The BLOOD belonging to Christ

Christ shed HIS blood.

Jesus said the shedding of His blood was going to be for the remission of sins (Matt. 26:28). Paul stated that Jesus shed His blood to purchase the church (Acts 20:28). These purposes are one and the same, for those in His church are those who have had their sins remitted. To have sins remitted is to be "in" Christ's church. There is a connection between the two and lessons to be learned from that connection, one of which is, proper and improper concepts of Christ's church.

Jesus foretold of the shedding of His blood by saying that HE was going to "build" His church (Matt. 16:18). This "building", was also connected to the remission of man's sins, for His blood had to be shed before sins would be remitted (Heb. 9:22); and before the church would be "purchased" (Acts 20:28). The church being "built" and being "purchased" mean one and the same, the blood being shed for that purpose.

If Christ was to speak beforehand of the shedding of His blood in the manner in which He spoke of building His church, He would have said it this way:"I will shed My blood", as He said "I will build My church". We know this to be accurate, for He spoke beforehand of the purchasing of the church with His blood in this way.

If we were to refer to Christ's blood, we could express it in a number of ways: i.e., "Christ's blood"; the "blood of Christ", or "the blood belonging to Christ". Since Christ was "God" in nature (John 1:1), it would be in order to even refer to His blood as "the blood of God", so long as we understand that it was the Son, not the Father, who shed blood.

There is a lesson to be learned about Christ's church, by an analogy of the church and the blood are referenced. Christ shed his blood for "the world", [for God so loved "the world" ~ John 3:16]. But does it seem in order to refer to Christ's blood after those for whom it was shed, i.e., the "blood of the world" or the "universal blood"?

The church began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1, 41). But does it seem in order to refer to Christ's church as the "pentecost" church", naming the church after the "day"?
There was a response from those who desired remission of sins on this same day (Acts 2:38, 41). But does it seem in order to refer to the Christ's blood as the "blood of repentance", or the "repentance blood"; because those on the day of Pentecost responded in repentance (v. 41)? Likewise, does it seem in order to refer to the Christ's blood as the "baptism blood", or the "blood of baptism", because those on the day of Pentecost submitted to baptism?

Would these designations of Christ's blood seem in order? Again, WHOSE BLOOD IS IT?
Christ DID speak beforehand of purchasing, or building His church. He said, "I will build My church". As with reference to Christ's BLOOD, if we were to refer to Christ's CHURCH, we would express it in similar ways: i.e., "Christ's church"; the "church of Christ", or "the church belonging to Christ" would we not?

Since Christ was "God" in nature (John 1:1), it would be in order to even refer to His church as the "church of God", as long as we understand that it was the Son, not the Father who purchased the church, for the Son, not the Father, shed blood.

Those who have had their sins remitted, are to follow a pattern or method in how they worship, and in how they are to work together in spreading the gospel and in the work of building/strengthening one another up. But is it in order for the church to be called after the method, i.e., the "method" church?

There is a pattern or method to follow in how those purchased by Christ's blood are to be fed and protected (Acts 20:17, 28); but is it in order for the blood/church to be called after it's leaders, such as the "elders church"?

Would these designations seem in order? Again, WHOSE CHURCH IS IT?

"... in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." ~ Ephesians 2:13

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins..." ~ Colossians 1:14

"...if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." ~ 1 John 1:7

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Thoughts on "faithfulness"

There are two ways to keep members of the church “faithful.” The first way is to be sure everyone is involved. Have a project for each member, and make sure that he feels important in his role. Praise him for the good job he is doing. Make him feel needed; make him feel that the well being of the whole congregation rests firmly on his shoulders. That will keep him “faithful.”

There are two problems with this method. In the first place, it encourages the creation of projects that are not remotely related to the work of the local church .One member plays on the church ball team; another member leads the Boy Scout troop; another is an active member of the “Dorcas Society”; another plans the program for the men’s luncheon. Everybody is busy all right, but in activities that are not authorized in the New Testament.

In the second place, members are often given roles for which they are not qualified. A lady is chosen to teach a class not because she is qualified, but because she needs to be involved. A man is appointed a deacon to help him to be “faithful.” Another man is appointed to serve the Lord’s Supper for a month in order to encourage him to be present each Sunday that month. This method thus places “the cart before the horse,” for no one should ever be assigned any work in the Lord’s service who is not already faithful and qualified for the work to be done (2 Timothy 2:2).

The second way to keep people faithful is to develop within them a genuine love for the Lord. When people love the Lord, they will be faithful, and it won’t take some kind of “special” project to keep them faithful.

They will also be involved: in worship, in study, in godly living, in sharing the gospel with a friend, in helping the needy. I have known literally hundreds of Christians who have never in their lives been appointed to any special work, but whose love for the Lord alone keeps them faithful. There is no superficial faithfulness on the part of these; theirs is a faithfulness that is real.

Special responsibilities are fine for those who are qualified, but the man who requires some special duty to be faithful has never learned what true faithfulness is.

Bill Hall

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

HOW is a genuine love for the Lord going to develop? Is it not by the teaching of God's word? As the individual grows in grace and in knowledge, his love will increase. (2 Peter 3:18).

Which prompts another related thought:

HOW does one grow in grace and in knowledge? Will it not come through personal study and meditation on God's word? Is this not the theme of the hymn we sing, "TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY"?

Does not "spiritual growth" point to the need for teaching? Shall we be content to "baptize" and basically leave them to themselves thereafter ~ ["swim or drown" concept]?

Consider in regard to physical growth, what results would come if we gave birth to a baby, then left them to themselves to survive?

Babes in Christ, need to be 'fed' properly; they need to be taught how to 'eat' (i.e., study properly, recognizing the particulars of context; the need for, and how to establish authority).

Otherwise, will not their convictions will be as "someone else preached on the matter"? Is this not what Paul's concern was in Eph. 4:14-15? 

"...we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up..."

It is truly a test as to whether our confidence is in the power of God's word to convict, reprove and exhort, or whether we use the bible as a "front", while, in reality, our "tradition" is to do as Bro. Hall pointed out, "give them roles" for which they are unqualified.

Spiritual growth takes "time" (as the hymn says); so does physical growth; there is no shortcut; no steroid...time is needed. The benefit of time, is, it will develop patience in our lives.

The need for patience is seen from these passages:

Rom. 2:7 - to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;

Heb. 10:36 - For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

James 1:3 - knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

2 Peter 1:6 - and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

As a child will benefit physically from patience, so will the babe in Christ benefit spiritually...developing patience is necessary to spiritual growth; bible study will develop patience, for there is no shortcut to learning. We can do a 5-15 minute prep; a "skimming over" and then teach a class, etc. but is this what Jesus died for?

Is not discipleship, following the example of Jesus? Did not Jesus state that "Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me"? (John 6:45)

Let us resolve to address spiritual growth needs, by using the resource of God's word...it contains the power to save (Rom. 1:16). Let us have enough faith in it to do what it alone can do, and teach it.

Faithfulness needs a proper foundation; that foundation is a love & respect for God's word. That will come in time; time spent in study and meditation of God's word. Faithfulness is dependent upon knowledge...knowing how to "handle aright" God's word. This must be taught; a babe, left to himself will develop bad habits, physically AND spiritually. While he may survive, what will his life be compared a life wherein he was taught properly? Did Jesus merely intend for us to only 'survive', or to grow and flourish? Students need a teacher. Each generation needs taught.

Proper spiritual growth is the only way to ensure faithfulness on our part. It will be the fruit produced, when the seed of love for God's word is sown.

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UNDERSTANDING DIVINE INTERVENTION

What is meant by ‘intervention’? 

The idea of ‘intervening’ is to come or to go between. It has reference to someone(s) stepping in and affecting the outcome of events. There is either a compelling, an altering, a maintaining, or a preventing of conditions in the affairs of those affected.

Similar terms are: INTERPOSE and INTERRUPT

DIVINE intervention is when GOD intervenes. 

There are two points to observe in reference to DIVINE intervention: 

1] God always intervenes according to His purpose.

2] Man always responds in one of two ways to this intervention—rejection or acceptance.

Let's notice the first point:

The Bible declares that God’s purpose for divine intervention is always in harmony with divine purpose. 

1 Tim. 2:4 – He “...desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

2 Peter 3:9 – God “..is...not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Ezek. 33:11 – God has “...no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live...”

Accordingly, we find that before the Creation, God provided for man’s salvation. Speaking of Christ, Peter wrote: “He was foreknown before the foundation of the world ...” (1 Peter 1:20)

The second point: 

The Bible declares that man always responds in one of two ways. This relates to God's intervention, for God continues to intervene in the affairs of man, and it is conditioned upon man’s will.

Ezek. 14:1-9 – "Then certain of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me. And the word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them? Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Any one of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and sets the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him as he comes with the multitude of his idols, that I may lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, who are all estranged from me through their idols. "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations. For any one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel, who separates himself from me, taking his idols into his heart and putting the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to a prophet to consult me through him, I the LORD will answer him myself. And I will set my face against that man; I will make him a sign and a byword and cut him off from the midst of my people, and you shall know that I am the LORD. And if the prophet is deceived and speaks a word, I, the LORD, have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand against him and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel."

We need to ask ourselves, have we “taken idols into our heart?”

Examples of those who had done so:

Ahab ~ 1 Kings 16:33 – “...Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.”

1 Kings 21:20, 25-29 – “...you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the LORD...there was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab...and when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, "Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house."

Accordingly, God dealt with him (Ahab) in this manner:

1 Kings 22:13-23 – “And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, "Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably." But Micaiah said, "As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I will speak." And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, "Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?" And he answered him, "Go up and triumph; the LORD will give it into the hand of the king." But the king said to him, "How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?" And he said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, 'These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.'" And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?" And Micaiah said, "Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; and the LORD said, 'Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?' And one said one thing, and another said another. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, saying, 'I will entice him.' And the LORD said to him, 'By what means?' And he said, 'I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.' And he said, 'You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.' Now therefore behold, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the LORD has declared disaster for you."

Some related passages that show this pattern of God's manner of dealing with man, was determined by man's acceptance or rejection of what God had commanded of man.

Rom. 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good...”

2 Thess. 2:9-12 – “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

God carries out His purpose through His intervention to save and at the same time, chastise the wicked. We saw this in how Ahab was dealt with. 

God's word is “...living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12) 

Many today are attempting to serve God but have “taken idols into their heart”. Those who have “taken idols into their heart” are the ones who have no love for truth.

How will God carry out His purpose through intervention toward them? [2 Thess. 2:11, “Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false...”]

Prov. 19:21 – “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

The plans of those who ‘love not the truth’ will be overthrown. God’s intervention/purpose will stand. Man may have one thing in mind, yet it is God’s purpose for man that will be accomplished. If your ‘plans’ are to serve God, nothing will prevent you from doing so—God’s word is sure; if, however, your ‘plans’ are to resist God, nothing will prevent God’s rod of chastisement from coming. God intervenes to accomplish this in our lives. Job acknowledged this: Job 34:10-12, 14-15, 21-27 - "Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding: far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong. For according to the work of a man he will repay him and according to his ways he will make it befall him. Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice...If he should set his heart to it and gather to himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust..."For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps. There is no gloom or deep darkness where evildoers may hide themselves. For God has no need to consider a man further, that he should go before God in judgment. He shatters the mighty without investigation and sets others in their place. Thus, knowing their works, he overturns them in the night, and they are crushed. He strikes them for their wickedness in a place for all to see, because they turned aside from following him and had no regard for any of his ways...”

There is no doubt that He intervenes in this manner: We see that the Amorites were going to be punished, yet, as with Ahab, God was merciful.

Gen. 15:13-16 – “Then the LORD said to Abram, "Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for yourself, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete."

God would intervene (& affect the outcome) when He knew the iniquity was complete. Abram did not know, nor need to know when this would be; he believed what God said about this and was fully persuaded that God would fulfill His word; in fact this was fulfilled long after Abram’s death (Josh. 21:43). The Hebrew writer tells us Abram and many others, “all though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us...” (Heb. 11:39).

Did they know the particulars of why the events in their lives were so occurring? No, but they loved God & believed that it was going to “...work together for good...”

Other examples: Joseph & his brothers: In Gen. 50:20 – “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

Speaking of Balaam & Balak, Moses said of God’s intervention...Deut. 23:4-5 – “But the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam; instead the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you...”

God intervened in Esther’s day and struck Haman for his wickedness. The result? Esth. 7:10, “...so they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.”

Job spoke of God’s intervention: Job 5:12 – “He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.”

Gamaliel recognized that if God was behind it, it was futile to resist. Acts 5:38-39 – “...if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.” The apostle Paul believed in divine intervention: 

Phil. 1:12 – “...what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel...”Paul did not know how God would achieve His will in man to save him, yet Paul did know that such was why God intervened. He said in 2 Tim. 1:12 – “And that is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.”

Speaking of Onesimus’ desertion and return, Paul wrote to Philemon: Philemon 1:15 – “For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever...”

Who knows why this sequence of events in the life of Onesimus happened as they did? 

- Did Onesimus intend to become a Christian when he ran away? 

- Did those who persecuted Paul intend to advance the very gospel preached by Paul? 

- Did Haman intend to be hanged on the same gallows prepared for Mordecai? 

- Did Balak intend for Israel to be blessed when he summoned Balaam? NO! But God turns man’s curse into blessing; God frustrated the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. Why?

Because God:

1 Tim. 2:4 – “...desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

2 Peter 3:9 – “..is...not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Ezek. 33:11 – has “...no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live...”

Divine intervention was, and is, to cause our salvation. How we respond to that intervention determines how God intervenes thereafter.

Do you want to be saved? Do you love God, or do you have pleasure in unrighteousness?

As Job said God deals according to the work of a man, and “... he will repay him and according to his ways...”

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MISSING WORDS

What words are missing from this text of Mark 10:29-30?

"...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, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands; and in the world to come eternal life."

[The missing words reflect what comes TO a disciple for judging with righteous judgment. It comes FROM those who desire to live by doing what is right "IN THEIR OWN EYES" rather than what God commands. - see Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23; John 7:24]

The missing words are "WITH PERSECUTIONS" 

We need to understand the significance of these two words because they are necessary to discipleship.

Here are some other passages which point out the relationship of discipleship to persecutions:

2 Cor. 12:10; 2 Thess. 1:4; 2 Tim. 3:11-12; John 15:20; Acts 14:22

The persecution that Jesus underwent was due to His doctrine...[He called His teaching 'TRUTH'] 

- He claimed to have authority from God to teach the things He taught. 

- He stated that belief and obedience to the things He taught were necessary to becoming a disciple (John 3:3-5).

Persecution exists today over the same two issues – authority and truth. 

Those who preach TRUTH as an ABSOLUTE STANDARD, (i.e., the ONLY way to heaven) will suffer persecution from those who do not want to acknowledge an absolute standard, but rather want to do "what is right in their own eyes" (Judg. 17:6; 21:25; Deut. 12:8)

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Chosen And Predestined

Text: Ephesians 1:1-6

Suppose an ad appeared in the newspaper announcing a cash giveaway at a certain department store. "Come and pick up your money!" the ad announced. When you arrived, there were thousands of people in the parking lot. A voice was heard over a loudspeaker calling out several names, and then the voice ceased. Finally it was announced that those names called out had been chosen before the ad appeared in the paper. They were the only ones who would receive any cash.

Did the department store have a right to give away cash? Certainly. Did they have a right to pick out individuals to receive the cash? Yes again. But was it fair to advertise the event as if anyone could come and receive money?

In a nutshell, this is the issue surrounding the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination. But in this case we not only ask, "Is it fair?", but we especially ask, "Is this true?"

The Calvinistic Concept Of Predestination

John Calvin was a reformer of Christianity in the 16th century in Geneva Switzerland. He was especially sensitive to the teachings of Roman Catholicism that works play an important role in one's salvation. He was convinced he saw an entirely different picture in the New Testament. He wrote, in book 3, chapter 21 of his Institutes of the Christian Religion: "By predestination we mean the eternal decree of God, by which he determined with himself whatever he wished to happen with regard to every man. All are not created on equal terms, but some are preordained to eternal life, others to eternal damnation; and, accordingly, as each has been created for one or other of these ends, we say that he has been predestinated to life or to death."

Why would Calvin, and many others after him, teach such an idea?

Eph. 1:4-5 - Paul seems to be in agreement with Calvin. "Predestined" suggests that our destiny was set in "pre" times, i.e. before we were born. This was because we were chosen in Jesus "before the foundation of the world". In this respect, our salvation owes only to His grace.

Rom. 8:28-30 - Another passage pointed to is this, which teaches that some are "foreknown" by God, i.e. known by Him before their birth. These are predestined and called, and also justified. But if a person has not been foreknown, they cannot obtain justification under any terms.

1 Peter 1:1-2 - Peter also speaks of God's foreknowledge and His act of electing some to sanctification in the Spirit.

(Israel is produced as an example of God's election. Of all the nations on earth, God chose Israel to be His special people, simply because of His grace.)+

Acts 1:16-17 - Another example is that of Judas. Could he have chosen to do differently? Or was it predetermined that Judas would fall, and nothing could possibly have been done to change the outcome?

If this doctrine is true, there are some large implications. It means that those who are chosen can never be lost; and those who are not chosen can never be saved. And just who are these who are chosen? We just hope we are among that blessed number, for otherwise we are lost and there is nothing that can be done about it.

Did Calvin Teach The Biblical View Of Predestination?

Do the passages above teach that God has already picked out who will be saved and who won't?

we deny that predestination is a Biblical concept? Certainly not; we've read some passages, and there are others, which speak of God doing this very thing. But do these passages teach that God has already picked out who will be saved and who won't?

The free offer of salvation to all men is an undeniable doctrine:

With all due respect to John Calvin and those who follow him, the Bible is very clear on man's ability to choose salvation. Whatever the Bible means by "predestination" must be decided in view of this doctrine.

~ Acts 10:34-35 - Peter learned, by being called to the home of a Gentile, that God shows no partiality to anyone. Anyone who fears God and works righteousness is accepted by God.

~ Acts 17:30 - Paul declared that God commands all men everywhere to repent. Why should we repent if we are not among the elect?

~ Titus 2:11-12 - The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

~ Rev. 22:17 - Among the last words of the Bible is this offer of the waters of life to anyone who desires to come.

The passages which appeal to our free will to choose or reject God's offer of salvation are numerous. No serious student of the word of God can deny these. To deny them suggests that God is playing a cruel trick on us.

Then what does the Bible mean by "chosen and predestined"?

1 Peter 1:1-2 - God's foreknowledge doesn't mean that He has Himself assigned us to whatever fate we reap. It means that He knows the past, present and future; all is clear to Him. Here, it is applied more generally, meaning that God foreknew as children all who would submit to the sanctification of the Spirit and who would obey.

2 Thess. 2:13-14 - Paul also realized that God chooses on the basis of those who are willing to submit to sanctification through the Spirit and belief of the truth. We receive this calling through the gospel - a calling that extends to anyone anywhere. When we hear that calling, we choose whether to allow the Spirit to sanctify us, and whether we will believe and obey the word of truth.

John 17:17 - And how are we sanctified through the Spirit? Through the word that the Spirit has revealed; through our obedience of the gospel.

Guy N. Woods: "The thoughtful reader will easily discern that election extends to character, and not to individuals. God has ordained, 'from the beginning', that those possessed of a certain disposition or character are elected to salvation; those who submit their wills to him, in obedience to the gospel, possess this disposition; therefore, those who obey his will are elected." (Questions and Answers, vol. II p. 95)

On the other hand, if the Calvinistic view of predestination is correct - that certain people can never be saved, regardless of what they might do - then:

The Bible contradicts itself in those passages which suggest free access; and

God is guilty of showing partiality, selecting some to be saved and some to be condemned.

Conclusion:

1. A form of predestination in the true Biblical sense occurs every day in every large city in the world. Airlines have predetermined that certain airplanes will carry passengers to various destinations. But are individuals predestined? No, not until they board that plane. But when they satisfy the conditions by buying their tickets, they are "predestined".

2. 2 Peter 3:9 - This is the God we serve. Anyone can come to Him!

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If thou shalt CONFESS with thy mouth....CONFESS WHAT?

“If thou shalt confess with thy mouth...” - - - Romans 10:9

Confess WHAT? 

Context consists of:

1) WHO is speaking

2) TO WHOM is being spoke to

3) WHAT is being spoke about

The importance of understanding "TO WHOM" ~ #2 above, is seen from the Bible teaching on "CONFESSION", as this relates to "calling on the name of the Lord".

Most all preachers in denominationalism tells sinners to confess their SINS. A text often cited in support of confession of sins is Romans 10:10, 13 which says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation…For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

The mistake made in using Romans 10, is a MIS-use of "TO WHOM" is being addressed in this context.

This epistle was written to Christians, not sinners (see Romans 1:7). 

Also, the confession that is to be made is clear from the text, for in verse 9 we read, “That if thou shalt CONFESS with thy mouth THE LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Another text that is cited for support of confession of sins is 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Please take note again, this passage is written to Christians; NOT sinners! (see 1 John 2:1, 18, 28; 3:1, 18; 4:1, 7, 13-21)

The New Testament epistles were written to those who already had “called upon the name of the Lord”. [These examples are recorded in the book of Acts].

We learn from the book of Acts what was CONFESSED by ALIEN SINNERS. It was NOT a confession of their sins, or anything about themselves.

Take, for example, the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. His confession is clear. The eunuch (a sinner) wanted to be immersed in water; Phillip told him that something needed to be done BEFORE he could be immersed. He had to CONFESS something, but not about himself; he had to confess something about JESUS. What was it?

His confession about Jesus was what the apostle Peter told the Jews on the day of Pentecost; namely that God “hath made Him both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36 – “…therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”)

Accordingly, we find in Acts 8:37 this confession from the eunuch, “…I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

This confession that the eunuch needed to state about Jesus could NOT be confessed PRIOR to Jesus’ being raised from the dead, for He was neither “Lord” nor “Christ” prior to his resurrection.

This is why those examples of sinners being saved prior to Jesus’ resurrection are NOT applicable today. For example, Jesus spoke forgiveness to many while He was on earth:

The crippled man – Luke 5:16-24 – “Man thy sins are forgiven thee” – v. 20

FORGIVENESS WAS MERELY SPOKEN

The sinner woman who anointed His feet – Luke 7:36-50 – “Thy sins are forgiven” v. 48 FORGIVENESS WAS MERELY SPOKEN

The thief on the cross – Luke 23:43 – “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise” Again, FORGIVENESS WAS MERELY SPOKEN

All these people were sinners; they were physically healed of infirmities and they had their sins forgiven by being ‘spoken’ away.

But these instances were PRIOR to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus! What about NOW? Is this how people are saved TODAY?

Had God’s eternal purpose been accomplished BEFORE Jesus shed His blood?

None of these 3 could believe and confess what Paul stated in Romans 10:9-10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

WHY NOT??? 

Because Jesus had not even been put to death at this time, much less raised from the dead. We cannot look to any example PRIOR to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ for our example of how to be saved TODAY.

A sinner is not to confess in regard to himself that he is a sinner; rather, he is to acknowledge with his mouth, his conviction that God hath made Jesus both Lord and Christ. 

He must acknowledge that, Jesus possesses ALL authority, (i.e. that He has the right to command us how to live our lives). As Jesus had taught, don’t call Him ‘Lord’ and NOT do what He said (Luke 6:46). 

If we love Him, “keep” (obey) His commands (John 14:15).

The commands that Jesus meant for those who desire His saving blood to be applied to their sins, are the same commands that He gave to the apostles shortly before His ascension. They are recorded in Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; and Luke 24:44-47.

It was these commands that the apostle was referring to when he mentioned a ‘form of doctrine’ that must be preached to AND be obeyed, by the sinner in order to reach Christ’s blood, now that it has been shed.

Accordingly, we read: Romans 6:17-18 – “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

So we have the form of doctrine found in Matt. 28; Mark 16; and Luke 24

Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 reflects what is to be believed, and confessed NOW.

Acts 2:32 – “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.”

Acts 2:36 – “God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ.”

Neither of these things could be believed or confessed of Jesus by the sinner woman, the crippled man, nor the thief on the cross.

The book of Acts contains the ‘form of doctrine’ that preachers must preach today to sinners in regard to HOW they can be saved.

In each recorded case of conversion, following belief, repentance, and confession of their faith in Jesus, each sinner was commanded to be baptized in water FOR remission, NOT because they were already saved, as is erroneously preached today.

Acts 2:38 – repent & be baptized;

Acts 3:19 – repent & be converted; Mark 16:16 – believe & be baptized;

Acts 22:16 – arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling upon the name of the Lord; 

1 Peter 3:21 – the like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us...

All are consistent in showing that baptism in water is a part of this form of doctrine; and that baptism precedes forgiveness.

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JUDGE-LESS CORRECTION

Jesus commanded that "repentance and remission of sins" be preached "in His name" (Luke 24:47). The gospel message is to make this appeal to all in need of both. Therefore, the message of the gospel is God's power to save (Romans 1:16-17).

God purposed for this message to be taught, so that those in sin, may learn of their danger; learn of how they became captive by Satan, to do his will; and to learn how to escape his hold over their lives. 

All this "learning" " explains how and why a person needs to "repent"; as well as why "remission of sins" cannot occur without "repentance" from sin.

In repenting of sin, and receiving remission, one is said to "call upon the name of the Lord" (Romans 10:13).

This message of salvation (i.e. the gospel - Rom. 1:16), is to be taught; explaining "how" and "why" repentance is related to remission. It is the TRUTH about remission: one must repent before his sin will be remitted! Any preaching that would teach that remission apart from repentance is deception.

In being a "taught" message, the gospel must have a "proclaimer" ~ a preacher (Rom. 10:13-16). In being taught, the proclaimer must understand that there is to be a response called "obedience" to the message of TRUTH (1 Peter 1:22). His salvation from sin is known as having his soul "purified". This is the same as "remission". The soul cannot be purified apart from repentance.

The apostle Paul described this process to Timothy as follows:

"A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, SO THAT THEY MAY KNOW THE TRUTH, and...come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." ~ 2 Timothy 2:24-26

It is "those who are in opposition" who are in need of repentance...who need to "know the truth"...to "come to their senses". So they must be taught...and corrected of opposing that which they ought to accept.

Yet those who need to be taught, and who are in need of correction, often struggle with their deception of remission without having to repent from their sinful living.

Satan is shrewd at this point, for one is on the verge of leaving him for Jesus. So what has Satan done about this? He has cleverly used a perversion of scripture to keep one deceived. His pet passage for deception at this time, is Matthew 7:1. It is Jesus' teaching on passing judgment.

The one in need of correction, who doesn't want to face the TRUTH that he must repent BEFORE receiving remission quotes Matt. 7:1 as some sort of "defense" when corrected him in regard of his need to repent. One of the purposes of scripture is that of "correction" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Now, if some one can solve this dilemma of teaching and correcting, WITHOUT EVER PASSING JUDGMENT, he will have eliminated the barrier that prevents the sinner from being saved without repentance..."judge-less" correction!

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