Swedish Chef,
I appreciate your response to my post. I agree with you 100% In our eyes, we make the choice to follow Gods Son. In Gods eyes, he calls us, and quickens us. The invitation goes out to ALL. (Many are called, but few are chosen)
The problem i have with freewill churches, is almost all of them deny the doctrine of election and limited atonement. And most revivals and church sermons i've attended, boil down to the preacher exclaiming "God has done all he can do, now its up to you to do the rest" "Poor God, he's trying to save you and you wont let him" I have actually heard those words uttered by freewill preachers. AAAARRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!! I remember when i was a JW, (the mormans and many others use this phrase) they would say "We are all free, moral, agents. Haaaa #1 We're not free ---we're in bondage to sin, unless set free by God.#2 We're certainly not moral.---just because we dont act on our evil impulses #3 Who are we agents of? In our natural state, you know who were agents of. But in Christ of course we're his agent.
I think you will agree with me that not ONE PRECIOUS DROP OF THE SON OF GOD WILL BE WASTED. All for whom he died, will be brought home to glory.
I also belive its a heart work, and an ongoing process. Remember that scripture "he who began a good work in you, will complete it..." and also the scripture "Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our Faith" Too many people (some of them i know personally) look back on some experience as their salvation. I've heard comments like "I walked the isle" or "I prayed the sinners prayer" I'm not condemning walking down an ise to profess your faith. But i think its dangerous to base ones salvation on one event like that. Too many people have walked the isle, only never to return, perhaps because they felt their arm was twisted off. And not return just to church, but their bible and to Jesus.
I know the apostle theme wasnt "God has an elect people, and we hope youre among them." or "You dont have to do anything, if you're one of his, you'll make it to glory" This of course would be false. And yet i believe it's equally false to say "God is trying to save you, and you wont let him." "Just walk down front, pray through, and youre saved."
I believe the message was and still is "Repent, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be baptized you shall be saved." And not only that, but "trust him every day, and draw nigh unto him and he will draw nigh unto you." Of course some will twist the baptism thing, saying thats what saves you, but we know better. Thats another topic for another stormy day.
Your brother in Christ
