If God's election is sure, then why do we need to make it sure? How to handle this verse?
This is probably the case, seeing I have had quite a bit of exposure to Calvinism.The ultimate end to what you appear to be asking may very well lead to debates over Calvinism. After all, the extremes of Calvinism say that we play no part in our election, so this therefore must be alluding to something other than what it seems to be saying...
If God's election is sure, then why do we need to make it sure? How to handle this verse?
Crossnote, perhaps a consideration of Philippians 2:12-13 might help to clarify the answer.If God's election is sure, then why do we need to make it sure? How to handle this verse?
Major, so you are saying 'make your election more sure' is from our perspective, not God's?However.....your assurance can certainly be questioned by the life you live!
Philippians 2:12-13 (NASB) So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.Crossnote, perhaps a consideration of Philippians 2:12-13 might help to clarify the answer.
I was addressing the idea of making our election certain from our own viewpoint. When we take the necessary time and steps to follow God's guidance regarding our salvation, our edification provides the certainty to provide in our hearts the sure certainty of our election.Philippians 2:12-13 (NASB) So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
As God works in us, His will and good pleasure are the fruit.
I don't quite see the connection with 2 Pet 1.10...could you edookate me?
This is why I think I have trouble with that 'other view' it becomes rather subjective in that it turns the matter of certainty upon me, rather than the objective Word and the redemptive act of Christ.I was addressing the idea of making our election certain from our own viewpoint. When we take the necessary time and steps to follow God's guidance regarding our salvation, our edification provides the certainty to provide in our hearts the sure certainty of our election.
Major, so you are saying 'make your election more sure' is from our perspective, not God's?
That sounds reasonable.
There is both an objective and subjective element to our understanding of assurance. The Scripture provides us with the legal and intellectual basis for our understanding by providing facts; Scripture also provides us with the emotional basis for our understanding by providing edification. That emotional understanding is what brings us through the periods of doubt, especially concerning our salvational certainty. Arminian theology is responsible for more anguish than almost any other force that attacks a Christian's faith.This is why I think I have trouble with that 'other view' it becomes rather subjective in that it turns the matter of certainty upon me, rather than the objective Word and the redemptive act of Christ.
How would you compare 'our edification provides the certainty' with 'our new birth provides the certainty'?
Hey crossnote, are you aware that a christian can lose his or her salvation?If God's election is sure, then why do we need to make it sure? How to handle this verse?
Hey crossnote, are you aware that a christian can lose his or her salvation?
Jesus's work alone saves us but we still need to follow him dont we?
Jesus's saving work is sure, but we need to follow him to make our salvation sure.
By not following Jesus we are sure to lose sight of him and when we lose sight of him we are sure to fall back into the world and so losing our salvation.Unless ofcourse somewhere in between we decide to repent whole heartedly and find him again.Although according to the Word finding him again is highly unlikely
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