The risk of discussing this topic and causing irreparable damage to some is something to keep in mind. Nonetheless; the idea of a PLAN of God being predestined is a concept that bridges the gap between many who profess that man has no free will with a sensible response. One of the big things is marriage; the sheer simplicity here is that two people make a vow to each other and God under ordinary circumstances. God in fact is involved whether we choose to invoke His name or not; covenants between people are expected to be followed as we make such agreements of our own volition and since man is created in God's image; again He is involved whether we like it or not; "all souls are mine" ( Ezekiel 18:4) which goes on to say that the soul who sins will die. Whatever the limit is of our freedoms depends on God alone; and of course once we pass from this earth certain things are done; including the marriage and other earthly things that are surpassed by heaven's existence with glorified bodies; etc.
Anyway; God's plan for salvation is still the same way no matter how we determine individual freedoms or the lack thereof.
This cannot be ignored; because evidence for salvation is tied into obedience of His commandments to demonstrate our love for the Lord. 1 John 5:3 states His commandments aren't burdensome or grievous. The only way this can be explained is His free grace and the new covenant He has emphasizing loving God and our neighbor as ourselves. The external law no one can follow perfectly and even less once the thoughts and intentions of the heart are evaluated. But of course we need to demonstrate our faith through works and good fruit associated with our actions and the book of James shows this (even if Calvin didn't like it much).
Also; we can't excuse sin saying we were predestined to do it; or the devil made me do it; etc.
God is angry with the wicked every day ( Psalm 7:11). Test yourself ( 2 Cor. 13:5) if you're His
The risk of discussing this topic and causing irreparable damage to some is something to keep in mind. Nonetheless; the idea of a PLAN of God being predestined is a concept that bridges the gap between many who profess that man has no free will with a sensible response. One of the big things is marriage; the sheer simplicity here is that two people make a vow to each other and God under ordinary circumstances. God in fact is involved whether we choose to invoke His name or not; covenants between people are expected to be followed as we make such agreements of our own volition and since man is created in God's image; again He is involved whether we like it or not; "all souls are mine" ( Ezekiel 18:4) which goes on to say that the soul who sins will die. Whatever the limit is of our freedoms depends on God alone; and of course once we pass from this earth certain things are done; including the marriage and other earthly things that are surpassed by heaven's existence with glorified bodies; etc.
Anyway; God's plan for salvation is still the same way no matter how we determine individual freedoms or the lack thereof.
This cannot be ignored; because evidence for salvation is tied into obedience of His commandments to demonstrate our love for the Lord. 1 John 5:3 states His commandments aren't burdensome or grievous. The only way this can be explained is His free grace and the new covenant He has emphasizing loving God and our neighbor as ourselves. The external law no one can follow perfectly and even less once the thoughts and intentions of the heart are evaluated. But of course we need to demonstrate our faith through works and good fruit associated with our actions and the book of James shows this (even if Calvin didn't like it much).
Also; we can't excuse sin saying we were predestined to do it; or the devil made me do it; etc.
God is angry with the wicked every day ( Psalm 7:11). Test yourself ( 2 Cor. 13:5) if you're His
Matthew 5:17
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
Matthew 5:18
"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
Proverbs 7:2
"Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Blessings
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