Pastor Mike wrote:
Let's say I issue a command to my dog to get a job (Mark 1:15); I'm tired of supporting him. He's my dog and as my property he's obligated to obey ....
Pester Mike. Your dog does the "job" he is created for and has the abilities to do so. What you've described here is a sinner governed by the dominion of sin, (in complete ignorance) commanding the impossible. God does not require the impossible of any of His created beings.
Faith is not a human faculty or ability. It is the work of God the Holy Spirit. Eph 2:8/9.
The reprobate is not saved and therefore punished in hell for his guilt. That is justice.
The elect who were predestinated from before the world began are saved.
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: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed...
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called ...
= God obviously foreknows whom He predestinates and it is only these whom He calls.
1/21/13 3:28 PM
