“Election” Part 2
I am working on Part II of "Election" now and it will be posted later today. But adherents of this special predestined "election" doctrine, ask yourselves honestly. Does this teaching cause you to work for the Lord more fervently, or less fervently? If it's less, and I would tend to think it does, then how could it be of the Lord? It is a hindrance to God's work in every way. And those who adhere to it will be very sorry one day. If you are in the body of Christ, then Christ is in you redeeming souls. We are working together with Him.
“As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1 “Co-workers” (NIV) or “workers together” (KJV) or “fellow workers” (NET) are the English translation of the Greek word, συνεργέω (Verb - Strong’s # G4903. “sunergeó”) which means “I cooperate with, work together.”
This word is also used in the same context of co-working with Jesus in Mark 16:20 and there are 4 more usages of this word in the New Covenant Scriptures. The adjective form of the word (Strong’s # G4904. sunergos) has 13 occurrences in the New Covenant Scriptures. Here is one of the most pertinent to this message: “For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) The context is important here as Paul is talking about building upon the foundation of Christ and how we build. Paul then says,
“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17. If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17
Be very careful how you tread. God will not hold anyone guiltless who take the name of the Lord in vain (Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11). In other words, claiming to be His, married to Him, and yet you do nothing and are not readying yourselves for His epiphany (appearing). ANYONE who does not keep their lamps filled with oil will be shut out of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 25:1-13). Right there (Matthew 25) tells you this misinterpreted teaching of "predestination" and "election" is a false gospel. It doesn't make any logical sense. Those who believe in predestination and election and believe men are born to go to hell also believe God is some kind of monster. God gives everybody a chance to be saved. Everyone! Those who believe in election and predestination are not justified by faith and grace through Christ. They only attempt to justify themselves as they sit on their rear ends and do nothing for God! Or worse, preach a false gospel that makes God look evil and bible believers look like frauds, hypocrites and idiots!
Highlight
“For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” ~James 2:13
Another verse showing us the conditions of being the Elect of God. The Whole Bible is FULL of these conditions. We must STRIVE with all our heart, mind, soul and strength in the freedom, grace and power provided to us through being set free by the SON of GOD!
The elect are "elect" because they are "crippled in their own self-sufficiency" and have faith in God's ELECT; JESUS THE CHRIST!:
"Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” “I will not let you go,” Jacob replied, “unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” He answered, “Jacob.” “No longer will your name be Jacob,” the man told him, “but Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:26-28
Study note (NET bible): "You have fought." The explanation of the name Israel includes a sound play. In Hebrew the verb translated “you have fought” (שָׂרִיתָ, sarita) sounds like the name “Israel” (יִשְׂרָאֵל, yisraʾel ), meaning “God fights” (although some interpret the meaning as “he fights [with] God”). The name would evoke the memory of the fight and what it meant. A. Dillmann says that ever after this the name would tell the Israelites that, when Jacob contended successfully with God, he won the battle with man. To be successful with God meant that he had to be crippled in his own self-sufficiency (A. P. Ross, “Jacob at the Jabboq, Israel at Peniel,” BSac 142 [1985]: 51-62)." (lumina.bible.org/bible/Genesis+32)
Such a powerful statement. This is why the feet of those carrying the gospel of peace are so beautiful. Because the people who come to Christ, need Him the most and to them, He is most precious. Growing in the knowledge and revelation of this ROCK of truth is how we grow in grace. This is what I have been meditating on for the past several months: God, everything about Him. His undeserved mercy toward me, His unmerited favor toward me, His love and forgiveness is being magnified in my heart.
Why? Because God is Wonderful, loving, kind and compassionate. And me? I always fall short of His glory, but He extends it to me anyway. That is why He is so great and makes His gift of salvation all the more wonderful. Striving with all the heart isn't enough, although we must do it. We all need God's mercy, forgiveness and grace through His Son Christ Jesus. And therefore, we are taught to do this 100's of times throughout scripture. But it is by the mercies of God -[which we are not worthy of the least - Jacob (and his descendants)]- that we can do anything for Him (Romans 12:1) and as Jesus Himself stated, "So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” Luke 17:10
Part II "Election"
Now I will begin dissecting key statements made by Paul in Romans 9. I will use scripture to interpret scripture. And I will also quote scholars and experts of Koine Greek and list those sources by name and work. There are words and phrases used by Paul in Romans 9 that he also uses in other places. Here is an example,
“…The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?” Romans 9:20b-21
Here, Paul speaks of God ("the potter") making. Below, Paul says we (born again of the Spirit) are involved in the process:
“Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these [things], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20, 21
“Vessels for honorable” and “vessels for honor” (Romans 9:21 and 2 Timothy 2:21 - respectively) are the same exact Greek words. And yet one time he points to God being the maker and the next he says the same results will happen if we (“anyone”) does a certain thing.
God cannot be blamed if we do not seek to be purged of these vices. This is where the “covenant” (agreement between two parties) comes in. It is a fellowship, partnership with God (Strong’s # G2842. Koinonia - Definition: (lit: partnership) (a) contributory help, participation, (b) sharing in, communion, (c) spiritual fellowship, a fellowship in the spirit.) “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). We are workers together with Him. Another word for this process is called “sanctification” (Strong’s # G 38. Hagiasmos). “hagiasmós (a masculine noun derived from 40 /hágios, "holy") – sanctification (the process of advancing in holiness); use of the believer being progressively transformed by the Lord into His likeness (similarity of nature). See 40 /hagios ("holy").” (See 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
It is a process in which we work together with the Lord to remove or purge impurities from our spirit with the end result of us becoming “poor in [our own] spirit” which makes us rich in God’s Spirit. “As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1
“Co-workers” (NIV) or “workers together” (KJV) or “fellow workers” (NET) are the English translation of the Greek word, συνεργέω (Verb - Strong’s # G4903. “sunergeó”) which means “I cooperate with, work together.” This word is also used in the same context of co-working with Jesus in Mark 16:20 and there are 4 more usages of this word in the New Covenant Scriptures.
The adjective form of the word (Strong’s # G4904. sunergos) has 13 occurrences in the New Covenant Scriptures. Here is one of the most pertinent to this message: “For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) The context is important here as Paul is talking about building upon the foundation of Christ and how we build. Paul then says,
“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17. If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17
So, it isn’t God preparing vessels beforehand for wrath. But we potentially prepare ourselves for wrath and condemnation if we refuse to respond to God as He deals with us throughout our lives. Its not difficult to see how this false doctrine of election is actually a teaching made up of false accusations toward an incredibly loving, kind and generous GOD.
As Paul says,
“… what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms. By no means! In that case, how could God judge the world?” Romans 3:5b, 6 Amen! And earlier Paul says,
“What then? If some did not believe, does their unbelief nullify the faithfulness of God? Absolutely not! Let God be true, and every man a liar, just as it is written: “so that you will be justified in your words and will prevail when you judge.” Romans 3:3, 4
Paul has just quoted from the book of Psalms (Ps 51:4 LXX)
"Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so that you will be justified in your words and will prevail when you judge." Amen, Lord.
Let me now quote some general comments by so-called experts, scholars and translators of Biblical Greek and Ancient Greek grammar. All these, by the way, say something different from each other. That alone will tell you that these passages are extremely challenging. And it will tell you that many are incorrect in their interpretation (as they can’t ALL be right!)
1. “Luther says: “Who hath not known passion, cross, and travail of death, cannot treat foreknowledge (election of grace) without injury and inward enmity toward God. Wherefore take heed that thou drink not wine while thou art yet a sucking babe. Each several doctrine hath its own reason and measures of age.” ~Vincent’s Word Studies of the New Testament by Marvin R. Vincent (1834-1922) was first published in 1887 – Romans 9 forward. Apparently written by Martin Luther.
My response: Even Martin Luther (with Marvin Vincent apparently agreeing) is saying these passages are extremely challenging and are only for those of proper age. However, I believe a babe can tell you that these teachings (“election of grace”) are patently false, by simply reading the gospels. However, what Luther said is still important. He is saying that Romans is considered extremely complicated, even by the renowned “authorities” on the Scriptures. This must be considered when reading Romans 9 and other similarly difficult passages.
2. “Paul’s reasoning in 9:1-11:36 is a unit, so you will benefit from reading all of it again now.” ~Life Change Series Romans
My response is, True and false. The whole book (Romans) is a unit inside another unit (the New Covenant), inside another unit (the entire written word of God) and ALL must be considered and studied to be able to properly understand each and every passage AND God's holy Spirit MUST be dwelling within us; as this is the promise of the Father given to us through Christ and promised to us upon the glorification of our Lord Jesus the Christ.
3. “Scholars agree that chapters 9-11 introduce a new major division in the letter;…” “…These chapters easily divide into three sections:…” “…Each section is a unit within itself.” ~Helps For Translators, A Translator’s Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Newman and Nida
My comment: More scholars agreeing that Romans chapter 9 through chapter 11 make up another unit. I am only writing this for the reader to consider that the verses we read in chapter 9 cannot be taken out of context and turned into its own cult or religion (as many have done). Again, and I say, that the whole written graphé from the Logos of God is one unit and all verses need to be studied for us to understand the whole personality and concept of WHO God is. Not only that, every Greek word needs to be looked at and compared to its usage in every other place it occurs in God’s Word. When you do this you will see that some translations appear curiously incorrect. And who wants to get in between God’s Word and souls seeking God in His Word? It’s not hard to figure out…
Paul’s main point in Romans is this. No one merits salvation and no one earns salvation. All are unworthy. Jew and Gentile alike. That's where our walk with the Lord starts, and hopefully where it ends. Those who realize this, accept it and turn to the Lord, are the elect. I think the reasons men remain condemned instead of turning to Christ are clearly taught by the Lord Himself in John chapter 3,
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
“…and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” End of story. Jesus clearly said "this is the condemnation." Jesus defined it right there.
And these same people who loved darkness rather than light now want to twist God’s word and hide their works under the guise of religion. No, you chose darkness. You aren’t the “elect”, nor predestined”, or saved! You are a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
"He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Proverbs 29:1
It wasn't God, it was you who did it to yourself. And you will have no excuse on judgment day. God will judge the world righteously and justly. And we will all be judged based on what each of us did.
And if we choose light, we are the elect of God! So choose light, turn to God with all your heart on a continuous basis. It’s a small thing God requires of us (in comparison of what's to come if we choose darkness instead). It is a light burden and easy yoke when God's Spirit is within us.
It’s a choice to serve God. It’s always been a choice. But one must realize, no one has a CLAIM on God’s mercy. It is His unmerited favor He extends to us in the greatness of His love. None of us deserved the Son of God. None of us deserved His blood or His Spirit entering our body. But He gives these blessings to us anyway. That makes God the Wonderful God He is! And He loves those of us who acknowledge this! This is humility and God gives grace (unmerited favor) to those who live accordingly. But He says He is "at war" with the proud (Psalm 138:6; Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 29:23; Matthew 23:12; Luke 1:52; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
I will end Part II here. Part III will be soon to come (God willing!)
Lord bless you all in Yeshua the Messiah!
~Thomas Richards
Read Justification through Grace (written in between Part I and Part II of Election)
Here are some screen shots of good commentary on Romans 9:
You can be saved!
God loves the people in the world so much that He came down to die for us. If God is opening your heart to His message and you feel convicted for your sins which have separated you from a holy God and you feel the need to be forgiven, then say this prayer. This is how I was powerfully converted to the Christ in 1997!
Say, "My Lord and my God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe Jesus the Christ died on the cross and shed His precious blood for the forgiveness of all my sins. I believe Jesus raised from the dead and ascended into heaven and is now on the right-hand side of God listening to this prayer. I open up the door of my heart and I invite You in, Lord Jesus. Thank you, God, for saving my soul and I vow to serve you with all my heart which is the first and greatest commandment. Amen."