Quote:
Originally Posted by Civbert  Quote:
Originally Posted by Barnpreacher Spurgeon used to preach that it was dangerous for a lost individual to "worry" about whether they were elect or not. The fact of the matter is that the Gospel says Jesus died to reconcile us to God. Did He die to reconcile all to God? Certainly not all individuals that have ever lived, but ALL his elect. How do you know if you are elect of God? My sheep hear my voice and they follow me. The command is, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." It is NOT "Figure out if you are of the elect and thou shalt be saved." | It also says "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Php 2:12). I think there is some justification for self examination. | Agree completely. However, you're dealing with those that understand the issues of justification, sanctification etc. when you're talking about self-examination. You're dealing with those that are a part of the visible church. That doesn't make them a part of the invisible church, but I don't believe that you teach the heathen to figure out if they are elect or not. You preach to them the Gospel and tell them they are compelled to repent and believe it, or they will die in their sins.
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Ryan Barnhart - Pastor of OGBC
Husband to a beautiful wife, Father to two beautiful girls
"But by the grace of God I am what I am." I Corinthians 15:10
"I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by Cannibals or by worms. And in the Great Day my Resurrection body will rise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer." - John Paton
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