Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Ephesians 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:4 just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love |
Bible Question:
Is a man predestinated by God to salvation because he believes in Christ or is he enabled to believe in Christ because he is predestinated? |
Bible Answer: So what is the danger of believing one is either destined to salvation or to hell and has not choice in the matter? Is it possible, even probable that one that holds such a view, if they fall into sin will think they must be one destined to sin and cannot help it so why bother. So they go ahead and hold on to their porn addiction. Or more likely that they would say I am destined to salvation so this porn addiction cannot prevent that and I will not let it bother me, God will take the addiction away when He is ready in His destined time. Come to think of it. I know I have not met that many but of all those that take the extreme predestined view, they are living in sin. Go figure. Now I am sure there are some holy living saints that believe everything Calvin taught it is just that I have yet to meet them. Those I have met think nothing of drinking or other such fleshy things. They seem to have no problem with allowing a little carnality to remain in their lives. Am I perfect? NO but I will ask the Lord to show me anything that is wrong in my life, in attitude or in action and I pray I will see it and quickly repent. To continue doing something that I know is sin even in minor things is something that would deprive me of sleep. This to me is being a christian. Those people I have had discussions with concerning Calvin, all seem to hold on to various faults, they know they are faults and do not say they are not faults or "God has to show me" they know they are sins but they think they will just be OK anyway. Is this the fruit of the unbiblical form of predestination that man has no choice in the matter? I think it is. The same with the Baptist view of Once Saved Always Safe. Not that all Baptist take it this far, but if I believed I would still be saved even if I had a porn addiction, then does that explain why 80 percent of a baptist congregation will live worldly lives and only 20 percent really live holy. When you examine a charismatic or pentecostal church that believes that one has to live holy with as much as they know how to claim the promises of God , these congregations have about 20 percent living backslidden lives and 80 percent trying to live holy with all they know how. Is it a fruit of the doctrine they hear and teach? I think it is. All things in our personel lives are a reflection of the truth or error of the doctrine we believe. If two doctrines are preached both using scripture but the doctrines are so opposite they cannot both be true, how do you determine which one if any is correct? They both say look at the Word. I will tell you. Look at the fruit of the "word" they say they are trusting in. Is one producing a holy life and the other not? then embrace the doctrine that produces a holy daily life. God Bless you all. |