Amazing Grace (3 of 3) The History and Theology of Calvinism

theapologeticsg... Section 3: Evangelism - Many of the great preachers and evangelists throughout history have been Calvinists. This portion includes careful instruction and explains the role of God's law in evangelism.

[@yidegsale5368]

This series movie contributed 70% for my transformation from Armenianism to reformed theology.

[@kalev0avraham]

i was a Pentecostal saved by works 3 hours and 50 minutes ago... I am a Reform and a Calvinist Christian bought by the blood of Jesus and the atoning sacrifice of the Lamb by God's grace.

[@sleepwellz24]

Amen Brother! Let's Preach the Law of God and the Gospel to Evangelize People!

[@kalev0avraham]

that means a lot... I am meeting with my mentor from my church next week... this will be very hard. I am very sad.... I am somewhat scared because I am not quite wise or witty enough to debate or convert some 30 year old man... nor am I in the position, I have jumped from hobby to hobby doctrine to doctrine and this wont really look like a real transformation, it will look just like another phase. So if you are reading this please pray for me.

[@kalev0avraham]

my name is Caleb. And thank you, i debated and discussed with my former youth pastor and mentor today, he told me to meet him again in one week, to come to church and seek and pray, which i am doing, i think he has accepted the fact that i am converting. I retain information very quickly and efficiently (thanks be to God for enabling me to on such a monumental subject).... i was able to defend my points and assertions for the most part. the only argument he had was with the prodigal son, that the son chose to go back... which i could see why he would get that implication. but you have to compare scripture with scripture. you cannot ignore the black and white lines that God clearly puts in the Bible.... it's sad to think that my family could have been predestined to burn in hell, it's sad to think anyone could. it's sad and hurtful. it's wrong to us in our humanistic liberal mind, but God owes no one any explanation or any merit for anything. He shows mercy to whom He shows mercy, and to whom He doesn't , He doesn't. It really hurts my heart. That people i Love, and even I, could go to hell if God so chose it to be that way.... i don't like it, it seemed this conclusion was drawn to me from when i was 15 or 16... i didn't want to believe it, so i supressed it.... i don't believe in free will though.... God determines all things... it seems messed up that He does.... but.... who can hold Him accountable ? He is God.... and what He does is just. And what He does is right. And what He does cannot be challenged or undone.

[@Slippin22]

Wow you came to see election by watching this video??? Wow praise the lord! see the Lord does not want us in these false teachings Pentecostal churches etc. I am so encouraged by your comment. may the lord us you to further his kingdom.

[@Slippin22]

Amen but once Gods elect always Gods elect. "It is finished" all Gods elect go right to glory no matter what. John 13:18 "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. Ephesians 1:4 For he (God the father) chose us in him (Jesus/God the son) before (BEFORE) the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love John 6:39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. Do you have Facebook? I am in many groups that you can further come to know Gods election. Let me know. Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

[@sleepwellz24]

I'm a Lost Sheep, Bought by the Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus! This film has been really a great blessing for me! I'm a Calvinist!

[@Slippin22]

Amen Mario Amen. Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

[@trueleyes]

all 3 parts GREAT STUFF may we be given the wisdom to understand and walk the walk

[@de629]

This is a great presentation, laying out the 5 point clearly. There are many Arminian church leaders and their hearers that speak evil against these teachings, misrepresenting them and setting up a straw man to knock down. Isn't this the true historic Protestant faith, the one that's true to the whole counsel of the Bible??????

[@evanu6579]

Richard Moore No. No it's not. It's contrary to the bible.

[@mariosangermano]

@@evanu6579 Name one thing taught in these videos that are contrary to the bible? You make an accusation without presenting any evidence. You either don't really know the bible , or you haven't even watched these videos, or you're just parroting what you heard someone say.

[@blchamblisscscp8476]

These are excellent videos. If you'd like exegesis of passages which clearly show the tenets of TULIP, there are many featuring James White teaching as well as debating "free will" ministers like Leighton Flowers, Dave Hunt, George Bryson, etc. The common thread in those debates is that they, the anti-Reform position, never deal with the scripture in its context. Not one time.

[@RaulSotoANSORA]

Excellent exposition. It was of great help.

[@evanu6579]

Raul Soto Why do you buy these lies?

[@RonaldM992000]

Actually, Sproul is satanic, as is Calvinism.

[@yaasovbolanio748]

Glory to GOD

[@RonaldM992000]

Calvinism doesn't point to Christ; it points to the human ego.

[@aidahjohannapillay1599]

Tulip changed me.

[@RonaldM992000]

Calvinism is satanic.

[@muletrack]

If God's grace is somehow tied to human merit, than salvation is not a gift, but rather something more like "hire and salary."

[@JohnQPublic11]

+muletrack - The plain unambiguous language of the Bible clearly explains that synergism is the cornerstone of Salvation. The monergism spewed by the cultist of the hate filled Calvinist god is unadulterated heresy and there is NOT ONE Calvinist who can give a coherent consistent account that explains away the serious objections of its critics!

[@muletrack]

+John Q. Public The rancor in the rooms seems to all come from the non-Calvinists. I'm glad you are a Catholic. God bless you and go on your way.

[@evanu6579]

muletrack Why does the bible refer to Christians as wise, if they had no involvement in salvation?

[@CBALLEN]

@@evanu6579 who makes one wise,or black,white,a believer?

[@evanu6579]

@@CBALLEN Let me give you some context…. 2Tim 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus Reading scripture can make you wise…..unto salvation.

[@eddie0009]

I will build my church, and the gates of hell won't prevail against it.... Arminian: excuse me, Lord? Um, don't promise something you don't have authority over...you need our permission to save us, and build your church.

[@RonaldM992000]

You irreverent scumbag, don't you type sacrilege. Calvinism is satanic, and so are you.

[@atcmz]

Wonderful Series! @22:35 may be a typo?? Romans 7:7 not 7:17 This series has provided me with a feast for bible study, so well done and comprehensive - many thanks to apologeticsgroup.com - Soli Deo Gloria!

[@josephp9747]

Thank you

[@BlazingLove316]

"I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified unless we preach what is nowadays called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the Gospel and nothing else. I do not believe we can preach the Gospel...unless we preach the sovereignty of God in his dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah. Nor do I think we can preach the Gospel unless we base it upon the special and particular redemption of his elect and chosen people which Christ wrought out upon the cross; nor can I comprehend the Gospel which allows saints to fall away after they are called." -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon, "A Defense of Calvinism"

[@rodevans9149]

you can still preach all of that, and still take out the name "Calvinism." That name is just a caricature.

[@evanu6579]

Rod Evans Calvinism is abhorrent to God.

[@jonathankotyk3075]

+Evan U can you prove that with scripture?

[@evanu6579]

Jonathan Kotyk I think so. Job 42:7 ¶ And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.

[@justinmartinez6630]

Evan U Job was accounted righteous by God because of his faith. Not only that, Job was elected by God to be tried by Satan for the good will and pleasure of God. The entire book of Job clearly explains God's sovereign power and will in man's life and Job even gives account to this by acknowledging to God that God is God.

[@K1NG931]

I love that analogy an 19. I'm sure word of faith is having a field day misconstruing the point of 19:50. lol pray for them

[@CBALLEN]

John Wesley wrote a letter to his brother, Charles and in it he said that,he never loved or believed in the God he preached,he admitted that he was an," honest heathen ".

[@ytruthmatters1]

32.00 minutes in, he says pray, but scripture also says we are co laborers with Christ. How does a Calvinist reconcile these things, when they're so adamant that God does everything concerning salvation. -_- Blessed are the feet that bring good news someone has to Hear and Obey, and someone must Preach... Read your bible folks, There are many conditions... Rom10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

[@CBALLEN]

God wants His people to have a part in gathering the wheat,by preaching the Gospel, He's the one who saves them.Some plow,some plant,others water,but it is God that gives the increase.If Arminianism were true,GOD WOULD GET THE INCREASE.

[@fredflintstone8048]

I've really liked the series up to this point. We seem to have gone from Sovereignty of God in Salvation to 'techniques' for getting through to people, 'apologetics'... The series seems to have shifted from Calvinism to hints of Armenianism in this last segment. We should never underestimate the Holy Spirit's work in the heart of a person whom God has chosen. I do agree that providing an 'incomplete' gospel message can and does draw false converts, but how important is that really? Jesus said that his church would be made up of wheat and tares. You're not going to prevent that. If the person is of the Elect, a sheep, the gospel message that you provide will touch their hearts because of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit will conform them to the image of Christ during their walk. The series presenter seemed to go from a powerful message of the power of God to almost not quite believing it themselves. I especially don't agree with statement that we should preach 90% law, and 10% grace. That's a legalistic human centered sentiment. Notice that mistaken idea was promoted by an Armenian. Another fault I find in some of the data presented, and it's common to Christians supporting their position, and that is using the statements from a source they normally criticize when that source says something that agrees with their position. If the source's thinking is wrong in general, and you criticize their views, and thus their credibility, you restore their credibility when you quote them on something you do agree on. You can't have it both ways.

[@ytruthmatters1]

double standards used many times in this video... weak arguments... They pay much homage to the traditions of there fathers... Greek Scholars translate the Bible and Calvinist don't agree with them when there doctrine is contradicted. These Calvinist are greater greek and hebrew scholars... I guess

[@theTavis01]

6:40 If the amount of evangelizing happening is a measure of correctness of theology, then Jehovah's witnesses and Mormons have the best doctrine around!

[@Scripture-Man]

Armenianism is wrong, however, Calvinism is dangerous heresy. BEWARE of Calvinism, it is not Biblical. Some elements of Calvinism are correct (eg God's sovereignty and His election) however, the rest is absolute heresy and will destroy your soul. Men are not saved "automatically" by "trusting doctrines"; men are saved by an ACTIVE and CONTINUED trust AND OBEDIENCE to Jesus Christ, exactly as the Scriptures say. Jesus said STRIVE to enter in, because many will try to enter and will not be able to (Luke 13:24). Jesus said that those who "heareth" His words but "doeth them not" will be destroyed (Matthew 7:26). And again, the Scripture declares: "Man is justified BY WORKS and NOT by faith alone". And that you will perish "UNLESS ye repent" (Luke 13:3) The Scripture says you will be saved "IF thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus." (Rom 10:9) This is WORKS based salvation! If you don't turn from your sin and repent, you are GOING TO DIE. The Bible is FULL of warnings about losing your salvation, over and over. Have you not read the Parable of the Sower? The most repeated parable in the whole of the Bible! Calvinists cannot see this because they are blind to the truth. Do not be led by these blind leaders, turn instead to the Scriptures and pray that God will fill you with the truth! Evil men like Luther and Calvin didn't even accept all of the New Testament as Scripture, they denied whole books such as Revelation and James, so OF COURSE their teaching was wrong! How can we presume to be God's Elect? Because we call ourselves 'Chrsitians'? No, we can presume to be His Elect because we hear His voice and do as He says. And God commands us to: "GIVE DILIGENCE to make your calling and election sure: for IF ye do these things, ye shall never fall" (2 Peter 1:10) and "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall NOT inherit the Kingdom of God" (1 Cor 6:9) Calvinism, on the other hand, tells people that if they "trust in what Jesus did" then God must have already destined them for salvation and they don't need to repent, don't need to be baptised, and don't need to continue in faith. But the New Covenant is not just about forgiving evil men: it is about SAVING evil men FROM their sin! God sets men free from sinful desires: He causes us to be born of His Spirit, to be made holy and righteous, receiving a new heart. While the Old Covenant gave people a superficial form of outer goodness, the New Covenant makes men good from the inside out, by Spiritual birth. 1 John 3:9-10 "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. "In this, the children of God are manifest: and the children of the Devil: whoever doeth not righteousness is not of God."

[@johnammons449]

Just keep Calvinism out of my face. Worship all you want, but the day this country is in the hands of Calvinists, the day it deserves to fall.

[@Soaptivated]

John Ammons I realize your post is a year old, but wow, I really had to respond to it. America wouldn't have become the greatest nation on the earth had it not been for Calvinism. Further, Harvard, Princeton, Yale & Dartmouth were founded by Calvinists. References here: Calvinism in America reformed-theology.org/html/issue06/calvin.htm Ivy League (History section) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivy_League In your face with the truth.

[@johnammons449]

Soaptivated , I have no problem with Calvinism on paper. However, Calvinist control is what I loathe.

[@Soaptivated]

John Ammons Care to define "Calvinist control" for me? I've not heard such terminology before.

[@johnammons449]

Soaptivated , Actually, I should have stated, Dominion Theology and/or Christian Reconstructionism, the latter having those who turn to Calvinism. However, I suppose that doesn't mean they necessarily are Dominionists. Nevertheless, what I do loathe is any attempt to control our society via any religious beliefs.

[@Soaptivated]

John Ammons Oh, I see what you mean now. Sort of. :) Not sure who you're talking about when stating, "the latter having those who *turn to* Calvinism." I know Rushdoony & Bahnsen were always Calvinists, but do you mean someone like Pat Robertson? I know he has a lot to say about politics, but he's not someone I'd listen to. I've read that Reconstructionism is making a large impact on the beliefs of Charismatic churches in particular. The thought of our White House being inhabited by a Continuationist is just as disturbing to me as the closet Muslim in there now. That said, I wholeheartedly agree with you in one way because Reconstructionism is unbiblical. I belong to the Reformed community, but am Reformed Baptist. Consider what one well-known pastor has to say: "Nothing in the past half century has done more damage to the evangelical cause than the notion that the best way for Christians to influence society is by wielding our collective political clout. If you think the most important answer to the ills of our society is a legislative remedy; if you imagine that political activism is the most effective way for the church to influence culture; or if you suppose the church is going to win the world for Christ by lobbying in the halls of Congress and by rallying Christians to vote for this or that type of legislation-then both your trust and your priorities are misplaced." ~ John MacArthur Which reminds me... I remember seeing someone post on Facebook a red, white & blue political election sign, during an election year, like you'd see in someone's front yard, with the words, "MacArthur-Johnson" on it. (That would be Phil Johnson, to be exact.) Someone then posted a comment that received hundreds of "Likes," stating, "That would be a step down for Mac." (...Meaning the office of president would be a step down in employment.) So true... :) Hey, speaking as a Calvinist, if God "removes kings, and sets up kings," (Dan 2:21), and "no plan of Yours (His, not yours!) can be thwarted" (Job 42:2), and if He "works ALL things out in the counsel of His own will" (Eph 1:11), and He's already decreed the world to head in a continuously downward spiral, the result of the Fall, then any political clout by Christians in an attempt to reverse the tide of evil is futile and won't "stay His hand" (Dan 4:35). And, though not a Calvinist, I like what J. Vernon McGee said, "You don't polish brass on a sinking ship." We're here to preach the gospel. Period. "Those that the Father gives Me will come (John 6:37). "MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow Me (John 10:27). And since we don't know who His sheep are, we preach the gospel to everyone. His kingdom is not of this world so neither is ours. Vote, submit to the authorities, render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and leave the rest up to God. And so...if someone wants to make God laugh, they run for office. :) So if it's in God's Providence, Huckabee will win. But I don't think it is. Too many holes in this ship now to set it aright, and I think too, he probably has the Reconstructionist pipe dream rolling around in his head. Long gone are the days of the English Separatists and Puritans, most of whom were Calvinists, and the earliest voices to shape this nation. They were fleeing the very thing we're discussing - theocracy - seeking to worship "pure" religion, unfettered by government interference, thus our beloved separation of church and state. I just don't see that separation dissolving anytime soon, but I do see the constant decline in morality. Funny how atheists get it backwards, fear such a dissolution too, not knowing its history and who to thank for it. All that being said, I've heard a few times that historically, a democracy fails at around 200 years. We're past the point of no return. I think D. James Kennedy was influenced by those Christian Reconstructionists, longing for earlier times. And I'm assuming he's the reason for your comment. I'd consider him a co-laborer, as I would my Arminian brothers and sisters, but I don't necessarily completely agree with his or their theology. And finally a footnote. I used to be of Arminian (free will) thought - for 43 years - having a stepfather whose ancestor was an early voice in the Restoration Movement - the founding of the mainline denomination, the Disciples of Christ...aka, the Christian Churches, that sought ecumenism (even though they themselves, ironically, split into sects). Baptized at age 13...born from above at age 56. What happened? "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing..." (John 6:63). I had a Jonah experience, so to speak, and I learned rather abruptly, "Salvation comes from the Lord" (Jonah 2:9).

[@mariafrantz7083]

So we need to pray and intercede with God for the unsaved for their salvation? Why? You're praying that God will save/ love someone He has already elected....or your praying that He will change His mind and save a Non-elect? That is not consistent with your doctrine. We pray because it is in the Bible, but if you doctrine makes your action completely pointless maybe re-evaluate. Perhaps I am missing something?

[@oracleoftroy]

Nah, it's inconsistent with yours. You don't think God will change hearts and mind as that will violate almighty man's free will. We pray to God to change hearts and minds because we know God is the only one who can and does save man, as we humans love our sin too much to repent and trust God as we ought. Of course, it is God's choice to save, why would that stop us from praying that God makes that choice? That God elects to salvation should encourage us to pray. If God just sits on the sidelines having already done all he can, what use is praying?

[@CBALLEN]

@@oracleoftroy

[@seekrighteousness297]

Some of this is right we need to study the history of all sides of our faith. But both sides of each argument has correct things according to scripture and false things. You are trying to do the same thing politicians due its either this way or that way there is no middle ground. God gave people free will to chose Him. Yes its all predestined.not because we lost our free will but because God made His rules and was able to look in to the future to see who would do what and navigated and made His plans accordingly. To make sure His plan always be the final out come. He did not take our free will and just start making one day a person that would go to heaven and the next make one to go to Hell. He made a person and in the instance of giving it life new every decision that person would make. When God decided to make humanity, in that instance He new every decision each person would make. God is Justice He is not going to say that He is free will but you don't get to make any decisions. We need to take the right of each teaching according to The Bible and get rid of the rest. You have to have true repentance to be saved if you don't choose to follow the commandments then how can you have true repentance and be saved by Gods Grace. Yes only God can save through His giving to us Jesus to die for our sins. But if you go to the full Calvinist doctrine your belief then you are saying you can do what ever you want and breaking any commandment and God saves you through grace you don't have to ask God does it automatically after you are saved and start believing in God and that Jesus died for your sins.That is not what the bible says. No doctrine made by humans is going to be totally correct that is why God gave us the scriptures to base all teachings against to make sure we have a truth to base all things off of.If it follows the bible Keep it if it does not follow the bible get rid of it period. So no matter whether its Catholic, Calvinist, Armenian, or any other Christian doctrine we must study the history of our faith bring it to the Bible and follow all that follows the full and entire Bible anything that does not follow the Bible goes in the what not to follow file. There is good and bad in all of the teachings there is no such thing as my way or your way there is only God's Way. All humans make mistakes and are constantly growing in the Faith and walk with God. I also believe that God leaves that little bit of wrongness in human teachings and does not give one person or council of persons all the answers so people remember He is the only one with all the answers. I hope this helps everyone please Pray to The Lord talk with Him on this before you totally listen and follow any doctrine to its fullness if you study all of the doctrines of the different human teachings some of it will be correct and some wont but not all of any human creation in one hundred percent correct that's why God Gave A Standard for all things of faith and practices according to Him. IF IT DOES NOT FOLLOW THE BIBLE THROW IT AWAY. BUT THE PARTS THAT FOLLOW THE BIBLE KEEP IT.

[@muletrack]

+Eric Nation The Canons of Dort utterly refute your above premise, where you say, "God made His rules and was able to look into the future to see who would do what and navigated and made His plans accordingly." It assumes that there is some degree of human merit -- foreseen by God -- which caused God to elect certain individuals. Yet Eph. 2:8-9 negates any notion of human merit in salvation. Read Dort Article 9. "This election was not founded upon foreseen faith and the obedience of faith, holiness, or any other good quality or disposition in man, as the prerequisite, cause, or condition on which it depended, but men are chosen to faith and to the obedience of faith, holiness, etc. Therefore election is the fountain of every saving good, from which proceed faith, holiness, and the other gifts of salvation, and finally eternal life itself, as its fruits and effects, according to the testimony of the apostle: He hath chosen us (not because were were, but) that we should be holy, and without blemish before him in love (Eph. 1:4)." Better yet, read all of Dort, the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism for a fuller understanding of the Calvinist position, and the teaching of the Reformed faith.

[@JohnQPublic11]

Why do Calvinists paint the loving GOD of the Bible, who does *NOT* wish to see *ANYONE* perish, but rather desires for *ALL* to believe and come to repentance and salvation, as an impersonal, whimsical, hateful, discriminatory, selfish, sadistic monster of mindless robots?

[@johnsteele870]

So you preach the gospel to the un elect as an indictment against them for not believing, but at the same teach they cannot believe if they are not elect. Are you people mad?

[@schwizelled]

To the unbiblical, yes, it would appear as madness. Just as Paul said, since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. But we don't have the ability to indict anyone. That's for God alone. We just obey. And since He said go and preach, we go and preach.

[@oracleoftroy]

I'm unclear about what you are assuming that would make it "mad". All Christians believe in spreading the gospel, and whether any particular person is elected to salvation is known only to God and revealed by their response to the gospel; and then, it might be weeks, months or even years before the work of God bears fruit in them. What would we do different to not be "mad"?

[@Cuinn837]

Hang it up, people. Become Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox.

[@allisvanity...9161]

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-- by grace you have been saved-- 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. -Ephesians 2:1-10 ESV 43 Jesus answered them, "Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 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 6:43-44 ESV 1 In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. 3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. 4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 5 He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses. 7 And the Lord was with him; wherever he went out, he prospered. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and would not serve him. 8 He struck down the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city. -2 Kings 18:1-8 ESV 9 And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God." 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God." For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. -Revelation 19:10 ESV 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle ( I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; -1 Timothy 2:1-8 ESV

[@CBALLEN]

@@allisvanity...9161 Amen.If one thinks they must make sure that all the boxes are checked to be saved,they have the wrong god and gospel.