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THE ELECTION AND PREDESTINATION OF THE BELIEVER
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Oct 22, 2007 12:34 am
523 Views
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compiled by Jim Riscinti
(John 1:12 KJV) 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:
but
(1 Cor 2:14 KJV) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
(Rom 10:13 KJV) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
but
(Isa 64: 7 KJV) And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.
(Isa 55 : 6 KJV) Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
but
(Rom 3:11 KJV) There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
(Josh 24:15 KJV) And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
but
(John 15:16 KJV) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
(John 6:37 KJV) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
but
(John 6:44 KJV) No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
If it is true that there are none that seek after God, call upon His name, choose Him, or receive Him, then how did we believe? (John 6:63 KJV) It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
I. How did we believe?
A. His power
1. (Eph 1:15-19 KJV) Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, {16} Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; {17} That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: {18} The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, {19} And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
2. (2 Cor 3:3-5 KJV) Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. {4} And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: {5} Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
3. (Acts 3:16 KJV) And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
4. (John 6:63-65 KJV) It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. {64} 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. {65} And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
5. (Isa 26:12-13 KJV) LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. {13} O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.
B. His gift
1. (Phil 1:29 KJV) For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
2. (John 3:27 KJV) John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.
C. His grace
1. (Acts 18:27 KJV) And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
2. (1 Pet 1:18-21 KJV) Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; {19} But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: {20} Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, {21} Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
3. (Rom 5:11 KJV) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
II. Who will believe?[/
(John 5:39-44 KJV) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. {40} And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. {41} I receive not honour from men. {42} But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. {43} I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. {44} How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
A. Those who have been given by the Father to the Son.
1. (John 6:37 KJV) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
2. (John 17:1-2 KJV) These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: {2} As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
3. (John 17:6 KJV) I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
They have kept thy word
4. (John 17:9 KJV) I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Christ prays only for them.
5. (John 17:11-12 KJV) And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. {12} While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
6. (John 17:24 KJV) Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
B. The sheep
1. (John 10:1-5 KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. {2} But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. {3} To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. {4} And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. {5} And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
2. (John 10:10-11 KJV) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. {11} I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
3. (John 10:26-29 KJV) But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. {27} My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: {28} And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. {29} My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
C. The chosen
1. (John 15:16 KJV) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
2. (Psa 65:4 KJV) Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
3. Numbers 16:1-13 - 1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:
3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?
4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:
5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will show who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
6 This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;
7 And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.
8 And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:
9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?
10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?
11 For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?
12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up:
13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?
4. (Matthew 22:1 - 14 KJV) 1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
5. (1 Pet 2:9 KJV) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
D. As many as were ordained
1. (Acts 13:48 KJV) And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
2. (Acts 2:47 KJV) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
E. Whom the Lord wills
1. (John 1:12-13 KJV) 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: {13} Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
2. (John 6:44 KJV) No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
3. (John 5:21 KJV) For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
III. When did God choose us?[/SIZE]
A. From the beginning -- (Acts 15:18 KJV) Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
1. (2 Th 2:13 KJV) 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:
2. (Eph 1:4 KJV) 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:
3. (Rev 13:8 KJV) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
4. (Rev 17:8 KJV) The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
IV. Why did He choose us?[/B]
Acts 15:18 "Known to God from eternity are all His works."
A. His foreknowledge
1. (1 Pet 1:2 KJV) 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.
2. (Rom 2:28-29 KJV) For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: {29} But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
3. What did He know?[/B]
a. (Acts 15:18 KJV) Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
b. (2 Tim 2:15-19 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. {16} But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. {17} And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; {18} Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. {19} Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
B. His love
1. (Deu 7:6-8 KJV) For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. {7} The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: {8} But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
2. (Eph 1:4-5 KJV) 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,
C. His will and purpose
(Prov 16:4 KJV) The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
1. (Eph 1:5 KJV) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
(Eph 1:9 KJV) Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
(Eph 1:11 KJV) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
2. (Mat 11:21-27 KJV) Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. {22} But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. {23} And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. {24} But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. {25} At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. {26} Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. {27} All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
D. To the praise of His glory and grace
1. (Eph 1:4-6 KJV) 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, {6} To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
(Eph 1:11-14 KJV) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: {12} That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. {13} In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, {14} Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
2. (2 Cor 4:5-7 KJV) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. {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. {7} But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
3. (1 Corinthians 1:23-31 KJV)
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
E. To go and bring forth fruit
1. (John 15:16 KJV) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
2. (Eph 2:8-10 KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast. {10} For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
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ELECTION...CHOSEN BY GOD... SOVEREIGN GRACE... SOLA SCRIPTURA
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Oct 21, 2007 12:54 pm
523 Views
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The true doctrine of Jesus Christ is provable by scripture. All the blah blah blah of man cannot hold up to the infalliable word of God,
Volition and free will are different. You can make choices within your slavery (WHETHER SLAVES TO SIN OR SLAVES TO RIGHTEOUSNESS) that you will be accountable for making whether in sin as to how you sin and within grace as to how you heed the Lord in specifics but you are not free to determine your own fate! You are either saved and have eternal life and are being conformed to the image of Christ, being a slave to righteousness or you are a slave to sin as an unsaved person not of your own will but because you have a sin nature. You sin because you are a sinner but you choose the kind of sins you desire to walk in. Where is your free will in all this great scheme of things...you have none. you do not make the plans but God does!
Saving faith is a gift! In Heb 11:1 we indeed read a Biblical definition of faith: "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". This verse tells us that faith is a conviction that we have regarding something that allows us to be able to act on it as if it were assured of happening. But where does such assurance come from? faith comes from. Heb 12:2 says "...Jesus, the author and finnisher of faith". And Rom 12:3 says " ... God has given to each man measure of faith." These two verses clearly tell us that faith is not something that we do or a presence of mind that we develop, but that faith is a gift from God.
Rom 10:17 says " ... faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." So faith is a gift from God that we receive from the word of Christ (rhema) which in this dispensation we get from the Bible rather than from a burning bush. So in His time He will alot faith to us as needed from the word of the Bible. In 2 Cor 10:15 we see that faith can grow, so as we study the Bible God add to our faith and we grow in the grace of God by the grace of God.
Yes, we can make choices as I said in how we respond to God but this, as Calvin has said it is volition which is the act of making a conscious choice or decision but not having a will outside of Gods divine will. Do you get the difference. You cannot will to be a teacher if God has not called you nor can you will to be rich if God has not called you.
People can only do what God allows and even the unsaved have limits.
God allows the cup of iniquity to be full with some and he alone determines that measure. Many people teach that they can control God such as word faith doctrine among others but this is not so! Jesus is Lord and no other. Also scripture does say that God has mercy on whom he will have mercy and who he wills he hardens. God raised up Pharaoh to show his mercy to his elect.
If you are a slave to righteousness by being born again then you will be in submission to God. If Christ is really living in you then you are in the Spirit and abiding in Christ. Many claim to know the Lord when in fact they do not. If one lives like the devil then he belongs to the devil.....a good tree cannot produce evil fruit and neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. Gods will is that you produce fruit if you are a real Christian and that is why he said to check out the fruit. If there are no fruits of righteousness in a persons life then they are probably not saved! Christians can sin as it says in the book of John but if any one is truly born of God then they cannot live a habitual life of sin for Gods seed lives in them and they cannot live a life style of sin.
I Thess. 4:3-5
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God
Saving faith is given as a gift from God. You cannot in anyway earn it. Your faith is limited and not able to comprehend the gospel let alone receive it. It is through the preaching of the word that Gods faith is released by his will and not of your works...which in effect your own faith would be works. Therefore, you could boast that it was your faith that saved you when in fact it was not! God grants repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. You can of your own self do nothing as Jesus said. As born again Christians we are called to preach the word of God and the holy Spirits job is to convert the hearer to the gospel. Many including the devil have intellectual belief of the gospel but they are not saved.
Faith is a gift of God and comes from God. In Matthew Chapter 16 Peter had made his confession of faith in Christ and said, “ Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God .” The Lord Christ answered him and said, “Simon, son of Jonah, flesh and blood hath not reveal this to you; but my father in heaven.
And also in John chapter 1 “To as many as received him to them gave he power to become thwe sons of God, born notof the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but by the will of God.”
The Lord builds his church, he alone adds numbers. All the so called flock in churches may or may not be born again by the holy Spirit.
Many only have intellectual conversion and others are converted to a false gospel so these may think they are saved when in fact they are not. Easybelivism and a quicky sinners prayer does not constitute salvation! The fruit is what is to be tested, If they believe heresies then they are not saved.
Acts 2:47
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
1 Corinthians 3:6,7
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase
Acts 13:48
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed
Ordain- To order by virtue of superior authority; decree or enact. To prearrange unalterably, predestine
Romans 8:29,30
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Predestinate
To destine or determine in advance, foreordain.
Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen
John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Psalm 135:4
For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
Acts 9:15,16
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
Isaiah 41:8,9
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
2 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Acts 1:24,25
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
2 Thess. 2:11-14
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
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: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Haggi 2:23
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts
John 60-71
Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Chosen
Selected from or preferred above others: the chosen few.
Having been selected by God; elect.
Matthew 24:31
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
Isahiah 65:9
And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
1 Peter 1:2
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.
Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect ( BUT IT IS NOT POSSIBE TO DECIEVE THE ELECT OF GOD PRAISE THE LORD...THOSE WHO BELIEVE FALSE DOCTRINE WILL EITHER COME TO THE KNOWLEGE OF THE TRUTH WHEN PRESENTED WITH IT IF GOD WILLS OR STAY DECIEVED AND GO INTO PERDITION)
2 John 1:1,2
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever
Elect
To pick out; select: elect an art course.
3. To decide, especially by preference: elected to take the summer off.
4. To select by divine will for salvation. Used of God.
Chosen deliberately; singled out.
One that is chosen or selected.
5.One selected by divine will for salvation.
6. An exclusive group of people
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What did Arminius teach ? HUMANIST DOCTRINE.
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Oct 21, 2007 12:48 pm
511 Views
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Excerpts from Robert Godfreys Essay
President & Church History Professor of Westminster Theological Seminary
Arminius also gave faith a different place in his system from the role that faith had occupied in earlier Reformed theology. Arminius taught that faith itself was imputed to the sinner for righteousness, whereas the earlier teaching had stressed that it was the object of faith, namely Christ and His righteousness, that was imputed to the sinner.
This shift is important because again it shifts the primary focus of salvation from God's work in Christ to man's faith. Arminius can even speak of faith being the one work required of man in the New Covenant. This kind of teaching led to Gomarus' charge that Arminius was undermining the Protestant doctrine of justification by faith. Arminius' teaching turns faith from an instrument that rests on the work of Christ to a work of man, and tends to change faith from that which receives the righteousness of Christ to that which is righteousness itself.
The heart of this Remonstrance ( Arminiusim) summarized their theology in five points: conditional election, universal atonement, total depravity, sufficient but resistible grace and uncertainty about the perseverance of the saints.
The Calvinists answered with a Contra-Remonstrance in 1611. It it surely ironic that through the centuries there has been so much talk of the "five points of Calvinism" when in fact Calvinists did not originate a discussion of five points. Indeed Calvinism has never been summarized in five points. Calvinism has only offered five responses to the five errors of Arminianism.
William Ames, one of the great English Puritans, wrote that Arminianism "is not properly a heresy but a dangerous error in the faith tending to heresy...a Pelagian heresy, because it denies the effectual operation of internal grace to be necessary for the effecting of conversion and faith." In this evaluation Ames rightly saw the conflict between Calvinists and Arminians as related to the conflict between Augustine - the champion of grace - and Pelagius - who insisted that man's will was so free that it was possible for him to be saved solely through his own natural abilities.
The Synod rejected the teaching of the Arminians and in clear and helpful terms presented the orthodox Calvinist position in the Canons of Dort. Unanimously approved by the Synod, they were hailed throughout the Reformed churches of Europe as an excellent defense of the faith.
The Canons of Dort responded to the five errors of Arminianism and ezpressed the Calvinist alternative to those errors: 1) God freely and sovereignly determined to save some lost sinners through the righteousness of Christ and to give to His elect the gift of faith; 2) God sent His Son to die as the substitute for His elect and Christ's death will certainly result in the salvation of His own; 3) Man is so utterly lost in sin that without the regenerating grace of God, man cannot desire salvation, repent, believe or do anything truly pleasing to God; 4) God's grace saves the elect sinner irresistibly since only irresistible grace can overcome man's rebellion; 5) God in mercy preserves the gift of faith in His elect to ensure that the good work He began in them will certainly come to completion in their salvation.
Do the differences between Arminians and Calvinists matter today? Many argue that the differences between Calvinists and Arminians no longer matter. After all, some argue, Arminius lived 400 years ago. Are his views still important and influential? The answer to that question must be a resounding yes. Armininism is very influential in evangelical and Pentecostal circles today. Indeed Arminianism today usually goes much further in emphasizing free will than Arminius did or would ever have approved of doing.
Some downplay the differences betwen Arminians and Calvinists out of an activism that is rather indifferent to theology. Such activists often argue that, with so much to do for Christ in the world and with so much opposition to Christianity in general, theological differences must be minimized.
The differences between Calvinists and Arminians are important precisely for the work that all want to do for Christ. What is the work that needs to be done and how will it be done? The answers to those questions depend very much on whether man has a free will or not. Does one seek to entertain and move the emotions and will of men whose salvation is ultimately in their own hands? Or does one present the claims of God as clearly as possible while recognizing that ultimately fruit comes only from the Holy Spirit? Those kinds of concerns will affect the ways in which Christians worship and witness and serve and live.
Some argue that the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism are unimportant because the theological terms of the controversy were wrong or are now outmoded. They argue that just as progress has been made in so many fields, so theological progress has transcended the old controversies. This claim may be an attractive one until it is examined closely. On close examination such a claim proves to be false. Either salvation is entirely the work of God or it is partially the work of man. There is no way to "transcend" this reality. On close examination those efforts to transcend Calvinism are at best other forms of Arminianism.
The depths of God's grace should lead Christians to live gratefully, humbly, joyfully and carefully before God.It needs to recover a forceful and faithful commitment to the God-centered biblical message.
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YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN ...SOLA SCRIPTURA
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Oct 20, 2007 1:13 pm
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Once again I must present this prerequisite given by Jesus Christ himself in his word for salvation. Sola scriptura. It is not enough to believe in God and it is not enough to be sorry for ones sins, now that is part of the process but it does not constitute salvation. No matter what anecdotal story, that may sound touching to ones emotions has to say, Gods word is the standard for salvation. Much of the so called Christian church today are basically only really humanitarians that have been intellectually converted to the gospel or to a false gospel that does not coinside with scripture. They are not real Christians in the true sence of the word.
A true Christan is one who has had the born again experience. Without the regenerational process that is miraculously worked within your spirit by the holy Spirit, due to the atonement provided at Calvary by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, one cannot become a real child of God. John calls it to be BORN OF GOD, conceived by a new birth where the spirit of man is transformed into the new creation.
How does this happen? By a sovereign work of God called election. God the father calls and chooses who he has ordained for eternal life and reveals himself by his word to that soul who through the impartation of the gift of saving faith becomes quicked and made alive by the power of the holy Spirit, unto God.
John 1: 12,13
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. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God
An intellectual conversion to the gospel is not salvation according to scripture. Nor is sorrow for sin. True repentance is a gift that turns one into a disciple of Jesus Christ.
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AWAKE THOU THAT SLEEPEST.......ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT ON ITS WAY
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Oct 18, 2007 8:58 am
534 Views
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Just where are we headed in this one world global identity? Let us take a look at what the mindset of the world is concerning this. Remember that for something to be implemented it must first be formulated in the minds of men. Hitler came to power only after the world was propagated with anti-Semitic hatred. He walked into an already ripe environment for him.
The Global Oneness Commitment
Co-creating a happy world
Co-creating a happy world
The Global Oneness Commitment is an eight-year project with the goal of uniting people around the globe to mutual actions in order to not only save what we have, but to transform the planet thru an increase in spiritual awareness ? a new consciousness creating a joyful home for all its inhabitants and sincere respect for all forms of life.
The project is synchronised with the twin Venus Transits of 2004 and 2012. It starts with the first Venus transit of June 8th 2004 and ends with the second Transit June 6th 2012.
The world is not in need of a new religion or a new philosophy but in need of spiritual rejuvenation. All knowledge and wisdom needed to bring the world into a new era of inner and outer prosperity is already here and have been since ancient times. Lets face the fact that we are all dependent on each other and that we all has an individual responsibility for the well being of all life on the planet. We are all one and if one part of humanity is suffering ? the whole humanity will be reached by its consequences. This is not anything new. It has been known in ancient spiritual traditions all over our planet. By entering this well of wisdom we will see that we have always had much more uniting us than dividing us. The main objectives are to:
Co-create a vision of oneness, encouraging individuals, networks and organizations in their work for a happy world.
Support the preservation and restoration of ancient spiritual wisdoms and sciences residing in all cultures around the world.
Support all sorts of initiatives that unite people in mutual actions and projects aiming at creating global oneness.
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AWAKE THOU THAT SLEEPEST.......ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT ON ITS WAY
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Oct 18, 2007 8:55 am
547 Views
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Just where are we headed in this one world global identity? Let us take a look at what the mindset of the world is concerning this. Remember that for something to be implemented it must first be formulated in the minds of men. Hitler came to power only after the world was propagated with anti-Semitic hatred. He walked into an already ripe environment for him.
The Global Oneness Commitment
Co-creating a happy world
At this time in our planet's history a tremendous transformation is taking place.
In almost every arena of our global society -- the environment, our political structures, the distribution of wealth, access to food, water and health care -- we are confronted with unmistakable signs that our current way of life is no longer sustainable.
We hear words like "global consciousness", "paradigm shift", "sustainability", "world citizenship" and "social and economic justice" in response to the present planetary crisis and the need to protect life on earth for future generations, but what exactly do they describe? What is at the heart of that wisdom we all desire that would inspire us how to safeguard a healthy future for our great-grandchildren and our precious planet Earth?
We understand the answer to these questions to be what we call "oneness," that is, the fact that all life is interconnected, and that everything affects everything else. Modern global realities have made this inescapably clear -- we are no longer separate from one another. We feel that this mindset offers the vast and transformative possibility of a radically new way of being, thinking and acting in which we experience ourselves as intimately connected with the rest of the world.
The Global Oneness Project, Kalliopeia was created to discover and document the diverse ways in which the emerging consciousness of oneness is impacting people's lives. We are traveling worldwide with a small camera crew, asking people from a variety of disciplines whose work is grounded in a perspective of oneness for their stories and insights.
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AWAKE THOU THAT SLEEPEST.......ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT ON ITS WAY
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Oct 18, 2007 8:23 am
568 Views
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Just where are we headed in this one world global identity? Let us take a look at what the mindset of the world is concerning this. Remember that for something to be implemented it must first be formulated in the minds of men. Hitler came to power only after the world was propagated with anti-Semitic hatred. He walked into an already ripe environment for him.
The Global Oneness Commitment
Co-creating a happy world
The Global Oneness Commitment is an eight-year project with the goal of uniting people around the globe to mutual actions in order to not only save what we have, but to transform the planet thru an increase in spiritual awareness ? a new consciousness creating a joyful home for all its inhabitants and sincere respect for all forms of life.
The project is synchronised with the twin Venus Transits of 2004 and 2012. It starts with the first Venus transit of June 8th 2004 and ends with the second Transit June 6th 2012.
The world is not in need of a new religion or a new philosophy but in need of spiritual rejuvenation. All knowledge and wisdom needed to bring the world into a new era of inner and outer prosperity is already here and have been since ancient times. Lets face the fact that we are all dependent on each other and that we all has an individual responsibility for the well being of all life on the planet. We are all one and if one part of humanity is suffering ? the whole humanity will be reached by its consequences. This is not anything new. It has been known in ancient spiritual traditions all over our planet. By entering this well of wisdom we will see that we have always had much more uniting us than dividing us. The main objectives are to:
Co-create a vision of oneness, encouraging individuals, networks and organizations in their work for a happy world.
Support the preservation and restoration of ancient spiritual wisdoms and sciences residing in all cultures around the world.
Support all sorts of initiatives that unite people in mutual actions and projects aiming at creating global oneness.
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The United States In the Bible
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Oct 18, 2007 8:11 am
589 Views
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By Irvin Baxter Jr.
pastor, and international prophecy teacher. In 1986 Baxter authored A Message for the President, in which he identified the United States, Great Britain, Russia, and other modern nations in the Bible. He also said that the Berlin Wall would be torn down, Germany would be reunited, and that these events would be the catalyst which would inaugurate a permanent New World Order
In Daniel 7:1-8, the prophet Daniel was given a vision of four beasts. The prophecy states that these beasts symbolize nations (verse 23). By studying the context of the prophecy, we can prove that all of the prophesied nations will exist together at the time of the return of Jesus Christ to the earth.
If we can prove that these nations exist on earth right now, then we can know that we are living in the era of the Second Coming.
Who are the nations?
When God chose symbols to represent nations, He did not pick them indiscriminately. Instead He chose symbols that would have meaning at the time of the prophetic fulfillment. There are prominent nations on earth right now whose official symbols are those contained in the Daniel 7 prophecy.
The lion
The Bible states that the first beast was like a lion. There is, in fact, a major nation on earth right now whose recognized national symbol is the lion. The editorial page of the January 4, 1980, edition of the Indianapolis Star featured the headline, "After the British Lion, the Russian Bear." In Webster's Third International Dictionary under lion, it states, "the symbol of a country--Great Britain."
The bear
The second beast in the prophecy was like a bear. It is widely known that the national symbol of Russia is the bear. The bear was used to symbolize Russia on the front cover of Time magazine on May 21, 1984, and on October 27, 1980. USA Today used a bear to symbolize Russia on its front page on September 9, 1988. The January 25, 1997, edition of the Economist magazine used a huge bear to represent Russia. We could give literally hundreds of examples of the bear being used in many different publications to depict Russia.
The eagle
One of the most incredible things about this prophecy is its depiction of the United States. The lion had eagle's wings. The official emblem of the United States is the eagle. Where did the United States come from? We grew out of our mother country of Great Britain, of course! And that's not all. Daniel watched as the eagle's wings were broken off from the lion. Amazingly, in 600 BC, Daniel foresaw the U.S. Declaration of Independence that would occur twenty-three hundred years later in 1776 AD!
In 600 BC, the prophecy of Daniel 7 accurately prophesied three of the most prominent nations of our times. The accuracy of this portrayal of modern nations 2,600 years ago is absolutely astounding! If this happens to be coincidence, it is one of the most incredible coincidences of all history!
The leopard
The prophecy tells us that "dominion was given to the leopard." Which nation has had dominion in this modern era? One nation has started the last three major wars. The Franco-German War of 1870, World War I and World War II were all planned, plotted and started by the same nation-Germany Furthermore, Germany's Leopard Tank is the dominant tank of both Europe and NATO.
The leopard in this prophecy had four heads. All of the other beasts had only one head each. A beast in Bible prophecy always represents a kingdom or nation. Multiple heads on a beast symbolize the number of times that nation will rise and fall. The four heads of the leopard represent the First Reich, the Second Reich, Hitler's famous Third Reich, and the Fourth Reich, which is now rising. American author Edwin Hartrich has written a book entitled, The Fourth and Richest Reich.
The ten-horned beast
The last beast portrayed in Daniel 7 was different from the other beasts in the prophecy. It was so different that Daniel could not compare it to any animal he had ever seen. However, the dominant characteristic of the last beast was that it had ten horns.
In verse 24, we are told that the ten horns represent ten kings that will be joined together into one kingdom. This ten-horned kingdom will become so powerful that it will ultimately devour the whole earth. This refers to the often-prophesied fact that, immediately before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to earth, a one-world government will gain control of the world for a very short time.
A very skilled and popular politician will rise up among the ten rulers of these ten nations, and they will voluntarily give their power to him. This powerful politician will be the endtime ruler that the Bible refers to as the beast, or the Antichrist.
It is not clear at this time who this ten-nation union will be. The two most likely possibilities are the European Union or a re-created Soviet Union. The European Union presently has 15 members. Therefore, its number would have to be reduced to ten if it is to fulfill the prophecy.
Many of the states of the ex-Soviet Union do not like being relegated to third-rate power status. Many of them would like to see the re-creation of the Soviet Union. If ten of these states came together, they would have all the nuclear weaponry of the former Soviet Union. This likelihood cannot be ignored since the Bible, in Ezekiel 38, explicitly prophesies that Russia will be the dominant force coming against Israel at the Battle of Armageddon. According to the prophecies, the Antichrist will lead the international forces of the World Community against Israel at Armageddon. So if the Antichrist would come to power at the head of a union dominated by Russia, the prophecies would be fulfilled perfectly.
Think of it! Two-thousand six-hundred years ago, Almighty God stated that Great Britain, Russia, the United States and Germany would be the prominent nations on earth at the time of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Ultimate destiny of the U.S
In the book of Revelation, chapter 13, another prophecy is given using the exact same symbols used 700 years before by Daniel. This prophecy depicts one beast with the body of the leopard, the feet of the bear, the mouth of the lion and the ten horns of the ten-horned kingdom. This prophecy foretells the creation of the one-world government that we presently see emerging under the guise of the International Community. It specifically prophesies that Germany, Great Britain, Russia and the ten-horned union will come together to dominate the world and to eventually be dominated by the coming Antichrist.
The interesting thing is that the eagle's wings representing the United States do not appear in this prophecy depicting the New World Order. The Bible is not specifically clear on what actually happens to the U.S. during these prophesied endtimes. It is possible that the United States has been wiped out or greatly diminished by an armed conflict. It is also possible that the U.S. is included under the lion out of which we originally came. Or perhaps our leaders will see the dangers of the New World Order and will withdraw from it, allowing the center of power of the New World Order to swing to Europe.
There is only one possible indication concerning the role of the U.S. in the culmination of endtime events. Revelation 12:14 depicts modern Israel as a woman. This woman will come under great persecution during a three and one-half year period immediately before the Battle of Armageddon. When she does, the prophecy states that there will be given to her two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place where she will be protected for three and one-half years.
This prophecy may very well refer to the support for the nation of Israel that has been and will be given to her by the United States of America. It certainly indicates where the loyalties of the U.S. should be placed in these pivotal times.
What should America do?
Prophecy is clear that the United Nations will invade Israel at the time of the Battle of Armageddon. It is absolutely imperative that the United States not participate in this invasion! Zechariah 14 tells us that Almighty God will personally appear to fight for the overmatched nation of Israel at that time.
All of the nations that participate in the action against Israel will be smitten with a special plague according to Zechariah 14:12, "And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their month."
This is obviously a prophecy describing the effects of nuclear radiation. Apparently nuclear weapons will be used against the forces of the International Community at Armageddon.
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The rise of Europe and the new Holy Roman Empire
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Oct 17, 2007 10:03 pm
658 Views
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by Don Koenig
The book of Daniel gives the details on the four world kingdoms of the Gentiles from the time of Daniel until the time that God sets up His kingdom on earth. The four kingdoms are:
Babylonian empire under Nebuchadnezzar
The Medo-Persian empire
Macedonian empire under Alexander The Great
The Roman Empire
The history of the world has taken place exactly as was told in the book of Daniel. A study of Daniel is essential to understand the world end time scenario. There are many good books written on the prophecies in Daniel e.g. "Handwriting on the Wall", by David Jeremiah or "The End of the Days", by Bloomfield. The first three kingdoms listed above were each defeated by its successor. The Roman empire was the last and terrible beast in Daniel's vision but it was never defeated and its wreckage remains at that same location.
There have been several unsuccessful attempts to reform this empire with the last (until today's European Union) being the unsuccessful attempt under the reign of Hitler. A study of Daniel makes it clear to the astute that there will be a future revival of this Roman empire in the area of Europe and some of the Middle East. This revived Roman empire is portrayed in Daniel as the ten toes on the great image that was in Nebuchadnezzar's vision.
The Rise of Europe and the new Roman Empire in this generation
Many, even in the church, have said it is impossible to ever unite Europe and they have mocked those who said that this prophetic scenario should be taken literally. However, in spite of those who insist on allegorizing prophecy we see a super state called the European Union forming in Europe to set the stage for the fulfillment of Old Testament and Revelation prophecies.
At the exact same time Israel has become a nation again to fulfill her end time prophetic role and many say this is meaningless as well. The blinded in Christianity and the world also see no significance to the creation of the UN, the rise of Islam and their own membership in the World Council of Churches. Nevertheless all these entities were born during this same period to fulfill their unique end time biblical role.
The socialist elite of Europe have made plans to have a united Europe under a centralized government. They already have implemented a common European military and currency. They may soon have central government power without sufficient checks and balances to keep it democratic. The number of nations that belong to the European Union are now 27 nations and others want to be admitted. What is not being told is that there are only ten full charter members of the European Union. The ten known as old Europe (possibly the ten horns mentioned in Daniel). The other states are associate members at best.
The constitution of this European Union has been accepted by the leadership of the states but is being rejected by the people. However, like most politicians they will find new ways to implement their agenda. Their goal is to achieve a centralized socialist federal government that will supersede much of the law of the individual member states.
The EU may soon be the largest economy in the world and the most powerful political entity on earth. That of course is their goal but when things fall apart, as it will with 27 or more separate nations uniting on the whim of socialist idealism, be sure a strong man will come to power to enforce the central government decrees. When this happens democracy will be nothing but an illusion in Europe. There will be no easy exit from the European Union once a state becomes a member.
The new Holy Roman Empire
The ground work for the new Holy Roman Empire is being put in place but I believe there will be much difficulty in keeping it all together until a demonically inspired man appears on the scene with solutions to the inevitable problems. I believe it will not be called a Holy Roman Empire until after Europe has a war against the forces of fundamental Islam.
The final form of the revived Roman Empire may take place after the time of the disappearance of a large number of evangelical Christians (in the rapture) and the intervention of Jehovah for Israel against the Northern invasion (described in Ezekiel). Russia will side with Moslem nations mentioned in Ezekiel and attempt to invade the land of Israel. The intervention of God against the Northern invaders will be a witness to the whole world that there is a God in heaven.
Note..the author believes in Pre- tribualtion rapture but this is not conclusive as the rapture may occur after the war of Gog and Magog. Personally I believe that according to scripture the rapture will occur only after anti christ is revealed. 2 Thess 2:3-4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God
This great religious awakening will be the foundation for a universal world church but she will be a harlot because she will commit fornication with demonic religions for the sake of religious unity. With the help of this "world church" a satanic man will take the remains of the basic structure of the European Union and reform it into the new Holy Roman Empire. This empire will be dominated by 10 nation states and later the world will probably be divided into 10 regional zones (the Club of Rome think tank has presented just such a plan for the world). This regional or world government will be integrated with the emerging world church that will be head quartered at the Vatican in Rome. A prophetic picture of this merger is given in the book of Revelation where the Woman (the harlot world church) rides the Beast (the revived Roman empire).
The new Roman Empire and the leader that will arise will confirm and enforce a seven-year peace covenant with Israel and her Moslem neighbors. In the middle of this seven-year period the man of sin (the Beast/Antichrist) will enter the rebuilt third Jewish temple, claim to be God and break the covenant with Israel. A false prophet will then appear with great signs and wonders and deception. His deceptive lies will give worldwide power to this man known as the Beast Antichrist in Bible prophecy. This man of sin is likely at some point to move the world government headquarters from Rome to Babylon and thus fulfill the remaining prophecies in scripture about the city of Babylon.
The Beast Antichrist and his false prophet will at that time claim that Jesus/Jehovah is a lesser deity and he will spearhead a worldwide counter revolution against the harlot world church. He will hate her because even in her harlotry she will refuse to worship the man of sin as God, and many in the end will not reject Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God. This will begin the time of persecution spoken of in Revelation and Daniel for all followers of Jesus/Jehovah who dwell on the earth. In this time of their fiery trial, many will turn from their harlotry and find salvation.
Those who will not receive the truth to be saved will believe the lie and will follow the man of sin to war against Jerusalem and Jesus when He returns. Because they loved a lie and would not receive God's mercy in Jesus they will receive His wrath at His coming.
Signs of the time
The stage is being set for the new Holy Roman Empire with the modern day rise of Europe:
The Euro is now the official European currency and it will be primarily an electronic currency where the privilege to buy or sell will be granted by the state. It is likely that the Euro will soon replace the U.S. dollar as the primary world currency.
Computer systems in Brussels have the capability to manage all the world's finances and government complexes have been built in Europe to house a large central government.
European leaders such as France's Prime Minister Lionel Jospin have already called for a European state of nations with common economics, taxes, police force and constitution. Those who oppose a centralized European government will be marginalized.
A European constitution has been accepted by the leadership and they now will continue to sell it or modify it until the people in each state ratify it. There is now more and more clamor about the need for a strong president of the central government who will speak for all of Europe.
Germany is now in a position to take the lead.
Still other states hope to join with the EU
The European super state certainly is evolving in this generation and it is very likely that this same generation will see the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation fulfilled with the rising of a new Holy Roman Empire.
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WHAT IS A TRUE CHRISTIAN ?
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Oct 17, 2007 8:14 pm
592 Views
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It is not enough to believe in Jesus Christ as the bible says that even the devil believes in God and he is not saved.
It is not enough to know about Jesus Christ and read your bible and go to church.
It is not enough to confess your sins to a priest
or your pastor.
It is not enough to be a good moral person and help others.
It is not enough to be nice to people and sing praises to God.
So what is a christian?
The bible says that a Christian is a person who has had a born again experience.
What is that you ask? A born again person is one chosen by God, who has had a revelation by the holy Spirit of the atonement provided at Calvary through Jesus Christ, has had a supernatural transformation into a new creature in Christ Jesus by the power of the holy Spirit through faith imparted to that person to believe and trust in Jesus Christ solely for salvation. The person by Gods supernatural power becomes repentant and converted to Jesus Christ.
This experience cannot be initiated by self.It is divinely imparted by the Father to his elect.
The gospel must be preached for faith to be released so that God, who gives the increase, may save those he has ordained for eternal life.
This is the gospel according to the bible,the word of God and not the doctrines of men
John 3:3-8
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new
James 2:19
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble
Acts 8:13-24
Then Simon himself believed also and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
and when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life
Ephesians 2:8,9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast
John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you
John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day
Acts 13: 48
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed
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