Acts

Dr. Leighton Flowers, Director of Evangelism and Apologetics for Texas Baptists, walks through the context of Acts 13 to reveal that the Calvinistic interpretation does not fit within the overall understanding of the scripture.
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[@becktimmons9116]

Has anyone noticed that it’s over acts 13:48 and video is 13 minutes and 48 seconds…. BRILLIANT

[@katerinakassiotes8983]

Omg that's amazing! Never noticed that. God is great 👍

[@larrytruelove8659]

Cue the Twilight Zone theme song.

[@edsnyder2801]

Does this mean that He is a true man of God, because the video happened to be 13 min. 48 sec. He completely distorted such a simple and clear passage of God's word, removing the work of God, not glorifying the words of our Lord.

[@leonardu6094]

@@edsnyder2801 Exactly what i expect a calvinist to say. Sad to think I used to be you

[@edsnyder2801]

@@leonardu6094 Hey Leonard. You must see that the difference between you and me is that I believe in predestination and election of God as it is clearly written unto The Church, His Body, which He hath purchased with His Own Blood. I believe in the work of Christ and Christ Alone that turns the ungodliness away from Jacob. And so as it is written, All of Israel shall be saved. You as most, do not know who True Israel is? So when false teachers proclaim that Jesus came to save the ordained false teachers that Jude speaks of, they are totally and wilfully ignorant of the Doctrine Of Christ. Jesus called these people out for who they truly were! They were not, nor shall they ever be part of the Kingdom Of God! They are the children of the wicked one, and the enemy that soweth them is the devil! So on that Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, you shall stand before Him in your wilfull and deliberate decision to reject clear prophecy. The preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery of the Gospel has been clearly made known unto All Nations and All Men. Predestination and election are both inseparable from the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery of the Gospel! Sounds like you've jumped onto the wrong boat!

[@mandersdaro8136]

Just want you to know that I am so thankful for your channel. And I'm so thankful for the shorter teachings. I dont always have time to listen to something over an hour long and it's tough to figure out where I left off. But with the shorter vids I am able to watch the entire thing, usually. :-) God bless you and your family!!

[@scottmercer86]

These specific videos focused on Calvinist’s go to verses are so so good!!! Thank Jesus for this!!!

[@christianhalkides5707]

Amen !!

[@samuelswayze8697]

That's okay, they were destined to read verses out of context. Haha. For sure these are good videos!

[@patiduran2438]

Not really smh

[@danielgreeff125]

Why are you glad, I am not a Calvinist but what if calvinism is true, just because you dont like what you see dont purposely try to interpret it ptherwise.

[@scottmercer86]

@@danielgreeff125 if you’re not a Calvinist, then it’s because you don’t think it’s true. If you thought it was true you’d be a Calvinist. If you think it’s not true and you love the Bible then you don’t agree with the way Calvinists interpret the Scriptures. So these videos expose the illogical ways Calvinist interpret these passages. If Calvinism is true, then let’s embrace it. But I don’t think that it is.

[@StaunchlyLutheran]

I like that the time of this video is 13:48

[@MrFahimself]

I wanted more

[@Mr_A1-37]

Whaaaaaat

[@Soteriology101]

Oh wow. That’s cool

[@yodasoja2011]

The John 6:44 video was 6:45 and I said it would be perfect if it was 1 second shorter. Looks like these videos are being sanctified more and more!

[@k88buss]

Michael Arnold I noticed that, too! So close!!

[@eskimo289]

This verse should really be read, "And so did believe -- as many as were determined for eternal life". This leaves it in English as ambiguous as it is in Greek. It's in the 'middle-passive' voice, so it can be taken as either middle (were determining themselves for...) or passive (were determined by someone else for...). Both Philip Doddridge (a puritan) and Alexander Campbell (a non-calvinist) agreed here; in a New Testament translation by Doddridge and published by Campbell in 1826, the verse is rendered this way: "and as many as were determined for eternal life believed." In the index, Campbell assesses the reading with many other versions, but states, "We prefer Doddridge, because his translation is as ambiguous as the Greek." Too many translations today are picking a side when translating verses that can go equally in 2 different directions. When we ought to seek to render it with the same level of ambiguity as the Greed does, and let readers (in English) see that ambiguity. No ambiguous text can be used as a foundation for a theological principle. And this IS an ambiguous text. It obviously is not meant by Luke to teach Calvinism, since he would have been clear (not unclear) if that was his purpose. Wilkin is also right in it's contrast in this context with the Jews "judging _themselves_ unworthy of eternal life" 2 verses earlier. The Gentiles here were simply "determined" for eternal life. Just as I'm *determined* to go eat a sandwich right now.

[@Mr_A1-37]

Context sheds light, however.

[@lizicadumitru9683]

Hmm, ambiguous. Nice to see that others see what I see ☺. Nice point regarding ambiguous text cannot be used to craft theology 👍

[@eskimo289]

@@Mr_A1-37 but if you're translating it one way based on context, you're interpreting it for the reader. You should translate it accurately, and let the reader discern whether which direction to interpret it (based on context and hermeneutical principles). That's why this verse is an obstacle for many people... It's been interpreted by the translator (and inaccurately, most often).

[@eskimo289]

@@timffoster Yes, positive. It is *middle-passive* - it is highly debated over which direction it should be taken. Many scholars only say 'passive' because they believe that's how it should be taken. But you'll find other scholars assuming it's in the middle voice as well. Especially back in the 19th century. Many translators have rendered it as "disposed themselves for eternal life" for that very reason.

[@sukka4pain]

Not necessarily. If you look at the usage of tetagmenoi in the book of Acts and other books, it's barely translated as "determined" and always as "appointed". And as always, context makes that clear.

[@charliemack3010]

I am a KJV Bible Believing Christian Baptist. But left the southern Baptist for many reasons but am very encouraged by the Ministry you have been given and enjoy a lot especially the short videos so I can get to watch with the short breaks I get at my job. I pray you always stay on a place where God may be able to continually Bless all the Ministry. I wish I could have time to sit with you and talk about Gods Holy Inspired infallible WORD. If there were more like you I the the SBC would not have moved so far from the truth.

[@FollowerOfTheLight2782]

(KJV+) Hebrews 12:2: "Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (KJV+) John 6:29: "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."

[@ericmusgrave7263]

Just prayed for this video exegesis on this verse alone and this video showed up! God is good!

[@heatherwoods5703]

Gah! This is excellent! I've been finding flaws in the Calvinist viewpoint for 20 years. You said it, the whole counsel of God disagrees with that view. You even used some of the scriptures verses I've used for awhile, "All day long I've held out My hands..." I love this channel. I'm so thankful it providentially came across my KZbin. 😁

[@edsnyder2801]

The whole counsel of God shall never agree with the bringing of the ordained false prophets that Jude speaks of, the children of the wicked one into the Kingdom Of God! This shall never be! You as most do not understand The Doctrine Of Christ, for they shall call His name Jesus, for He Shall Save His People from their Sins! Much injustice being done to the Doctrine Of Christ, All in the name of John Calvin! For they have departed from the faith that was once delivered unto the saints, All in the name of John Calvin!

[@webbangel2054]

Mic drop!! This is what I’ve prayed for. I’ve been on the fence about whether the calvinistic view of salvation is accurate or not. This video has finally solidified in my mind that Jesus’s offer of salvation IS for all people. The “predestined before the foundation of the world” is the fact that the Lord was going to make the offer of salvation through faith in Christ’s atoning work open to the gentiles also. NOT that he picked certain individuals before creation. I do have a question though Leighton, I absolutely love the expository preaching of McArthur and Sproul. I have to admit that I have learned more from those 2 about the love of God and the history of the bible, and what it means to live a godly life then from anyone else. Do you think it’s not wise or possibly even detrimental to my faith to listen to calvinist preachers? Would it be possible for you to do a video that gives a list of teachers/preachers who are as excellent in this expository style but are not Calvinists? Waiting on answer, thank you!

[@Soteriology101]

Angie Skelly Ronnie Rogers who I’ve had on the show is a great preacher. Also look up Chris Osborne from Central Baptist in Texas. Great expositor

[@webbangel2054]

Soteriology101 thank you so much for the reply. Im going to check those guys out now!

[@justice3043]

@@webbangel2054 notice. The list isn't that long.

[@shanepursley8526]

@@justice3043 notice. She asked him about 2 ( MacArthur and Sproul) and he gave her 2 to replace them.

[@Kman.]

@@Soteriology101 Brother... she basically asked if it would be detrimental to continue to listen to Calvinists preach/teach because she does not want it to hinder her growth in Christ, even though she's learned much from the men on things not necessarily related to the Calvinist's belief system. While you provided two names for her to search out, her main question was not addressed.

[@therealdavidboyd]

I really appreciate you’re Dr Flowers. God is blessing it. I’ve told so many people about your channel

[@andresbenavides1768]

Gracias! You are doing a great job brother! IT was a real blessing to watch this video. Dios le bendiga mucho!

[@PreciousMeddler]

Great video, Dr. Flowers. I appreciate the extensive commentary over a single passage, so it's easier to digest. Thank you.

[@juanlmontejo]

Thanks for this video!!! you solved a lot of questions that I had

[@edsnyder2801]

Looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith.

[@RealAdvc]

Amen brother thank you so much God bless your channel and may the true Gospel reach more people to be saved Amen!

[@jesuscross9]

Another great video brother Leighton. Loved it!!! I just can't help but wonder what is in the mind of a Calvinist regarding their love relationship with God? I mean when I enter into a personal time of worship with the Lord and I just feel so close, so loved...I see His beauty and Majesty and great splendor. I am just aww struck as the lover of my soul draws near to me. And here's the thing brother. Love in any relationship is understood to only be meaningful if it is genuine. In order for it to be genuine it must be freely given and freely received. I mean I can program my computer screen saver to randomly tell me it loves me. However that means nothing. But when my wife just randomly sends me a text message during the day that says "I love you," well that makes my heart skip in fills me with great joy. The reason is because I know she is not forced to say that. She does it because she wants to. With even the thought that God has forced His will upon me to be predetermined from the foundations of the world to love Him, steals away all the magic of those precious moments I enjoy with Him. I would think for the Calvinist they could never really experience real aww struck worship because their theology reduces everything with God to a strictly intellectual experience. The pizzazz and emotion for them in worship would be non existent or at best overshadowed by the thought that they have no choice but to love Him.

[@edsnyder2801]

I don't have magic moments with Jesus, but I do have fulfillment in growing in the grace and the knowledge of Our Lord through the studying of His Word. For whom the Lord loveth, he chastened. If one loves his child, then would not that parent violate the free will of the child as needed to correct them, to chastened them, to chastise them, and to train them up in the way they should go? That is a lie from Satan that God will not go against man's free will. No, God did not go against King David's free will to lay with Basheba, but He did go against Jonah's free will in not wanting to go to Nineveh to warn the people of judgment to come. God had Jonah swallowed up by the big fish and sent him to Nineveh against Jonah's free will. However, according to the new and better covenant Philippians 2:13 says: For it is God that worketh in you, both to Will and to do of His good pleasure. I can only thank the Good Lord for going against my free will that was set on the temporal things of the world. He, according as it is written, gave me a new heart, He put His fear in my heart that I should not depart from Him as Jeremiah teaches in regards to the new covenant to come. I now hate the things of the world that God hates, and now love the things that God loves. He made me a new man In Christ Jesus. Oh yes, the old man and his free will must crucified daily, risen with Christ, because greater is He that is In You, then he that is in the world.

[@jeanettetipton2985]

I am in awe that The Creator of the world loved me first, called me to be His. I love Him because He first loved me. He is Life. John 10:29 His sheep know His voice. A gift from the Father to the Son.

[@jasonholmes5994]

I just realized something... At 11:50 Dr. Flowers brings up a verse in Romans 10 about Israel's disobedience. If you think about it, EVERY verse in the entirety of Scripture that mentions disobedience to God, is a proof text against calvinism. According to their false beliefs, the ability to disobey God is impossible, because God has already decreed everything that would happen. They believe that God has "sovereignly" predestined everything, including sin. So, if humans can disobey God, that's an act AGAINST his decree, because otherwise, He would have decreed them to do what they chose to do instead. Disobedience to God literally proves that we have free will. If the act of disobedience is what God "sovereignly decreed" them to do, it would NOT, and COULD NOT be disobedience; because the very act of disobeying would be obeying what God had decreed them to do. So, according to the God's word, disobeying God is possible. According to calvinism, it's impossible to disobey God's decrees. Both cannot be correct, so one of these worldviews is wrong! I chose to belive the Bible... NOT calvinism.

[@ronkelley1490]

Check out RC Sproul's video on KZbin "if God is Sovereign, How Can Man be Free?" It does a pretty good job of explaining your observation with simple logic and Biblical support. I hope that helps, friend 😁

[@emelineporrta5021]

GOD BLESS YOU DR. LEIGHTON FLOWERS. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE CLEAR EXPLANATION.

[@breadoflife2075]

Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. Joh 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. Joh 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. Joh 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

[@bigburton24]

““Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭27‬-‭‭28, 30-32‬ Jesus draws to himself.. yet the Father draws first??.. how? By the work of the cross and the Father’s sacrifice. “Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭29‬ The works of the Father has paved our salvation. Through the cross and gospel, eternal life needs only faith. “But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment: regarding sin, because they do not believe in Me; and regarding righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you no longer are going to see Me; and regarding judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.” ‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ So what else happened with the cross?? The Holy Spirit was able to be poured out onto men. To convict the WORLD of sin. The same world in John 3:16-18…

[@Ministria_Zëri_i_Mesias]

Dr Leighton, I thank God for these teachings of the Word of God so correctly in its context! I have been debating with one of our Calvinist Pastor that I discover in our church. so sad that after long year of study the Word he still not in the right interpretation of Scriptures even bringing clear deeply evidences that I also gained from you what actually the Bible says. Definetly Im standing firm, because I honor the Word of God and rejoice when Teachers like you bring truth that we dont often hear out there! May the Lord bless you and keep you! 🙏

[@Ronald47798]

This is so good. God bless you

[@mosesphiri7183]

Somo of the men i respect believe in Calvinism, but i don't believe in Calvinism because it does not make sense from a biblical point of view..

[@nathanstewart2929]

Not exegesis. Mr. Flowers says lets check the context, and then immediately leaves the context, acts 20, acts 28, luke, on and on. No. As many of those hearers who heard Paul speak those words to that audience who were ordained to eternal life believed. Then down the rabbit hole we go discussing the word choice “ordained” of the translators, how bob wilkin would do better and nearly ends up saying they ordained themselves. The word “ordained” is a perfect choice, strongs 5021, check it. I agree that there are scriptures that raise difficult questions but this is not exegesis, this is making hard truths easier to deal with for our comforts sake.

[@TheMaineSurveyor]

Flowers' arguments fell flat. The retranslating ordained to fit the argument was especially poorly done. Soldiers don't deploy themselves; they get deployed by their commanding officer, all the more so in the Roman world when the New Testament was written.

[@lucygg3522]

Amen! I immediately thought of Cornelius as well. Thank You for your channel.

[@FollowerOfTheLight2782]

What's with Cornelius ?

[@littlemas2]

I love that your context quote was from Don Carson, one of the men in your Calvinist graphic.

[@krakenhuevos3972]

Just shows his inconsistency.

[@kennethwilliams2738]

could you do a video on 1peter chapter 1?

[@greatlistener2916]

Isaiah 1:18 King James Version 18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool..

[@LucianUmbrarescu1994]

Can we maybe take the same system of interpretation that you proposed here (leaving aside the Greek implied that makes it evident the passive of Appointed) and apply it consistently thru the Bible in the context?

[@ruthgar8]

Clearly, it's not a Calvinist "election" verse. The Calvinist claim that it means "elect from the foundation to be regenerated so that they would exercise faith" should be rejected by any reasonable person not drinking the Kool-Aide. Even if God determined to make sure that a group of Gentiles would believe, the text-only indicates Paul's preaching. Not God was electing with other means. What I find very compelling is Dr. Wilkin's information on the context and literary parallelism. Parallelism is a common and well-known method of teaching and writing. The point is that the text of v. 46 states that the Jews themselves (reflexively) did not "consider" themselves worthy of eternal life. They heard Paul's reasoning and explanation and rejected that path of salvation with no other cause aside from their own processing of the information. No one else, not even God, gets implicated in their self-made decision to reject the message. Verses 46 and 48 are connected contextually and literally. So you have the Jews reflexively being in position as God's chosen instrument to carry the Word and bring forth the Messiah, CHOOSING to reject that opportunity. You have God-Fearing Gentiles going to synagogue week in and week out, wanting to be part of the Jewish family and covenant. Then you have the covenant people in the proper position ethnically rejecting their birthright. Then, in contrast, you have the Gentiles. They had no ethnic or covenant promise from God. They had POSITIONED themselves outside of the Pagan religions and went to the Synagogue, hoping to receive eternal life and be part of God's family. We have them positioning "themselves" to be ready to jump at the opportunity. That literary structure brings beauty and harmony worthy of Luke's powerful command of the language, writing, and academic skills that would be recognized. I believe Calvinism and other interpretations rob the prose and skill the Holy Spirit gave Luke in his writing.

[@jefflavenau6805]

Mark Driscoll is questionable as a believer and has outright rejected calvinism entirely, so you might want to fix your graphic

[@littlemas2]

Could you explain to me in what way Driscoll is questionable as a believer? What does it mean to you to be a believer and what has he said or done that does not match that description?

[@markuswmenezes]

Jeff Lavenau source?

[@dustinpaulson1123]

Another great video! Keep laying the axe of truth to the root of Calvinism!

[@efipaniatolentino7002]

Thank you brother Leighton.. well explained... Praise God for wisdom 🙏

[@krakenhuevos3972]

A key verse to understanding the Greek word “Tasso” that is translated into “Ordained/Appointed is this: Acts 18:6 (ESV) And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." Notice the word “Opposed.” If you look up the Greek word for that it is “AntiTasso,” which is the opposite of the word that gets translated into “Ordained/Appointed.” So, “Open to eternal life” really would be a better translation.

[@mcgragor1]

Are you a Greek scholar? How many bible committees, with experts in Greek (and yes many I am sure were not reformed), translate this as "appointed" or "ordained"? That is the part I think is dangerous, when we force a interpretation based on what WE think the Greek should be, when literally tens if not hundreds of translations, by hundreds if not thousands of experts in the Greek language, don't see it that way. If Luke wanted to say "open to eternal life" I'm sure that would have been a simple phrase and yet the most consistent translation is "appointed or ordained".

[@tammycover1886]

@@mcgragor1 Reasoning that the majority says this so it must be so is dangerous. The majority of Jewish Bible scholars in Jesus day missed the most important thing in their Scriptures...the coming of the Messiah. It was the "rebels" like Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night that were right. Were you present at any of these Bible translation committee meetings? Do you know if there was a minority that was shouted down and dismissed because "the majority" thought it was thus and so? I'm not saying you are right or wrong...just that your logic is flawed.

[@mcgragor1]

To make your point, we'd have to find someone hostile to translation and wanting to keep it all to themselves--for example, the Jehovah's Witness translate it exactly like many on here want it translated. That should raise suspicion, but the other way around, not so much. We'd have to assume that the majority of Greek scholars in every translation meeting working on different translations, maybe even in different lifetimes, all somehow saw this wrong...that is highly unlikely. None of us were present at bible translations, but many from all different denominations concerned with accuracy, have signed off on what the majority of trained Greek scholars agreed on over these many years, centuries, and lifetimes of these many different groups of Greek translators. So I think I am right in my logic, I'd agree I could be wrong, but not because I am using flawed reasoning. keep in mind, many if not all cults based off of Christianity always want to mess with the translations, like the Jehovah's Witness I mentioned above. So wouldn't logic have us be more suspect when they translate it the way we wish it was, rather than the way it is? It's possible I guess, but if any red flag is raised, I'd be questioning the cults rather than the Christians who gave us our most popular and respected versions accepted by every major denomination.

[@cesarpintes3213]

Please can you de calvinized Acts 16:14.

[@Gablesman888]

Having been an Arminian I remember that one of the reasons Arminians stumble out of the starting gate when examining soteriological issues is that Arminians do not understand original sin, that is, the default spiritual condition of man. I find this rather astounding given that both the OT and NT are quite clear on this doctrine. Having made this mistake at the outset, Arminians have no hope to recover their soteriological stance since they just pile one error on top of another. Kind of like liberal democrats trying to fix the American economy. They have disqualified themselves ab initio.

[@SeanWinters]

Molinism is most correct.

[@Lin-gv3fi]

Thank you, makes me cry. So many are deceived 🙏🏼

[@FollowerOfTheLight2782]

Because they want to mix in their own version like this man ! He tries to spin it as much as he can but it still doesn't change the reality !

[@robertstatzer5422]

EXCELLENT PRESENTATION!! Here's a comment I posted concerning this passage (and expands and includes other related passages) a week or so ago..... Men in general were "lined up" ("arranged", and "inclined", "tasso") to receive God's Promises. After all, everyone wants to be beneficiaries of God's Promises, but the question is, what do they do with Christ and the Message of His Cross? What I mean is, many Jews STUMBLED over the "STUMBLING STONE" (Salvation through Christ, NOT through "Torah Observance" in the weakness of man's own effort in the flesh, Rom.8:1-9), and stepped "out of line". Many of the Greeks considered the Cross "FOOLISHNESS", and stepped "out of line"! But to whoever would hear God's Call, and become willing to receive God's Promises as being conditioned upon Christ, the Gospel was "the Power of God" and "Wisdom of God" (Rom.1:16; 9:1-8,24-33; 1st Cor.ch.1)! There were also a great number of the Gentiles who were "lined up", hungry like beggars and desperate for "crumbs", not knowing God had a FEAST prepared for them, along with a "believing remnant" of Jews (Matt.8:5-13; 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-31; Acts 13:46; 28:16-31; Rom.9:1-8,24-33; 11:1-26)! These PEOPLES were being REJECTED and also ACCEPTED as PEOPLES, and were not being predetermined as individuals (which was for the individuals to do, not God, Acts 13:46. Compare principle of 2nd Thess.2:10-12; Rom.1:16-2:16). If one cannot gather this from Romans 9-11 (particularly the Cultivated Olive Tree and the Wild One, Broken Off Branches & Grafted In Branches, with Christ as the ROOT) as a whole, and from 1st Peter 2:6-10, it becomes apparent that it is because they are not reading the Bible in its WHOLE CONTEXT on what "ELECTION" was, especially in God's Creation of a New Covenant People IN CHRIST, from a REMNANT of believing natural Israelites from ALL 12 TRIBES as "FIRSTFRUITS OF HIS CREATURES", that is, of EVERY CREATURE, individuals from out of "EVERY NATION KINDRED PEOPLE TRIBE AND TONGUE" (Rom.1:5,6,13; 9:1-8,24-33; 11:1-36; 16:25-27; 2nd Cor.1:18-20; 5:14-21; Gal.3:8-16,19,26-29; 4:1-7,19-31; 6:15,16; Col.1:5,6,23-29; Rev.7:1-8,9-17; 14:1-5,6-8)! Understanding the Cultivated Olive Tree, God's New Covenant People and Holy Nation IN CHRIST, grasping that He is the ROOT, as the Branch/Offspring of Abraham, yet Root/Progenitor at the beginning (John 8:56-59) and AFRESH in His Resurrection Life, Col.1:18-2:7), and also understanding what the Wild Olive Tree represents, the Broken Off Branches, the Grafted In Branches etc. is vital to understanding "ELECTION" Biblically speaking. Clearly INDIVIDUALS are the BRANCHES, not the TREES! The determining factor of whether one was "ELECTED" or "REJECTED" was whether or not one came to be IN CHRIST THROUGH FAITH, OR ELSE WERE CUT OFF FROM HIM THROUGH DISBELIEF! It is that response of FAITH or else DISBELIEF that determines whether they would be a SHATTERED POTTERY AS VESSELS OF WRATH, OR ELSE HIS POTTERY OF HONORABLE USE AS VESSELS OF MERCY! This is why it was the case that "NOT MY PEOPLE" ("LO-AMMI") could become God's Chosen People IN CHRIST (1st Peter 2:6-10), and why those who boasted in "having Abraham as father" and also boasted in their self-righteousness in Torah, were warned about how the "AXE WAS ALREADY LAID AT THE *ROOT* OF THE TREES", and also about how "GOD WAS ABLE TO RAISE UP CHILDREN UNTO ABRAHAM FROM *THESE STONES*" (Matt.3:8-12 & compare Josh.4, 12 Stone Memorial at Bethabara Joshua had built, and where John Baptized)!

[@ViolinistJeff]

It is no coincidence that the video is 13:48 minutes long...

[@braydengault1197]

Amen! Thank you for these explanations. Much needed!

[@09251976100]

I hate that Calvinists hang their hat on this verse. It is clear that this verse isn't exactly clear and when we come across verses like this that can mean "either, or" then we must go to passages that are clear. The passages that are clear don't support what Calvinists say regarding salvation. They support the view that Dr. Flowers teaches, and because there are no contradictions in God's Word then we must conclude that this verse isn't a contradiction and therefore must be interpreted differently.

[@michaeljames5881]

Please do a video on Ephesians 2:1-3

[@jueneturner8331]

Couldn't the word translated "appointed" also mean "commission, or to bring something newly produced into working order"? So those whose God-given faith was at the needed point of quality and growth received more?

[@myraride9563]

Those who dislikes are Calvinists,open yourday eyes fo not suppress the truth.

[@freeguy7628]

I just don't see how you can punish someone for something you forced them to do. It really hits upon the goodness of our God. My son, here is a test which I designed specifically to make you fail. When you fail, I will disown you and cast you out for eternity. I have given the answer key to your sister. She passed, and now I will reward her for eternity.

[@angloaust1575]

The very thought that God has chosen people goes against human Theology Man wants to be part of his salvation robbing God of his glory The wedding feast the person who never had the right garment was ousted The blood of Christ must be applied To the sinner something only.the holy spirit can perform!

[@princeamoakwa4057]

6:11 - 6:23 hits hard 🔥

[@lornaborbon1106]

The text does not say to all who believe are appointed to eternal life...

[@acsberean4092]

Good job Brother!

[@claudiolordino2192]

With all due respect, the background music is distracting as one tries to listen carefully to the argument being made.

[@aaronjones8905]

I suppose that further evidence that these Gentiles were already worshipping God would be found in the fact that they were present at the synagogue on the first day. It's still a peculiar text and use of the word ordain. Presuming it is not for the sake of the Calvinist viewpoint, I still wonder why Luke would record it as such. Is there any point in separating the three major points: "ordained", "eternal life", and "believed"?

[@BradKinntoo]

I have never seen such a hateful comment section in all of youtube, and on a Christian video nonetheless...where is the love?

[@marckemp9955]

Ellicott's commentary is also good.

[@_isaiah.g._3521]

De-Calvinize 2 Timothy 2:25-26?

[@allendula]

Amen, it's shocking how many oppose God's obvious sovereignty in all things, especially that which God ordained eternity past

[@_isaiah.g._3521]

@@allendula it's not opposing God's Sovereignty, it's opposing how Calvinism has defined it. Both sides seem to be convinced that they're right so it's hard to figure out which is true when you see verses like 2 Timothy 2:25 & John 6:44, but then you see verses like "don't harden your own heart", "humble yourself", "choose this day who you will serve", etc.

[@relgof8871]

@@allendula Plus if what you believe is true and we are opposing Calvinism because God ordained that we oppose calvinism

[@calvinpeterson9581]

Here is an example of these verses in a real life scenario from scripture. You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” Acts 8:21‭-‬23

[@joshmckown7778]

Those Gentiles were appointed to eternal life by Paul by the preaching of the Gospel unto them.. All the text is saying is that every one of those Gentiles that had gathered and heard the words of Paul, Believed. Just as Paul quotes the Lord, 'I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT (YOU) MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.'" By Paul's appointment, all that heard, believed.

[@ryanmajors6582]

The same concept applies to John 3:19-21, another Calvinist proof-text. I think sometimes Calvinists forget that people could be saved under the old covenant. This is why “coming to the light” in John 3:21 isn’t about conversion, it’s about an already-saved person coming to Jesus upon hearing about Him for the first time, otherwise you have people “doing what is true” BEFORE conversion, which makes no sense.

[@SugoiEnglish1]

Just let the text speak! Acts 13:48 needs no other proof text...It says what it says explicitly!!!!

[@ChaplainBobWalkerBTh]

NT Matthew 20:16, "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.." Matthew 24:22, 24 "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened...For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.." Mark 13:20, 22, 27 "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days…For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect…And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven." Luke 8:10, "And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand." (Matthew 11:25) Luke 18:7, "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?." John 10:14-16, "I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd ...But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you." John 13:18, "I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me." John 15:16, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you..." John 15:19, "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." John 17:9, "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.." Acts 2:23, "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:" Acts 2:46-47, "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 4:27,28, "For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done." Acts 13:48, "And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." Acts 22:14, "And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth." Romans 8:29,30,33, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? [It is] God that justifieth...Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? [It is] God that justifieth."

[@ChaplainBobWalkerBTh]

@William Toy Matthew 15:24 But he [Jesus] answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

[@MelanCholy2001]

Oh now do the Old Testament!

[@preacherjuanligas3327]

Brilliant

[@jedrosenthal7485]

Several times throughout scripture we read that Israel is God's elect. However not all Israel believed and was saved. Also we read that Christ was God's elect, and he did not need saving! I think it needs to be looked at closer as to what the meaning of elect is. I believe election has to do with a work that God has called us to. Many reject it. Thoughts??

[@saved6655]

Really had to explain that one away

[@abba6104]

Perfect

[@abc-nk1jk]

Love these short vids dealing with specific passages

[@danielalexander3406]

Dr Flowers is making the mistake in attributing faith the to believer. Ephesians tells us this is not from ourselves. This makes sense, as God knows all and controls all, we cannot surprise him or participate in our salvation. Otherwise salvation would not be from God alone, but also from us. Someone who is dead in their sins cannot exercise faith unless God grants them faith. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

[@christsslave907]

thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. Acts 13:10‭-‬11 The Lord said: it is written and you say like the serpent: did God really say? Instead of letting the word stand, you twist it. This is the surest path to Catholicism. Do not become many teachers, says the Scripture, for they will have a hard judgment. May God opens your eyes after He'll blind you, for blindling the eyes of many 🙏

[@samcolton5519]

Thanks

[@JonathanGrandt]

Just around 15 minutes is my cup o tea... I listen to the super long ones while on my deliveries

[@SugoiEnglish1]

Acts 13: 48 is clear as is Acts 16:14...Yes we exercise free will...but those who do were appointed to!!!!!! Good?

[@djohnson3093]

For anyone to use this verse in support of the calvinistic interpretation, they are 100% admitting that they believe the Bible contradicts itself. If I interpret one verse in a way that seems to contradict multiple other verses, I guarantee that the seemingly contradiction is on my understanding. So, instead of ignoring the multiple other verses, I need to dig deeper into the text and context to see what I'm missing. I assure you that the word of God does not contradict itself. This is a result of using verses in stand-alone fashion, which can only lead to false beliefs. Water baptism saves, works salvation, word of faith, prosperity gospel, name it-claim it, calvinism, catholicism, etc can all be "proven" biblically as long as verses are separated from the whole of scripture.

[@toddcote4904]

Appointed doesn't mean appointed....got it. Lol, great argument 🤣

[@goldenarm2118]

Just like all doesn't mean all...right?

[@toddcote4904]

@@goldenarm2118 😂

[@goldenarm2118]

@@toddcote4904 Just like appointed doesn't mean pre-appointed.

[@toddcote4904]

@@goldenarm2118 Unlike you, I'm not comfortable believing in a God who dies for everyone, while also knowing who will choose Him, and still hopes for those who won't ever choose Him to choose Him. That's a very confusing God. This then leads to double jeopardy, whereby Jesus dies the death on behalf of the unbeliever, yet the unbeliever still goes into the lake of fire. So Jesus suffers for the unbeliever's sin and the sinner suffers for those same sins?? That's not just and I know God is just. Therefore, I must reject the non-calvinist view as unjust and illogical.

[@goldenarm2118]

@@toddcote4904 Allow me to pop one little bubble in that comment. Not that I couldn't pop more but one at a time is best. Could you, if your life depended on it, make a distinction between the words desire and hope?

[@ChaplainBobWalkerBTh]

Exodus 33:19, "And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy." Deut. 7:6-8, "For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye [were] the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt." Deut. 10:15, "Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, [even] you above all people, as [it is] this day." Joshua 11:20, "For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses." I Kings 20:42, "And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of [thy] hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people." II Chronicles 6:6, "But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel." Psalm 33:12, "Blessed [is] the nation whose God [is] the LORD; [and] the people [whom] he hath chosen for his own inheritance." Psalm 65:4 "Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee, that] he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, [even] of thy holy temple." Psalm 78:67-70, "Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim: But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved. And he built his sanctuary like high [palaces], like the earth, which he hath established forever. He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:" Psalm 135:4, "For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, [and] Israel for his peculiar treasure." Proverbs 16:4, "The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil." Proverbs 21:1, "The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." Isaiah 44:1-2, "Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, [which] will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.." Isaiah 45:4, "For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me." Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." Malachi 1:2-3, "I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? [Was] not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.."

[@ChaplainBobWalkerBTh]

@William Toy Matthew 15:24 But he [Jesus] answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Christians are divorced (Jeremiah 3:8) Israel Galatians 3:29 “And if ye be Christ's, then ARE [Not become] ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

[@ChaplainBobWalkerBTh]

@William Toy I am anything but dispensational. If you want to believe Jesus came for the whole world, then move to africa and be a missionary. I shall pay for the ticket. 2 Chronicles 14:12 So the LORD smote the Ethiopians [BLACK ETHIOPIANS?] before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. Zephaniah 2:12 Ye Ethiopians also, ye shall be slain by my sword. Ezekiel 30:5 Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.

[@ChaplainBobWalkerBTh]

@William Toy ALL MEANS ALL? Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (So Jesus sinned and came short of the glory of God?)

[@ChaplainBobWalkerBTh]

@William Toy only in your mind - the time of Jacob's trouble may wake you up.

[@xxxmmm3812]

Chaplain Bob Walker B. Th. CAN YOU MISINTERPRET EVEN MORE PASSAGES LOL israel bein the elect doesn’t meant they’re saved and all of the elect passages do not mean what calvinist say they mean

[@Ryan-lt2nh]

These shorter videos are a blessing. The longer videos are too, when I need to dig more and at times I want to be exhaustive, especially when I was digging in to seek the truth for myself, but I have to set down time for that. These I can listen to on the way somewhere or on a break. Thanks! Also while I'm not necessarily a fan of the TLB translation, I do like how they worded this verse: "When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and rejoiced in Paul’s message; and as many as wanted eternal life, believed."

[@TheMaineSurveyor]

It seems that Bob Wilkins is attempting to say those that were appointed to eternal life, had actually positioned themselves to be saved. This sounds like synergistic salvation, which is unbiblical. At 0:37 you add presuppositions to the text, with the assumption that Calvinists are using Calvinism as their hermeneutic. But the word "appointed" is there. The ESV, NASB95, NASB2020, NKJV, CSB, and NIV all render the Greek word there as "appointed." No presuppositions are needed here. Let's ask the question: who does the appointing? Wilkins thinks the people are appointing themselves, but that would be synergistic salvation. Who then has authority to appoint? Let's consider Wilkins' claim that the Greek word is a military term. Who places the troops? The commander does, as he is the one with authority. Wilkins is suggesting the people have the authority to place themselves. Who has authority over salvation? God does. Did we have to appeal to Calvinism to figure this out? No. Did we have to presuppose Calvinism to see the problem here? No. To accept Wilkins' claim, we have to reject the work of all the committees involved in all the Bible versions listed above, that somehow, they all screwed up this one word that seems to point to God's authority. But that's the crux: God has authority over salvation, and Dr. Flowers does not seem to appreciate that.

[@alfredhitchcock45]

Pag sinabing Works ang context ni Paul jan is Mosaic Law not Good Works by Humans. Jan pa lang, pag ayaw mo nang ayusin, meaning may gusto kang ipasok na Doktrina na salungat sa original intention/context ng Biblical Author. Totoo naman ang Election kasi sa Revelations ung mga hindi tatanggap sa tatak ng Anticristo ay predestined na nakasulat na ung pangalan nila sa Book of Life

[@jonathanschubert9052]

Amen!

[@jimkraft9445]

The true Calvinist can not even lead their own children to salvation by grace, because they do not know if they are chosen or not. What a horrible doctrine. John 3:16, First John 2:2, and the bible says Jesus tasted death for every man, and that He is no respecter of persons. John 6:40 And this is the will of Him who sent me, that ALL that seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise Him up on the last day. John 6:29 Jesus, answered, and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on the one He has sent. Calvinism, Arminianism, and Lordship salvation give no assurance of everlasting life. But thank God, Jesus does. John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me HATH EVERLASTING LIFE. Jesus said it, I believe it, and that settles it.

[@dannykirby7425]

It’s this guy who has to work the scriptures to get to his pretext. Faith is a gift from God.

[@crystalreddick5255]

God chose these people beforehand (in eternity past) and now 1.)through giving them repentance Acts 11:18,,2Tim2:25 2.)has brought them to faith in Christ Eph2:8... 3)Luke uses the passive voice("were appointed") indicating God is the agent.

[@xxxmmm3812]

Crystal Reddick wrong but hey enjoy the lies you’ve been thought

[@hobbes6616]

Τεταγμενοι (to put in order, to appoint) could also be middle voice. The point is that there is ambiguity to the meaning. It is not as straight forward as Calvinists would indicate.

[@seanrathmakedisciples1508]

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be forgiven. God wants everyone saved and to come to the knowledge of Lord. The Holy Spirit has been poured out on all flesh and the Holy Spirit is drawing all to the Lord Jesus for salvation

[@FollowerOfTheLight2782]

(KJV+) Hebrews 12:2: "Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (KJV+) John 6:29: "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."

[@kyloooooo]

Why do people get so mad that God is in control of our salvation and that we contribute nothing to our spiritual birth? “ grrr Calvinist! I chose God and I can leave him anytime I want!! My choice even though I’m spiritually dead and my work of making that choice. God is out of the picture unless I myself choose him. it’s up to meeee!! Freee will” Arrogance and pride at it’s worse.

[@F15H0]

John Calvin confessed that the doctrine of Double Predestination was a horrible and dreadful decree in his Institutes of the Christian Religion. Calvin believed that the scriptures taught that God made an "absolute decree" (latin. decretum absolutum) before the foundation of the world that all people would be divided into two classes of the elect and the reprobate that was determined by God's decision alone. Unlike many Calvinists today, Calvin believed that God's absolute decree to predestine an individual to eternal death was not a wonderful or glorious thing, instead Calvin confessed that it was a dreadful and horrible decree. Is it not a horrible decree that God would create something for eternal perdition? And it is dreadful and horrible indeed! How could we respond in any other way than to say such a final ends is horrible and dreadful! The possibility that God would create any person for eternal death calls into question the goodness of God.

[@user-oh5gz4ue6r]

"Why do people expect God to follow the ethics he laid out to us?"

[@patiduran2438]

Calvinism is Biblical Christianity. To think otherwise is proof of error in someone's Theology. Spurgeon was a Calvinist. No one here is more versed in scripture than Spurgeon. Christians are choosen before the foundation of the world ~ Unconditionally. It's not by works. It's not by our will. It's by God

[@dionsanchez4478]

LOL. As if you are the only only that can understand a text! And yes son, many Calvinists studied Greek.

[@user-oi7gs5zo1y]

I used to believe like you, but before I even knew anything about the doctrines of grace and unconditional election the Holy Spirit open my eyes to the truth of his grace to bring me from death into life by making the truth irresistibly true to me. I feel sad you want to try to steal God’s glory and he has hidden the truth from you. I’ve listen to many of your debates about this and your arguments are inconsistent. In the last one I listened to you even admitted that believers are chosen, they don’t chose it on their own. I’ll pray for you.

[@Gablesman888]

Another Baptist preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, said that Calvinism is simply historical orthodox Christianity. It is what the original Christians believed. Read the early church fathers and they do not sound like Arminians such as Flowers. They sound like today's RC Sproul, Al Mohler, Steven Lawson, John MacArthur, John Piper, etc. Plus, to have Arminianism, you must have Jacobus Arminius, its founder, who did not come along until the 1500's, that is, over fifteen centuries after the Ascension of our Lord. There are no Arminian detractors from the Gospel described in the New Testament (unless you want to count the Pharisees) or in the Old Testament (unless you want to count the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel).

[@phillipjackson1517]

Great video. Keep up the awesome work! And congrats on 20k subs! :)

[@Kman.]

It is now 3 months later, and subs have moved up another 5.5K.

[@ProclaimeroftheGospelofJesus]

I responded to James White on this passage. This is the comment: You guys are so hung up on election you do not see it. This is what happen according to God purifies our hearts by our faith Acts 15.. The gospel was preached, the Holy Spirit convicts through the gospel, God knows their hearts, He purifies our hearts by our faith in Him. They are appointed to eternal life when they are granted repentance unto eternal life. This can be looked at as election according to Gods will. Which is for us to believe in Jesus! We may have the inability to not be righteous before God but we have the ability to respond to the gospel according to faith. Some people do not want to come to Jesus because they love darkness rather than the light. John 3.. As far as salvation goes, we did nothing but respond to what God provided. I do appreciate you not understanding why people would not accept it, but it is not because God did not want them. It is because they did not want God, because they love darkness. They may have other beliefs of the truth of God, and avoid the truth of the gospel. So if it is doubt or rebellion, or hanging on to a false belief, the devil blinded them, and they did not have faith in the gospel of Jesus. They did not believe God. Romans 8:24-25 King James Version 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Who would have hope if they believe it is only a selected?

[@ronkelley1490]

Honest and serious question... Even if one should say that God doesn't directly cause unbelief, or ordain individuals to be lost or saved, etc., How can we reconcile the fact that God still grants earthly life to people He already foreknew would reject Him and go to Hell? Isn't that creating someone and choosing to let them live a full life, yet knowing they would reject the Gospel before they were born? I know we have free will, that's clear from our choice to sin. We choose what we want and God gave us a choice and we have all ruined it with sin. He permitted that, so that we are not robots. But if God permitted it, doesn't that mean also that He knew the repercussions beforehand and still chose to allow it to happen? Basically, what I'm getting at is this- if God gave us a choice to sin, and we failed the test, and we all deserve to die and go to Hell, then why do we try to take credit for God acting to save us when we're already condemned? God is under absolutely no obligation to save anyone and the fact that He saves anyone at all is an act of mercy none of us deserve. So why are we trying to make scripture suggest all of a sudden in the last few decades say that it's no longer by grace alone through faith alone but now we have to activate our almighty human free will to truly respond to the Gospel, this denying the necessity of the Holy Spirit moving in a sinner's heart. I don't mean to sound argumentative, I'm not trying to be. I'm genuinely trying to ask how we can say God is completely sovereign in salvation but then redefine and reinterpret scriptures that support that statement. I'm just confused by the logic of it in the light of what scripture seems to clearly teach.

[@mr.jollybear5180]

You seem to struggle with accepting the sovereignty of God. Let me pose some questions to you. Was Jesus Christ's crucifixion predetermined, as it was foretold in the Bible? Was there ever a moment when Christ could not have been crucified? Could Judas have chosen not to betray Jesus at any point? Was Christ's crucifixion merely foreseen, or was it predetermined by God? If it was predetermined, what ensures the certainty of its outcome? Why do you find it challenging to accept that when the Bible speaks of God appointing, electing, or predestining, it means exactly that? Perhaps it's time to reflect, repent, and humble yourself instead of being arrogant, presumptuous, and counterproductive.

[@fzr1000981]

Ephesians 1 and Romans 9...you can't cherry pick

[@kcmartin5958]

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, - Ephesians 1:4-5 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, - 2 Timothy 1:9 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. - John 6:44 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. - Romans 8:30 Flowers, if you’re reading this, already your mind has done mental gymnastics to explain away each of these verses from their intended meaning. And what you said above is pure eisegesis. This is not the same method of operation we would perform to defend the trinity.

[@josephdurraz8574]

SOTERIOLOGY 101, YOUR EXPLANATION WITH ACTS 18:6 AND ACTS 28:27-28 HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ACTS 13:48, because THIS VERSE(Acts 13:48 ) is an independent verse and can stand by itself without referring to other verses... For example of other INDEPENDENT VERSE THAT CAN STAND BY ITSELF: When God said, ''I AM THE LORD WHO CREATED ALL THINGS...'' =>>> You don't need other verses to support or contradict this verse because this verse can stand by itself without reference to other verses...=>>> 2nd, Acts 18 and Acts 28 COMES LATER THAN ACTS 13... SO YOU CANNOT SAY THAT BECAUSE OF ACTS 18 AND ACTS 28 , THEY WERE THE REASONS THAT ACTS 13 WAS MADE...=>>>> AND THIRD, WHEN THE APOSTLES SPEAK ABOUT ISRAEL THAT THEIR HEARTS HAVE BECOME CALLOUSED AND SO THEY WILL TURN TO THE GENTILES, =>>> THE APOSTLES WERE REFERRING TO THE NATION OF ISRAEL AND TO THE GENTILES IN GENERAL... THEY WERE NOT REFERRING TO INDIVIDUAL SALVATION AS WHAT HAPPENED IN ACTS 13:48.... =>>>> ACTS 13:48(KJV) ''And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.'' =>>> NOTE: '''AS MANY AS WERE ORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE BELIEVED.''' =>>> IT SAYS, 'AS MANY', IT DID NOT SAY 'ALL '...=>> ''WHICH SIMPLY MEANS AS MANY INDIVIDUALS''=>>>>> AND 4TH, YOU SAID THAT IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT IT IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THEY BELIEVED, BUT ONLY THAT THEY ARE BELIEVING THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS AND THEIR INCLUSION INTO THE COVENANT BY FAITH ALONE... IT IS IN FACT THE FIRST TIME THAT THEY BELIEVED ACCORDING TO THE VERSE ITSELF UNLESS YOU REWRITE THE VERSE... =>>> ''AS MANY AS WERE ORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE BELIEVED.''' =>>> NOTE: They believed because they were ordained to ETERNAL LIFE....=>>>> NOTE: Please don't remove this post because this is the BIBLICAL TRUTH... I will stand to defend this TRUTH to anyone who will challenge me.... I AM NOT A CALVINIST BUT I BASED MY BELIEF IN THE BIBLE ALONE.... MANY THANKS.....

[@jimthejimothy799]

Just because its your opinion does not mean its Biblical truth. The Bible has to be taken as a whole, not just taking one verse and ignoring everything else. But anyways God bless bro

[@jimthejimothy799]

@@reynaldodavid2913Jo yes but when trying to get the real meaning of a verse it's always best to go to the original greek language, and the word they use is appointed, which is decided on beforehand. So if you look at the Bible as a WHOLE you will see that decided before hand doesn't mean God chose specific people, but that in God's divine sovereignty he already knew beforehand who would believe

[@jimthejimothy799]

@@reynaldodavid2913Jo Well thank you for responding to my response, and yes they do know more, that's probably why they translated it and not me. But once again I make the same point that its not about picking one verse to support your statement, but the whole Bible. If that is how you use that verse in John 6:44, then it contradicts verse 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. The Bible doesn't contradict itself, so one verse can't say that everyone who see's the son and believes in him will be saved and then that only does who are drawn to (predestined as you say) Jesus by the Father will be saved. So then what is the context of the verse that we're looking at, the crowd of people that were with Jesus were grumbling amongst themselves because Jesus said that he was the bread that came down from heaven. They said, verse 42 is this not Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? So in that moment they were filled with unbelief because they knew Joseph and Mary. So that is when Jesus responds with verse 44, that no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. Draws them is not predestined, because of their unbelief draws them is, gives him the desire and inclination to come and the ability to place trust in Christ. Because then verse 47 says Truly, truly, I say to you, WHOEVER believes has eternal life (ESV) verse 51 says I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if ANY man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (KJV) So in no way using the context of the whole verse is it talking about predestination.

[@jimthejimothy799]

@@reynaldodavid2913Jo God bless you, my question is how do you get elect from those verses? Verse 40 says everyone, verse 47 says whoever believes and verse 51 says any man. Where in the CONTEXT of that whole chapter do you see it mention elect

[@williambunter3311]

Sadly, the calvinists will pounce on a difficult verse such as Acts 13v48, but will totally discredit the multiple verses in Scripture which prove their theology wrong. When painted into a corner (which they always are) they will just shrug their shoulders and claim their contradictions are a 'divine paradox'! They will misuse Deut. 29v29 which says that the secret things belong unto God. This way they can avoid taking responsibility for their logical inconsistencies and contradictions. Piper has brazenly interpreted God wanting all men to repent and be saved as His wanting all 'classes of men' to be saved. Of course this would also mean that He wants no 'class of men' to be lost. These people are slippery and dishonest. They are under the spell of calvinism, as brainwashed by their theology as Roman Catholics and Watchtower Witnesses are by theirs. If I sound harsh it is because I see souls being lost and a false gospel being preached on the doorstep.

[@justice3043]

At minute 3:10 you said the Jews were hardened they were predisposed to be that way I suppose you mean this was their own doing their culture or whatever and that has nothing to do with Isaiah 6:10 quoted in all four gospels as well as Acts ( also see Deuteronomy 29 three and four Isaiah 29:10 Ezekiel 12:2 those are the ones off the top of my head...) and then you said the Gentiles ate more open to the truth I can only assume that you mean to say that they would be an easier people to hear the truth believe it and hang on to it wow historically you have to know that this is not true the Gentiles my friend were incredible pagans hanging onto polytheism and pantheism with an iron claw.

[@davidtrue4255]

Historically speaking, the Gentiles were any people group that were not ethnically Israelites. The Jews, during the time of Jesus, had deemed any Gentile as inferior to them. They considered themselves the ONLY people God called, his ONLY chosen people. (Any modern belief system sound like that to you?) They were not allowed to participate in the same rituals as the Jews, no matter their beliefs. It was even believed that contact with a Gentile would make a Jew, or his possessions, ceremonially unclean. This did not stop the Gentiles from accepting the Jewish faith, even though it was often difficult for them to do the ceremonial rituals to become "Jews," and thus saved according to the Jewish leaders. Imagine being told that you could not gain access to Heaven because you weren't born into the right family, and then this guy comes along and tells you that a man named Jesus came and died for you so that you could enter Heaven. Would you not be more willing to listen and act to attain this right that seemed previously unobtainable to you?

[@MyRoBeRtBaKeR]

This is very simple. To the Jew first then the Gentile. The Gospel had come to the Jew but seeing that they judge themselves unworthy, the Gospel was taken to the Gentiles. What is the Word of the Lord v44, this is the Word of the Lord: John 3:16 King James Version 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. So who was ordained to eternal life? The elect chosing before the foundation of the world? No, whosoever shall BELIEVE in the Son of the living God, did.

[@rsizzle4560]

It’s not a presupposition. That’s what it says in Ephesians 2.

[@Sergedb74]

You Dr. Flowers, Wilkins and White have this all wrong. That's when a pre-supposed theology gets in the way...

[@Jondoe_04]

Those "Calvinist" presupposition are just fluff that you added. The point is who id the one who appointed them to believe was it God or themselves the text clearly makes the belief limited to those who were appointed, so who appointed them. Calvinist do not add unconditionally appointed before the foundation of the world, we are just dealing with who appointed them here. If God, when, then we can go to Ephisians 1:3-15, but, if its the autonomously decided action though they are in the flesh and can not please God, how did they do that when the Bible is clear they can not. Also this is literally semi Pelagianism. Scratxh that, he goes full Pelagianian later. Also also it literally does say they began believing then, "When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed Notice the and, that means that they believe for the first time then.

[@SugoiEnglish1]

Again, the overall teaching of the scripture is that God is sovereign in salvation. By not letting scripture speak in its totality, you set up a scenario whereby Christ's death could have been in vain in that NO ONE WOULD EXERCISE THEIR OWN ABILITY TO PLACE FAITH IN THE WORK OF JESUS. i.e. if man is left alone to apply Christ's work, it left the possibility that no one would choose Christ. This is robbing God of his sovereign grace.

[@doveofgrace]

I think the KJV does a better job rendering the Greek word “tasso” by using the word “ordained” (instead of appointed). A plain sense reading of Acts 13:48 establishes God’s sovereignty in election. Neither a historical explanation, nor prolix philosophical input are necessary to properly interpret said verse. All that is required for proper interpretation is a plain sense reading, and (if there are any doubts), allowing scripture to interpret scripture, via the multiple other verses that clearly establish God’s sovereignty in election. This video does a good job trying to “Arminianize” a text using the method of eisegesis (instead of the proper method of exegesis). The verse still simply means what it says, so I’ll still side with the reformers.

[@blackfalkon4189]

so then, what if it turns out you were never 'elect' but predestined to the other camp all along - will you still accept G.d's sovereign will, or will you rebel instead?

[@doveofgrace]

@@blackfalkon4189 I was a rebel against God for many years, as I was an atheist. The Bible teaches that we can have assurance of our salvation. The Holy Spirit testifies to me that I’m His, and I can prove the same through the Scriptures. I know that my faith is genuine simply because I love God. An unsaved person has no desire to follow God, nor to be obedient because they are spiritually dead in trespasses and sin. The Bible teaches unconditional eternal security of the believer. I can lay down and sleep in peace and comfort at night knowing that the next I will still be a believer because God has given me an enduring faith, and He keeps me.

[@blackfalkon4189]

@@doveofgrace but that doesnt answer the question

[@doveofgrace]

@@blackfalkon4189 I’m saved and have eternal life, and that’s it. The question being asked is a hypothetical question, and I’m not going to involve myself with answering hypothetical questions. God is sovereign no matter what. God can do what He wants; when he wants, and whether or not someone likes it is irrelevant to the end result.

[@blackfalkon4189]

@@doveofgrace that's contradictory but before I elaborate I must ask: do you believe in all 5 points of TULIP? (and especially the U & L : Unconditional election & Limited atonement)

[@Mark-oo3om]

Has anybody ever heard the phrase, " I never said you stole the money?" If you go back through that phrase and emphasize a different word in that phrase each time, you come up with a different meaning. The only way to know the intent of the phrase is to read the before and after to find the context of the phrase. This verse is no different. Reading before and after 13:48 gives you complete context and intent of the verse. Gentiles were believing and being saved. Wow! This is a big big deal, and marks a turning point in the preaching of the Gospel. This is the first time in scripture where Paul starts preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles, and many believed! Wow! Unlike many of the Jews who WOULD NOT believe, v46.

[@jaygee2187]

Mark excellent example!

[@241Tsunami]

I see the text about those that believed and were “saved” as the calvinists see it in your opening part of the video . It is clear from many texts within scripture that God is the author and finisher of our faith . It is clear that man is unable to save himself and can only be saved by God . This consideration never loses the fact that man must by his will accept the Lords call on His life . Many people resist that calling much of their life and suffer the consequences of Gods lessons . As a Father loves His children so the Lord Loves His , even greater . Much misunderstanding about God is that people read 1/100th of the bible in their lives . They read texts and then build a religion on multiple texts . God being a jealous God does what only God can do, He disciplines and chastens His in order that they will never be lost . The consideration of how the devil can interfere and how people can reject an all loving God is because many don’t read the bible and know what it says . Satan has been given certain boundaries and legal abilities by God , most of this is related to disobeying God like Adam and Eve in the garden . The evil one exists , he gets in by suggestion and his lie penetrates and grows like leaven . The fool says in his heart there is no God , the righteousness he speaks if any can only come from God and as the fool is chastened and taught He is born again into eternity by Christ alone . None of his salvation was his part except he humbled himself and proclaimed God is my God . Children keep yourselves from idols reflects dearly on Gal 3 . There is only one Gospel .