and call sinners (meaning all the world) to repentance. The gospel would also be ruled out to the whosoever where the whosoever is prevalent right though the whole New Testament:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever (any individual sinner - not a pre selected individual) believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Now let's examine more scriptures comparing the odd rotten apple with figs:

Eph. 2:10. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Eph. 3:9. "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ".

Col. 1:16. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him".

Rev. 4:11. "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

This would also include reprobates by the way! Even though it grieved God, and "it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth (Gen. 6:6)," God obviously knew (in His manifold wisdom) that man would fall and that some in the end (if not many) would not repent. Moreover, some others would err and fall away from the faith, the likes of what scripture calls a reprobate.

However, the meaning of reprobate has been misconstrued in the advent of 'Predestination Only' teaching. Because, a reprobate is someone who has deviated (been corrupted) away from the truth (post conversion) and is not someone who has not kept the truth from day one, or before day one. Meaning ... a reprobate once had the truth, had tasted of the heavenly gift, and been of the faith, until he veered off the plain path:

Titus 1:16. "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate (corrupted, haven become enemies of the cross)."

2 Tim. 3:8 - 9. "Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further (their sojourning has come to an end prematurely)".

We can see from the above verse that some point in their walk these spiritual deviants had become corrupted where they could proceed no further in the path of the just. In fact, God is so infuriated that He even takes them further away from the truth and hands them over:

Rom. 1:28. "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind (corrupted mind), to do those things which are not convenient".

Here, the above verse clearly shows at a point in time God was in the minds of a reprobate but they did not retain Him in their minds, so Satan was allowed to snatch the seed away as God handed them over (by withdrawing His favour). This meant once they were not reprobate, until they were given over to a reprobate mind.

Why is a reprobate called a reprobate in scripture? Simply because Romans 1:28 says:

"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient".

You see (as already touched on in this series) God will hand men over to degradation and deception for a reason which many evangelicals and fundamentalists tend to refuse to accept, while the same degenerate process is taking over their own thinking and lives. God simply does not hand folk over just for the sake of doing it like He was a despot, or some callous, sadistic, being (like many Predestination Onlyists unintentionally portray Him as, or would have the rest of us to believe - given the benefit of the doubt). Here is the reason:

"Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

Notice how the judgement is even more severe for those who were His, aka ... who knew His judgement? Who then go out and commit acts contrary to Him, His very nature and statutes, which is worthy of death according to scripture. God says, "Here; if this is the sin you want and are so hell-bent on having, then have it all ... lock, stock, and barrel!" This is after all, is the reason for the word 'apostasy' (as well as its meaning - a total desertion of or departure from the faith) and why there is a falling away (from the faith) as the antichrist spirit becomes more evident in these days.

2 Pet. 2:20. "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world (haven been saved) through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome (gone back - backslidden - into bondage), the latter end (their backslidden state) is worse with them than the beginning (before they came to Christ)."

How frightening; and couldn't be any clearer, could it? No wonder this side of the New Testament is omitted conveniently by Christendom (including fundamentalists and evangelicals). No wonder there is no fear of God in their midst and now everything is believable when we hear of the ungodly and disgraceful antics they get up to (from so-called "Holy Ghost" drunken bedlam, to "sacred" licence and gamesmanship, to dumbing down the Bible into an entertaining commodity), believing God somehow ignores it all, and will never ever address it, or will even ordain it. In addition ... believing it is impossible to backslide and be worse off, contrary to scripture. What will He find when He tests the Church with fire? The next two verses follow up from this:

"Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things."

Also, so much for the doctrine of OSAS (once saved always saved) as James 5:19 clearly shows that the converted can be converted again (not re-born again, however) by changing their mind from erring from the truth and ending up as a reprobate:

"Brethren, if any of you (that's brothers in Christ) do err from the truth (meaning, a brother in Christ can err), and one convert him (change his mind again, back to the truth); Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."

Actually (getting back to the subject) the word "predestination" or "predestined" are not mentioned in scripture. Go on ... check it out yourself? However, the word predestinated or the word predestinate are. Although they are only mentioned twice each throughout the whole Bible, whereas the word peradventure (meaning "if possible") is mentioned dozens and dozens of time. Yes, something more to think about and something more we will look at, as we come to the end of this series.

As the elect (those born again into His predestinated will) we have been, 1 ... predestinated for adoption into Abraham's family obtaining his promised inheritance (Eph. 1:5). Fantastic! And 2 ... we have been predestinated to be conformed to Jesus and to be justified and glorified in Him (Rom. 8:29). What more could one wish for!

I do not have a problem with this at all. Predestination is scriptural when it is to do with what ALL people are divinely predestined to in Him. Bearing in mind Hebrews 2:9 also says (which goes beyond the Creation to the new creation) ... Jesus tasted death for every man! "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Tim. 1:15)! It does not say He died to save the chosen, does it? Sinners! Repeating again, to "taste death for every man." The "just for the unjust" (1 Peter 3:18)! Not the just for the pre selected few!

Unfortunately, the majority miss out (even the many called, as pointed out), because they reject God's free gift of life eternal and are cast away into outer darkness, which also includes reprobates ... those who have fallen away from the faith and will never find space to repent. This is why Paul tells us to be on guard and to examine ourselves, to make sure we are still in the faith, "and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel":

2 Cor. 13:5. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"

Notice again it does not say, "except ye be infidels?" But whether ye be reprobates (a big difference)! And, "whether ye be in the faith"!

The faith

What is "the faith" which the New Testament continually makes a big reference to? I have heard so many sermons on faith, and read much material about faith, until it has been pouring out of my ears. Moreover, I am fully aware that it says that it is impossible to please God without faith. However, what is The Faith (spelt T-H-E in front of the word FAITH) we have read and heard so much about, right through from Acts 6:7 to Jude 1:3, since the time we were exposed to biblical teaching? Which include "being obedient to", "continue(ing) in", being "established in", simply "being in", "striving together for" (sounds like works to me!), "stand(ing) fast in", "stablished in", "holding the mystery of", having "great boldness in", "be(ing) sound in", "rooted and built up in", "grounded and settled" in, "have(ing) kept", and "earnestly contend(ing) for"? Phew!! That is not an exaggeration by the way, but verses you are free look up for yourself in regards to "the faith"!

Many get "earnestly contend(ing) for" confused with "earnestly contending for the doctrine" (no wonder there is so much scrapping and going for the jugular among the saints), which is not exactly what the Bible is saying. It does say however, "contend earnestly for the faith"!

Yeah ... THE FAITH!!! The faith of what? "The faith of the gospel" that is! "The faith of the Lord Jesus Christ"! "The faith of the Son of God"! "The faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God"! Again, all verse quoted here, which you are free to look up for yourself!

Yeah, the faith!!! Are you still in the faith? Continuing in the faith? Earnestly contending for the faith? The faith ... that's the part of the gospel (the essence of the gospel) which has been ignored, omitted, distorted, or explained away; which the New Testament also clearly says "that in the latter times some shall depart from", "giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils"! That, "denied the faith, and (become) worse than an infidel (a non believer - meaning, believers can deny the faith and be worse than a non believer)"! "Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some". Which means ... the faith can be undermined, taken away, subverted, overthrown, or stolen from the saint of God! How else are we suppose to read into all this, with more additional verses to look up?

Here's more: Having "erred from the faith (meaning they once were in the faith - then erred), and pierced themselves through with many sorrows"! "Which some professing (that's professing Christians - encase it has not sunk in yet) have erred concerning the faith." "Who concerning the truth have erred" (meaning some have received it - then given up on the truth and the faith)! And on it goes!

Oh children, who has forgotten such child like simplicity in trusting God as our Father, our Dad, and left the faith for such clever, sophisticated alternatives and lofty expositions? "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation"? Chapter and verse ... Hebrews 2:3!

Again ... THE FAITH!!! What is "the faith" which the New Testament continually makes a big reference to? "Divine entrustment" would make a good definition! That's to do with entrusting our weak and feeble self to this great entrustment! Taking on God's entrustment with complete and utter trust. Taking on God's entrustment as mortified, going-for-broke, mortals. Granting Him our full trust and commitment to His faithfulness, whether we feel like it or not, are accustomed to it or not, are consumed by it or not. Or whether we can conjure up enough belief for it or not. This could never be anything to do with "sinless perfection" or floundering in faith by the way. Nor pumping ourselves up with anticipation, expectation, selfwill and false hope (presumption is more the scriptural word here - 2 Pet. 2:10).

One is not lost merely because he falls short of the grace from time to time. Nor for stumbling, or for your failures and weaknesses. Nor for giving into temptation, or because "as we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." However, one can give up in their heart and be determined to always be in denial to this ongoing entrustment ... in departing from the faith, as we have just read from the New Testament.

An amazing thing is, we can't trust in this entrustment (my paraphrase of 'the faith' - if you have not worked this out yet) by our own faith (called selfwill in scripture - Titus 1:7), which in the end, only trusts in the arm of flesh or human academic achievement. We need His faith, the faith of Christ, which is a gift from God. Yes, a gift that is, and not a fruit of the Spirit or the fruits of righteousness as some would try to explain it! Faithfulness may be a fruit of the Spirit (a result of faith). However, faith in itself is a gift! And everyone who comes to Him is given a certain measure of faith, which is always adequate for trusting Him in a given situation; coupled with fear and trembling, so we don't end up placing confidence in ourselves again, or focus again on self-achievement. Therefore, it is the faith the size of a mustard seed, in the words of Jesus of Nazareth, which count at the end of the day.

Oh how many times do you hear these days about "the power of faith" or "the power of prayer" or "the power of praise" or "the power of love", for that matter (all catch phrases invented by man to camouflage selfwill and presumption)? These are all in the same context as the, or, a Higher Power being out there somewhere, or trusting in the Higher Power, whoever, or, whatever this is ("may the Force be with you"). As if God is brought down to being an impersonal deism. Or can only qualify as "the man upstairs". Living by faith is nothing to do with one placing one's trust in "the power of prayer" or "the power of love", or "a higher power whoever or whatever you perceive it to be". Which are just mere New Age phrases being thrashed so much within contemporary Christianized circles. How can a converted sinner confess to have placed their faith in "the power of love" as if love was all important and an all conquering attribute? The fact is God is love and love is not God. Love is not an attribute of God either, but His very nature. God is love. Please don't sing about "the power of love" if you claim to be born again by the Spirit of God. Where do you find this in scripture? Just the same, how can someone who has thrown themselves at the mercy and forgiveness of God say it was to do with "the power of prayer"? Nonsense! If someone stretched their hand out to God calling for help, and God reached out and took that persons hand in His compassion and mercy, how could the rescued soul praise or give claim to the fact it was the power of their own hand that saved them? They trusted in their own grip eh! Get a grip! Hello!!??

"Oh, you've just gotta feeel the poweeer Brother!!!" "The poweeer Sister!!!" "Didn't you feeel the warm glow when his hand just touched yours!?

Now, who would like to sing-a-long with me?":

"Some believe in the power of the hand (I see that hand!)
To wave the magic wand and bring in the promised land
Others believe in the power of prayer
To make it all happen without trembling and fear
Not to forget to mention the power of love
To lift you in the air as you fly like a dove
While others would dare to call it religious baloney
To avoid making another into a New Age phoney.

While the faithful believe in the power of God
Who view trusting in man more than just a little odd
Placing their trust in the work of the cross
Seeing other alternatives as just candyfloss gloss
Not to forget to mention walking in truth
To let their good works shine as proof
That the rock is more solid than clay
Where at the end of the day ...
God's holy book has the final say."

Why place our faith in faith when we have a loving and merciful heavenly Father? Who both made us then saved us! Oh, how the word faith (like many other biblical terms) has been corrupted and redefined over the years, by man, to suit man! That is to say and believe the fable, "our faith saves us and makes us overcomers" ... or "how our faith can move mountains and speak things into being, whether it be for great health or for great wealth!" As if one has the ability to conjuror up great mighty faith by share will-power, to do great mighty exploits for God, by not needing Him. So the name of Jesus becomes just a neat and tidy packaged name to accommodate and meet our requirements ... full stop!

Here's another myth busted between the faiths and the faith:

"I am a great believer in prayer!!"

Oh yeah ... all faiths are quick to state this are they not? Whattabout ... The Faith!? Those in the faith pray because they believe in the God they pray to, not because they place their trust in their prayers. Leave that to the religionists!

It is one thing to have huge faith in a weak, flimsy, poorly designed bridge, in order to cross over dire straits where there has been many casualties. However, it takes a much smaller amount of faith to cross over a strong, sturdy bridge; which has proved the test of time. Therefore, it is not the amount of faith one has that determines the outcome, but the strength of the bridge, or tower one runs into for refuge (to use another more scriptural metaphor). The amount of faith we have or can conjure will never alter or determine the fact of the steadfastness, strength, and assurance of the refuge God provides (or whether we have any faith at all). Which is the same as saying that the amount of faith we have, or do not have, does not alter who God is or isn't. That's because the faith does not need a human agency, mentor or guardian to carry it for us, or make it real. It does not depend on whether Prince Charles claims to be the defender of 'the faith' or not (one faith). Or whether he claims to be called a defender of 'the faiths' or not (many faiths). Nor anyone else for that mater (noble or insignificant) who claims to be its advocate. God is God, no matter how or what we believe. Or how we perceive Him or not perceive Him to be. He remains faithful even if we are faithless. He is still God irrespective of the way we respond to this truth, or how famous, or prestigious, or prominent we claim to be. The faith is still the operation of God (Col. 2:12) despite the way some ecclesiastical executives claim monopoly over it. Justified by apparent long term management or association ... mere human ordination in other words.

It is just that we need faith to take hold of Him (or to let Him take hold of us) without proxy or agency, or any outside interference. This is the faith of Christ, the faith He gives, the faith working in the here and now, giving substance to believe and hope for full deliverance. His deliverance ... from all forms of sin and bondage (including religious bondage), as well as deliverance from substitutes for salvation, and counterfeits of the true faith. This is the great assurance (the entrustment) we have been called to and granted ... the true, and one and only faith. The faith we contend for. The faith where we can believe who He is, with full assurance and surety, that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Meaning, at the end of the day, we trust Him for everythign and in everything.

May '98. Updated last 30/4/09 NZ.

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