"I Believe in 'Free-will' So I Can Boast Myself." (Regeneration Precedes Faith)

[poppinmoses1979]

That's what happened to me, praise God for saving me.

He took me out of the world.

[madenew000]

these calvinists really come across as tools of deception straight from satan, as they really try to confuse and make the way to heaven seem so hard and difficult. it is sooooooo simple, guys. simply Repent, Born Again, Live holy, do Holy works - all in faith and love. soooosimple, isn't it!

why are yu guys so hell-bent on trying to sound 'wise and complicated'? foolishness, i say. all foooooools!

[k0smon]

Carlton Pearson's gospel of inclusion answers this problem, as well as any other theological query.

[jacksmack77]

I've never hated the gospel. And I also believe that God gives us a free will. God does all the saving. Ezekiel 36:29. John 3:17. Faith is not a work. The point of being elect is so that we can have assurance of our salvation. I'm am not boasting. God saved me. Titus 3:5. Free will is a mystery! Calvinists still haven't explained Revelation 22:17. Good ending. God bless.

[polopowers1]

There is no will for God to work on for all men do the will of God and all to the glory of God. But only few do the glory of Christ which are His elect.Why would God work on a will of man where would man achieve this power to have a will. This video speaks of so many wills I'm amazed at so much autonomous power suspending God's power. There is only ONE will God's

[vedinthorn]

Actually, having looked a bit further into the poster's views, he clearly doesn't understand Arminianism or any view other than Calvinism...which probably means he doesn't understand Calvinism either since it's primarily a rejection of Arminianism.

[vedinthorn]

Ya know, the funny thing here is that not a single person ever seems to actually think that since they actually get to choose to accept or reject Christ that they can boast about it. It would be as idiotic as boasting about getting Christmas presents..which also no one ever does.

[jossalv1]

Did anyone believe in God before they were conceived? Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you" Jeremiah 1:5

Did Jeremiah have a free will here? He didn't even have existence.God

can and does save you with or without your free will. Did Saul of

Tarsus have the free will to be converted on the road to Damscus?

You may say these are exceptions. Does that mean God is a

respecter of persons? No,never! These are illustrations of Gods

unconditional love!

[teacheratm]

Free will scriptures : Deuteronomy 30:15-18 - clearly affirming choice God's words not any specific denominations. Jeremiah 21:8-9 - teaches clear choice to live or die. Isaiah 7:14-16* -To be Christian or Christlike is to refuse evil, choice, free will is to be like Christ. Ezekiel 18:21, 23, 27, 30 - distinct parallels stating that evil is a choice and so is the freedom to obey otherwise. Job 34:33-34 duly note.Free will is no boast, it's accountability, to the word and one's intents and acts

[fecklessman]

lane, with all due respect, that is not common grace. you're talking about 'cheap grace'. common grace is the doctrine of God's loving and merciful attitude toward the non-elect, and it is a reformed doctrine.

[777cherub]

does Jesus really care about what you believe about free will !!! If you really know Jesus you know what is the answer...

I believe there is free will and I never boast of anything and I dont want... why should I ?

How did you get that conclusion ? you are just judging others...

[BennyMetal7]

Theology is a very important thing, Do a search of the word "Free Will" I believe you will be surprised to find that it is not found in the Bible. Don't ignore scriptures that clearly say Faith is a gift.

[777cherub]

I'm not going to debate about it. Does Jesus really care about what you interpret about it ?

you believe free-will or NOT - It doesn't matter.

He cares what you do and what is in your heart.

your Salvation is not about believing free-will or not!

PS. you don't need to ask me to find any words in the Bible, I'm a Christian too and I read the Bible and I have my own interpretation.

[BennyMetal7]

That's the problem, everyone has their own interpretation, I see what you mean in that it doesn't really matter and I agree to an extent, but as Christians we must have a solid theology of who God is and how He works, otherwise we will never grow in our walk without a deeper understanding of hod God works.

But yes, when it comes down to it, we all have been washed in the blood of Christ and ultimately it doesn't matter unless someone is preaching damnable heresies, then they will be judged.

[777cherub]

But we know What is true what is right is clear in The Bible. We can determine everything from The Bible. But don't force your interpretation to others. People like this are just going to hurt others. Our interpretations are maybe wrong, we don't have all the answer.

so what if someone believe there is free will or they don't !!?? -- are they will go to hell ?

I don't know WHY they make IT such a big deal ? I mean IT here is about free-will, even Jesus never preached about it.

[BennyMetal7]

No you misunderstood me, I don't think freewill is a damnable heresy, I was saying that stuff like that doesn't matter, it won't send you to Hell, but preaching damnable heresies like..speaking in tongues as a sign of Salvation, or sinless perfection..those are damnable heresies in my opinion.

[777cherub]

oh I'm sorry ... that is out of topic

[daveme7]

Similarly I do believe man has free will. The differance is I do not define this as a God given gift but as a result of the fall and gaining the knowledge of good and evil where man can self determine what is sin and what is not apart from God gaining his own self righteousness as a rebellion against God and his soveriegnty. How I view free will according to Psalms 14 and 53 the free will of man will always see man choose himself over God absolutely. These are also great on foreknowledge.

[daveme7]

Hi Lane,

This is where I disagree a little bit as often I do agree with quite a bit you post.

First on a pre salvation work of justification I do not agree with this. I tend to think TULIP as an apologetic and so moved in certain understandings based on defending against Arminianism. Saying this, I see God initates salvation and completes it and in between these two is where faith is found. Saying this I view God as more powerful then sin that allows man to find faith in Christ.

[Optera34]

salvation is by grace through faith and he is the author and finisher of our faith. without faith it is imposible to please God. so that those that are in the flesh cannot please God and all our ighteousness is as filthy rags. so that it is not of he who will or he who runs but of God who calls. Faith is merelyt the vehicle God uses to bring salvation and salvation is of the Lord

[ProphetNPrairie]

1 Corinthians 3:3-4- I follow Apollos or I follow Paul.-no wonder the church is in shambles.I Follow Christ.Amen.

[aroyalpriest]

Just adding a thought I got from R C Sproul - The idea of the order of salvation is not so much that of order but that of basis. Regeneration is the basis of faith - to the Calvinist and to all others Faith is based on Divine Help. Either way faith is not based soley on free will. I am a Calvinist but that is not the issue here - Regeneration is the Work of God and wither it precedes or follows the fact is there is a recreation and man is changed. Read Ez 36 - God does the work not man.

[hikarihikki]

I believe the title is biblically inaccurate. As it is written, "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life."

Thus, faith precedes life, not the other way around.

[LaneCh]

No where in "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life." is there a chronological order. It's an indicative statement just saying that believers have eternal life. It doesn't say, "First the man believes, then, as a result of his act of faith, he then merits eternal life."

[hikarihikki]

I'll have to agree to disagree with you on that one. The Bible has many statements in the form of "he who X has Y" ("ho X exei Y"), which means that not only does X logically precede Y, but also, X is a condition for Y.

[LaneCh]

Show chronology in "he who X has Y", and provide one of those verses that you claim there are many of.

[PRAYERWARRIORKING]

@LaneCh Paul's message regarding faith.

It is important to note that Paul reminds us that it is not in the

hearing but in the hearing, believing and acting that one is

justified. That does not suggest a work or merit base salvation but

that true faith acts on the Word of the Lord- which is the expression

of trust.- Romans 4

[Optera34]

Your reading into the text I believe my friend. he is not daying that you have to believe as in some work you must perform to earn salvation but that it is a requirement. Like it is a requirement to have a ticket before you go to the show. but you do not create the ticket of your own but are given a ticket by the ticket master. We are all commanded to get a ticket (thats the great indightment of man) but none will go get one of their own or seek the one God gives but seek to make their own.

[MarkSutherin87]

That didn't really answer my question.  But regardless... I find it unreasonable to think that man has no free will. Because free will used in the correct way (towards loving God) is a much deeper and richer love than if God made humans and controlled their minds to follow him -- that is not love at all. God is our Father not just our slave driver.

Regardless... I suppose the answer to this question doesn't really effect much does it?

[4570sharps]

MarkSutherin87,

About your understanding of "love" and how it relates to free will. Consider the following question and remember that just as u've said God is our FATHER; Was it loving for your parents & God to get together and decide to create u with out consulting u first? What a wonderful act of love and yet you have no choice in the matter. Now, in light of this how would you explain John 3:8 and Ezekiel 37:9. It is God's choice in reference to "that which is born of the Spirit is spirit".

[MarkSutherin87]

Sorry but you have misunderstood me.

You are talking about God's love when He created us. That has nothing to do with OUR love for Him.

I was addressing the point that God desires OUR love for Him. God chose to make us out of His love using His free will. He then gives us free will to be able to love Him back or reject Him.

God gives us the choice to love Him. Sure He didn't ask us if we wanted to be created... but that subject is related to His love, not ours.

[4570sharps]

IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH OUR LOVE FOR HIM!!! This is what u do not see!!! Do u REALLY think u chose to love your mother after you were born? No!!! Its your nature to know her, need her and love her. In the same way, when the gospel of Christ is preached and John 3:6-8 happens (u r born of The Spirit) then by your nature u KNOW, NEED, Want and Love Christ! And u have NO freedom to reject any more then that baby has freedom to reject its mother. PLEASE do not respond again without scripture

[4570sharps]

Sir, u need to be engaging the video or the scriptures many of us have presented otherwise all I hear u speaking of is a humanist definition of "man's love" defined apart from the bible. As I have said We ALL participate n various forms of love in our lives having nothing to do with choice, freedom or our will and yet when it comes to faith & being a child of God why do so many not accept His sovereign choice in changing and loving us? It always boils down to this, before faith how evil were we?

[MarkSutherin87]

If humans have no free will -- then we are absolutely no different than the blades of grass or the sands of the seashores. We would merely be mindless zombies with no minds of our own.

We DO have free will. It is not to boast! What kind of foolish argument is this? I chose to accept God's gift of grace through my free will. I did NOT save my self... I merely said yes to God.

God could have made the world with free will or without free will. But He chose to make us with free will.

[MarkSutherin87]

To those who say that we have no free will than you MUST accept that God made certain humans for the sole purpose of burning them in hell and punishing them for something that they had technically not even done.

To believe that there is no free will is to believe that God is doing nothing more than toying with us. Sending people to hell for his own enjoyment or something. Seriously this is just absolutely absurd.

Ofcourse we have free will to accept or reject God. We have souls.

[LaneCh]

MarkSutherin87, please provide one indicative verse from Scripture stating that man's will is free.

[MarkSutherin87]

Define what you mean by free will real quick.

Do you believe we have free will to make any decisions whatsoever? Even those decisions not focused on accepting or rejecting God?

Just for example do you believe we have free will to choose what clothes we wear? To choose an apple or a candy bar? To choose a car or a truck? To choose to marry or stay single?

In other words... do you believe we have free will only in so long as it doesn't apply to believeing the Gospel?

[jcook51]

Free Will: Man has freedom to choose his strongest desire or inclination at a given moment.

The Bible teaches that man's heart is hardened, and he desires only evil continually.

Man doesn't desire and grieve for the things of God unless God quickens him.

So unregenerate man can't choose what he doesn't desire: God.

"No one understands; no one seeks God."

[MarkSutherin87]

If God is controlling my every move and I am nothing more than a puppet in his scheme that that means that God created evil. Not only that -- it means that God actively does evil things. I'm sorry but I just simply cannot accept that. I'm soooooo glad that Jesus Christ founded a Church to be the infallible gatherer and interpreter of the infallible Holy Scriptures shortly before his glorious ascension into Heaven. That way I don't have to listen to nonsense from.........cont.

[MarkSutherin87]

......these new ideas that come from men "led by the Holy Spirit" and interpreting the Bible in thousands of different ways to come up with different Gospels, different core truths, and sometimes basically a new religion that calls themselves Christians. Thank God for the infallible interpreter of the infallible Bible. Thank God for the Catholic Church, the Church that walked into the world with its little candle 2000 years ago and now shines bright as ever.

[737flyhigh]

The title of this video is a LIE. God renerates BELIEVERS

[737flyhigh]

Jesus Christ paid for the sins of the whole world and desires that none would Perish1jn2:2 2pet3:9. WHOSOEVER WILL can come to Christand be Saved REV22:17Jh3:16 god DOES NOT PREDESDINATE ANY TO HELL But honnors thier free will to Believe the gospel or reject it . Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and u will be saved acts16:31

[BlabItAndGrabIt]

In Philiphians 2:13 God "violates" the free will.

for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Regeneration is on the dead human spirit. Cessation of communication is death. Regeneration unites our spirit with the Spirit of God. It has nothing to do with the free will.

[BlabItAndGrabIt]

When I got saved it happened to me like that. The Spirit of God came into me suddenly and knew that I became a new person (regenerated), then I felt I was rebuked by the Holy Spirit that for my unbelief and then I heard an inner voice saying "You got saved" .

[willywonkaplumber]

Spiritually dead.....how then do you become spiritually alive, did you do it on your own, if so what makes you so much smarter than the other person who refuses Christ? Why can't they use the logic to put 2 and 2 together?

[BlabItAndGrabIt]

John 16:8 "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;

He, the Holy Spirit when He comes (so coming of the Holy Spirit within human soul comes first - regeneration occurs) then will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment - then convicting about the sin - notice it is in plural. The only sin He convicts in a sinner is unbelief. It exactly happened to me. I got regeneration then faith started in me. We CANNOT believe 1st

[ishellreal]

"I Believe in 'Free-will' So I Can Boast Myself." (Regeneration Precedes Faith)

The title itself is pathetic. Can't you guy's ever think of anything else?

[BlabItAndGrabIt]

Look how ALL people whoever exercised their free will succeeded!!!

Luke 13:24

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

[LaneCh]

"The title itself is pathetic."

In what way? Explain.

[hasani42]

Acts 13:48 look at the cause effect relationship (Cause) as many as were ordained to eternal life (effect) believed

[OlySezHey]

This is the best video I've seen yet, teaching this doctrine. You might make a believer of me yet. What churches believe like this? What do you call it? Calvinism? Reformed? Thanx

[LaneCh]

Calvinism or Reformed works. Even "doctrines of grace."

[BlabItAndGrabIt]

Calvinism or Reformed ALWAYS works whenever tried. Armenienism ALWAYS confuses. I cannot imagine a world without God raising up John Calvin. Most of the world would be in spiritual darkness now. America would not have existed as a political, military and economic super power.

[Brutangel22]

No, I believe that a return to Biblical Christianity would have had to have happened. Once God used Luther to reintroduce sola Scriptura, it was only a matter of time before someone reading a Bible came accross the doctrines of grace. Calvin didn't make up the doctrines of grace, Jeus and Paul taught on them and Augustine wrote on them. Calvin, more or less, reintroduced them.

[Eyezel7]

Calvinism works because it creates mainly stubborn people being SURE of having the truth and defending it at all cost. Arminianism is not the whole truth either. FAITH and REGENERATION in Jesus IS THE TRUTH. By the way, even Spurgeon couldn't cope with the Limited Atonement (L of TuLip)...isn't he one of the most famous figures of Calvinism? You can always contradict each group with verses of the Bible. Long life to Calvarminianism... and God has the last word.

[LaneCh]

"We do not believe in a universal redemption which extends even to those who were in hell before the Saviour died, and which includes the fallen angels as well as unrepentant men."

- C.H. Spurgeon

Sounds like he coped pretty well to me.

Perhaps further study would do you well.

[Eyezel7]

(...) bound and measure are terms inapplicable to the divine sacrifice." Spurgeon, op. cit., I:174

It seems that we can go on forever on the debate. Same about free will. Why would there be merit or a prize, or a reward given by our Lord if there was no free will involved? I think that the people of God need to be humble (and study of course) in their so-called absolute truth affirmations like "calvinism". You can distort the Bible to make it say what you want. Examin your heart. Bless you.

[DbzFanAlways]

Loving truth led me closer to God and further away from christianity.

[LaneCh]

Explain.

[baptistfaith]

Amen, brother.Paul wrote to the Romans

Happily we feel after him. The Local church is led by men. The true church you

must be born into, you don't join, you don't

confess to a preacher. The local church has left GOD. The closer you walk to GOD

the more Christianity will call you and out

cast. Get rid of your commentaries,your

books by doctor or reverend so and so,

and get in you Bible, and then pray for

understanding .You don't want to know what others know, go to the source.

[JoelBurdine]

Mr. Starchart29,

Your ability to understand the working of God does not preclude God's ability to save you. We will never understand everything about how we are saved, and yet our lack of knowledge of God's saving work does not mean that we cannot be saved, but faith by grace in Christ is all that we need to understand. To quote Robert Murray M'Cheynne, "To desire is a sure sign of grace." If you desire to come to Christ through faith, it is a result of God's inward working of regeneration.

[starchart99]

He contradicts himself in this clip. He all along describes how man is depraved and incapable of coming to God out of free will unless God calls the him first ...then he suggest that we all come to Christ whether we believe in free will or not ....how can I come to him if Im depraved ---according to his own teaching , ...my depraved self is enmity against God ....

[EzekielRomans]

The question to ask is what determines my "will". It is not neutral...because it is not free from the effects of the fall. So what are the factors that determine it? Just open your mouth and listen, and it will testify what you love the most. Before a new heart, new eyes, new ears, and a renewed will, your love for God is motivated only my selfish inclination.

I once trusted in my "decision", and also trusted in my "free will" until I realized it was enslaved to selfish motives.

[baptistfaith]

The thing this whole page including this video, is trying and failing to do is to try and tell the world about God's will , and mercy. Every great preacher, teacher, even Paul himself tried to describe Mercy, and grace and failed. The words have never been made to describe what God has done for all. This teacher is very wrong teaching that he gives more grace to some than to others. The Lord himself taught " to whosoever will "Black, white, brown,and red . He does not see men as we do.

[EzekielRomans]

"Every great preacher, teacher, even Paul himself tried to describe Mercy, and grace and failed. The words have never been made to describe what God has done for all."

I guess someone should tell all the Preachers and Teachers that it is futile to try to explain the vast richness of supernatural conversions that take place everyday. They should just stop altogether. We should include christian songwriters too. Tell them that what they do is futile....but what then would we sing about?

[baptistfaith]

No, the answer is not to stop believing in

a freewill but, stop this video from telling

people some have more than others

and that you can recieve salvation before you have grace. One or two things is going on here. 1st you are not using the

KJV Bible, which if that is the case, we

can not talk about this any more since

who knows where you are coming from.

2nd you have listened to Doctor somebody's teachings and you don't know what you believe, or you are have

never been saved.

[EzekielRomans]

"Free Will/Morally Able" advocates enter into the realm of vain philosophy...which we are told to avoid. We need to throw away the many decades of "hand-me-down" definitions of the "will" and look for a biblical one.

[baptistfaith]

You know, when I 1st started writing on this page I was trying to convince you

that you were wrong, and it just came

to me , you don't know what you are talking about, you have never tried

the grace, and mercy of God, and you

are trying to testify of something that you know nothing about. I remember " where

sin does abound grace does much more abound" What should I say should I sin the more that grace should much more abound, I say not. Get saved 1st, but no

more casting pearls before swine.

[EzekielRomans]

baptistfaith:

Can you give me an instance where you came to scripture with one idea, and after reading the text you walked away with a completely different one?

I will give you a personal example, I used to think that I should trust my heart, but then I read "that he who trusts in his own heart is a fool." (Prov. 28:26). I had to repent of believing that lie, and now believe and walk in the truth that my heart is untrustworthy.

[baptistfaith]

To come to any scripture with a preconceived idea is a problem.

but you think because you can't

understand a scripture that the scripture is a problem. Man believeth with the heart and confession is made unto salvation. The problem is not the scripture the problem is your heart.

The last line in your reply tells me where you are with your life " that my heart is

untrustworthy" Out of the abundance ot

the heart the mouth speaketh. There is

not enough space here. I can Email you

[EzekielRomans]

You didn't answer my question.

Your right, to come to scripture with a wrong preconceived idea is a problem, but to come to scripture without a preconceived idea is impossible. Everyone comes to the Bible with a preconceived/biased notion of scripture. Are you saying before conversion you knew everything there was to know in the bible, and had a correct understanding of it?

Please answer my question. When/how have you been changed by God's word? Give me a specific instance and verse.

[baptistfaith]

Everyone can't come to the scriptures with a preconceived idea. Before I was saved I was dead. I know you don't know what I am talking about, but the Bible does say, the dead know nothing. How could you have a preconceived belief of something that you have no idea of what it is saying.God revealed himself to me at the altar he told me what to where to come to pray, what to do when I got there, and he told me when I was saved. If you ever got it , you would know what I'm talking about.

[EzekielRomans]

You answered the question (if it was an answer)...very vaguely, can you be specific?

I agree that unregenerate man will not accept the things that come from God. (1 Cor. 2:14)

However, that doesn't mean that the unregenerate know nothing about God, in fact Romans 1 is clear that every person has enough data/info to understand that God does indeed exist. They can also read the grammar and understand the logic of scripture, but it won't be beautiful to them....because they are spiritually dead.

[EzekielRomans]

Please email me directly if you want to continue conversation - as I think this forum could use some fresh perspective.  Thanks.

[EzekielRomans]

A old man once stood up in church and went on to tell of his life story that included many turns and valleys. And throughout his telling he spoke of only how God did miracle upon miracle to save him and to guard him as a son. It was intense and engaging for the rest of the church to hear - they were amazed at the work of God. Then a young man stood up and said, "you told us what God did, but what did you do?" At this the old man said, "son, it does not matter what I did, but what God did".

[joshuadmeans]

I know my Lord does not control every last movement of my heart. I still sin. I agree with God's Word when Paul says, "O wretched man that I am!" Jesus Christ does not lead me into sin. No, He says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you." We are given choice here, as well as the grace to repent and believe.

[joshuadmeans]

This whole argument is a matter of living by doctrines rather than by faith directed by the Word. That's just as damnable as the lust so many men carry in the hearts and hands.

[simplydannygirl]

"damnable" May be a little strong. But this teaching by Mark Keilar is definitley in error. With 12 steps in 3-4 sub division directories it takes to people back to syytem of works that is not by faith. But by their eventual working towards salvation.

Then he reads all these books by reformed writers.The Bible is not enought.Reformed writers have their place. But not so ridget and superseeding the Word of God. It also negates the Promsies in John 3:16-18, Rom10:9-13, 2cor 5:18-6:1-2. Grace

[Homeworkboy2]

wat dum shit... I rate it 1 star

[ShaReal1981]

THANK U JESUS!!!!!!

[EZEKIEL3622]

fantastic amen! looking forward to that second part

[deliveringit]

Let me hoist you on your own petard: Why did God choose you? Calvinists say it is due to the secret reasons of God. In other words YOU DON'T KNOW. Why did I choose God and yet others don't? Well, why do I choose God today by not sinning and obeying His commandments, and yet tomorrow, I might sin and thus not choose God. The Calvinist has no answer other than "God willed me to obey today, yet He willed me to sin tomorrow."  God DOES NOT WILL SIN!

[Prohoridzo]

deli: Don't worry about what Calvinists say - they are as varied as Pentacostals.

John 15:16 "You did not choose me."

1Cor.2:14 "The natural man cannot accept."

The commands of God are to all men.

They are perfect and righteous altogether.

Man cannot obey them and will be held accountable by God's Just Judgment and Wrath. Their only hope is in God showing mercy even though He is under no obligation to.

Why is that hard for you to understand?

God is under no obligation to love anyone.

[deliveringit]

Your translation is wrong: "Because the wisdom of the flesh is an enemy to God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither can it be (Rom 8:7)." If man has no free will, then how does it say "it is not subject to the law of God, neither CAN it be?" Is not God's will His law and vice versa? Or does God command what He wills not? Yet we all break God's commandments sometimes. So, are those sins God's will? Does God control man's will when he is sinning? Then why does it say "not subject?"

[Prohoridzo]

deli: Pick up a pen.Hold it @ eye level.

Pen=will of man.

Your hand=The application of God's Grace.

What will happen to the pen (man's will) if your hand lets go? That's how free the will of man is. Apart from God's Grace man will only do sin and fall.

Catch the pen before it hits your desk or floor. Lift it up. Move it from side to side. Let go again. Catch it before it lands. Pick it up again.

Mans depraved will is only free to sin and is predictable only until the Grace of God intervenes.

[deliveringit]

It sounds like you agree with Catholic teaching. But the video (especially around 3:15) was saying all things that man wills are controlled and regulated by God. I assume "all" means even those times when man wills sin. And, many Calvinists do think that God wills everything that happens, even sin. And yet the Catholic teaching is that God permits sin only, but does not will it.

[Prohoridzo]

deli: I detest the Roman church-which is erroneously associated with the term 'Catholic'.

We all need to come to clear & specific terms when we speak of 'will' particularly God's Will.

God is not the author of sin therefore His Will cannot be intrinsic to the performance of it.However,in all His Sovereignty,knowing the predictability of man's sinful nature,He permits it but is not proactive in causing it.

Regarding man's sin:it's not what God 'Wills', it's what He chooses not to intervene upon.

[deliveringit]

Putting aside your hatred of the Catholic Church, at least on this point, I can't see where you differ from Catholic teaching. So you will get no argument out of me at least on this narrow point.

[Prohoridzo]

deli: I don't hate the Catholic Church-I believe Christ shed His Blood to purchase me a member.

I hate the Roman church to which the term Catholic is erroneously applied.

You don't know what the term 'Catholic' means, do you?

Look it up.

[deliveringit]

Let's see, I can go to any country in the world and ask 100 random people on the street where is the nearest Catholic church? And every one of them will point to the local Catholic church (if there is one near by), which you call "Roman". NONE of them will point to your church/denomination/sect.

[Prohoridzo]

deli: Yes, and lemmings lead other lemmings off the cliff.

What's your point? The colloquial subversion of the meaning of 'Catholic' only portends to the fact that people are not thinking for themselves and are easily brainwashed. Rather than turn to the Bible, inspired, verbal plenary via the original languages, by God, they succumb to being told what to believe.

Deli: Wake up. If you really care about truth, you wouldn't care about what the masses are told or, are not told, what words mean.

[Gabeedmann]

Man's autocracy is affronted. God's sovereignty reigns supreme.

[5stringkeith]

This is a difficult doctrine for believers because it offends our (fallen) sense of what is fair and just. How can we justify our belief in Sovereign Election? By the word of God. There are so many verses that support Calvinism. Who are we to question God's perfect and holy will? Can anyone dare to cousel God? Our job as belevers is to develop a personal relationship with Christ by praying to Him, to stay in the word, and to use our spiritual gifts to glorify His holy name here on earth.

[ashirly]

What a wonderfully rare series of videos this preacher has put out and how refreshing that there are a few television channels that even air them!!! Such a magnificent TRUTH that I never really thought would make it to the internet let alone television. THERE IS NO GOOD THING OUTSIDE OF GOD....and that certainly includes SALVATION and every good stage unto salvation. From Alpha to Omega. There is no good in me apart from God.

[yendelwendal]

Amen ashirty! Now if these doctrines would be shouted from most pulpits we would enter another Reformation. :)

[Blogrich55]

How wonderful and comforting to know my destiny is safe in the hands of a loving God and not left up to a bumbler and stumbler such as myself. To God be the glory forever!

[GPLeague]

That high quality sure looks nice...the content was good too. Thanks for sharing.

[Tychicuss]

Nice!!

[Oct31st1517]

Awsome Lane. Greta speaking with you the other evening.

[Oct31st1517]

*great

[Truthknower]

Greetings! in the precious and most holy name of Jesus Christ who is God most High.

I would have to disagree with you that regeneration preceeds faith in Jesus Christ because scripture plainly affirms that regeneration takes place at water baptism which preceeds faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

May God bless you always! in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Marquest Burton

[WIzDum82]

Truthknower- I think that water baptism as you speak of was a commandment that was a shadow of things to come. There is but one baptism, the scriptures teach that man is to be baptized in water and by the laying on of hands, this is baptism of the Holy Spirit. I believe the scriptures show that it is the Holy Spirit that lays his hands on us (takes us prisoner) and washes us with the word of God (water baptism), now combining the two baptisms into one baptism. cont.

[WIzDum82]

Here are some vs. that might help you to understand this; John 15:3 "Now ye are CLEAN through the WORD which I have spoken unto you. " Rom.10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Eph.5:26 "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the WASHING of WATER BY the WORD," 1Pet.1:23 "Being BORN AGAIN, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, BY the WORD of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." We MUST come under the hearing of the word of God to be washed.

[WIzDum82]

Truthknower- "I would have to disagree with you that regeneration preceeds faith in Jesus Christ because scripture plainly affirms that regeneration takes place at water baptism which preceeds faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." If you can understand that we must receive our faith while being under the hearing and washing of the word of God, than you can understand that we are first washed, then given a new heart and spirit as described in Ezek.36:25,36 " I sprinkle clean water upon you,"

[mutamusmaximus]

i believe that Calvinistic thought is the closest to the truth of what the bible says...

my concern is God knowingly created everything and set it up predestining everything to happen the way He wants. He doesn't will that the wicked perish. So, why create? I mean, He is perfectly satisfied by Himself. He doesn't need us. Why save at all. Why punish at all and not erase.

Just questions like these make me think..i feel these maybe thoughts from the devil or my own depraved self.

[LaneCh]

No, that's a good question. The answer to that, I believe, is found in realizing that God will be glorified whether it be in his justice in finishing the condemnation of unbelievers, or in the glory of his grace to believers.

[evangelismteam]

I've been looking into this (God's desires/will) and I have not found a good argument for God desiring that none perish or that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. 2 Peter 3:9 and Ezekiel 33:11 are not good places to make reference to this because, in context, those portions of Scripture are talking about something else. If you know of a sound argument for this line of thinking, please let me know. I've looked into Piper and MacArthur and I am not convinced. What do you think?

[mutamusmaximus]

hmmm Eze 18:23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

it seems in this context that its talking about wicked men in general....Eze 33:11 is talking about Israel. Also, Jesus Christ at His crucifixion: Luk 23:34 And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.

[mutamusmaximus]

also even God's elect are wicked and He doesn't will them to perish. If He willed them to perish then all would die. God is love. But this does not negate God's justice in being fulfilled against wicked men. Rom 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

[evangelismteam]

Unfortunately, your interpretation of Ezekiel 18 in incorrect. The Hebrew does not allow for that interpretation (exegetically). Sorry! But seriously, I've looked into this and I am still not convinced. I've looked into the Ezekiel passages and it's not there. If you run across an article from the fathers of faith, let me know. Thanks!

[mutamusmaximus]

im not sure what you meant with the Hebrew...but i believe things should be studied in the orignal manuscripts....basically all i know is that he commands all men to repent and believe....thats reality just do what He says

[HeReformedMe]

"So, why create? I mean, He is perfectly satisfied by Himself. He doesn't need us. Why save at all. Why punish at all and not erase. "

This is good stuff my friend, I been there...I think what Lane said is true, and I would like to simply add, that the idea of what you are saying is true, God has never really needed us, but this points to an even deeper beauty, in that God made me IN SPITE OF MYSELF. This could of all gone on quite smoothly without lil ol me. But God had other plans.

[WIzDum82]

HeReformmdMe- I think once we come to the realization that it is God that chooses who enters his kingdom by his will and purpose of election, that we must also come to the same realization that the unsaved will no longer be remembered and erase from the mind of God. We must hold true to what the scriptures say about wages of sin and how they repeatly say the the wicked will perish, be destroyed, and will come to their destruction. They will eternally be held to the judgment of death. God Bless.

[mercy92399]

I love this...God made me IN SPITE OF MYSELF....

[HeReformedMe]

Ohhh, how easy it is for us to boast at times.

"Let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me,..."Jer.9:24

Thank you for the invite...graciously accepted BTW. and God bless

[mutamusmaximus]

Yeah, I just have this problem. God created man knowing that they were going to sin against Him. He created Satan knowing He was going to sin against Him. So, why create at all. Its my big problem and I struggle with knowing if God loves me to save me. I know I deserve nothing. All I know is that all men are to repent and believe. Hard struggle and I know Satan is using it.

[WarrantedFaith]

Does God know of all things because He just has the power to know of what will just happen to occur in His universe? Or does God know of all things because He decreed and ordained all things? God knew that Satan would rebel and man would fall into sin because that too was a part of His plan.  He foreordained that it would occur, for a purpose. This does not mean that He is the author of evil, because He didn't CAUSE this to occur. But He did ORDAIN it for a purpose which is ultimately good.

[mutamusmaximus]

He ordained it...yes I know this...I just don't know if he loves me to save me. I mean he sent His Son to die for sinners but was I one of them. I know God is good and everything will be to His glory. But am I truly repenting.

I guess its just repent and believe. God does the rest. I don't know...Ive been just seeking God lately and questions like these pop in my head.

[WarrantedFaith]

Well I think the fact that your heart appears to be humbled to the truth may be a good indication that God is working in it. Remember, because of the totally depraved state of natural man's heart, no one would genuinely seek after God if God did not first choose them. I'm not saying you are saved, because I don't know, that's not my place to make judgments. But I think you might have something to take assurance in. I think we all have that stage of struggle.

[WarrantedFaith]

I am not the greatest person for counsel and advice, I admit, but if you need another to talk with, you are more than welcome to message me any time. Continue to diligently pray and seek Him! And do you mind if I ask your name? I would love to pray for you.

[WIzDum82]

mutamus- It is the work of God to have one to truely believe in him. That means the work that he has done in creating the world and all of its inhabitants to believe his words and all the truth that lies therein. Read John 6:29 "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the WORK of God, that ye BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent." If you can't just get a grasp on the all the work and glory goes to God and God only, pray to God for wisdom and knowledge and to help you with your unbielf. God Bless.

[WIzDum82]

mutamus- Sorry, I replied to your quest. of "Why save at all. Why punish at all and not erase.", but I addressed and sent it to HeReformmdMe. I hope you will look at that reply, again sorry for that. God bless.

[Licmycat]

That's exactly right. That's why they should leave the atheists ALONE! To continue to preach to them is nothing less than the sin of self-pride.

[LoveCryReason]

Hey brother I really like your videos God Bless. Glory to God.

[AKhardcore1]

Lane,

Thanks. Your ministry helps me sooooo much. I mean, I feel alone sometimes in seeking good doctrine, as some study groups I go to lean more towards Rob Bell and emergent teachings. Your videos remind me that not everyone has itching ears for heresy and anthropocentric teaching. It is something that is needed these days. Thanks again.

[josiahdallas]

when will you put up the next video,.....I want to see the one he was talking about......the one about what it means to come to Christ!

awesome stuff man....real meaty video!

Praise God!

[sKeyes89]

I honestly had no clue that Bonar was Calvinist. But I guess that's not the point of this vid. Just interesting. I used to be one of those that signed a "decision card" and thought I was saved. Thank God that He showed me otherwise.

[Randomhero814]

Lane, thanks for the video. What are your views on saying I "accepted" Christ? I think that is misleading and brings glory to the human. What about "received" Christ? Doesn't that also hold that you had to "get" Christ, or (using a sports analogy) "catch" Christ? Would simply "saved" be better? I just don't think we fully realize (myself included) how incredible it is that God raised us from spiritual death to spiritual life. Thoughts?

[LaneCh]

Well, I don't think it's bad for a believer to say, "I accepted Christ." because, if they're a believer, that is true. What Arminians and Calvinists differ on, though, isn't the fact that a person makes a decision for Christ, accepts Christ, etc. What we differ on is the reason *why* someone accepts Christ, makes a decision for Christ, etc. I do agree, though, that the phrase by itself without explanation can be a dangerous thing and can cause people to trust in themselves ultimately.

[LaneCh]

I think the danger comes in when we neglect to explain the reason *why* a person accepts Christ. I guarantee you that if you press the Arminian position on this, you'll find that they hold the reason is because they are somehow inherently better than someone else in some respect. How could they not if we're all on the same playing field like they hold? Calvinists hold that the reason we accept Christ is because of God's special and choosing grace shown to certain undeserving sinners alone.

[VUTRUDOIN]

boooo-yaaaaaa!

[5stringkeith]

Brett, while I believe you are correct in your beliefs about Divine Election (as is totally supported by scripture). Why God has an "elect" is for God alone to know-at least until (maybe) he reveals His way to us in His glory when we are perfected in heaven in Christ alone. While this is all true, I think that for most believers it is more important to hear Christ's message to 1. To first love Him with all our heart, mind an soul and 2. To love our neighbors as Christ loves us. Thoughts?