On Predestination By John Wesley

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Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

By John Wesley

(text from the 1872 edition – Thomas Jackson, editor)

Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son: — Whom he did predestinate, them he also called. And whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:29, 30

Our beloved brother Paul, says St. Peter, “according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his Epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:15, 16)
It is not improbable, that among those things spoken by St. Paul, which are hard to be understood, the Apostle Peter might place what he speaks on this subject in the eighth and ninth chapters of his epistle to the Romans. And it is certain not only the unlearned, but many of the most learned men in the world, and not the “unstable” only, but many who seemed to be well established in the truths of the gospel, have for several centuries, “wrested” these passages “to their own destruction.”
“Hard to be understood” we may well allow them to be, when we consider how men of the strongest understanding, improved by all the advantages of education, have continually differed in judgment concerning them. And this very consideration, that there is so wide a difference upon the head between men of the greatest learning, sense, and piety, one might imagine would make all who now speak upon the subject exceedingly wary and self-diffident. But I know not how it is, that just the reverse is observed in every part of the Christian world. No writers upon earth appear more positive than those who write on this difficult subject. Nay, the same men, who, writing upon any other subject, are remarkably modest and humble, on this alone lay aside all self-distrust,

And speak ex cathedra infallible.

This is peculiarly observable of almost all those who assert the absolute decrees. But surely it is possible to avoid this: Whatever we propose, may be proposed with modesty, and with deference to those wise and good men who are of a contrary opinion; and the rather, because so much has been said already, on every part of the question, so many volumes have been written, that it is scarcely possible to say anything which has not been said before. All I would offer at present, not to the lovers of contention, but to men of piety and candour, are a few short hints, which perhaps may cast some light on the text above recited.

The more frequently and carefully I have considered it, the more I have been inclined to think that the apostle is not here (as many have supposed) describing a chain of causes and effects; (this does not seem to have entered into his heart;) but simply showing the method in which God works; the order in which the several branches of salvation constantly follow each other. And this, I apprehend, will be clear to any serious and impartial inquirer, surveying the work of God either forward or backward; either from the beginning to the end, or from the end to the beginning.
And, First, let us look forward on the whole work of God in the salvation of man; considering it from the beginning, the first point, till it terminates in glory. The first point is, the foreknowledge of God. God foreknew those in every nation, those who would believe, from the beginning of the world to the consummation of all things. But, in order to throw light upon this dark question, it should be well observed, that when we speak of God’s foreknowledge, we do not speak according to the nature of things, but after the manner of men. For, if we speak properly, there is no such thing as either foreknowledge or afterknowledge in God. All time, or rather all eternity, (for the children of men,) being present to him at once, he does not know one thing in one point of view from everlasting to everlasting. As all time, with everything that exists therein, is present with him at once, so he sees at once, whatever was is, or will be, to the end of time. But observe: We must not think they are because he knows them. No: he knows them because they are. Just as I (if one may be allowed to compare the things of men with the deep things of God) now know the sun shines: Yet the sun does not shine because I know it, but I know it because he shines. My knowledge supposes the sun to shine; but does not in anywise cause it. In like manner, God knows that man sins; for he knows all things: Yet we do not sin because he knows it, but he knows it because we sin; and his knowledge supposes our sin, but does not in anywise cause it. In a word, God, looking on all ages, from the creation to the consummation, as a moment, and seeing at once whatever is in the hearts of all the children of men, knows every one that does or does not believe, in every age or nation. Yet what he knows, whether faith or unbelief, is in nowise caused by his knowledge. Men are as free in believing or not believing as if he did not know it at all.
Indeed, if man were not free, he could not be accountable either for his thoughts, word, or actions. If he were not free, he would not be capable either of reward or punishment; he would be incapable either of virtue or vice, of being either morally good or bad. If he had no more freedom than the sun, the moon, or the stars, he would be no more accountable than them. On supposition that he had no more freedom than them, the stones of the earth would be as capable of reward, and as liable to punishment, as man: One would be as accountable as the other. Yea, and it would be as absurd to ascribe either virtue or vice to him as to ascribe it to the stock of a tree.
But to proceed: “Whom he did foreknow, them he did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.” This is the Second step: (To speak after the manner of men: For in fact, there is nothing before or after in God:) In other words, God decrees, from everlasting to everlasting, that all who believe in the Son of his love, shall be conformed to his image; shall be saved from all inward and outward sin, into all inward and outward holiness. Accordingly, it is a plain undeniable fact all who truly believe in the name of the Son of God do now “receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls;” and this in virtue of the unchangeable, irreversible, irresistible decree of God, — “He that believeth shall be saved;” “he that believeth not, shall be damned.”
“Whom he did predestinate, them he also called.” This is the Third step: (Still remembering that we speak after the manner of men:) To express it a little more largely: According to his fixed decree, that believers shall be saved, those whom he foreknows as such, he calls both outwardly and inwardly, — outwardly by the word of his grace, and inwardly by his Spirit. This inward application of his word to the heart, seems to be what some term “effectual calling:” And it implies, the calling them children of God; the accepting them “in the Beloved;” the justifying them “freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.”
“Whom he called, them he justified.” This is the Fourth step. It is generally allowed that the word “justified” here is taken in a peculiar sense; that it means he made them just or righteous. He executed his decree, “conforming them to the image of his Son;” or, as we usually speak, sanctified them.
It remains, “whom he justified, them he also glorified.” This is the Last step. Having made them “meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light,” he gives them “the kingdom which was prepared for them before the world began.” This is the order wherein, “according to the counsel of his will,” the plan he has laid down from eternity, he saves those whom he foreknew; the true believers in every place and generation.
The same great work of salvation by faith, according to the foreknowledge and decree of God, may appear in a still clearer light, if we view it backward, from the end to the beginning. Suppose then you stood with the “great multitude which no man can number, out of every nation, and tongue, and kindred, and people,” who “give praise unto Him that stretch upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever;” you would not find one among them all that were entered into glory, who was not a witness of that great truth, “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord;” “not one of all that innumerable company who was not sanctified before he was glorified. By holiness he was prepared for glory; according to the invariable will of the Lord, that the crown, purchased by the blood of his son, should be given to none but those who are renewed by his Spirit. He is become “the author of eternal salvation” only “to them that obey him;” “that obey him inwardly and outwardly; that are holy in heart, and holy in all manner of conversation.”
And could you take view of all those upon earth who are now sanctified, you would find no one of these had been sanctified till after he was called. He was first called, not only with an outward call, by the word and the messengers of God, but likewise with an inward call, by his Spirit applying his word, enabling him to believe in the only-begotten Son of God, and bearing testimony with his spirit that he was a child of God. And it was by this very means they were all sanctified. It was by a sense of the love of God shed abroad in his heart, that everyone of them was enabled to love God. Loving God, he loved his neighbor as himself, and had power to walk in all his commandments blameless. This is a rule which admits of no exception. God calls a sinner his own, that is, justifies him, before he sanctifies. And by this very thing, the consciousness of his favour, he works in him that grateful, filial affection, from which spring every good temper, and word, and work.
And who are they that are thus called of God, but those whom he had before predestinated, or decreed, to “conform to the image of his Son?” This decree (still speaking after the manner of men) precedes every man’s calling: Every believer was predestinated before he was called. For God calls none, but “according to the counsel of his will,” according to this Orothesis, or plan of acting, which he had laid down before the foundation of the world.
Once more: As all that are called were predestinated, so all whom God has predestinated he foreknew. He knew, he saw them as believers, and as such predestinated them to salvation, according to his eternal decree, “He that believeth shall be saved.” Thus we see the whole process of the work of God, from the end to the beginning. Who are glorified? None but those who were first sanctified. Who are sanctified? None but those who were first justified. Who are justified? None but those who were first predestinated? Who are predestinated? None but those whom God foreknew as believers. Thus the purpose and word of God stand unshaken as the pillars of heaven: — “He that believeth shall be saved; he that believeth not shall be damned.” And thus God is clear from the blood of all men; since whoever perishes, perishes by his own act and deed. “They will not come unto me,” says the Savior of men; and “there is no salvation in any other.” They “will not believe;” and there is no other way either to present or eternal salvation. Therefore, their blood is upon their own head; and God is still “justified in his saying” that he “willeth all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of his truth.”
The sum of all is this: the almighty, all-wise God sees and knows, from everlasting to everlasting, all that is, that was, and that is to come, through one eternal now. With him nothing is either past or future, but all things equally present. He has, therefore, if we speak according to the truth of things, no foreknowledge, no afterknowledge. This would be ill consistent with the Apostle’s words, “With him is no variableness or shadow of turning;” and with the account he gives of himself by the Prophet, “I the Lord change not.” Yet when he speaks to us, knowing whereof we are made, knowing the scantiness of our understanding, he lets himself down to our capacity, and speaks of himself after the manner of men. Thus, in condescension to our weakness, he speaks of his own purpose, counsel, plan, foreknowledge. Not that God has any need of counsel, of purpose, or of planning his work beforehand. Far be it from us to impute these to the Most High; to measure him by ourselves! It is merely in compassion to us that he speaks thus of himself, as foreknowing the things in heaven or earth, and as predestinating or fore-ordaining them. But can we possibly imagine that these expressions are to be taken literally? To one who was so gross in his conceptions might he not say, “Thinkest thou I am such an one as thyself?” Not so: As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than thy ways. I know, decree, work, in such a manner as it is not possible for thee to conceive: But to give thee some faint, glimmering knowledge of my ways, I use the language of men, and suit myself to thy apprehensions in this thy infant state of existence.
What is it, then, that we learn from this whole account? It is this, and no more: — (1) God knows all believers; (2) wills that they should be saved from sin; (3) to that end, justifies them, (4) sanctifies and (5) takes them to glory.

O that men would praise the Lord for this his goodness; and that they would be content with this plain account of it, and not endeavour to wade into those mysteries which are too deep for angels to fathom!

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Which Came First? Faith or Regeneration-Monergism Maniacs Exposed [video]

Just saw a video of Paul Washer speaking in a slight of hand fashion of how “it’s not about calvinism”, and how he can commune with non-calvinists due to regeneration. Yet, like all cults, calvinists intentionally hide their definition, their gross redefining and perversion of the doctrine of regeneration, being born again. Notice that Washer never denied he is a calvinist, because he is.

The whole concoction of the cancer called calvinism is to convince the moral coward counterfeit that no matter what he does he’s chosen, he’s the elect, he’s predestined, and he has no personal responsibility to trust and obey God. False. Whom we serve – sin or righteousness – is exactly who our master is.

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16

What we sow, we shall reap.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8

When those claiming to be God’s people were in sin, the LORD spoke the following to them through the prophet Isaiah:

“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 IF ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1:16-20

Here’s what they really believe about regeneration.

Calvinist Define their Un-biblical, Extra-biblical Belief System with the Acrostic TULIP:

T – Total Depravity

U – Unconditional Election

L – Limited Atonement

I – Irresistible Grace

P – Perseverance of the Saints

In Reformed theology, “regeneration precedes faith.” Samuel Storms writes that, “Calvinists insist that the sole cause of regeneration or being born again is the will of God. God first sovereignly and efficaciously regenerates, and only in consequence of that do we act.”

Another calvinistic quote:

“Monergism is the view within Christian theology which holds that God works through the Holy Spirit to bring about the salvation of an individual through spiritual regeneration, regardless of the individual’s cooperation.”

Is this true?

Monergism, the idea that God shakes down, hijacks, and forces His “elect” to be born again, is a doctrine of calvinism, a doctrine of devils (1 Timothy 4:1-2). In contrast to Monergism, Synergism is a cooperative venture, a working together of two or more parties. Synergism would better fit what God’s Word teaches whereas Monergism is just another diabolical invention of the heretical system of calvinism. The god of calvinism is a demon, or the devil himself, and it’s clearly seen in this forced entry, hostile takeover theology. In contrast to the one whom the LORD says came “to steal, to kill, and to destroy”, Jesus says to all of mankind …

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

The calvinists isn’t taught the biblical truth that God calls men to come to Himself and that He gave all men the choice to come to or reject Him. Instead, calvinists teach that man is so depraved that he cannot make the decision to receive and follow Christ. Hence, or therefore, they get away with teaching that God hi-jacks the lives of the elect, forcing them, even if against their will, to be regenerated.

Lawrence Brown writes:

“I’ve heard the Calvinist response to monergism, James White uses this. They say God has a revealed will and a prescriptive (secret) will LOL. So according to them God says things in Scripture but his prescriptive will maybe different. That makes God a liar so their explanation is even worse.”

Here’s another heretical quote calvinists throw around:

“Without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit no man could ever believe.”

Once again this puts regeneration ahead of faith.

CALVINISTS ARE “DECEIVING THE HEARTS OF THE SIMPLE”

Calvinism is a wholesale rejection of the original Gospel, personal accountability, and a diabolical mockery of God’s good, loving character.

At all costs, the calvinist refuses to repent. He denies the obvious, that he has a personal will, in order to evade truly, personally repenting.

Monergism and the so-called “perseverance of the saints” heresy go hand in hand. The “perseverance of the saints” lie says that if one is truly overtaken by and made to be saved by God, that such a person will automatically endure to the end with Christ. If such a person falls away, the coward’s cop-out used by calvinists is that that person wasn’t actually saved to begin with. So, “perseverance of the saints” is generally the same doctrine of devils as OSAS (once saved always saved) otherwise called eternal security. A refusal to truly repent, lay down ones life in this world, deny self, take up the cross and follow Jesus on His terms, are the root reasons sinful men migrate to and adopt these sin-justifying heresies (2 Timothy 4:3-4; Jude 4, etc.).

Backslidden counterfeits are willingly deceived moral cowards, “enemies of the cross of Christ”, who want nothing to do with anything that involves giving up their lives in this fleeting world and so they hide behind the prophesied grace-perverting false doctrines of eternal security and Calvinism (Philippians 3:18-19; Jude 4).

Calvinism is for moral cowards who refuse to face God honestly in true repentance, lay down their lives in this fleeting world, and follow Jesus for real (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33, etc.). So, they hide behind the grace-perverting, sin-justifying heretical system of calvinism which came through a murderer who got it from a catholic named Augustine. Jude specifically forewarned of this very thing (Jude 4). Calvinism by Ken Rieske

In the diabolical delusionment of calvinism, God doesn’t require or want your personal participation. To conclude such would be to ignore and dismiss the hundreds of commands from God to man. No honest Bible reader comes away with this idea that God does it all in the relationship without the consent or participation of the person He’s in a relationship with. Only a calvinist could believe something like that. This is the danger of a system. When people are seduced and sold on the system (calvinism, dispensationism, etc), they are indoctrinated into seeing everything through that man-made demon concocted system lens. Once someone is delusioned, indoctrinated by calvinism, everything then revolves around the tenets of the system (TULIP) and so they then ignore Holy Scripture that contradicts it – which means they are “NOT of God” according to Jesus (John 8:47). Without exception, every child of God holds God’s written Word and every word of it, as the highest divine authority (Psalms 119; Mark 13:31; Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.). In contrast, like the hell bound pharisees of Christ’s day, calvinists sacrifice divine truth to keep their own tradition (Mark 7:6-10).

God sure is sovereign, yet according to the whole counsel of His Word and such is not subject to the delusions of calvinism. Divine sovereignty is defined by the whole counsel of holy scripture, much of which the calvinist cowards despise.

The calvinist has created a false god in his own depraved image where he simply, intentionally ignores scriptures that call for true repentance and the crucified life in order to concoct, erect in his unrepentant heart this imaginary idol. it won’t fair well in the end.

Unrepentant evil men have always sought to cloke their rebellion with an alternate view of God, that is, false doctrines, doctrine that contradicts the whole of Scripture – does not stand the biblical test. This is exactly why calvinists can crassly dismiss mountains of Bible truth. They are serving the god of self, not the one true God revealed in the Bible. If they knew and were serving the LORD, they’d submit to the whole counsel of His Word (John 8:47). | The terrible TULIP of calvinism exposed.

“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly (carnal appetites), and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.).” Philippians 3:18-19

Those who serve the god of self instead of truly repenting and worshipping Jesus in the crucified daily life He commanded, are “the enemies of the cross of Christ” and will twist and manipulate the Bible to justify them in their sinful lifestyles (Jude 4).

The calvinist migrates to these flesh-flattering lies because he wants an excuse to dismiss his sin instead of dealing with it the only way God’s Word prescribes – through the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.).

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12

The goal of the calvinist is not truth but rather to justify his sins using a distorted theology where certain Bible verses are hyper-interpreted, hyper-emphasized while mountains of other Bible verses are completely ignored, denied, and/or explained away.

Calvinism is a cover-up for sin. Buying this package will damn the soul. The central goal of this heretical system of theology is to dismiss man’s personal responsibility to obey God.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

There are 2 types of professing Christian – 1 is Heaven bound and 2 is hell bound:

Those who face the LORD honestly in true repentance with their own utter depravity and sin, fasting and prayer, the cross (crucified), fighting the good fight of faith in a grounded, daily walk with Jesus, and then there’s …
Those who choose to be dishonest and deceitful of heart, unrepentant, and so migrate to false teachers and false teachings to justify their sin, to attempt to hide from them, dismissing all personal responsibility before God, and make a false god out of, in the image of their own wicked hearts. This is the whole construct and system of calvinism and the eternal security/OSAS and the hiding place for moral cowards who refuse to present themselves honestly before the LORD.

Was this not all prophesied of this last hour by the Holy Spirit?

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure (hold themselves accountable to) sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Those who espouse calvinism’s grace perverting, sin-justifying falsehoods do such because they refuse to hold themselves accountable to truly, honestly, worshipfully obey God (2 Timothy 4:3; Jude 4).

Calvinists spend their time and energy philosophying about what the Bible says and using flesh-flattering, grace-perverting, sin-justifying systemization instead of simply, personally reading and studying the Bible honestly.

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:23

False doctrine always and only finds its home in the deceitful heart.

Calvinists somehow believe they have permission to ignore Bible verses, divine truths that contradict their delusional heresies.

Keep in mind that wolves like Paul Washer, John MacArthur, RC Sproul, and Charles Spurgeon are all calvinist heretics. Everything they say, everything they teach is poisoned with this calvinistic system, a doctrine of devils. “A LITTLE leaven (false doctrine) leavens the whole lump” and calvinism perpetrates far more than a just “little leaven.” It’s a thoroughly poisoned pond. The Idiocy of Calvinism

An honest view of the whole of Holy Scripture reveals that Jesus died for all men, God draws all men to Himself, initiating the relationship, granting the sufficient grace, and yet leaves the final decision to the individual.

If man has no choice in the matter of being the LORD’s child, salvation, why would calvinists ever evangelize? They wouldn’t and they don’t. So Jesus’ Great Commission command is a mute point with them. If God just arbitrarily comes upon one of the “elect”, takes over their life and regenerates them, WHY did Jesus command His people to “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to EVERY creature.” (Mark 16:15) Why would there be any evangelism in the kingdom economy? There wouldn’t be. After Jesus commanded His disciples to go preach the gospel to EVERY creature, then He said that some will believe and “shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15-16)

God sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die for the sins of all men and Jesus told us, His people, to go preach to “every creature” because He desires to save all men from sin and hell!

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to EVERY creature.” Mark 16:15

Why did God want “EVERY creature”, all men, to hear His Gospel preached? – Simple: Jesus “for the sins of the WHOLE world”, because He desires to save all men into His eternal kingdom! (John 12:32; Hebrews 2:9; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:2, etc.)

Calvinists love to misread Romans 9-11. They reject the knowledge of God here where it is once again revealed, as is repeatedly the case, that God desires to “have mercy on ALLLLLL.”

“For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon ALL.” Romans 11:32

The LORD saves souls through “the foolishness of preaching.”

“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21

When lost souls hear the Gospel preached, God saves “them that believe”, which is a choice.

Biblically speaking, the fact that salvation requires the direct act of God in no way negates that GOD sovereignly stated that He requires the individual to repent and believe on the LORD Jesus Christ to be saved (Luke 13:3; John 1:12-13; 3:16; Acts 3:19; 2:38; 20:21; Romans 10:9-10, 13, etc.).

Calvinism falsely teaches that man has nothing to do with salvation and that God saves whom He chooses without their consent (monergism). Calvinism also teaches that the LORD’s atonement is limited to a certain elect few (of which every calvinists claims to be, conveniently). God’s Word says that Jesus died to save “all men”, is “NOT willing that ANY should perish.” (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) The Son of God told us that when He went to the cross He was going to “draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32) It’s lunacy to say that Jesus doesn’t intend and desire to save “ALL men” even though we just read that He draws “ALL men” to Himself and “is the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) … for the sins of the WHOLE world.” (1 John 2:2)

DID JESUS DIE FOR ALL MEN OR JUST SOME MEN?

RECENTLY I had a lengthy phone conversation with a man I grew up with. He called to attempt to convince me, using a twisted (calvinistic) view of Scripture, that a person is first born again BEFORE they actually believe. John 1:12-13 is one of the passages he asked me to read. Read it here below closely and see what comes first, faith or becoming a son of God, the choice to receive Christ or being born of God. ….It got so bad and went on so long that I found my red button getting off point (hung up and blocked his number) with the passage he was using to “prove” his erroneous point…..here it is:

John 1:12 But as many as received him, TO THEM (that receive and believe) gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Receiving, believing upon Christ comes BEFORE being born of God.

WHO is it that is born of God? – “as many as received him”. This passage in John 1 first speaks of receiving Jesus, synonymous with believing on Him. Only AFTER receiving Christ which is a choice, does it speak of being born of God.

Those who at the hearing of the Gospel and conviction of the Holy Spirit chose to receive Christ, were born of God. “As many as received Him” clearly denotes a God-given choice.

This man who had called me was on a rampage to prove that God chooses men He wants to be His and those men have zero choice in the matter. They have no free will, to choice in the matter according to this deranged calvinistic heresy.

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15

Think how delusional it is to claim that a just God is going to punish people who had no choice in committing the sin that sent them to hell. That’s a “another Jesus”, a demon. Anyone teaching such is a wolf (2 Corinthians 11:2-5).

If the LORD warned us: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7-8) How is it then that man has no choice, no ability to exercise his own God-given personal will to sow good or bad seed, to make decisions?

Simple question: How, why would a just God punish those who CHOSE to do evil if they had no choice, free will in the matter? He wouldn’t. To claim such is to say God is not just. “God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1:13)

This following passage ends the calvinistic delusion for all honest Bible students:

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15

Calvinism blasphemously makes God out to be an accessory to and agent of evil.

He called to make his point and therefore was not interested when I sought to read Scripture. I could hardly get a word in and after hearing him go on at length, would find an opening and be shut down by him. He forcefully spoke over me loudly and would not let me read certain Scriptures. I told him that was a red flag and quoted the words of Jesus in John 8:47. – “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” (John 8:47) This man knows the Scriptures well yet is choosing to ignore certain, many Bible verses and passages which contradict his false doctrine.

The calvinist does not want to find out and evades the hard truths of Scripture because if he embraces “ALL scripture” it will require that he truly repent, lay down his life in this world, and truly follow Christ for real (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Luke 9:23-24, etc.).

The job and work of the calvinist coward is to run from, knock down, twist, take out of context, and negate every Bible verse of warning, severity, obedience, the daily cross (crucified life), and the divine command to “be ye holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16). He does this to escape all personal responsibility. Instead he wants to live after his sinful lusts and justify it all by saying he’s one of the “elect”, saved by the grace of God and has no personal responsibility to take God at His Word and obey Him.

The calvinist is willingly indoctrinated and intentionally, deceitfully selective in the way he interprets Scripture. The calvinists interpret Scripture in order to prove their heretical points and not to apprehend the truth. In fact, the calvinist is inoculated from believing any Scripture that the cult of calvin hasn’t pointed out to them. They refuse Bible truth, mountains of Scripture which contradict the 5 poisonous points of Calvinism.

Beware of the “private interpretation” of modern beguilers in our midst. Contrary to the self-worshipping, wishful thinking calvinists, one Scripture never cancels another. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” and must be assimilated in its immediate and whole Bible context (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Those who do not follow this biblical rule enter into what Peter calls “private interpretation.”

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21

No Bible verses are to privately interpreted for the self-serving agenda of any individual. Such is the work of deceivers and their prey.

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing (collating, putting together) spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13

Calvinist apologists are simply those who have been dishonest before God for many years and instead of getting honest and coming to complete, real repentance before the LORD, they built this paper castle they vainly believe is hiding them from God and from His coming judgment. False security. They search high and low and borrow, parrot the intentionally falsely interpreted Bible verses which seem to justify their position. They will do anything but repent. They will spend endless hours searching for, and digging up Scriptures to “prove” their position – all while purposely ignoring the mountains of Bible truth that is in direct opposition to their false doctrines.

What’s tragic is when heretics are shown volumes of Scripture, mountains of God’s Word which contradict their beliefs and choose to ignore and set aside God’s Word in order to keep their heretical tradition – just as Jesus cited the hell bound pharisees for doing (Mark 7:6-10). What is the disciple of Christ to do after showing Bible truth and yet the hearer ignores it?

“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:10-11

To subvert is to undermine the power and authority of God who has an established Word of truth concerning salvation.

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5

Though in the ministry and engaging men with the Word of God daily, I was somewhat caught off guard by this childhood friend who had called – wasn’t expecting a call of that nature. Enraged, he insisted that I was intentionally ignoring verse 13 of John 1. Being that I do not ever wish to ignore one verse over another because “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God”, we read those verses aloud together (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Together, mostly at his beckoning and leading, we went all over the Bible on this topic. We ended up back at John 1:12-13 at his leading and under his condemnation of me. So, we read those 2 verses together again and I asked him this question: What comes first in this passage, believing/faith OR being born of God? He was momentarily quiet and I pointed out that receiving Christ came first (v12) and then the person was born of God (v13).

Over his angry words I told him kindly that I was “done with this phone call.”

Of course, instantaneously upon receiving Christ, God saves the person, justifies, and regenerates them. They are born again. Jesus says “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” (John 6:47) Scripture states “without FAITH it is impossible to please him.” (Hebrews 11:6) The LORD requires faith. Period. And not only initial but ongoing faith to the end of one’s life (Matthew 1:22; 24:13; John 15:6; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; Revelation 2-3, etc.).

Jesus said to the blind as He healed them “According to YOUR FAITH be it unto you.”

“Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. 30 And their eyes were opened …” Matthew 9:29-30

In the divine economy, we appropriate God’s blessings by faith and forfeit them by the sin of unbelief (Hebrews 3-4, etc.). God requires the faith of men who will know and walk with Him.

Being born of God is a biblical truth and yet not without man’s involvement, man’s individual choice. The delusional calvinists conflate many things, including the erroneous notion that because it’s God that draws and saves, man is not at all involved and has no choice in the matter. Is that true? Not at all.

During this conversation the caller pointed out Romans 9 which is a passage that spans Chapters 9-11 in Romans. He was not happy and ignored what Scripture teaches in Romans 11:20-22. After I was finally able to get a word in edgewise, we read Romans 11:20-22. Being that he was clinging to heresy and not interested in apprehending the mind of Christ on this matter, this man didn’t like the threat the LORD gave to all Gentile believers of being “cut off” just like God did the Jews, His own people. Here it is:

“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For IF God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity (judgment); but toward thee, goodness, IF (denotes condition) thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:20-22

Notice the utter essential of faith – the truth that God requires faith, initially and perpetually – “because of unbelief they were broken off.” (v20)

Jesus also told us that cast into the fire any man IN HIM who doesn’t remain, abide, continue in Him:

“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6

Conclusion: Monergism, the regeneration before faith heresy, is just another twisted, perverse lie of the cult of calvinism. All calvinists are heretics who have corrupted the original Gospel message and character of God in their vain attempt to claim justification by Him with no involvement of their own.

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4

The sober minded will find that calvinists are arrogant, pretending that they, the special “elect,” possess esoteric, secret knowledge that others aren’t privileged enough to possess. When you give a calvinist heretic Scripture upon Scripture that clearly refute the lies he’s espoused, he will convey to you that because you aren’t one of the special “elect,” you can’t possibly understand. Calvinists are not men of truth but rather dishonest and deceitful in heart, hanging their hats on hellish doctrines of devils to justify living as they so choose in this fleeting world. Scripture clearly reveals that the “grace” they claim to be saved by is a farce. If they were truly saved by divine grace, here’s what their lives would look like:

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” Titus 2:11-12

If Paul was overtaken and forced by the LORD to be saved, and therefore had no danger of falling away and going to hell after being saved, why did he tell us he had to “keep under” his body – live the crucified life – or he would be a “castaway” in the end?

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (a reject).” 1 Corinthians 9:27

If the Laodicean church, the people of God were forced to go to Heaven and were not in any jeopardy of being vomited, rejected from Christ’s body and suffering eternally in hell, why did the Son of God warn them that they were in danger of being rejected for being lukewarm? (Revelation 3:15-16)

Why did Jesus warn us all that if we didn’t overcome all sin, no matter what it took, or be cast into hell, if such were not a real and present danger? (Mark 9:43-50 KJB – Satan’s new fake “bibles” altered or removed this passage)

If those whom Christ saves (when they choose to obey His drawing and receive Him) why did Jesus warn each and every one of the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 that they had to overcome to be with Him in glory?

Jesus invented the phrase “fall away” and so we know it’s possible and we also know that someone who falls away was previous in Christ’s kingdom (Luke 8:13).

God “commandeth all men every where to repent” and yet the calvinist says man has no choice in the matter (Acts 17:30). How is it that the LORD says one has to repent to be saved if an exercise of one’s own will isn’t involved and if repenting is not possible or not required by God?

CRUX – WHY THEY DEPART FROM GOD’S WORD AND MIGRATE TO THIS HERETICAL SYSTEM:

Calvinists are among the vilest of counterfeits who love their sin, spending endless hours reading the works of mere sinful men, who they call the “reformers”, who offer an alternative to the cross, the crucified life. These are the very “ungodly men” Jude warned us about who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God.” (Jude 4). They will do anything on earth except truly repent and lose their life in this world (Luke 9:23-24; 14:27, 33; 17:33; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

Calvinism is extra-biblical, a system of theology devised by mere men and devils. John Calvin, the pope of Geneva, had over 60 people murdered and admitted to getting his teachings from a catholic bishop named Augustine. All 5 points are poison.

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Calvinism’s Origins by Ken Rieske | Eternal Security / OSAS DEVILS Slammed! 1 John 2:19 | DOES Mankind Have Free Will? | The Heretical System and Doctrines of Calvinism | UN-Limited Atonement [podcast] | Eternal Security/OSAS Perseverance of the Saints Busted and Exposed | John Wesley on Calvinism, Once Saved Always Saved, and Conditional Security

The Sovereignty of God as Defined by Calvinism vs Scripture [podcast]

Of the “sovereignty” claim of calvinism, Ken Rieske writes: “Calvin’s Sovereignty Doctrine Distorts the Attributes of God Calvinists are proud to proclaim, “The basic principle of Calvinism is the sovereignty of God.” This doctrine allowed John Calvin to misinterpret Scripture in any manner he desired in order to fit his Institutes theology. He simply claimed the sovereignty of God allowed it. God’s other attributes such as love, justice, mercy and grace became irrelevant so long as sovereignty reigned. John Calvin’s extreme definitions of sovereignty and sin (Total Depravity or Total Inability) laid the foundation for a religion that bears his name, […]

Calvinism's Origins and Historical Roots [podcast]

Calvinism’s Origins and Historical Roots How did Calvinism Come about? Where did John Calvin derive his teachings, doctrines which many hold to today? False Doctrines of the “Pope” of Geneva Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. HERE’S WHERE THE TULIP, THE 5 SOLAS, THE 5 POINTS OF CALVINISM CAME FROM. IT’S A CURSED ROOT AND THAT’S WHY CALVINISM CAN BRING FORTH NOTHING EXCEPT CURSED FRUIT (Matthew 12:33). Calvinism was cursed from the beginning, at the root. Calvinism is “another gospel,” a false gospel, and a totally heretical system of theology spawned from […]

Calvinism Demolished [podcast]

Calvinists Define their Un-biblical, Extra-biblical Belief System with the Acrostic TULIP: T – Total Depravity U – Unconditional Election L – Limited Atonement I – Irresistible Grace P – Perseverance of the Saints Romans 2:11 and 1 John 2:2 immediately prove that all of Calvinism is demonic heresy. ANY fraud who is teaching calvinism is “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9) Calvinists falsely teach that Jesus only died for a certain elect few people. But God’s Word says – “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John […]

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Calvinism Demolished [podcast]

Calvinists Define their Un-biblical, Extra-biblical Belief System with the Acrostic TULIP:

T – Total Depravity

U – Unconditional Election

L – Limited Atonement

I – Irresistible Grace

P – Perseverance of the Saints

Romans 2:11 and 1 John 2:2 immediately prove that all of Calvinism is demonic heresy. ANY fraud who is teaching calvinism is “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9)

Calvinists falsely teach that Jesus only died for a certain elect few people. But God’s Word says – “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)

The Calvinist’s nightmare Bible verse is 1 John 2:2. I’ve literally seen devils/demons manifest when quoting this Scripture verse to calvinists. “Doctrines of devils” such as calvinism come from “seducing spirits.” (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

John Calvin was a demon-possessed philosopher who wrote volumes of heresy with little Scripture. He lives today through his writings and tells gullible men what the Bible says. They’d rather read Calvin’s doctrines of devils which contradict Scripture rather than seek the LORD for themselves in His Word, allowing the Almighty to speak for Himself (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17). As an example of his bearing false witness against the LORD, John Calvin wrote:

“…salvation is freely offered to some while others are barred from access to it.” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 21, Paragraph 5)

Make no mistake, the words above are the words of a demon, a devil, Satan. Jesus says Satan has come “to steal, to kill, and to destroy” but that He, our Savior Jesus, came “that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Satan seeks to steal the hope and the eternal souls of as many as who would believe his lies.

Heretics act as if they can skip over and ignore volumes of Bible verses that contradict OSAS and Calvinism and not have to give account to God in the end. Delusional (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

Calvinism is demonic and so is the heresy of eternal security.

Calvinism teaches that God wills, has foreordained to damn individuals. John Calvin taught that the fall of man was God’s will.

“I admit that in this miserable condition wherein men are now bound, all of Adam’s children have fallen by God’s will.” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 23, Paragraph 4)

To the contrary, God says sin is man’s fault, not His:

“With Augustine (a roman catholic heretic!) I say: the Lord has created those whom he unquestionably foreknew would go to destruction. This has happened because he has willed.” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 23, Paragraph 5)

To the contrary, Jesus told us that it is SATAN who has come “to steal, to kill, and to destroy” and that Jesus came to give us “life…more abundantly” and “that he might destroy the works of the devil.” (John 10:10; 1 John 3:8).

“The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

“I HATE this false teaching! What would God be ‘longsuffering’ for if people were created for demise.” Antonio O’Neal

Notice what the Holy Spirit told us through the apostle John:

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8

That verse didn’t say that Satan made anyone sin nor that God ordained it. Clearly inferred is that man chooses to sin – “He that committeth sin.” Because some men choose to live in sin instead of for the LORD, they are “of the devil.” ….. “the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

Jesus taught that “MEN loved darkness rather than light, because THEIR (own) deeds were evil (not His!).” (John 3:19-21)

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19

Calvinists blasphemously attribute evil and sin to the LORD who is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) They love to use Isaiah 45:7 out of context.

“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” Isaiah 45:7

God only creates evil if you will in the sense that HE allows all to choose good or evil, darkness or light (John 3:19-21). This can be in the same sense as He spoke of in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 where He told His people that He sets before them “life and death, blessing and cursing.”

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” Deuteronomy 30:19

Typically, calvinists purposely refuse to look at the full counsel of God’s Word and hyper interpret, over emphasize, go to seed on 1 verse here and there, while ignoring the whole counsel of Scripture, as they are hell bent on promulgating certain heretical misinterpretations.

1 John 2:2 alone disproves the whole grace-perverting extra-biblical system of calvinism. “THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD” is a death nail to the diabolical scam called calvinism.

WHY did Jesus tell us He was going to “draw ALL men” to Himself if He had no desire to save “ALL men”? (John 12:32)

Cursed Calvinism: Jesus promised He was going to “draw ALL men” to Himself when He went to the cross (John 12:32). God would never draw someone He didn’t desire to save – and Jesus told us that “ALLLL” men were going to be drawn to Him to be saved. Calvinist is a gross perversion of the original Gospel and character of Christ! It’s a false gospel and anyone preaching it is “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9)

WHY did Jesus say He was going to “draw ALL men” to Himself if He had no intention of saving them? John 12:32

How is it that you deny that Jesus “is the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of THE WHOLE WORLD”? (1 John 2:2)

Calvinists love to misread Romans 9-11. They reject the knowledge of God here where it is once again revealed, as is repeatedly the case, that God desires to “have mercy on ALLLLLL.”

“For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon ALL.” Romans 11:32

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us ALL.” Isaiah 53:6

Jesus died to save “EVERY man.”

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death FOR EVERY MAN.” Hebrews 2:9

Calvinism is an antichrist cult….There are more than one proof of this, including that they learn from mere men, they indoctrinate their prey, and they uphold the doctrines of sinful men (reformers) above God’s Word.

“Let God be true, but every man a liar…” Romans 3:4

What did God give us to know His “doctrine”?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Cults are known in that they have a faulty foundation – they rest on something other than God’s Word and are therefore built on sinking sound (Matthew 7:15-29).

The calvinist seeks to see the Bible through calvinism instead of seeing calvinism through the Bible.

Like the pharisees of Jesus’ day, most calvinists are more intent upon holding to a heretical tradition than to the Word of God (Mark 7:6-10).

“Calvinism comes from Gnostic, Greek philosophy that Augustine learned and mixed in with Christianity.” unknown (Calvin repeatedly admitted that he got his doctrines from Augustine. Augustine was a catholic

“Who will have ALLLLL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

The calvinists acrobats, the twisting of Scripture diminishes nothing of divine truth on this matter.

John Calvin admittedly revealed that he was getting his doctrines from the Catholic Augustine (a total fraud). All of Catholicism, from its very inception, was Antichrist. Therefore anything coming out of it is cursed. It is a cursed tree which cannot bear good fruit.

Calvinism is a twisted, demonic system of heresies that grossly malign the character and Gospel of Jesus Christ. 1 verse destroys the false foundation upon which the heretical system of calvinism is built. 1 John 2:2 case closed.

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Attacking Calvinism isn’t loving your neighbor. You are neglecting Ephesians 1:4. Calvinism is biblical. If you want a target of false doctrine to focus on, the Prosperity Gospel is a huge one. The Bible must be read in context.”

REPLY:

Since Calvinism is pure demonic heresy, attacking Calvinism is attacking and exposing satan which is the mandate of God to all who know Him.

You only defend this system, this “doctrine of devils” due to not studying God’s Word for yourself and instead, following Satan’s wolves.

Loving the LORD is more important than loving your neighbor and when you love the LORD you don’t following heresies.

1 John 2:2 alone slays the demonic system of Calvinism. Case closed.

Repent and follow Jesus, not wolves who are His enemies.

History of Calvinism – Rooted in Catholicism and Murder | DOES Mankind Have Free Will?

One disciple writes: “The Calvinists act like these devils (their idolized reformers like Calvin) invented the Bible itself when they were born 1500 to 1600 years later. These rats were the worst people like Calvin, John Knox, Luther and another rat named Huldrych Zwingli who murdered the real reformers—like the Anabaptists and other sects—by the tens of thousands and were evil satanic tyrants. They raped and tortured their way to power. If you do not believe me look up the persecution and murder of the Anabaptists, along with reformation leaders who tortured and killed dissidents with the numbers into the hundreds of thousands. Look it up because the great truth is these snakes were so evil and arrogant with their fake self-righteous holiness that they wrote it all down for all to read. Evil people. Even today people will tell me they purely made up the story of Jew-hater Luther and the ink well. All made up 100 years later and the original story was of a fight between him and a monk over a prostitute. Just saying there are tons of myths from the so-called Church fathers. Some of them where wicked and insane. Don’t believe me, look it up. But don’t go to the reformed historians because they lie though their teeth. Even Catholic historians tell more truth about the horrors of the burning times. Go to secular sources who tell it like it was. Years ago, when I used to preach on this topic, I got more death threats from reformers than Muslims because they serve their fake reformed gods above Bible truth.”

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Apostasy

Eternal Security / OSAS DEVILS Slammed! 1 John 2:19 [podcast]

THE DEVIL IS A LIAR: Another “eternal security” proof text plundered!

1 John 2:19

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:19

Interestingly, the word “never” does not appear in this verse above which is so often used to “prove” OSAS. Let’s read it again with an objective mind. And, also remember what Jesus says about the primary importance of His teaching of the seed and the soil, the sower and the Word:

“And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?” Mark 4:13

The honest student of the whole Counsel of God’s Word knows that numerous clear Bible truths reveal that a saved person can turn away from the LORD, so we know that the apostle John could not possibly be saying that a saved person could never depart from the LORD. In my opinion, this verse is the best argument the eternal security proponent has, yet it’s not enough. There must be two or three witnesses and not just one (2 Cor. 13:1). After a closer examination of this text, one will find that verse 19 does not teach or justify “once saved always saved.” When any one verse is taken to the exclusion of the whole Word of God, one will certainly misunderstand the doctrine of the LORD which can only be apprehended by “study.” (2 Tim. 2:15) This verse is like any other verse of Scripture – it must be taken in light of the entire Counsel of God. The context to be considered is 1 John 2:18-29).

In examining the context in which 1 John 2:19 is set, we see that false teachers whom John calls “many antichrists,” had come and were telling these believers that Jesus was not the Christ (v22).

Let’s look at verses 18 and 19 together:

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:18-19

Note here that it is specifically of these “antichrists” that John speaks and says that “if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”

John was speaking of those who were once saved but then departed from the faith (1 Tim 4:1), they believed and then fell away (Luke 8:12-13) …. then departed from the believers in that fellowship.

Teddy Caldwell writes:

“OSAS insists that those are professing believers, but 1 John 2:18 says such people are antichrists. 1 John 2:22 says an antichrist is one who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Anyone who does that isn’t a believer and isn’t even trying to look like one.”

Concerning 1 John 2:19, Donald Stamps, in the Life in the Spirit Study Bible, writes:

“‘THEY WENT OUT FROM US.’ When the antichrists departed from their fellowship with true believers, they were not in a saving relationship with Christ. This allows for two possibilities: (1) They were never true believers to begin with, or (2) they had once been in a saving relationship with Christ but afterward abandoned their faith in Christ.”

Right here in verse 24 of this passage we see the doctrine of personal responsibility to “remain” in faithful obedience to the LORD or lose one’s place with God (1 Cor. 15:2; Gal. 6:9; Col. 1:23). This is a teaching found throughout Holy Writ – the divine requirement to stay saved or lose all in eternity, “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 7)

“Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. IF (denotes condition) that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” 1 John 2:24-25

Verse 24 alone tells us that we cannot think that verse 19 means that someone who is at some point in right standing with God can never depart from Him and lose out. Also, verse 25 tells us that “eternal life” (not just rewards) is at stake and the promise contingent upon the believer abiding or remaining in that “which ye have heard from the beginning” which is the Gospel. “Eternal life” is assured as long as one is remaining rooted in Jesus Christ. This is the overwhelmingly consistent message of God’s Word.

In verse 26 John says “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.” Verse 19 is written about the deceivers who sought to “seduce” these disciples John was addressing and not of true believers.

With all of Scripture in consideration, we can conclude that 1 John 2:19 is a specific example and not a rule of doctrine.

If you truly wish to search out this matter, let me encourage you to closely examine, break down and study this entire text (1 Jn. 2:18-29). In order to ascertain truth, one must compare the verse in question with all other related Scriptures, beginning with the context in which the verse is set (Isa. 28:9-10; 1 Cor. 2:13).

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages

Which Came First? Faith or Regeneration | Eternal Security/OSAS Busted and Exposed

Favorite Eternal Security "Proof" Text?

Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages Does John 10:27-29 Prove “Eternal Security”? WHO are Jesus’ Sheep? Define. John 10:27-29 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” ~ John 10:27-29 Verse 27 is the condition necessary to appropriate the promises of verses 28-29. Those who believe that a […]

Grace vs Holiness [podcast]

“The horrible travesty we have in America today is Christianity without holiness.” A.W. Tozer Grace and holiness come only from God. The LORD is Holy and He extends salvation by grace to repentant, believing sinners at the moment of conversion. Grave vs Holiness: WHY is one of these two so overwhelmingly overemphasized by today’s pastors and self-appointed “grace teachers,” when the other is prioritized by God as is demonstrated by the number of times it appears in Holy Scripture? Which word appears more times in the Bible?: Grace, or Holiness LET’S DO THE MATH: Comparing Grace and Holiness 170 […]

10 Questions about Eternal Security

If a once truly born again believer can’t possibly go back to sin and go to hell, explain: 1. Where did God say any man ever loses his free will on this earth? (Joshua 24:15) 2. Where did God say that those He saves cannot ever go back to sin? 3. How and why are the wages of sin no longer death? (Romans 6:23) 4. Why did God separate Adam and Eve from Himself when they sinned and yet now somehow changed and keeps rebels, violators, unrepentant sinners in His kingdom? (Genesis 3:24; Malachi 3:6) 5. Explain why God is […]