Chosen for what?

[Ross]

in some verses say, they are chosen to believe... and eternal life...

Titus 1:1 From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I was sent to lead God's chosen people to faith and to the knowledge of the truth that leads to a godly life.


Act 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers.

Is there really an election like calvinism?  :eek:
How can we explain these verses?

I.M.O there really is an election.
However; the main difference is that the "elected", "ecclesia", "first-born" - whatever term used, means literally they are the "FIRST"-
then "THE REST" will follow at their appointed time. A glorious system for true equality of value.
The Jews demonstrated this principle when making big decisions when they had been called out of Egypt. They cast lot, literal short straw stuff. All to highlight God's direction and involvement so that NO MAN  COULD TAKE ANY CREDIT FOR GOD'S WORK.

The Calvinists and others unfortunately say "THE REST" go to hell.
That seems to be the biggest lie recorded in history, which blurs the truth.

Our current state of being in the flesh is temporary, but essential as part of preparing us for the coming Spiritual totality which exceeds the capacity of the flesh beyond the ability to fully comprehend. We get glimpses now, but the coming is indeed awesome.

Nothing can keep us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Calvinists and others deny that statement of truth.

[jabcat]

I.M.O there really is an election.
However; the main difference is that the "elected", "ecclesia", "first-born" - whatever term used, means literally they are the "FIRST"-
then "THE REST" will follow at their appointed time.

IMO squared, ABSOLUTELY!!! :dsunny:

I spent my whole pre-UR life in the "Armenian"-type camps.  I.e., "surely God wouldn't choose just some and send the rest to hell without giving them a CHANCE!".  Only until God revealed UR to me, did I understand better where "Calvinism" was coming from.  IMO, they absolutely get the election part right, because I believe (now) it's clear as a bell in scripture, when I stopped trying to do contortions to explain it away with the "surely's" (don't call me Shirley).

Obviously (to me) what's detestable about Calvinism (yet understandable, because they sincerely believe they're adhering to scripture) is the whole "most of humanity will suffer eternal torment" thing.  However, as I see it, the only difference between Arminianism and Calvinism is, "who" chooses - man, or God.

Now I believe election (though still not fully understanding "why" it's that way) is just what Ross explained, the "order" of things, timing, God's plan unfolding in His timing, etc.   :thumbsup:    EVERY knee will bow, every tongue confess Jesus as Lord, to the glory of the Father.

[jabcat]

p.s. Gary gets "accused" of being a Calvinist.  But that's just because he actually believes the multiple clear verses regarding election, predestination, the ekklesia, etc., and such as the following - rather than trying to explain them away.   :thumbsup:

"You did not choose me, I chose you".

"It doesn't depend on him who runs or wills, but on God who shows mercy".

And then ultimately this;  "I will draw ALL men unto me". 

[Ross]

I spent my whole pre-UR life in the "Armenian"-type camps.  I.e., "surely God wouldn't choose just some and send the rest to hell without giving them a CHANCE!".  Only until God revealed UR to me,

Obviously (to me) what's detestable about Calvinism (yet understandable, because they sincerely believe they're adhering to scripture) is the whole "most of humanity will suffer eternal torment" thing.

I identify with your experience. Unanswered questions that lurk in the back of the mind just fester and cause an indescribable emptiness/longing for truth.

Now I believe election (though still not fully understanding "why" it's that way)

I.M.O the election is so that there will be true equality of value and position for all mankind as we will all be there due to Christ's work- so that literally no-one can boast.

Rom 9;11 " For even before they were born or had done anything good or bad, so that God's purpose might stand according to
                  election."
vs 16        " So then it does not depend on human desire or exertion, but on God's mercy."
vs 23        " And what if He did so in order to make known the riches of HIS GLORY on vessels of mercy, which He had prepared
                  beforehand for glory."

1 Cor 1;28-31 " God chose the things that the world regard as insignificant and contemptible, what is regarded as nothing,
                        to render useless the things that are, so that NO ONE CAN BOAST IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
                      BUT, you are of Him in Christ Jesus,
                      WHO BECAME FOR US WISDOM FROM GOD,
                       AND RIGHTEOUSNESS,
                      AND SANCTIFICATION,
                      AND REDEMPTION,
                      so that as it is written,
                                                     ' Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

The truth gives total freedom from doubt and possible rejection.
Perfect love literally casts out all those fears.
Stimulates a passion for the future which will be completely changing the life we currently live.
Cannot explain this to those who are not "Called". The flesh does not like the spirit.
Being literally born again is the start of that change to our beliefs and behaviour with the ONE true teacher.
I was not born in the flesh at the same time as my siblings, yet we are still in the same family- just a little hint at the big plan for the rest of the family to come to know as they  themselves get to know the truth in their time frame.