The God Who Forgives by Trevor Bowen

http://insearchoftruth.org/articles/forgives.html

The God Who Forgives

"Why should I be a Christian?" The very posing of this question implies that some people believe reasons exists why one should not be a Christian. Let us think about why someone would not want to become a Christian. Sometimes, a person hesitates in becoming a Christian because he believes that he is too wicked for God to forgive him. Often this person might feel like if he has not already, then some day he will inevitably go so far that God will not forgive him. The hesitant student is not the only person that fears this fate. Sometime even Christians wonder about God’s continuing capacity to forgive, so let us consider what the Bible has to say about the God who forgives.

God Does Not Want Anyone to be Lost

Often people feel like God is a ferocious and cruel god, who longingly waits to instantly punish any man caught in sin. However, the Bible paints a different picture of God.

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." II Peter 3:9

God does not want anybody to be lost. In fact, he is patient with us so that we might not be lost. Being longsuffering, God mercifully provides frequent opportunities to repent. Although it is clear that God wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:4), we still may wonder why God does not want people to be lost.

"But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord GOD, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live?" Ezekiel 18:21-23

From these verses we learn that God takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked. He does not enjoy their death because He loves them. This love was the reason why Jesus died on the cross for the whole world (John 3:16-17). How can a God who loves us and desires us to be saved not forgive the repentant who humbles himself before God?

Extreme Examples of God’s Forgiveness

The extent of God’s forgiveness can be seen in extreme examples from the Bible. One of the single-most extreme examples is that of the Judean king, Manasseh. Late in the history of the divided kingdom, King Manasseh proved himself to be one of the most wicked kings that Israel had seen.

"Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. But he did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. ... Also he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger. ... So Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel. And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen." II Chronicles 33:1-10

Although we see this stubborn king being more wicked than any before him, notice how he responds when he is punished by the Lord.

"Therefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon. Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God." II Chronicles 33:11-13

The text continues, mentioning how the penitent Manasseh destroyed all of the idols upon his return, repaired the Lord’s altar, sacrificed peace and thanksgiving offerings, and commanded the people to worship God. This man was able to turn back to God, and God was willing to receive him back. How can we do more wickedly than this king, who among other evils sacrificed his own children to idols?

Among other examples, the apostle Paul could be mentioned who persecuted and killed Christians, but eventually repented and became one of the most well-known and influential servants of the Lord (Acts 9:1-22). The Corinthian church was filled with once worldly people, who committed grievous sins.

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." I Corinthians 6:9-11

Friend, there is not much that God has not forgiven. From murder (II Samuel 12:7-14) to the sacrificing of children (II Chronicles 33:1-13), we have record of God forgiving the most horrific sins. Even though we have examined these compelling examples, one more extreme example of God’s forgiveness exists that we need to study.

Us

We are all extreme examples of God’s forgiveness. No man can boast that he is deserving of heaven because he earned it, or even because he sinned less than others. Sin is a terrible thing that separates all of us from God (Romans 3:23), condemning all of us to hell (Romans 6:23), even if someone committed only a single sin (James 2:10-13). Sin is just that bad.

Even though each of us would have stood without hope before God, the gospel reveals that God loved us before we loved Him (I John 4:9-19). Jesus came and died in our place for us, not as though we were deserving, but while we were ungodly (Romans 5:6-8). Though God requires that we respond to his gospel plea (Matthew 7:21-23; James 2:14-26), the Bible teaches that we have been saved by grace, not by meritorious works (Ephesians 2:1-10). Consequently, no man can boast of his salvation as if it was accomplished by his own merit. Therefore, each one of us is an extreme example of God’s forgiveness to one who was undeserving.

Conclusion

Although sin and the temptations of the world may lure us into believing that we are too wicked for God to forgive, the Bible teaches that God does not want anyone to be lost. He desires that all men should be saved. The examples of King Manasseh, Kind David, the apostle Paul, the Corinthians, and many more illustrate God’s capacity to forgive even the most wicked sinners. Finally, God extends his mercy to each one of us. We are equally in need of God’s mercy. No one can boast in himself. Therefore, just as God has forgiven every previous convert, He will also graciously accept your repentance, if you are willing to humble yourself before the God who forgives.

May we assist you in accomplishing your desire to be saved? You may read more material on what the Bible says about the requirements for salvation, e-mail any of our local contacts, or complete one of our on-line Bible studies to learn more about your role in God’s salvation for you.

Author: Trevor Bowen

Giving That Feels Good By: Ben Fronczek

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=1319

Giving Than Feels Good

Giving That Feels Good  By: Ben Fronczek

2 Corinthians 9:6-15  (Click on cerese to read)

Opening Story:  The Giving Tree   by: Shel Siverstein

Once there was a tree and she love a little boy. And almost everyday the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into a crown and play king of the forest. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat her apples. And they would play hide-and-go- seek. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. But time went by and the boy grew older and the tree was often left alone.

Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said, “Come boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches, eat some apples, play in my shade and be happy.”

“I am too big to climb and play,” said the boy. “I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some money?”

“I’m sorry,” said the tree, “I have not money. I have only leaves and apples. Take my apples boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy.”

And so the boy climbed up in the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away. And the tree was happy.

But the boy stayed away for a long time…. And the tree was sad.                                 

And then one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy and she said, “Come boy, climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy.”

“I am too busy to climb trees,” I want a house to keep me warm.” He said. “I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house. Can you give me a house?”

“I have no house,” said the tree, “The forest is my house, but you may cut off my branches to help build a house. Then you will be happy.”

And so the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy. 

The boy stayed away for a long time.  And when he came back, the tree was so happy she could hardly speak. “Come boy,” she whispered, “come and play.”

“I am too old and sad to play,” said the boy. “I want a boat that will take me far away from here. Can you give me a boat?”

“I have no boat but you can cut down my trunk and make a boat,” said the tree. “Then you can sail away… and be happy.”

And so the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away. And the tree was happy… but not really.

And after a long time the boy came back again.  “I am sorry boy,” said the tree,“I have nothing left to give you…my apples are gone.”                                                                                                                           

“My teeth are too weak for apples,” said the boy.

“My branches are gone,” said the tree. “You cannot swing from them.”                        

“I am too old to swing on branches,” said the boy.

“My trunk is gone,” said the tree, “you cannot climb…”                                                

“I am too tired to climb,” said the boy.

“I am sorry,” sighed the tree. “I wish that I could give you something… but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump. I am sorry.”

“I don’t need very much now,” said the boy, “just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.”

“Well,” said the tree straightening herself up as much as she could, “well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come boy, sit down and rest.”                       

And the boy did.   And the tree was happy.  (THE END)

The lesson I have for you today is entitles, “GIVING THAT FEELS GOOD.”  Giving that feels good is much different than giving that doesn’t feel good.

Being the time of year when we think most about giving gifts, I would like to consider a few different attitudes or things that motivate us to give.

As a Christian I believe it is important to have a healthy positive attitude toward giving, but that’s not always the case…..

i) Some giving is generated by feelings of guilt. There is no way to know how much money has been poured out over the years because feeling guilt prompted us to do so.

In our reading from 2 Cor. 9, the Apostle Paul wrote that, “each of you must give as you have made up in your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God love a cheerful giver.”

Even though giving prompted by guilt can provide nice gifts or even funding for many good causes, it is not the kind of giving that God is please with. Nor is it the kind of giving we are looking for here in this church as you make your contributions each week.  Why? Because #1) It is unbiblical. #2) It bring no joy when you give out of guilt.  #3) Giving out of guilt does not generate a proper or healthy Christian attitude in members.

In many ways it is counterproductive creating negative feelings like sadness, doubt, sometimes even anger when we are guilt-ed into giving.

ii) Some giving can come or grow out of sense of responsibility. This may be referred to as “ought to giving.”    Over and over the Bible instructs the people of God to be generous givers. In 2 Cor. 8:7 Paul instructs his readers to “excel” in their giving. And so there is no doubt that we have a Biblical responsibility to be generous givers and to take care of others.

Frankly I think many people need to wake up to this Biblical mandate. You may have heard of the “20-80 rule.” The “20-80 rule” refers to studies on congregational giving stating that 20% of the church membership gives 80% of the funds, 30% gives 20%, and 50% give nothing at all. This is not true of all congregations,but this is a surveyed average. What is seen in our churches can also be seen in society in general. My wife works for H&R Block and prepares income taxes. As she fills out tax forms for individuals she is shocked how many make absolutely no charitable contributions at all.

Even though this kind of giving (‘ought to giving,’) is better than ‘guilt-driven giving,’  this kind of giving often lacks the joy that God desires for us. Giving that is motivated by a sense of responsibility is not sinful or evil, but isn’t always giving that feels good; and God wants you to feel good about your giving! He wants you to be a ‘cheerful giver.’

iii.   Another thing that may prompt us to give is ‘giving that come when we see a need and the desire to help with that need.’ This is more of the “want to” kind of giving. In 2 Cor. 8 & 9, Paul makes it clear that God wants us to respond to needs of others. In that context, the Christians in Jerusalem were experiencing hardships and Paul asked his readers to respond to their need. Sometimes our church is made aware of a special need, and we talk about helping, and many respond.  We understand the need and ‘want to’ help.     I believe when we give because it’s something we want to do we begin to feel joy and good about giving.

iv. And then there is giving and the spirit of giving that grows out of feeling blessed and feeling abundantly thankful to God. It is the ‘can’t help it kind of giving.’  It’s when we want to give because we feel so blessed and so grateful our self.  It’s like our cup of blessing has been filled to the brim and then pours it out onto others. It’s when and where the more we recognize, see, and experience God’s blessings being poured out on us the more we can’t help but want to give more our self.

Listed to what Paul wrote about people of Macedonia, a people who despite their own afflictions needed to give back in return. In 2 Cor. 8 Paul wrote, “And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing …”    This is an example of the, ‘Can’t help it kind of Giving.’

Here within this verse we also see one of the primary reasons why they could be so generous, and why many times we fall short. He said, They gave themselves first to the Lord, and then it was just natural to give to others.

I’m not so sure we can fully understand God, or fully appreciate the prompting of His Spirit until we first give our self to Him. When the Macedonian church heard about the need of their brethren in Jerusalem their hearts welled up with the love of God and they just had to help despite their own poverty.

First and foremost God wants our hearts, not our money. If we are going to find peace and joy that is promised to believers, we must first give our self and our heart to the Lord. And if we are His, everything we own is His including our very life.

And when we reach that point in our walk with Him we will become a conduit for His blessings to others; He will use us to bless others with blessings that He pours out on us. In 2 Cor. 9:11 Paul wrote; “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

In the story of The Giving Tree, she found peace and joy as she gave to the boy. Why? Because her giving was motivated by her love. Because of that love she was able to give every part of herself. God did the same for us. He gave the best gift He could ever give us over 2000 years ago –His one and only Son. Why? Because He loves us that much and it pleased Him to do so.

I encourage you to recognize how richly you are blessed by God. As you give more and more of yourself to Him you will find your heart and motivation for doing things will become less about self. I challenge you to purposely find a way to give something away everyday; a word of encouragement, a complement, a note, a phone call, maybe even a gift or money.  If you do believe a feeling of enthusiasm and joy will grow in you as you give. You will just have to share and give because you feel so blessed. This will please and Glorify our Heavenly Father, and you find peace you like The Giving Tree, you will be happy.

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

GOD VS WEALTH – THE CHOICE IS IN YOUR HANDS by Alfred Shannon Jr.

https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2011/07/

GOD VS WEALTH – THE CHOICE IS IN YOUR HANDS

It is better to die for the Lord, than to live for the Devil. (1) It is better to die in a wilderness, than to dwell in the pleasure of sin for a season. (2) It is better to die in a lion’s den, or a fiery furnace, than to worship idols, and dwell in a  King’s palace. (3)It is better to die on a cross between two thieves, and mockers surrounding you, than to come down from the cross, and rule as King of the Jews. (4) It is far better to live for God, and have nothing, than to die in our sins for the Devil, and have the world. (5) The dead in Christ have the promise of eternal life, (6) but the wicked have the promise of eternal damnation. (7) All are given the choice between life and death, (8) right and wrong, (9)God and wealth. No one can choose two masters. (10) Today, the choice is in your hands. (11)

(1) Philip 1:21 (2) Heb 11:25-27 (3) Dan 6; Heb 11:33-38; Dan 3:16-18 (4) Mt 4:6; Mt 27:38-44 (5) Mt 16:24-26 (6) Jam 1:12; Rev 14:13 (7) 2 Thess 1:7-9; Rev 21:8  (8) Jer 21:8 (9) 1 Kin 18:21 (10) Mt 6:24; 1 Tim 6:10;  (11) Josh 24:15; 2 Cor 6:2

UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION by C. A. Feenstra

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Feenstra/C/A/1931/ch06.html

UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION

Man's words

Canons of Dordt - First Head of Doctrine

Article 7

Election is the unchangeable pupose of God, whereby, before the foundation of the world, He has out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of His own will, chosen from the whole human race, which had fallen through their own fault from their primitive state of rectitude into sin and destruction, a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ, whom He from eternity appointed the Mediator and Head of the elect and the foundation of salvation. This elect number, though by nature neither better nor more deserving than others, but with them involved in one common misery, God has decreed to give to Christ to be saved by Him, and effectually to call and draw them to His communion by His Word and Spirit; to bestow upon them true faith, justification, and sanctification; and having powerfully preserved them in the fellowship of His Son, finally to glorify them for the demonstration of His mercy, and for the praise of the riches of His glorious grace.

Article 11

And as God Himself is the most wise, unchangeable, omniscient, and omnipotent, so the election made by Him can neither be interrupted nor changed, recalled, or annulled; neither can the elect be cast away, nor their number diminished.

Article 15

What peculiarly tends to illustrate and recommend to us the eternal and unmerited grace of election is the express testimony of sacred Scripture that not all, but some only, are elected, while others are passed by in the eternal decree; whom God, out of His sovereign, most just, irreprehensible, and unchangeable good pleasure, has decreed to leave in the common misery into which they have wilfully plunged themselves, and not to bestow upon them saving faith and the grace of conversion; but, permitting them in His just judgment to follow their own ways, at last, for the declaration of His justice, to condemn and punish them forever, not only on account of their unbelief, but also for all their other sins. And this is the decree of reprobation, which by no means makes God the Author of sin (the very thought of which is blasphemy), but declares Him to be an awful, irreprehensible, and righteous Judge and Avenger thereof.

Article 17

Since we are to judge the will of God from His Word, which testifies that the children of believers are holy, not by nature, but in virtue of the covenant of grace, in which they together with the parents are comprehended, godly parents ought not to doubt the election and salvation of their children whom it pleases God to call out of this life in their infancy.

"By predestination we mean the eternal decree of God by which he determined with himself whatever he wished to happen with regard to every man. All are not created on equal terms, but some are preordained to eternal life, others to eternal damnation; and accordingly, as each has been created for one or the other of these ends, we say that we have been predestinated to life or to death" 3:21:5

"We say, then, that the scripture clearly proves this much, that God by his eternal and immutable counsel determined once for all those whom it was his good pleasure one day to admit to salvation, and those whom, on the other hand, it was his good pleasure to doom to destruction. We maintain that this counsel, as regards the elect, is founded on his free mercy, without respect of human worth, while those whom he dooms to destruction are excluded from access to life by a just and blameless but at the same time, incomprehensible, judgment." 3:21:7

Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin, translated by Henry Beveridge

"Predestination, therefore, means that God has previously planned the final destinies of all his rational creatures, including both angels and human beings. Predestination, further, is subdivided into election and reprobation. If we think of these terms only as they apply to men, we mean by election God's planning from eternity to save some of the human race in and through Jesus Christ, his choosing of the specific individuals that are to be saved, and his determination of the manner in which they are to be saved and of the type of lives they are to live. By reprobation we mean God's planning not to save certain members of the human race, and his resolve to condemn them on account of their sins." —"Predestination as Taught by the Christian Reformed Church", Tract No. 196, pages 3-4, Anthony A. Hoekema

Q. Is Calvinism's "Unconditional Election" true, OR does GOD'S WORD teach that God is no respecter of persons?

..."There is no respect of persons with God." Rom. 2:11

"For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons." Col. 3:25

"And if ye call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to each man's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear." I Pet. 1:17

"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him." Rom. 10:12

"And Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him." Acts 10:34-35

..."There is no respect of persons with him (God)." Eph. 6:9

* * *

Q. Is Calvinism's "Unconditional Election" true, OR does GOD'S WORD teach that election is conditional on being "in Christ"?

..."Even as he chose us in him (Christ) before the foundation of the world." Eph. 1:4

"Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord." Rom. 16:13

"Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they (the elect) also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." II Tim. 2:10

"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth; ...Nay, in all these things we (the elect) are more than conquerors through him (Christ) that loved us.... nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us (the elect) from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesusour Lord." Rom. 8:33, 37, 39

"Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new." II Cor. 5:17

* * *

Q. According to GOD'S WORD, how does a believing, repentant sinner get "into Christ"?

"But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name." John 1:12

"For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ." Gal. 3:26-27

"Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life." Rom. 6:3-4

"They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls." Acts 2:41

Q. Is Calvinism's "Unconditional Election" true, OR does GOD'S WORD teach that God chose those who are in Christ, and that to get into Christ man must hear, believe, and obey the call of the Gospel?

"...Even as he chose us in him (Christ) before the foundation of the world..." Eph 1:4

"But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation
(On what conditions?)
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." II Thess. 2:13-14 AV

"...Not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit..." Titus 3:5

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God!" John 3:5

"And he (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned." Mark 16:15-16

"He (Jesus) became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation." Heb. 5:9

Q. Is Calvinism's "Unconditional Election" true, OR does GOD'S WORD teach that before the foundation of the world God gave us his grace in Christ, chose us in Christ, and chose us unto salvation on the conditions shown man in the call of the gospel, which when obeyed puts man "in Christ"?

"...God; who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." II Tim. 1:8-10

"Even as he chose us in him (Christ) before the foundation of the world." Eph. 1:4

"But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation
(On what conditions?)
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." II Thess. 2:13-14 AV

"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." Matt. 17:5

"And he (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. Mark 16:15-16

"For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ." Gal. 3:26-27

Q. Since Eph. 1:4 says, "He chose us in him (Christ) before the foundation of the world", and Gal. 3:27 says that baptism puts us "into Christ", does our individual election take place after we are called by and obey the gospel?

"For many are called, but few chosen." Matt. 22:14

"These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they also shall overcome that are with him, called and chosen and faithful." Rev. 17:14

"Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord..." Rom. 16:13

* * *

Q. Is Calvinism's "Unconditional Election" true, OR does GOD'S WORD teach that election is conditional on the elect or Christians "making it sure"?

"Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble." II Pet. 1:10

"...Continue ye in my love." John 15:9 AV

"...Keep yourselves in the love of God..." Jude 21

"And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard..." Col. 1:21-23

"Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God's goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." Rom. 11:22

Q. According to GOD'S WORD, who are those chosen and given to the Son by the Father?

"They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." John 6:28-29

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:39-40

"...For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father." John 16:27

"He that hath my (Jesus') commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him." John 14:21

"...If any man serve me (Jesus), him will the Father honor." John 12:26

"...For the words which thou gavest me I have given unto them; and they received them, and knew of a truth that I came forth from thee, and they believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine." John 17:8-9

"And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good,... Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" Rom. 8:28, 33

Q. According to GOD'S WORD in Matthew 24, were the elect to be severely tried, and was the love of many of them to become cold?

"...For then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be....Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." Matt. 24:21, 23-24

"And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray. And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold. But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." Matt. 24:11-13

Q. Were the elect warned beforehand to take heed lest their love become cold and they be led astray?

"...For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have told you all things beforehand." Mark 13:22-23

* * *

"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" Rom. 8:33
Q. According to GOD'S WORD, who are the "elect" mentioned in Rom. 8:33 and the verses that follow it?

"...Them that love God..." Rom. 8:28

Q. According to GOD'S WORD, when Paul preached in Antioch of Pisidia, what were the two results of his preaching?

"But when the Jews saw the multitudes,
they were filled with jealousy,
and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul,
and blasphemed."
"ye thrust it from you,
and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life..."

"And as the Gentiles heard this,
they were glad,
and glorified the word of God:
and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." Acts 13:45-46, 48

Q. Does Acts 13:48 teach "Unconditional Election"?

Q. If Paul believed in "Unconditional Election" and all in Antioch who were ordained to eternal life believed when he preached there the first time, why did he return to Antioch at least three times to increase their number?

Q. If Paul believed in "Perseverance of the Saints", why did he waste his time returning to Antioch at least three times to exhort the disciples to continue in the faith?

"They returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God." Acts 14:21-22

"And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they fare."
"And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches."
"So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia..." Acts 15:36, 41, 16:5-6

"...He departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples." Acts 18:23

Q. Did God say, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated" (Rom. 9:13) before they were born, OR did He say this fourteen-hundred years after they had lived and died?

"...Was not Esau Jacob's brother, saith Jehovah: yet I loved Jacob; but Esau I hated..." Malachi 1:2-3

"For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel: neither, because they are Abraham's seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed." Rom. 9:6-8

Q. What was the spiritual promise that God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the nation of Israel, and which is mentioned in Rom. 9:7-8?

"Now Jehovah said unto Abram... in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Gen 12:1, 3

"...All the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him (Abraham)." Gen. 18:18

"...In thy seed (Abraham's) shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." Gen. 22:18

"And Jehovah appeared unto him (Isaac), and said..."
"...in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." Gen. 26:2, 4

"...In thee (Jacob) and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." ... "for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of." Gen. 28:14-15

"...The covenant which God made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Acts 3:25

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed. So then they that are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." Gal. 3:8-9

Q. In addition to the scriptures listed above, did the Old Testament teach the Jews (and men today) what God's real purpose was in choosing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the nation of Israel?

"...He saith also in Hosea..."
"And Isaiah crieth concerning Israel..."
"...as it is written..." Rom. 9:25-33

Q. Did it happen as the Old Testament said?

"...It is not as though the word of God hath come to nought." Rom. 9:6

Q. Does Romans 9 teach Calvinism's Unconditional Election of individuals to eternal salvation, OR does it teach that God's purpose from the beginning was to save all nations in Christ and that He chose and called Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the nation of Israel as the means by which He would bring this about?

Q. What was the real purpose of God in choosing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the nation of Israel?

"...That he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles? As he saith also in Hosea, I will call that my people, which was not my people; And her beloved, that was not beloved. And it shall be, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, There shall they be called sons of the living God." Rom. 9:23-26

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

More than halos by Gary Rose

What a strange image this is; and what caused it? According to NASA – Refraction of ice crystals. Precisely, they refer to it as a Solar Ice Halo. And those rainbows are formed from Ice as well??

meteorologic-ally speaking, this may be correct, but to me such wonders are far more than some cold, factual, scientific description. They are nothing more than the hand of God, revealing the magnificence of his creation.

It is written in the book of Job…

Job 37 (World English Bible)

 ¹⁰ By the breath of God, ice is given,
and the breadth of the waters is frozen. (emphasis added)
  ¹¹ Yes, he loads the thick cloud with moisture.
He spreads abroad the cloud of his lightning.
  ¹² It is turned around by his guidance,
that they may do whatever he commands them
on the surface of the habitable world,
  ¹³ Whether it is for correction, or for his land,
or for loving kindness, that he causes it to come. (emphasis added)

It is nice to know a scientific explanation of the world around us, but when we get right down to it, all of us have that place in our heart where we are like a young child in wonderment at the world around us.

As for me, I believe what the Bible says and accept it at face value. If that makes me seem childish to you – so be it! I would much rather include God in any understanding of the world around us than only the convoluted explanation of the scientific elite.

Why something like Solar Ice Halos exist is beyond me, but then again, verse 13 above seems straightforward to me - God has his reasons!!!

I encourage you this very day to seek after God and come to know the creator of all the universe, for some day we will all stand before HIS judgment seat!

May God bless in your efforts to come to know HIM better!!!

Your friend,

Gary