Jackson Jambalaya

Possibly more prominent among Presbyterians than Baptists, this idea of "Predestination" violates Free Will and inherent self responsibility for one's choices, upon which our American Freedom is based. Free Will and Predestination cannot coexist, but Free Will is essential for Free People. We each of us must answer for our choices in life.

So God in His Wisdom does not bother predestining outcomes of the forces He unleashed in His Creation, but rather enables those who make good choices to glorify God and bless others.

Pollard was a snappy dresser, gifted messenger and true Christian. He led by example, a servant leader whose messages still resonate - perhaps even more so. Bless you for posting, KF.

The primary problem with the concept of predestination is that it just doesn’t do as good a job of putting butts in the seats.

Free Will and Predestination cannot coexist ...

Tell that to Jonathan Edwards.

11:20, AMEN!

I Timothy 2:4 makes it clear God doesn't choose who gets saved and who doesn't. Everyone has the choice to trust Christ's death, burial, and resurrection as payment for their sins and get saved (Ephesians 1:13, I Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans chapters 4 and 5).

GOD doesn't choose who gets saved?? Matthew 22:14 says, “many are called, but few are chosen”. The book of Acts 2:47 says, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved”. These two scriptures, along with many others, makes it plain that salvation is left up to GOD.

The lie that salvation is not totally in the hands of GOD, is almost as wicked as once saved equals always saved.

I don't intend to turn the comment section into a biblical Sunday school, but the foundation of salvation is, and will always be, built on faith, with repentance. Only the spirit of GOD can call a soul to repentance. It's not something you just up and decide to do.

God chooses based on performance of individual, rather than pre-determining which would make an individual's choices and actions irrelevant.

Predestination means that God already knows what choices and actions you will make. It doesn't mean that God picks and chooses who will be "saved" regardless of their choices and actions.

Respectfully,
a Presbyterian by faith and choice

'Only the spirit of GOD can call a soul to repentance. It's not something you just up and decide to do.'

Sure it is. Choices are based on free will. We're all (eventually) 'called to repent'. We either 'just up and decide to' or we 'up and decide NOT to'.

Neighbor, I'm just going to leave this right here, Titus 3:5-7. That's only one among many that proves you can't work your way to Heaven with good works. The salvation of the soul is GOD'S mercy being poured out on HIS chosen people. It's in GOD'S hands, and HIS alone.

What you did, who you were, have no relevance when GOD moves on the chosen heart. The Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 1:4, that we were chosen before the foundations of creation were laid. That verse is one among many that proclaim that salvation is determined by GOD. Have a good day.

Presbyterian by paternal heritage, recovering by choice best described as non-denominational faith. Really appreciate the different perspectives presented by the commenters. Nice, healthy exchange of perspectives prompting additional reflection on my end.

Most Sunday’s, this thread is at zero. Y’all have a blessed week!

May 1, 2023 at 8:49 AM, can you offer any biblical scripture to support your comment? Or is this just an unsupported opinion?