Subject: eph 1:4-5 what is predestination, chosen |
Bible Note: Hi, stjohn... Thank you for further explaining your position. You can see my own discussion of the doctrine of election in posts #151193, #151386, and elsewhere. Election is the cause, redemption and regeneration are the means, and adoption is one of the benefits. However, our salvation is not based in a proper understanding of election (see the quote by Spurgeon in post #151484). Since the Scripture uses these terms so extensively, we can be certain that God places some importance on their being understood. Therefore, it behooves us to be very certain that we understand them as He has explained them. We live by every word of God. The Christian life is founded on doctrine (post #165448), so it is important for us to make certain that our terms are clear. This is not only crucial for our walk with God, but also so that we can clearly explain what God has said to others. In addition to Titus 1:1, you will find this same Greek word for "elect" in the following verses: Matthew 20:16; 22:14; 24:22, 24, 31; Mark 13:20, 22, 27; Luke 18:7; 23:35; Romans 8:33; 16:13; Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 1:2; 2:4, 6, 9; 2 John 1:1, 13; Revelation 17:14. In addition, you'll find a related word in Mark 13:20; Luke 6:13; 10:42; 14:7; John 6:70; 13:18; 15:16, 19; Acts 1:2, 24; 6:5; 13:17; 15:7, 22, 25; 1 Corinthians 1:27, 28; Ephesians 1:4; James 2:5. It could lead to error to base one's understanding of the use of a word on a single verse. May the Lord be gracious to you in your study. In Him, Doc "This temper of mind is hostile to precise definitions. Indeed nothing makes a man more unpopular in the controversies of the present day than an insistence upon definition of terms... Men discourse very eloquently today upon such subjects as God, religion, Christianity, atonement, redemption, faith; but are greatly incensed when they are asked to tell in simple language what they mean by these terms." --John Gresham Machen |