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Understanding Eternal Predestination and Election

The doctrine of predestination often offends and triggers many with a bias against Calvinism. I prefer to view it as an important biblical doctrine easily defended by scripture. In addition to the doctrine of election being primarily held by Calvin, I include the evangelist John Wesley’s views on sanctification, which I believe conjoin with the doctrine of election.

It is simply the teaching of scripture that many theological camps agree on. In my studies, the scriptural view of Election works in harmony with the scriptural view of Sanctification.

Scripture, indeed, bears strong testimony to this doctrine; since it is a matter of supreme importance, yielding a proper understanding of the Lord’s will regarding the way of salvation. The doctrine inspires genuine sanctification and a love for our trinitarian God. Scripture refers to the election of a predestined group of people in a variety of ways. I have also written about how faith in the gospel message is operative and how all who call upon the Lord will be saved.

This indicates that those who follow the Lord will move towards holiness, allowing a transformation to continue by the indwelling Spirit, convicting our lives to submit to His Word in agreement. The following quotes from John Wesley, who believed that though we will be tempted, we will need to repent daily. His following words are not a contradiction — but rather, a paradox in line with Luke 13:24 NLT: “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.” See also: Hebrews 4:11 ESV: “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”

In 1 John 1:9, we read: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. It is evident from this that John is speaking of a deliverance brought about in this world. He does not say that the blood of Jesus will cleanse us at the hour of death or at the day of judgment. It cleanses us at the present time. It cleanses all living Christians from all sin. It is equally evident that if any sin remains, we are not cleansed from all sin. If any unrighteousness remains in the soul, it is not cleansed from all unrighteousness. 1

Never let any sinner justify his continual sinning by confusing this promise. The promise is that Jesus first forgives our sins and next cleanses us from all unrighteousness. So it is that all Christians are saved in this world from all sin and from all unrighteousness. Now they are in such a sense as to be perfect, as not to commit sin, and to be freed from evil thoughts and evil tempers. 2

Here it is: God has fulfilled the things He spoke to us through His prophets. These promises have been made since the world began, notably by Moses, who said, “The Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” 3

This promise was remarkably clear in the words of Ezekiel, who spoke, “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you”.

And this promise was remarkably clear in the words of Ezekiel, who spoke, “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you”.

The Lord Jesus Christ is called the Elect in Isaiah 42:1 NKJV: “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles” and 1 Pet. 1:20: “He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.”

The holy angels have been elected to an eternal and permanent state for God’s service to assist the elect people who follow Christ. Please understand this distinction — the Lord Jesus has been chosen or elected by the Father for the salvation of men and not angels. As God and man, however, Christ is exalted above the angels who worship Him and whom He, as Lord, uses according to His will to the benefit of His elect. 4

These holy angels have been chosen by God, which explains why they are called “elect” 1 Timothy 5:21: I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.

Some people are elected to a specific office, such as a government position, as Saul was chosen to be king. 1 Samuel 10:24: “Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen?” This was also true when he was rejected. 1 Samuel 16:1: “I have rejected him from being king”.

Others are chosen to a ministerial office, as was Judas, who was also chosen to be an apostle. John 6:70: “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” This reveals how God elects people for specific purposes — eleven of His disciples to carry His gospel forward, one to use a man who would betray Him, all methods within the plan of redemption, all of which conjoin to redeem His sanctified elect to glorify His name.

The predestined elect children of God

This manner of election is not under discussion here, but rather the election of some people unto salvation. It signifies a determination of a matter before it exists or transpires to bring it to a certain end as defined in Acts 4:28 NAS: “…to do whatever Your hand and purpose predestined to occur.” This is further confirmed in 1 Corinthians 2:7, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.”

It is this word predestined which is used to refer to man’s destiny and the means whereby they obtain this salvation. Ephesians 1:11, 5: “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined… Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” In Romans 8:29-30 our predestined calling and election are for the divine purpose of sanctification unto holiness – a transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit into Christ-likeness, with an obedient holy viewpoint, being led by the Spirit: “For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…And those whom he predestined he also called.”

Election refers to a foreknowledge of God, characterized by love and delight. For this purpose, Christ is referred to as “the elect of God” (Isaiah 42:1 NKJ), as stated in 1 Peter 1:20: He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.

Here, election pertains to those called by the Spirit to follow the Lord Jesus: Romans 8:28-30 ESV: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose…” And here is the purposed destination of the elect, the called:

“…for those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

This ties in with “for the LORD knows the way of the righteous” (Psalm 1:6); and “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” (2 Tim. 2:19).

Believers are therefore called “elect… according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Pet. 1:2). It signifies election itself. “God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew” (Rom. 11:2); “For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate” (Rom. 8:29, 9:11). Paul makes it clear that God does predestinate people to salvation. Again, in Ephesians 1:11 ESV: In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will… (see also Acts 13:48)

1 John Wesley, The Holy Spirit and Power

2 Ibid

3Ibid

4 Wilhelmus à Brakel, The Christian’s Reasonable Service, ed. Joel R. Beeke, trans. Bartel Elshout, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 1992), 211.

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Marriage is sealed by a portion of Yahweh’s Spirit

When studying Malachi, my wife and I were amazed to find this verse: “Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.” (Malachi 2:15)

First, God is rebuking the Israelites for their complicity with regard to their understanding of the importance of marriage with the primary goal of raising up holy children. This can only be realized if a couple understands that God’s Spirit actually unites them in a spiritual bond as one. “The two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh” (Mark 10:8)

With divorce at an all-time high, the exact opposite of God’s will designed for a godly upbuilding of His kingdom has ensued.

When the young consider another soul for marriage, it would do them well to consider the divine creation of God, unifying the couple in mind and viewpoint, firstly, to realize that as they move forward with their lifelong commitment, godliness, while submitting to Jesus Christ as Lord, is paramount. In fact, the scripture warns us, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Also, God obviously hates divorce.

Divorce, God considers as an act of violence among spouses, especially when the negative witness affects the holiness of children. (Malachi 2:16) In the time of the prophet Malachi, men led the home, and divorce decisions would have been made by their decision. Today, both husband and wife are generally responsible for maintaining mutual harmony as they live in a loving and kind manner, trusting each other and avoiding adultery. Moreover, the Spirit of the Lord God enables the couple and their children to be transformed into the likeness of Christ’s righteousness through the living Word of God, which guides their lives.

From two souls, Zechariah and Elizabeth, even before conception, John the Baptist was called to be the Great Proclaimer of the Grace of Christ. We know this is true because an angel came to Zechariah, telling him of one to be born to him and Elizabeth. He went, unable to speak until John was born, as he replied to the angel in doubt due to his and Elizabeth’s age. When John was born, his first words were when asked about the child’s name: “He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise, he wrote, ‘His name is John.” as Yahweh God had declared to him via the angel.

The implications of not having the Lord unify and empower transformative marriage may mean that he cannot bless the marriage if the two marrying disregard the Lord’s biblical guidance. The Good News: There is always hope when a married couple decides to repent and accept Jesus Christ as Lord over their family’s life. The Body of Believers — the church — is the Bride of Christ.

Meditate on the full context of the text: You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favour from your hand. 14 But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. 16 “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless. (Malachi 2:13, 14, 15, 16)

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King Nebuchadnezzar’s Lesson about Pride versus Contrition

As you read, please hover over and read all the scriptures within the study.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Madness: Daniel 4 describes a period of madness that Nebuchadnezzar experienced, as foretold by a dream interpreted by Daniel. This humbling experience led him to recognize the sovereignty of the God of Israel. Daniel 4:34-35 captures his declaration: “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation.” 1

Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream: God dealt with Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and idolatry, which he had dreamt about, and which Daniel interpreted. (Daniel 4:24, 25, 26, 27) Herein lies a lesson that pride goes before a fall. The dream becomes reality when Nebuchadnezzar begins boasting of his own glory. He is immediately struck with insanity until he confesses that Yahweh God is Sovereign over his life, despite his sin. He was warned, his madness lasted seven years, until he eventually repented and confessed to his entire kingdom that Yahweh, the God of the Jews, is the absolute Sovereign ruler of all men over the entire world. (Daniel 4:28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)

Theological Significance: Nebuchadnezzar’s account is a testament to God’s sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and rulers. His interactions with the Jewish people and the prophet Daniel highlight themes of divine judgment, repentance, and God’s ultimate authority. Despite his initial pride and idolatry, Nebuchadnezzar’s eventual acknowledgment of God’s power serves as a powerful narrative of transformation and divine intervention.

As I write this, many complain of President Donald Trump’s pride. Perhaps we can learn a lesson about our Lord’s supremacy even over this man, Trump. Yahweh places leaders in position to protect the citizenship of the remnant of His righteous followers in this world, even today, just as he did a king years ago to protect the Jews in exile. He is a God of mercy and unlimited grace, ready to protect those who repent and follow his Son, Jesus Christ, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Psalm 75:7; Revelation 19:16)

Legacy: Nebuchadnezzar’s legacy is multifaceted. Historically, he is remembered as a great builder and military leader. Biblically, he is a complex figure whose life illustrates the tension between human pride and divine authority. His account remains a subject of study and reflection in both religious and historical contexts.

1 Bible Hub

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Characteristics of Anti-Christ in the words of Scripture.

1. His moral characteristics are these.
Isaiah 14:14 … He shall say in his heart, I will be like the Most High.
Dan. 8:25 … He shall stand up against the Prince of princes.
Dan. 11:36 … He shall exalt himself above every god.
2 Thess. 2:4 … He shall exalt himself “above all that is called God.”
2 Thess. 2:4 . He shall show himself that he is God.
1 John 2:22 … He shall deny both the Father and the Son.
Rev. 13:6 … He shall open his mouth in blasphemy against God.
Rev. 17:3 … He shall be full of names of blasphemy.

2. The extent of his power.
Isaiah 14:16 … He shall make the earth to tremble, and shall shake kingdoms.
Isaiah 14:17 … He shall make the world as a wilderness.
Dan. 7:25 … Times and laws shall be given into his hand.
Dan. 8:9 … He shall wax exceeding great.
Dan. 8:24 … His power shall be mighty. … He shall destroy wonderfully.
Dan. 11:36 … He shall do according to his will.
Dan. 11:40 … He shall enter into the countries and overflow.
Dan. 11:42 . He shall stretch forth his hand upon the countries.
2 Thess. 2:9 … His coming shall be with all power.
Rev. 13:7 … Power shall be given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Rev. 17:13 … The ten kings shall give their strength and power to him.

3. His power will be supported by miracles.
2 Thess. 2:9 … His coming shall be after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders.
Rev. 13:12 … He that ministers in his presence shall do great wonders, so that he shall make fire come down from heaven on the earth, in the sight of men, and shall deceive them that dwell upon the earth by means of these miracles which he shall have power to do.
Rev. 13:15 … He shall have power to give life to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

4. His reception on the earth.
Rev 13:8 … All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him whose names are not written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Rev. 13:15 … Whosoever will not worship the image of the beast shall be killed
Rev. 17:8 … All whose names are not written in the book of life shall wonder.
John 5:43 … If another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

5. The place of his manifestation in blasphemy.
Isaiah 14:13 … He will sit on the mount of the congregation, on the sides of the north.
Dan. 8:11 … He will take away the daily sacrifice.
Dan. 11:45 … He will plant the tabernacles of his palace on the glorious holy mountain.
2 Thess. 2:4 … He will sit in the temple of God.

6. He is named.
Isaiah 14:12 … “Lucifer,” as blasphemously assuming Christ’s character of “the morning star.”
Isaiah 14:4 … “The King of Babylon.”
Isaiah 10:5 … “Asshur,” or “Assyria,” as being king over that country.
Dan. 7:20 … “The Horn that has eyes,” as denoting intelligence and strength.
Isaiah 30:33 … “THE KING,” for whom Tophet is prepared.

These are his principal names in the Old Testament, where he is always referred to in connection with the Jews. In the New Testament, he is called, in contrast to the holiness which is the Church’s character, the Man of Sin, or the Wicked One. In Isaiah also he is called the Wicked One.”By the breath of his lips He (the Lord) shall slay the Wicked One.” Isaiah 11 (quoted in 2 Thess. 2). In John, he is called “the Antichrist,” in his special character of opposition to Christ. In the Revelation, he is called the Beast, denoting his moral estimate in the sight of Heaven.

7. He will be destroyed by no mere human agency.
Dan. 8:25 … He shall be broken without hand.
Isaiah 11:4 … The Lord with the breath of his lips shall slay the wicked one.
2 Thess. 2:8 … The Lord shall consume him with the breath of his lips, and with the brightness of his coming.
Rev. 19:15, 20. When He comes forth who shall tread the wine-press of wrath, the Beast is taken, and cast alive into the lake of fire.

The following connections may also be found useful:

1. Between Dan. 8 and Dan. 9.
Dan. 8:25 … By peace he shall destroy many.
Dan. 9:27 … He (the Prince that shall come) shall confirm the covenant with many.
Dan. 8:11 … He shall take away the daily sacrifice.
Dan. 9:27 … He shall cause the sacrifice to cease.
Dan. 8:19 … He shall prosper in the latter end of the indignation.
Dan. 9:27 … till that determined is poured on the desolator.

2. Between Dan. 8 and Dan. 11, we see his influence in Israel and Palestine.
Dan. 8:9 … He waxes great towards the pleasant land.
Dan. 11:41 … He enters into the glorious land.
Dan. 8:17 … At the time of the end shall be the vision.
Dan. 9:40, 41 … At the time of the end shall he enter.
Dan. 8:19, 24 … He prospers in the last end of the indignation.
Dan. 11:36 … He shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished.

Between Dan. 7 and Dan. 11, we see he is against Yahweh: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — the God of the Jews and Christians.
Dan. 7:25 He shall speak great words against the Most High.
Dan. 11:36. … He shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods.
Dan. 7:25 He shall change times and laws.
Dan. 11:37, 38 … He shall not regard the God of his fathers, but honour another.
Dan. 7:22 He shall continue until the saints possess the kingdom.
Dan. 11:36 … he shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished.

It is stated in the bible that the Anti-Christ will show up in the area of Palestine. This will precede the Battle of Armageddon, also known as Judgment Day, when Christ will return to judge all mankind (and everyone will see Him), raise the dead, and so on. From this perspective, God is in charge of the narrative, as He uses all these things to bring His prophecies to pass in an increasingly evil world.

Curated Source:  Public Domain, Christian Author W. W. Fereday, born on March 31, 1866 and died on July 31, 1959. 

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The choice of Two Paths

Catherine Jackman has compiled a few texts to convey the seriousness of life’s paths, from which our choices have eternal consequences.

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke to the people, He said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV)

Two Paths of your eternal soul 

There are two paths—the path of darkness and the path of LIGHT.

You get to choose your path.

The path of darkness leads to eternal destruction.

The path of LIGHT leads to eternal life. — I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. John 12:46

You are on the path of darkness; unless you choose the path of LIGHT.

 God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16

What has come into being in him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5

To choose the path of LIGHT, you need to: 

A: Accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” John 8:1

B: Believe in Him and acknowledge that He was born of a virgin, died and rose again.  “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through His Spirit that dwells in you.” John 8:11

C: Confess your sins, and you will find forgiveness and be saved.   “…and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations…” Luke 24:47

Remember, you are not ‘perfect until you get to heaven,’ so that any future sins or mistakes can be confessed and removed as you ask forgiveness in Jesus’ name.

D: Do God’s will and talk about Him and read the Bible to learn about (Suggest starting by reading the book of Luke): Jesus, God the Son; God the Father; and God the Holy Spirit, and share Jesus Christ with others. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal where you need healing and deliverance from any past brokenness. This will allow God to prepare you to use the gifts and talents He has given you. Firstly, the great quest is — Luke 10:27 (Jesus) answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.”

 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:40

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Cor 4:6

There are consequences for not obeying the law of Love. — The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath. John 3:35-36

**How do you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?

“For with the heart (core being) man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” ( Romans 10:10)

Through prayer, invite Jesus into your heart to become your personal Lord and Saviour

Suggested prayer:  Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Saviour. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord, for saving me and for answering my prayer.

Just in case you are not a believer yet…you can call on the name of the Lord if you feel you might die and …

We only have one life to live. Salvation can be immediate if you call on the Lord, repent and accept him.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

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The Body of Believers is “The Bride of Christ”

The term “The Bride of Christ” is a metaphorical expression used to describe the collective body of believers, the Church, in its relationship with Jesus Christ. This imagery is deeply rooted in Scripture and reflects the intimate, covenantal relationship between Christ and His followers. The concept is primarily derived from the New Testament, where the Church is portrayed as the bride awaiting the return of her bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundations

1. Ephesians 5:25-27: The Apostle Paul provides a profound exposition of the relationship between Christ and the Church using the marriage metaphor. He writes, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.” This passage highlights the sacrificial love of Christ for the Church and His ongoing work to purify and prepare her for Himself.

2. Revelation 19:7-9: The imagery of the wedding feast is vividly depicted in the Book of Revelation. “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” This eschatological vision portrays the ultimate union of Christ and His Church, celebrating the consummation of their relationship at the end of the age.

3. 2 Corinthians 11:2: Paul expresses his pastoral concern for the Corinthian believers, saying, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.” Here, Paul emphasizes the purity and devotion expected of the Church as she awaits her bridegroom.

Theological Significance

The metaphor of the Bride of Christ underscores several key theological themes:

Covenantal Relationship: The imagery of marriage reflects the covenantal nature of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Just as marriage is a covenantal bond, so is the relationship between Christ and His followers, marked by faithfulness, love, and commitment.

Purity and Holiness: The Church, as the Bride of Christ, is called to a life of purity and holiness. This is not only a future hope but a present reality, as believers are sanctified through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

Eschatological Hope: The anticipation of the marriage supper of the Lamb provides believers with hope and motivation to live faithfully in the present. The consummation of the relationship between Christ and His Church in the future is a central aspect of Christian eschatology.

Practical Implications

The concept of the Bride of Christ has practical implications for the life of the Church and individual believers:

Unity and Love: As members of the Bride of Christ, believers are called to live in unity and love, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His Church. This unity is a testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

Faithfulness and Devotion: The Church is called to remain faithful and devoted to Christ, rejecting spiritual adultery and idolatry. This involves a commitment to sound doctrine, worship, and service.

Preparation and Readiness: Believers are encouraged to live in a state of readiness, preparing for the return of Christ. This involves spiritual growth, discipleship, and active participation in the mission of the Church.

In summary, the metaphor of the Bride of Christ is a rich and multifaceted biblical theme that encapsulates the love, commitment, and hope inherent in the relationship between Christ and His Church. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Church’s identity and calling in the world.

Topical Bible Verses

Revelation 19:7-9
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready.

Ephesians 5:25-27
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Revelation 21:2
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Scripture Source: Topicalbible.org

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Top 10 Highlighted verses in the ESV Bible

I’ll leave you with these several scriptures: Top 10 Most-Highlighted Verses in the English Standard Version

1    Proverbs 1:7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

2    Proverbs 3:5–8: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him…

3    Romans 10:9–11: because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved…

4    1 Corinthians 10:12–13: Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability…

5    Galatians 2:19–21: For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…

6    Philippians 1:5–6: because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

7    Philippians 4:4–9: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything…

8    Colossians 1:9–14: And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…

9    2 Timothy 3:14–17: …All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…

10    Hebrews 11:6: And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

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The Glorious Implication of Being ‘Born Again’

This is a very interesting and logical piece by a fellow we do not know, David Prince, about being born again, which my wife noted on Facebook:

No one brags about being conceived or born.

Only a fool or madman would claim any credit for that.

How did each of us come to be? Well, Dad’s sperm united with Mom’s egg, we were conceived, and then some forty weeks later, we were born.

It is hard to imagine a more passive experience. All this happened to us and for us.

Being conceived and born is thus a gift we receive, to which we contribute nothing.

So it is with being re-conceived and re-born as a Christian.

In 1 Peter 1, Peter twice speaks of us being “born again”: Verse 3: “According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be BORN AGAIN to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”

Verse 23: “…You have been BORN AGAIN, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God…” Peter uses the Greek verb ἀναγεννάω (anagennaō), which more accurately means to be “begotten [or conceived] again” (vv. 3, 23).

Now understand the clear implications of this: just as when we were first conceived and born again, we contributed nothing, but all work was performed by our earthly parents, so also when we are reconceived and reborn, it is a work done upon us, a gift given to us by our Heavenly Father.

We had no involvement in it.

We are purely passive.

Therefore, we are not re-conceived because of some work we performed.

We are not reborn because we made a decision to do so.

We are not born anew because we reasoned our way into it, committed our lives to God, or cooperated in our new conception and new birth.

Just as none of us decided to be conceived and born the first time, neither did any of us Christians decide to be reconceived and reborn as children of the Father.

All glory goes to God, who by the Gospel brings us to faith in Christ, generates new life within us, makes us a new creation, and causes us be born again.

God gives, we receive. And that’s that.

Source: Pastor David Prince titled “The Glorious Implication of Being ‘Born Again’”

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God’s original plan for marriage

God’s purpose is “to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ” (Eph. 1:10 NIV), including the marriage and family relationship (Eph. 5:21–6:4), so that, per Paul’s prayer, “to him be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:21).

Concerning Jesus’ teaching, we have seen that Jesus affirmed God the creator’s original plan for marriage, quoting both Genesis 1:27 and 2:24 (Matt. 19:4–6 and paragraph.). By this, our Lord strongly and emphatically confirmed that God’s original design for marriage (with the husband as the head and the wife as the submissive, supportive partner) continued to obtain for Christians rather than being replaced by a different plan (such as an egalitarian one). Another point of interest is that Jesus indicated that he came not to bring peace, but a sword, and faith in him (or lack thereof) would divide families (Matt. 10:34–36 and pars.). Hence allegiance to Christ and his kingdom must have priority over natural family ties. This, as will be seen, injects a crucial dose of realism into any approaches to church structure that work from the ideal intact family unit where the father is the head of the household. In many nuclear families, the father is either not a believer or absent altogether.

Jesus noted that there will be no marriage in heaven (Matt. 22:30) and explained that some even in this age would choose to remain unmarried “for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:12). Taken together with Paul’s discussion of singleness in 1 Corinthians 7, this sheds an important eschatological light on the question of marriage and family in the church. It shows that marriage, while divinely instituted in the beginning and continuing to be in effect until the final consummation, is part of “the present form of this world” which “is passing away” (1 Cor. 7:31). God’s kingdom, on the other hand, endures forever (Rev. 11:15; 22:5).

Paul, likewise, in Ephesians 5:21–6:4, directed his commands to Christian husbands, wives, and children, calling on wives to submit to their husband, on husbands to love their wife sacrificially and to nurture her spiritually, on children to obey their parents and to honor them, and on fathers to train and instruct their children in the Lord rather than exasperating them or treating them harshly.

Since work relationships also were set within the context of the extended family unit, instructions for servants and masters were issued as well (Eph. 6:5–9). Thus the household continued to be the central unit in the New Testament era, and proper allowance was made for those households where one of the members (including spouses) may not have been a Christian (e.g., 1 Cor. 7:12–16; 1 Pet. 3:1–2).

Also, the same authority structure and call on the husband and father to protect and provide , both in the Old Testament and New Testament. Paul’s teaching lays out important biblical principles for marital and familial roles.

1 Curated Study Material from my Library: David W. Jones and Andreas J. Köstenberger, God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010), 251.

 

 

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Logos Article: Are You Making These 7 Common Evangelism Mistakes?

Here is an article written by James Rayment about evangelism, courtesy of Logos.com, the platform where I manage my biblical resources.

Introduction

I run The Al-Ma’idah Initiative, an organization that trains Christians to communicate truth to Muslims in ways that resonate. I work out of a coffee shop in Seattle, where I regularly have conversations with people from a wide range of worldviews. Over the years, my evangelism relationships have led me on extraordinary adventures—from the streets of Guadalajara, Mexico, to the deserts of Saudi Arabia—and I have seen God do amazing things.
Yet I find most Christians dread evangelism. They feel inhibited from having conversations about faith with non-believers. But in my experience, their efforts at evangelism feel unnatural and unnecessarily difficult due to some simple mistakes.
Let’s identify and address these so that you can feel more confident—and even enjoy—what God has called each of us to do.
  1. Waiting to earn the right to share
  2. Avoiding controversial topics
  3. Rejecting those who resist
  4. Losing your composure
  5. Relying on a script
  6. Outsourcing your evangelism
  7. Trying to evangelize alone

1. Waiting to earn the right to share

Many Christians feel they must earn someone’s trust before sharing the gospel with them. So instead of being upfront about what they believe, they try to avoid bringing attention to their faith, hoping that one day, when the time is right, they’ll be able to speak as a friend whose input is valued.
But building a relationship on a shallow foundation of shared activities or pop culture without anything of depth requires Christians to shrink back from their identity and God’s Spirit within them. Yet it’s precisely this Spirit and our nature as “salt of the earth” that our non-believing friends need (Matt 5:13).
Sometimes Christians have an evangelism strategy that looks like this: Be someone’s friend for years, waiting for them to face an existential crisis, at which point we swoop in and share the gospel. (In this way, we are kind of rooting for our friends’ lives to collapse, so that we can help them rebuild.) Now, such collapse certainly happens to some. But remember, not every testimony is, or needs to be, a dramatic one. For instance, although Jesus’s healing ministry is memorable, there were also thousands in the crowds who just saw him and believed.

2. Avoiding controversial topics

Growing up as a Christian in the UK, every piece of conventional wisdom I received instructed me that the best thing Christians could do was steer clear of controversial issues, as such things get in the way of our ability to share the gospel. After all, the Bible does say to avoid foolish controversies (Titus 3:9).
Yet we err when we apply this too broadly. Consider that many of the controversies modern Christians want to avoid are the very things the Bible thinks important to address. Jesus and his apostles don’t merely address salvation. They address our sinful human nature as the reason we need God’s salvation in the first place. They address sexuality, money, politics, culture, and how we are to live as transformed individuals.
While many in our culture will be offended by what the Bible has to say about these topics, others will experience God’s Word as the remedy to a sickness they could never diagnose. In fact, I would argue that our failure to apply the Bible to a host of issues has created a vacuum that non-Christians, like Jordan Peterson, are filling with Bible-adjacent ideas.

3. Rejecting those who resist

When I worked for a well-known missions agency, I was trained to categorize people into three groups: seeker, neutral, or closed. I was taught to respond to each based on their openness to the gospel.
But while this may be a natural way to deal with people, I don’t believe it aligns with what the Bible teaches.
First, according to the Bible, the reason we are saved isn’t primarily because we seek God, but because God himself seeks us: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
Further, if you look at the ministry of Jesus, some who were initially receptive to him, like Judas, later betrayed him. Others who were originally antagonistic to Jesus—like James (John 7:5) and Paul (Acts 9:1–2)—God redirected for his own purposes, making them into some of his greatest messengers.
One of my friends is from Turkmenistan. His brother-in-law was the first Turkmen to become a Christian after the fall of the iron curtain. My friend’s friend reacted, “Turkmen are Muslim! If you weren’t my wife’s brother, I would kill you right now!”
Sensible mission agencies would tell you this person is closed to the gospel and you should move on. However, being in the same family meant that there were months of heated arguments, which eventually resulted in my friend becoming a Christian—and eventually a pastor. In fact, he essentially became one of the founding fathers of Turkmen Christianity, facing imprisonment, torture, and assassination attempts. None of that has stopped him from faithfully teaching the Bible for decades and becoming the leading provider of Christian Turkmen content worldwide.
It haunts me to think about non-Christians we may have given up on due to their initial resistance. When you look at leaders like Moses (Exod 3–4) and Paul, both of these men were resistant before God intervened. And God did not squash their stubbornness and aggression; he redirected it for his glory.
http://logos.com/church?blog_campaign=l4c&blog_adtype=inline_middle

4. Losing your composure

Running a ministry to Muslims in a liberal city like Seattle, I’ve notice some interesting patterns. I’ve observed a commonality between those with revolutionary worldviews and those with Islamic ones: Both often expect me, their convinced ideological opponent, to respond to them with fear or anger. They either anticipate that I’ll bow to the inevitability of their ascendant ideology without pushback, or that I’ll react with unhinged fury, confirming their stereotype of the bigot or Islamophobe. What they are not prepared for is a jolly Christian who is friendly and honest, confident yet calm!
We’re familiar with Peter’s call to give a defense “with gentleness and respect.” But I’ve never sat through an evangelism training that emphasized courage. Yet courage is such an important part of evangelism that the Apostle Paul actually refers to it as a sign to them: “[A]nd not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God” (Phil 1:28).
Not only will being calm and courageous make us more interesting to talk to, it’s also a way of leaning on the promises of God.

5. Relying on a script

In my experience, much of the evangelism training in the Christian world—both East and West—focuses on simple methods or formulas designed to make evangelism easy to teach. There is certainly a measure of wisdom in that.
What I have observed is that many such methods, like the Four Spiritual Laws, are built for very specific contexts, like sharing the gospel with a stranger on a college campus. The downside of this simplification is that people may become well equipped to share on campus, but have a hard time adapting what they’ve learned once they leave that open marketplace of ideas (and their flexible schedules) for a more structured life with fewer natural opportunities to engage others.
The New Testament never gives us an exact formula for how to share the gospel. Instead, we see the gospel preached in different ways to different groups of people depending on context. Paul puts it this way: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col 4:5–6).
Notice Paul’s assumption: “each person” may need a different answer. Therefore, we should not be preparing to repeat the same conversation over and over, but to apply the whole counsel of God to any situation. This takes more training and discipleship than an evangelistic script can provide, but it will serve us better in the long run and make evangelism more natural.

6. Outsourcing your evangelism

Growing up in England, where there were not as many evangelical Christians around, inviting friends to church always felt difficult. For me, that meant I felt a need to explain the gospel to my non-Christian friends in a way that made sense to them, because I didn’t expect church to resonate with them.
When I moved to America, I joined a rising Seattle megachurch—one that later imploded. For my first couple of years there, I loved it, and I couldn’t wait to invite people to hear the Bible clearly preached in a way that connected with our time and place. But once problems and church drama came to the surface, I was no longer excited to bring my non-Christian friends. This gave me an important realization: If I don’t share the gospel with my non-Christian friends, there might not be anyone else who does.
At this point I realized I had been slacking. I hadn’t been working to communicate Christianity in a way that my friends would understand. I had just been inviting them to hear someone else do it.
Now, inviting your friends to church is good. But consider that you may actually be better suited to share the gospel with them then your pastor or favorite speaker might. God is capable of introducing your friend to anyone—but he chose to put you in their life.

7. Trying to evangelize alone

To counterbalance my previous point, we also need to understand that the church is one body with many parts. Your words will uniquely resonate with some people and not others, and you probably know who those people are.
But you probably also know people in your Christian community who could reach those you can’t. Perhaps there’s a way you could introduce them?
And even for those you can reach, introduce them to your Christian community. Show them that it’s not about you being exceptional, but that God is at work, not only in your life, but also in the lives of others.
After all, Jesus said: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). If your non-believing friends only encounter you alone, how would they ever get to see the love amongst Christians in action?
Jesus told his disciples he would make them “fishers of men” (Matt 4:19). Maybe we picture one guy with a line catching a single fish. But the fishing his disciples practiced was a team sport—several men shoulder to shoulder, each holding part of a net, wading through the water together.
So find your team. Walk shoulder to shoulder in speaking the truth in love to the people around you who need to know Jesus.
And I hope you have as good a time doing it as I have.