Understand the Gospels correctly

Many Christians do not know one great truth, and very often misunderstand the Gospel. Today I decided to raise the topic of the election of disciples. at first glance, a “simple truth”, but because of it many people become Calvinists, conclude that it is necessary to be saved by works and obedience, that is, they do not understand it correctly.

John 6:37-40 KJV

[37] All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. [38] For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. [39] And this is the will of the Father which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. [40] And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Yes, this truth about the security of a Christian may apply to us, but “everyone whom the Father has given to Jesus” does not apply to us, and personally for the witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection, Acts says so, I will not give a link to Acts, open it yourself and find, it is much more useful for your personal search for truths in the Bible.

Luke 9:23 KJV

[23] And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Yes, this is still in the context of His disciples.

John 15:1-3 KJV

[1] I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. [2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

That is the whole problem, many people apply this to our time, without thinking about the context of the Gospel, and conclude that it is necessary to be saved by works, and by obedience to “keep grace”, and in the context there it is talking about the non-elect “Christians” of that time (John 6:66). The Father of Christ is the Vine-grower, and He removes every branch that does not bear fruit, and so leaves only 11 disciples. The great truth is that Christ says many things regarding the Old Testament (Matthew 5:23-24, John 6:37-39, Luke 9:22-24 and many others).

Another way to think about election and predestination is that God did not select specific individuals but established categories such that those who chose to occupy those categories can be called thee “elect”.

1 Like

Hmmmm @timf ,
This is new-to-me. How did you arrive at this idea of “categories”; from scripture, from someone’s teaching, from deduction, or something else?

Interesting.
KP

1 Like

One can see that salvation by grace was a “mystery” hidden in God. It was revealed after the resurrection.Otherwise Satan may have refused to have Christ crucified.

1Co_2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Since this sort of salvation would be offered to people, those who received it could be called those who are in this state or “category”. We derive our name (saved, elect, in the body of Christ, etc.) from being in this group.

1 Like