Few are chosen

[Tatie]

I do not question God, I only question myself why do I have this feeling of guilt that so many will perish while I am saved because I was chosen. Though I understand that many are called but few chosen, does it mean the some are not called?

[boblandis]

Tatie,

  No, that is not what that means. Many are chosen, but very few answer the call and repent of their sins and become saved. There is no reason to feel guilty about anybodies wrong chioces. They made up their own minds. That is something you have no control over.

[Tatie]

So you beleive that everyone is called and then they make a choice? I would feel very comfortable if this was the case.

[boblandis]

Yes. They are given the same choice as you. As sad as it is, knowing the truth, they still reject Christ. You on the otherhand have chose the Son and life. Rejoice.

[Tatie]

I used to believe that till last year when I found out about the predetermination theory.. I don't know which are the Calvinists and which are the armenians, but I always believed in Free Will theory, but now I worry about it not being so. I do rejoice in my salvation, but feel saddened if some people didn't get the same chance perhaps.

[Lanakila]

Calvinism is the doctrine you are talking about Tatie. They believe some are elected to salvation and others to damnation. This belief system stunts missions and evangelism severely, because if the elect are going to be saved anyway, why should we do anything.

Calvinism is the doctrine of John Calvin and consists of this acrostic:

T: Total Depravity (original sin)

U:  Unconditional Election (God randomly chose humans for

    either heaven or hell before the creation)

L:  Limited Atonement (Jesus only died for the elect/chosen)

I:  Irresistable Grace (the elect have no choice they will be

    saved, God does this not man)

P:  Perseverance of the Saints (Eternal Security)

The P of Calvinism is the only one I accept.

2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Rom 10:12-17 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,

13.  for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

14.  How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

15.  And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

16.  But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"

17.  Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

[Tatie]

Thank you, Lanakila!

[wordsower]

A God that would predestin someone to hell is not the God I serve.  Just because God knows the beginning to the end doesn't mean we don't have a choice in the period in time that we make that choice.  He does know how it will pan out but He didn't make the choice that made the result what it will be.  He said, I would that ALL be saved.  If someone were predestined to be saved then why would the angels have cause to rejoice over a sinner that is brought to Christ.

Predestination is a false doctrine and a ridiculous one.  It makes the sacrifice of Christ of no effect.

[Guest Jipsah]

Being the resident tulip Calvinist in these parts, i reckon it's time I spoke up.

Calvinism is the doctrine you are talking about Tatie. They believe some are elected to salvation and others to damnation.

Well, not 'zactly.

[Guest Jipsah]

A God that would predestin someone to hell is not the God I serve.

That's fine, because He doesn't do that. He chooses to save some, but those who end up in hell go there of their own choosing.