Predestination and God’s Sovereignty
Jesus says that hell was created “for the devil and his angels” and not for mankind (Matthew 25:41) …. which further confirms that God sent His only begotten Son to pay the price for sin “for the sins of the WHOLE world.” (1 John 2:2). The LORD is “NOT willing that ANY should perish” but would have “ALL men to be saved.” (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9)
Beginning in the early days of the Methodist Revival, John Wesley’s position on predestination became a controversial issue. His friend and partner in ministry George Whitefield was a staunch Calvinist, which meant that he believed that salvation was only available to those who had been elected by God, and that the elect would certainly be saved. Wesley was an Arminian, meaning he believed God’s gracious gift of salvation was available to all, though it could be rejected.
While Wesley and Whitefield began their conversations about predestination in private, it wasn’t long before “pamphlet warfare” flared up as each side began to publish sermons and open letters advocating for their positions. Wesley and Whitefield were able to reconcile to a certain extent, but the passionate and fiery debates left a mark on their relationship, and the Methodist movement as a whole. To this day, many see the predestination debate as an important dividing line in evangelicalism.
Why was John Wesley so resolute in his rejection of the Calvinist approach to predestination? There were two key concerns motivating his thinking on this question.
Two Key Concerns
The first key concern had to do with the character of God. Sometimes people mistakenly think that Wesley’s rejection of unconditional predestination was based on an overly optimistic view of human nature, as opposed to a more robust Calvinist understanding of depravity. In fact, Wesley agreed with the historic Calvinist position on total depravity. The real issue at stake was God’s character, rather than innate human abilities. Wesley felt that the idea of absolute unconditional predestination by divine decree was inconsistent with God’s justice, as well as his love and goodness.
This fundamental difference can be seen in the respective ways in which the Calvinist and Wesleyan traditions have approached the question of divine sovereignty. Generally speaking, the Calvinist tradition has seen sovereignty through the model of a ruling monarch, whereas Wesley conceived of sovereignty primarily through the model of a loving parent. The monarch’s power over his subjects is conceived primarily as an exercise of “will,” and hence, for Calvinists, the fact that some are saved while others are not is explained as a decision of the divine will. On the other hand, a parent’s power over their children is conceived primarily as an exercise of love. From this Wesleyan perspective, it is inconceivable that God, as a loving parent, would eternally decree some of his children to life and others to death.
Wesley’s second key concern related to the character of the Christian life. He worried that preaching a Calvinist approach to predestination would lead to antinomianism – living without any concern for the law of God. If salvation is unconditionally established by an eternal decree, why would any of us concern ourselves with obedience and discipleship?
Wesley felt the Calvinist approach therefore undercut the pursuit of holiness, because the connection between God’s gift and our response is marginalized. In his 1739 sermon, “Free Grace,” which ignited the first round of public controversy with Whitefield, Wesley wrote, “So directly does this doctrine tend to shut the very gate of holiness in general, to hinder unholy men from ever approaching thereto, or striving to enter thereat.”
The Biblical Position
It was on the basis of these two areas of concern that Wesley advocated for his evangelical Arminian position on predestination, which can be outlined in the following six points:
- Total depravity is true in that the fallen human being is completely helpless and in bondage to sin. Yet Calvinists erroneously teach that man has no ability in his depravity to make the choice to obey the divine command to repent and trust Christ.
- The atonement is universal in scope. Christ’s death was sufficient to atone for the sins of the whole world, not only an elect few, as proposed by five-point Calvinism.
- Prevenient (or preceding) grace is universally available. God’s grace is present in our lives before we turn to Christ in faith, and this grace restores a measure of freedom so that we can respond to his gracious gift. This is how Wesley could affirm that all human persons were free to respond to the gospel in spite of total depravity—but note that the freedom which humans possess is a measure of freedom (not absolute freedom in all respects), and it is freedom-by-grace, not an inherent endowment of fallen humanity.
- Grace is resistible and can be rejected, to our own destruction. God is actively drawing all people to himself, but his grace is not coercive.
- Predestination is therefore based on God’s foreknowledge, not his will. That is, God corporately predestines all those who respond in faith to salvation, and by foreknowledge he knows who will respond. Yet the response of each person is truly theirs, because God’s foreknowledge does not cause their response.
- Assurance of salvation is given by the Holy Spirit, who witnesses directly to our adoption as children of God through Christ, and whose fruit in our lives also provides confirmation that we are God’s children.
Jason Frost writes:
“What is predestination?
Calvinism Crushed
The Sovereignty of God as Defined by Calvinism vs Scripture [podcast]
Articles
The Persecution Podcast [podcast]

“Think it not strange” in 1 Peter 4 simply means to not be surprised. If you love the LORD you will want to hear all He says in His Word, including the reality of persecutions for Christ’s sake (John 8:47). Any man posing as a leader among God’s people and isn’t preaching regularly on the reality of Christian persecution, is absolutely an ear-tickling wolf! Run!
Sounds like our LORD is saying that WHATEVER, WHOEVER we lose in this life due to following Jesus, God is going to multiply back to us…
“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. 28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.” Mark 10:27-31
“He shall receive a hundred fold, houses, &c. – Not in the same kind: for it will generally be with persecutions: but in value: a hundred fold more happiness than any or all of these did or could afford. But let it be observed, none is entitled to this happiness, but he that will accept it with persecutions.” John Wesley
William MacDonald, the Believer’s Bible Commentary:
“10:28-30 Peter caught the drift of the Savior’s teaching. He realized that Jesus was saying, “Forsake all and follow Me.” Jesus confirmed this by promising present and eternal reward to those who forsake all for His sake and the gospel’s.
1. The present reward is 10,000 per cent return, not in money, but in:
a. houses—homes of other people where he is given accommodations as a servant of the Lord.
b. brothers and sisters and mothers and children—Christian friends whose fellowship enriches all of life.
c. lands—countries of the world which he has claimed for the King.
d. persecutions—these are a part of the present reward. It is a cause of rejoicing when one is found worthy to suffer for Jesus’ sake.
2. The future reward is eternal life. This does not mean that we earn eternal life through forsaking all. Eternal life is a gift. Here the thought is that those who forsake all are rewarded with a greater capacity for enjoying eternal life in heaven. All believers will have that life but not all will enjoy it to the same extent.”
FB Meyer writes:
“Mark 10:23-52
TRUE RICHES AND REAL GREATNESS
Wealth brings many temptations. It is not said that rich men cannot get through the gate, but they will have to stoop very low and be stripped of the love of wealth, though not necessarily of wealth itself. In Christ’s kingdom to give all is to get all. The surrendered life needs no pity, for what it loses on the material side is more than compensated by its enormous spiritual gains, Mar_10:30-31. Perhaps the request of the two brethren was dictated rather by the desire to be near the Master than by ambition; but in any case there is only one price to be paid. We must know the fellowship of His sufferings, if we are to share His glory, 2Ti_2:11, etc.”
“The strongest swords are forged in the hottest fires.” unknown
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Articles
Oldest Manuscript Scam Exposed DEBUNKED

JUST ANOTHER VATICAN HOAX PERPETRATED BY THE SEMINARIAN PARROTING PAWNS
More proof that Satan can use his agents to stage any hoax he evilly desires and gullible dupes will buy it.
The lie that the new per-versions come from “the earliest manuscripts” is JUST ANOTHER VATICAN HOAX…. and every seminarian dupe for the last many decades was taught this lie. This is just more proof that Satan can use his agents to stage any hoax he evilly desires and gullible dupes will buy it.
“Satan, which deceiveth the whole world” (Revelation 12:9) – SO very many people have been deeply steeped or buried in layer upon layer of lies and deceptions. This is why that when they hear the truth, it’s shocking to them. Some react peaceably and teachably. Others attack the mere messengers of truth – namely the modern pharisees otherwise know as seminarians and their duped students.
The Hebrew and Greek manuscripts were transitional to get the Bible into our language. Some people erroneously want to worship those mere tablets. There’s no value in the communication medium but rather in the pure Word of God itself recorded on the manuscripts or anywhere.
The term “textual criticism” is used by wicked men who are arrogant and wise in their own conceit deciding that they, mere sinners, are going to critique and then change the divinely inspired, preserved Word of God (Psalms 12:6-7). Sound familiar? It should. This all goes back to the temptation of the first man and woman by Satan who cast doubt upon, planted doubt in their minds as to what God plainly stated and upon the authority of the Word, words of God. See Genesis 2:17; 3:1,4. Those involved in “textual criticism” are the modern actors, agents of the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1). | The “Yea, Hath God Said” Temptation
“Now the serpent was more subtil (insidious, deceitful) than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3:1
One defender of the true Word of God, in rebuking a seminary parrots writes:
“Keep your ‘textual criticism’ which is a lie. It’s even more absurd to think that everyone up until these other ‘manuscripts’, found in Egypt of all places, were found recently in history all had the wrong, uninspired bible for almost 2000 years with the TR (Textus Receptus-Received Text). Stop working for the Vatican which puts the King James Bible at the top of their Banned Books list. It is YOU who don’t know what you’re talking about, just parroting your ‘professors’ in your vatican controlled colleges and seminaries, all minions of the dark side, and probably don’t even know it.” unknown Bible defender
“Modern scholarship” comes out of the Jesuit-corrupted seminaries. Layers and layers of lies covering its dirty tracks are stacked up to “confirm” the previous lies. Most modern so-called “scholars” use Satan’s “bibles” which is all we need to know! The corrupt defend corrupted “bibles.” Any man who can use those horrible excuses for a Bible is in darkness. What’s that say for the lightweights many call “pastors” today? You have to cast away the “Spirit of truth” and the common sense God gave you to be indoctrinated by the doctors of damnation and to buy into the new “bible” version lies (John 16:13-14). SMH
“Textual criticism” is a term of late and it simply means “We don’t like what the real Bible says and so we are questioning and changing it!” (hence all the fake “bibles”) This is with no exception, the work of Satan’s children. Satan is the one who questioned and changed what God said, from the beginning. It all goes back to the Garden (Genesis 2:17; 3:1, 4). These agents of Satan are counting on lots of deliberately ignorant people buying into their evil agenda, lies, and schemes to deceive, all to the glory of their father the devil (John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9).
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and SATAN, which DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9
What the deceived do not yet realize, is that Satan, who deceives the whole world, has been walking about seeking whom he may devour for 6 thousand years.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9
WHO Changed God’s Word in the Garden? (Genesis 3) And we think he stopped doing so?
Beloved of God, there are elaborate schemes to deceive you that have been underway since way before you were born. It will best serve us to truly humble ourselves before the LORD and His beloved body and allow Him to teach us. We have much to learn!
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:11
Has Satan gained “advantage” over your life by your ignorance?
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6
What would you do to deceive the whole world if you were Satan? Well, we gain a clue as to what Satan has done to deceive the whole world as we read Genesis 3. The most subtle, the most insidious creature cast doubt on what God had said (His Word) – “hath God said?” (v1). Then, the enemy of all souls added just one 3-letter word that led to the fall of mankind – “ye shall NOT surely die” (v4) said the great deceiver after God had told the man and woman definitively that they would “surely die” if they sinned against their holy Creator (2:17).
Satan has no new devices to use against mankind (1 Corinthians 10:13; Ecclesiastes 1:9). He uses the same exact deceptions and those who are not truly walking with Jesus in His truth will certainly be deceived and ultimately damned (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). If Satan cast doubt upon (removed from), and added to what God had said in the Garden to the first man and woman, can we ascertain what the great deceiver does to mislead and damn the souls of men today? Yes!
Satan is the author of the corruption, the altering, the changing of God’s words, Word (Genesis 2:17, 3:1,4; Jeremiah 23:36; Mark 4:15; Revelation 22:18-19, etc.).
The manuscripts are the difference. Kenny Moore writes:
“Many have bought into the New Age Bible version lie. All modern versions come from ‘Satan’s Satanic Verses’/ the Septuagint, Sinaiticus, and Vaticanus—all proven to be blasphemous, counterfeit, and corrupt. These Satanic MSS (manuscripts) come from the underground catacombs of the dead in Roma, Italia (Rome, Italy). Catholics are forbidden to read the Authorized King James Bible, but the modern ‘versions’ are OK! Why? THE NEW VERSIONS ARE CATHOLIC > NEW WORLD ORDER > Antichrist Luciferian Trash Theology.”
The “earlier” manuscripts turned out to be just another lie. Lie stacked on top of lie to cover up the work of Satan himself through his Vatican agents. The lake of fire awaits! (Revelation 22:18-19) No man of truth excuses this butchering of God’s Word. Only those in total darkness would do such. | The New Version “bibles” are Vatican Corrupted and Controlled
Anyone defending these corruptions of God’s Word is being empowered by “the spirit of antichrist.” (1 John 4:3) You don’t really think the Holy Spirit is behind their attack against the LORD and His Word, do you? Impossible (1 Corinthians 14:33).
by David W. Daniels
Is the “World’s Oldest Bible” a Fake?
Modern research techniques have revealed a hidden scheme aimed at God’s Holy Words…
Modern Bibles have changed many verses because of the discovery of an “ancient” manuscript in a monastery on the Sinai Peninsula.
The manuscript, called Sinaiticus, is claimed to be the earliest complete copy of the New Testament. Its discoverer, who was a world leading Bible scholar in his time, told the world Sinaiticus was from the 4th century and that it was the “oldest and best” Bible available.
Publishers rushed to make new Bibles with many changes to match it.
But not everyone agreed. When this famed 19th century Bible scholar, Constantine Von Tischendorf, claimed the ancient date, a well-known Greek calligrapher said, “No! I made that document!” But why did no one believe him? Maybe it’s because pages of the manuscript were stored where no one could view them, archived in exclusive collections across several continents.
Now, an international group has carefully photographed each page of Sinaiticus and is displaying it on the internet as high-quality digital images. For the first time, Bible scholars and students can see the entire manuscript together, as was never possible before. And what they are seeing with their own eyes is shocking. Some of the pages are white and look quite new, while others have been darkened to make them look very old. If they are all from the same “old” Bible, how can this be?
Researcher David W. Daniels proves with easy-to-understand evidence that the Sinaiticus is not the oldest manuscript and certainly not the best, either. He is also convincing in showing it’s not old after all and that the Greek calligrapher did make it, in the 19th century.
The textual (and doctrinal) changes in modern Bibles are based upon a fake —a shadowy scheme worthy of Satan’s hatred for the preserved words of God.
The utter and irrefutable proof that the “world’s oldest” manuscripts are a fraud, a scam. “All textual criticism today is of Satan.”
The Truth about Bible Versions
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Articles
Mission Mexico Part 52-Pictures, Videos, Testimonies, etc.

RECENTLY brother Mark gave a JESUS tract to many while he was on an evangelistic walk, including a man named Angel. Angel then called brother Juan asking for help. Juan’s email address and phone number are on the back of the JESUS tracts now.
TODAY: Because you cared and prayed and gave, brother Angel received the love of our God in the form of a box of food and some cash ($27 USD). Oh and he gladly received a stack of JESUS tracts he is excited to pass out.
Juan has been in touch with Angel and here’s what he reported:
“On Saturday, Brother Ángel laid his wife and daughter to rest. They were riding a motorcycle when they were struck by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. Although he has managed to provide them with a proper burial, he is now left without food. I am wondering if Brother Mark might be able to offer some support—he has shared his contact details with me, and he is currently unemployed. Perhaps some of the other brothers could reach out to help him; I will share this in the group, and I truly hope he can receive some assistance, as he is going through a very difficult situation. He has heard the Word of God—I shared the message of the Good News of Salvation with him—and he needs to see the love of God manifested through us, brothers.” Juan
Angel texted me this after being blessed by the body of Christ:
“Brother, Thanks so much, brother; this money will help me keep saving up for my rent. I really appreciate it—thank you so, so much. And please know that I’m more than happy to help you out with anything you might need. I’m letting Brother Juan know that I’m going to take the $500 (500 pesos = $27 USD) to the landlord, because he told me that if I didn’t give him something today, he would throw my things out and kick me out today. Thanks, brother. Honestly, if you ever need anything—washing your truck, clearing a piece of land, painting some things, whatever—just let me know, because I need to come up with the full amount for my rent.” Angel
Prayer: Feel free to lift up in prayer brother Angel – for his walk with Christ, his work life, and being able to pay the remainder of his rent. Angel is a typical Mexican man – super hard working. He’s obviously needing new clients.
As you can see, this blessing came right on time. God heard our brother’s cry and used you and I to delivered HIS blessing. As you can see, sounds like Angel would have been homeless tomorrow had God not intervened.
As God would have it, just before finding Angel to deliver the blessings, I met and old man who owns a store. Upon hearing the preaching of our LORD Jesus’ Gospel, the man rejoiced. We fellowshipped briefly, and he gladly received a stack of JESUS tracts to distribute.
GTR in Mexico!!!
GTR = Gospel Train Rollin
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
The weekly fellowship with brother Juan and brother Eduardo has been a blessing. Eduardo is the man who recently began emailing and texting. He said some “America guy” gave him a JESUS tract and it was like a gift from Heaven.
Eduardo is a born again brother in Christ who was much in need of fellowship (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25). This morning, brother Juan, who is super caring in God’s love and pastoral and evangelistic, ministered our LORD’s Word and love to brother Eduardo at length. Even though I can’t understand most of what they are saying in Spanish, there’s no doubt our LORD was edifying His son Eduardo.
Both these men are Spanish speaking. Here’s what Juan said at the end of our fellowship today with our brother Eduardo:
“Brother Eduardo says that he has faced discrimination from his family for becoming a Christian and following Jesus Christ. They have distanced themselves from him, as they prefer to practice a more traditional form of Catholicism—attending Mass and going to confession with a priest. But you know very well that it is God who chooses us, and we shall not be put to shame, because we have chosen the better part by believing in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Brother Eduardo says he’s unemployed and asks if you can help him in the group (to find work). He works in agriculture. He needs help with gardening, painting houses, or any other service because he’s unemployed. We need to see if you can support him here in this town.”
After a rich time of fellowship, both men were given coffee and breakfast and a small bit of cash as a way to bless them. Mexicans are very hard workers as you know and yet the economy in Mexico is not what it is in the US.
Thank you for caring for these beloved Mexican people, namely our brothers and sister in Christ.
Your prayers for the super receptive people of Mexico are a blessing. God is answering.
Lifelong Jewish lady now born again just got water baptized today.
Dear Mr. Augustine readily received the love God via His body (you!), the spoken Word of God, and the original Gospel on the JESUS tract. Your prayers and support make these things possible. Jesus is coming saints – and our hand is on the plow of our LORD Jesus’ bless-ed Gospel, the Great Commission He gave us (Luke 9:62). Everyone’s participation matters, greatly and will be rewarded accordingly (1 Samuel 30:24).
A man named Eduardo was given a JESUS tract today and is emailing me saying that he’s very excited to meet brother Juan, brother Mark, and myself this thursday for breakfast fellowship. God is good.
“If you have any, please let me know—thank you so much! An American man gave this to me on the street; it feels like it fell from the sky! Thank you very much…hugs”
There’s simply no way for us to report on every person who is being touched daily. It’s literally getting out of control. The LORD is marching into the hearts of the Mexican people.
“Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! The receptiveness in Mexico is beyond my comprehension! Even to the point of this man saying this gospel feels like it fell from the sky. Well I guess it did. Jesus came from heaven to earth to show us the way and seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19:10). Praise God for the many souls who are being reached daily with the gospel of Christ. God is well pleased!” Karen Cochran
PRAYER REQUESTS:
For Juanita and her sons Jesus and Victor. Beloved Juanita pictured below. She brought me into the gate of her house and said “Mi casa es tu casa” = my house is your house. A completely bless-ed lady who readily received the ministry of the Word, the glorious Gospel of Jesus. She may already be saved, I don’t know but she now knows who to repent and receive Jesus if not.
Also Fatima, a young mother with a little girl who receive ministry today.
They just moved here to this town today from CDMX (Mexico City).
Thank you.
God knows.
What to pray?
Colossians 4:12 boom.
In Jesus’ name.
“… The living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;” 1 Timothy 6:17
Some of the things one must suffer by going to “third world” Mexico to preach Christ’s original Gospel. Don’t worry, the cost of living here is much lower cost than the US.
Immediately upon handing a man the JESUS tract today, he lit up and hugged me. He was so excited because he’s born again and his father and grandfather are pastors. His name is Israel.
We connected and Israel and brother Juan are now connected and communicating. Juan gladly took some JESUS tracts to distribute. Would you like to pause and lift our brother Israel to the LORD in a prayer? (Philippians 1:19)
How do you find the saints in an area you go into? Just evangelize and watch God work.
*Below is a picture of one of the many men who received a JESUS tract this morning.
Mission Mexico
Jesus is coming saints.
Breakfast fellowship with the brethren of our LORD …
in “third world” Mexico.
Oh boy if people only knew.
It’s a blessing that with your prayers, love, and financial support, you are declaring that “The People of Mexico Matter for Christ—He died to save them!”
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
IF YOU WANT TO PLEASE SATAN …..
MAKE SURE you do NOT support authentic evangelistic ministries that are literally, actually getting Christ’s Gospel to the lost souls of this world.
The apostle Paul did “the work of an evangelist” and instructed us to do the same.
“Preach the word … But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:2, 5
Our KING is coming saints, King JESUS!
Let’s roll beloved of God!
in Christ
todd
More Mexico Mission Action here.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

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