Calvinism: Predestined Salvation?

[Zguy28]

OK - but remember that the Bible specifically states that those who sincerely trust in Jesus are sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of Redemption. The truly Saved are secure as Jesus states that no man can pluck us from His hand or His Father's hand. This does not give us the liberty to continue or think we can continue living in worldly things as before the time we are saved. Rather, we are to allow the Holy Spirit of Promise to guide our lives each and every day and to walk in the Spirit each and every day. Will we slip up? Occasionally, but the Holy Spirit will prod our spirit and inner conscious to keep us on track abiding in the Spirit. Trusting Jesus' words of Salvation should leave no doubt as it is the Holy Spirit that witnesses to our spirit that we are the Children of God. God gives us an assurance of Salvation and one should be able to know whether his/her relationship with God is genuine or not.

Jesus said that in this world we would have tribulations but to be of good cheer, he has overcome the world. It is this complete faith and trust in Jesus that should help us realize that God will not let any of His Children perish.

And Peter was giving similar instructions. Remember, the folks he was writing to didn't have most of the rest of the New Testament to read.

 

[Starman3000m]

And Peter was giving similar instructions. Remember, the folks he was writing to didn't have most of the rest of the New Testament to read.

Interesting what Peter was saying in this whole chapter: (copy & paste)

2 Peter 3

1This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

2That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

5For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

6Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

15And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

16As 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.

17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

 

[ItalianScallion]

Sorry to get into this so late, but you are taking that passage out of context. It is clear who Peter is speaking to here. The Elect, not all mankind.

I think you might have mis-read the passage. In 2 Peter 3v9 Peter IS talking to and about all mankind. He's speaking to anyone that would later read what he wrote. Why would God only want the elect not to perish? Is His heart only there for some and not all?
"...not wanting anyone to perish, but that ALL should come to repentance."
The saved do not need repentance; they've already done it.

 

[Zguy28]

I think you might have mis-read the passage. In 2 Peter 3v9 Peter IS talking to and about all mankind. He's speaking to anyone that would later read what he wrote.

what makes you so sure? Last I checked the letter started like this:

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Emphasis mine.

Clearly he is writing this to those who are saved already.

Why would God only want the elect not to perish?

Why wouldn't He?

Is His heart only there for some and not all?

Perhaps because of foreknowledge?

"...not wanting anyone to perish, but that ALL should come to repentance."
The saved do not need repentance; they've already done it.

If you think only the unsaved need repentance, then you probably need to repent yourself. (and BTW, I'm not saying that in a judgmental tone, but in a general tone)

If we say we are without sin, we are liars. Repentance is something that the Christian should continue in everyday. When we sin, we should repent. Do you not sin anymore at all?

 

[ItalianScallion]

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Emphasis mine.

Clearly he is writing this to those who are saved already.

If you think only the unsaved need repentance, then you probably need to repent yourself. (and BTW, I'm not saying that in a judgmental tone, but in a general tone)

If we say we are without sin, we are liars. Repentance is something that the Christian should continue in everyday. When we sin, we should repent. Do you not sin anymore at all?

Yes, he was writing to believers but that doesn't mean he's only referring to them with his statements.
The verse in question (v9) reads: "...He is patient with you, not wanting ANYONE to perish, but EVERYONE to come to repentance."
1) No "true believer" is going to "perish", so he has to be referring to the lost. Jesus said: "It's not the well who need a doctor, it's the sick". If you think that a believer can be lost, then we have a problem.
2) The word everyone includes the lost. They need repentance more than we do. Trust me on that one.

Please don't get carried away thinking that I am sinless; Good grief!

 

[Starman3000m]

The Will Of God for All The World

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (Galatians 3:22)

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32)

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. (John 12:47)

The Will Of God is for mankind to Repent and Not Perish.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)

 

[Aggie]

Marie,

Minor point, but New Covenant Theology (your link labeled Covenant Theology) is a bit different than Covenant Theology.

Aggie