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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Predestination is all of grace. | Eph 1:5 | DocTrinsograce | 197038 | ||
Hi, Michael... Welcome to the forum! Yes, I'd say that pretty well forms the basis of Christian orthodoxy relative to soteriology. However, no, I don't think that this doctrine -- or much of any sound doctrine -- is taught in most American churches these days. Consequently, those who have absorbed only folk theology tend to keep a solid grasp on their cherished, self-conceived autonomy. I've appended a snippet that handles the Biblical doctrine of grace. In Him, Doc "The only difference there is between the believer and the unbeliever, between the righteous and the wicked, between the seed of Christ and the seed of the serpent, is the difference which grace has made. This we must acknowledge -- 'By the grace of God I am what I am!' God's grace is always particular, distinctive, and distinguishing. Those who are saved by the free grace of God in Christ have been and forever are distinguished from those who are lost by these five distinct acts of grace: "The first distinguishing act of God's grace is His Eternal Election. If you can, with the eye of faith, trace every spiritual blessing that you now enjoy, and those which you hope to enjoy, back to the place of their original source, the place of their origin would be [election] (Ephesians 1:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Jeremiah 1:4; 31:3). "The second act of grace by which God has distinguished His elect from the rest of mankind is Effectual Redemption. By His precious blood, poured out unto death upon the cross, the Lord Jesus Christ has effectually ransomed and redeemed God's elect from the hands of divine justice, by satisfying the claims of justice against us (Isaiah 53:8-11; Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 9:12). "The third act of grace by which the Lord has distinguished us from the rest of the world is His Adorable Providence. Our God governs all the affairs of this world. And He has governed all the affairs and circumstances of our lives to bring us to the place where we now are, and to eternal glory in Christ and with Christ in heaven (Matthew 10:29-31; Romans 8:28). "The fourth act of grace by which we are distinguished from all other men is God's Sovereign Work of Regeneration. The only thing that makes you different from any other being on this planet, if you are born again, is the fact that God has saved you. He gave you life and faith in Christ by the irresistible power and grace of his Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:1-10). "The fifth act of grace by which God distinguishes His elect from the unbelieving is His Merciful Preservation. The only thing that keeps us in grace is grace itself. The only thing that holds us to Christ is Christ Himself (Jeremiah 32:38-40). The Lord Jesus says, with regard to all His people, 'I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish.' The salvation He gives is eternal salvation. The life He gives is eternal life. That means that all who are saved by Him are saved forever!" --Don Fortner |
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2 | Predestination is all of grace. | Eph 1:5 | Michael T. | 197097 | ||
Hi Doc, Thanks for your reply and also for your kind welcome to this Forum. I regret my delay in replying - being a newcomer, I'm still finding my way around. Glad to know that we’re on the same wave-length in respect of Predestination. It hasn’t always been that way for me; usually the opposite. [smile]. Thanks too for the Don Fortner excerpt which I've filed away for future reference and also appreciation. I've found John Owen, the 17th. Century English Puritan to be a great help in understanding the truths and practicalities of Christ’s Atonement; are you acquainted with his writings; e.g. “The Death of Death in the Death of Christ”? Looking forward to sharing with you in the Scriptures, Regards and thanks, Michael |
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3 | Predestination is all of grace. | Eph 1:5 | DocTrinsograce | 197114 | ||
Hi, Michael... My favorites are John Owen, Thomas Watt, and Jonathan Edwards. Edwards is a lot easier to read than the other two, though -- although Kris Lundgaard has some great renderings of their works. In Him, Doc PS Drop me an email sometime! |
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