Andy Woods - Why I am not a Calvinist: Part I

[@kevinsparkman4918]

Calvinism wrecked my world, I am not the same person I was, I don't witness and have the love for the lost like I use to, I constantly agonize over if I am of the elect, I can't pray because I don't know if I am one God loves and I can't read the bible without anxiety, fear and condemnation. I am so glad I heard your testimony and your exhortation to get back to the word and let the Holy Spirit teach me.

[@willp.8120]

Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord is elect, so stop worrying.

[@kevinsparkman4918]

@@willp.8120 thank you for the encouragement and exhortation, I appreciate it.

[@willp.8120]

@@kevinsparkman4918 No problem. I will provide some verses to you to back up what I have said. After all, scripture is the authority as it is from God. Romans 10:13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:9: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. So as you can see above, calling upon the name of the Lord is in relation to confession and belief. This is what we call faith. Rom 8:29-30 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. So before the foundation of the world, he predestined those who are justified (which comes from salvation which comes by way of confession and believing on the Lord, Jesus Christ). Therefore, if you have called upon the name of the Lord, it is because God pre-ordained it. Those who call upon the name of the Lord, by way of confession and belief, are justified and will be glorified (which means you will be given eternal bodies at Christ's second coming and will then have eternal life in the Kingdom of God). This was all an act of God choosing those who come to Him. He called you to be His elect in His Kingdom. The following verses further confirm this: John 6:44-45: No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me John 6:37-40: All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” This is beautiful. Note it says that All who the FATHER gives to me, meaning Jesus, will come to Him, and then goes on to point out that such people will NEVER be cast out, but raised on the last day (The Day of Glorification). John 6:44 and 45 tells us that no one comes unless the Father has drawn him (meaning he draws his chosen) through the hearing, and this relates to the hearing of the Word by God, and that God allowed you to believe. It was God the whole step of the way. It also tells us that those who hear and come to God will be raised up on the last day. Now, to further back up that when you are saved, you are sealed to the day of glorification, let's take a look at these verse. Ephesians 1:13: In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. So when you believe and come to faith in Jesus Christ, you are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, and it is a GUARANTEE of your INHERITANCE into the Kingdom until you take hold of it at His coming. Thus, my word to you is be at ease and do not let your heart be troubled. God's word is true. God does not tell lies. These verses confirm that if you confessed Jesus and truly believe on Him, then you are sealed. I'm glad that my original comment brought you comfort, but remember, it isn't anything I did, but it is God. I'm just a messenger. I felt the need to tell you not to worry because I struggled at times in my life, and I found these scriptures to help the most to throw off insecurity issues. God does not want us to worry. I think when we are ignorant of key verses at times, even if we are saved, we can doubt our salvation. So I hope these will help you to never doubt your salvation if indeed you have done as scripture says. God Bless you all of your days.

[@kevinsparkman4918]

@@willp.8120 Yes I am learning to trust God's word over what I think or feel and it has been much better.

[@willp.8120]

@@kevinsparkman4918 That is great! Here is some more scripture that further confirms. Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Note that is says nothing present nor things to come. This is related to you being sealed with the Holy Spirit. It is because you are sealed that there is NOTHING that can separate you from the Love of God IN Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Salvation is a gift of God. It is a gift that God gives to His chosen. It is not of works. You can't work your way into Heaven, and you can't work your way out, as we have been sealed.

[@freegraceprotestant]

This video changed everything. If you are still chained to Calvinism and its false doctrines, Dr. Woods does an amazing job here explaining the philosophical system of Calvinism and how it has affected the gospel, doctrine and believers.

[@matthewstanger1423]

Sorry Arminianism is a False Doctrine.

[@kevinmorris4517]

The way you describe it makes me think the apeal of Calvinism is that it is a works based system like all religions. Faith alone is a grace based relationship with God, where He gifts us something we cannot earn on our own. Enjoying the new series Andy is teaching on this.

[@susand.m3894]

I'm glad I am a born again Christian ! I did nothing but just believe what the Lord Jesus Christ did for me .. He bore my sins on the Cross and gave me His righteousness . You don't work for a gift , a gift is a gift . We did nothing to receive this gift which is for all who would believe and heed the Precious Word of God .

[@timgreen1835]

Susan - me too.....but what’s sad, is most (or a lot) of people don’t believe in Free Grace, but think they must work to get saved, or stay saved. My go to verse to refute works based salvation.........Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Amen

[@randsollie7921]

@יהוכנן לואיס there are two covenants: old and new. The New is not a regeneration of the old, it's new and is not according to the old. You can not go from the old, into the new without dying to the old, or you are an adulterer and then guilty under the old. We, who were Gentiles, can go straight into the New covenant because we were never in the first covenant. And as Peter points out in Acts 15:11, the Hebrews can be saved even as a Gentile: not by the foundation of the law (any part of it), but by faith alone. Two completely different and separate covenants.

[@larrysamuelson2223]

Amen. Even as a child one can believe the simple gospel of grace and be saved. Being justified freely by his grace. through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Roman's 3:24. The wages of sin is death, but the "gift" of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

[@PaDutchRunner]

As a Calvinist, I can say that your statement is 100% true to the scriptures

[@Over-for-now]

Susan --- thank you for such a good word

[@michaelking4578]

DEFORMED THEOLOGY: It is frustrating for me because when I meet someone that is a believer lately they are going to a Calvinist church. They usually don't know that. I'm in Alabama. So then they also don't study bible prophecy nor do they discern the times. And Calvinism is so popular here in non denominational and baptist churches. They call that reformed.

[@craigoverall7504]

Dave Hunt wrote "What Love Is This" Great book with quotes and footnotes for any one to check for themselves. Acts 17 v11

[@glennmariacher4525]

I'd love to give this five million likes!! Thanks again for your straight forward insights.

[@johncmccoyjr3043]

Being a Calvinist won't get you in Heaven . . . Being a BELIEVER in the finished work of Jesus on the cross MOST CERTAINLY WILL ! Become elect, Embrace Jesus !

[@junkerjorg1517]

Sadly there's a bunch of Calvinists who are not believers. And there's a bunch of non-calvinists who are not believers. They scoff at the Roman church, and other cults and man-made religions, and yet still adhere to doctrines of men. Focusing on those things thinking they've crossed all the t's and daughter all the eyes. Or perhaps spelled out t u l i p

[@junkerjorg1517]

@Wayne S hmmm... What does it mean that Jesus is LORD if he is not LORD of the Christian life. Who is lord of the Christians life if it's NOT, Jesus?

[@junkerjorg1517]

@Wayne S not what I asked. Who is lord of the Christian life if it's NOT Jesus. Simple question

[@junkerjorg1517]

@Wayne S yes that's an IF the person is saved. But still doesn't answer the question. How is it that Jesus is LORD. YHWH of the OT. The angel of the Lord. The one who has a glorified body and died for the sins of the world. He now sits at the Father's right hand. How is it that he is Lord of the universe and owns everything, but is NOT the Lord over the Christian? WHO IS LORD IF NOT JESUS?

[@junkerjorg1517]

@Wayne S there is no 'argument' the question is still. Who is Lord? Because the bible is EXPLICIT it is Christ Jesus. And to say that a Christian walksa round this earth doing whatever the flip he feels like and is lord of his own life is sin. It's patently false. Free will and liberty have nothing to do with it. Liberty and free will actually show that someone should submit to Jesus' lordship. I mean it's in the NT A LOT. Don't be so against Calvinism you miss what the bible teaches. I'm no calvinist either. But I'm NOT anti calvinist. What you're sounding like is just idolatry of self. God is sovereign. Doesn't mean he CONTROLS YOU, but it definitely means he can do whatever he wants. That's what makes him Lord. Jesus is even Lord of the Richard Dawkins and Hitler and Mao. He is Lord to the glory of God that father. (That's in the bible)

[@franklinbross2602]

Prase our God and the Lord Jesus Christ for young prachers who stand up for the TRUTH

[@shakazulu365]

Thanks Andy, this is fantastic teaching. God bless you brother.

[@JohnJakeWilliam]

Hi, hope you and your family are doing well. I grew up in NW Iowa (big time Dutch Reformed area). But I didn't have a conversion experience until after I got out of the Navy. All I wanted to do was tell people about Jesus after that. I learned that faith comes by listening to God's word, energized by God's love revealed at the cross of Christ (Romans 10:17; Galatians 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21). I learned that Christ justified mankind's existence (Romans 5:18; Romans 3:22-24), if not then we'd all be dead because the wages of sin is death. In other words, all have been acquitted according to Romans 5:18. But just as Esau gave up his birthright to Jacob each individual can throw away what Christ has already accomplished for all. This goes beyond Calvinism and Arminianism. God gave His Son, not offered. It's a GIFT given to the world (Romans 5:15-16). The Bible is clear, Christ is the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14). Savior = one who delivers or rescues from peril. He's everyone's Savior whether one acknowledges the same or not. For He is the "Savior of all mankind" (1 Timothy 4:10). Christ died for US (the world), not just offered to. He actually shed His blood " once for all**" (Hebrews 9:12). Christ did redeem the world. Question: Who is Christ condemning? The unbeliever? Jesus says, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:17). The word of God teaches that "the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men" (Titus @). But sadly, the majority spurn the gift given and throw it away. Let's see a fuller reality of the love of God in Christ Jesus on the cross. This gives people a deeper space for repentance, a God of reconciliation. There are those who worried that believing this better Good News would encourage people to go on sinning. But what many need to understand is that genuine faith "works through agape". One can't believe that on the cross Christ legally justified him/her by grace, without something happening in their heart. It constrains them to be obedient to all the commands of God, for "agape is the fulfillment of the law" (Romans 13:10). When we appreciate that "in Christ" God treats us as though we were just, then He can transform us and make you just "in Christ." It's called justification by FAITH.

[@rpavich]

It never fails....whenever I see this sort of comment I know already that they haven't dealt with the text in any sort of deep manner...just surface level stuff. Newsflash...we all have the same bible so those proof texts you cited?...we know about them...they don't support your side...they support calvinism. Every single time. it never fails.

[@chrisneeds6125]

Excellent; thank you brother. Christian = little Christ-like one; one who accepts Christ's free gift of salvation and seeks to be transformed (back) into His Image, so that Abba's glory will cover the earth ♡♡♡

[@debraharper677]

Excellent!! Thank You for all your work!! You have Blessed So many!!! Thank You Jesus for this ministry and for such an excellent Pastor/Teacher!!!

[@kingdomnightcore6158]

Hallelujah!! Holy spirit led man!☝❤❤

[@k2thet846]

I'm not a Calvinists I am a Christian

[@uncasunga1800]

@Paul Labuschagne Hahaha total crazy strawman

[@uncasunga1800]

@Paul Labuschagne It means everything hinges on God not man

[@randsollie7921]

@@uncasunga1800 does "everything hinge on God" and nothing hinges on man? ..."do not be afraid, only believe." Sure sounds like "belief" hinges on the person.

[@djohnson3093]

@@randsollie7921 Funny isn't it? The definition of the word "believe" requires that a choice be made. Maybe calvinism can figure out a way to change that definition too 🤔

[@markrogers7546]

@Paul Labuschagne Rubbish!! Don't condemn your brother just because you don't understand what and why he believes.

[@georgeakoto6589]

They didn't call faith a gift but the bible. Faith is a gift from God.

[@fowlerstringband]

Brilliant. You have helped many with your explanations.

[@williemoe2927]

1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

[@papadavewatson]

Have you purified yourself? Are you absolutely sinless and pure because of your efforts? I bet not. Perhaps this verse means that when you HAVE and posess the hope of Christ, you have become pure.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Calvinism. I've never considered myself a Calvinist but also never realized how it seems to be so fraught in legalism.

[@pattitempleton4881]

Thank you so much for your talks!

[@gregpierce9800]

Wow, the best explanation I've heard on this subject. And I've been looking at a lot of stuff and folks talking about it. I subscribe sir, Thank You.

[@larrybedouin2921]

the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to *all men* *Teaching us* that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, *in this present world* Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of *the great God* and our Saviour *Jesus Christ* {Titus 2:11-12}

[@marcyoverby3817]

Sometimes I thnk this Stronghold on a lot of people..even in my own family..Never heard someone say they didn't even know if they were saved..Or one of the elcect..Really lost me..

[@fancimcguffin2227]

Amen, Dr. Woods. The Lord will not stomp our will and the idea of such a god is horrifying. I’m not sure why this appeals to anyone but it does as there are folks who rabidly defend it.

[@neoturfmasterMVS]

God overcomes human will. That's why we pray to God to act, to save, those that are lost, for God to change the hearts of others, to overcome them. He is the great Shepperd who rescues his sheep. "No one seeks after God, no not one." -Saint Paul

[@chrisneeds6125]

@NeoTurfmaster So Neo, are you saying that anyone whoever got saved, was saved because someone else prayed for God to change their will into seeking Him?

[@oruwatching]

If I have the ability to respond or reject the conviction of the Holy Spirit, is that works?

[@timrockholt8782]

No, faith is not a meritorious work.

[@blackgoldtheanonymouspreac5854]

Romans 4:5 [5]But to him that WORKETH NOT, but BELIEVETH on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. So according to the Bible, the opposite of working is believing. So Faith or belief in Christ is not meritorious as the previous commenter rightly stated.

[@Kman.]

@@blackgoldtheanonymouspreac5854 _SCHTROOOONG_ right there brother, & amen!

[@SpotterVideo]

Read Dr. Ken Wilson's recent book "The Foundation of Augustinian-Calvinism" to see the origin of this man-made doctrine.

[@m.d.d4250]

That has been roundly debunked by James White

[@SpotterVideo]

@@m.d.d4250 I am surprised anyone would consider that long-winded, rambling, to "debunk" anything...

[@CLRoby]

@@m.d.d4250 it actually wasn't. James White even stated in his ongoing ranting about it that he did not take the time to read it. If one cannot be bothered to actually read the very thing he is speaking out against, then he is invalidated in his counter argument(s).

[@athb4hu]

Great book, a real eye-opener.

[@djohnson3093]

@@m.d.d4250 James White gets destroyed on a pretty regular basis. He doesn't do well with defense of his fake religion so he starts the belittling, character bashing and name calling. I've seen it multiple times.

[@Over-for-now]

Thank God HE saved me in my total depravity. Even though l was only 3 or 4 GOD declared me a sinner and Jesus came for SINNERS!!!!

[@brittanym722]

How can I watch the whole sermon that this clip is taken from? What is the title on his website/youtube channel?

[@5johnsneed7]

As long as I believe in a sovereign God and I know I am not coequal to God, I must be a Calvinist.

[@CoffeeCoffeeCoffee86]

Everyone believes in the Sovereignty of God. The question is what do you mean by that?

[@verraymundo2016]

I am not a calvinist,but we have much in common with that calvinistic system of theology.

[@truthseeker5698]

Muslims can endorse your words 100%.

[@chrisneeds6125]

A good counterfeit?

[@MrJazzeman]

Calvinism has taken off because of false teachers and grace deniers like Paul Washer, and John Piper

[@Ayedriaaan]

This is not the Calvinism i know.

[@Ayedriaaan]

HillDueceua How so?

[@DonandBirdieHarms]

Adrian, I agree. The points he is making are very extreme and not at all what Calvinism is. I am very disappointed in his interpretation and presentation since I have his book, listen to him regularly and have recommended him to others. The Bible tells us we are dead in our sin. It says that in several places. We aren't a "rock" as Andy puts it. We are "DEAD." When Lazurus was dead, he had no power to raise himself. Jesus called him forth. Lazurus had no power to start the process or look for Jesus or ask Jesus to help him. It was ALL Jesus. There are tons of Scripture that back up every point of calvinism if you understand what Calvin meant. Andy is screwing the 5 points to his advantage rather than really looking at what it is actually saying. I am a born again Christian. My husband became a born again Christian kicking and screaming and resisting the whole time. God drew me to Himself and I went with his current. Both of us saw God's hand drawing us to Himself. That is what Calvinism teaches. It is wonderful as a missionary to know that God has those elect out there waiting to hear His Word and we go out and spread His Word and those God draws, will hear and listen. It all goes together. God uses us to share His truth. We cannot possibly understand the trinity. When we try to explain it in human terms, it breaks down. So does trying to understand God predestining us and that we also have the freedom to choose. It goes hand in hand. We are not puppets, but somehow God chose us. I know both are true, just as I know that Jesus was a man and was also God even though He prayed to God while He was human. God says his ways are higher than ours. Having said that, I am greatly disappointed with this presentation by Andy. He severely misrepresented a segment of our brothers and sisters in Christ and makes them out to be heretical. That is sad.

[@stephenbaughman3006]

@@DonandBirdieHarms But the Bible says we are "dead to sin" also. Does that mean you cannot sin? You take that too far to say "dead" in sin. It also says that Christ came to save the "sick" and the "lost" and the "blind." Dead people are not sick, lost, or blind.

[@stevebaughman1163]

@@roswo That is the same old worn out rebuttal. Tell the guy with two Phds who has studied Calvinism for years that "he is misrepresenting Calvinism." Nah....he gets it. Perhaps Calvinists (all the new YRRs) dont understand the full import...but he is being pretty spot on. Just own it, Calvinists. I did for years! Even sent out as a missionary from a Calvinist church....but then I realized it is not really what the Bible teaches. But if you wanna be a Calvinist, fine, just own it. Dont say that everyone who shows the weak sides of it "just doesnt get it."

[@dimedropper]

@@DonandBirdieHarms So how do you know you're one of the elect? You don't know if you'll persevere to the end yet. You might drop out of the faith in a few years, who knows.

[@thinketernal260]

The amount of times this man misrepresented reformed theology is overwhelming

[@jerryrankin7283]

Theology matters. Biblical thinking matters. Knowing God matters. You should try it.

[@Bo-gt5do]

His arguments fall when we consider such passages like Rom 3/Eph 2 in relation to man’s condition. The issue of atonement (limited) is really in relation to the effect of the atonement not expanse of the atonement because only those who believe receive the effect of the atonement. Also, no one can confess/repent/believe unless God grants that to them, so yes, a new heart is necessary John 3:5/2 Tim 2:24-26/ Ezekiel 36:26. So regeneration MUST precede confession. Our act of repentance is a response to the gift/work of God. God does not respond to our work. When it comes to the issue of free will, the question isn’t so much about do we have it but instead how free is our will. Autonomous Free Will is an unbiblical doctrine considering what Paul says in Rom 6. You are either a SLAVE to sin or a SLAVE to righteousness. A slave is not free. Also John 1:12-13 says But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. Something to consider.

[@silaschambers7413]

as for Romans 3:10-11: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.” No one is righteous according to the works of the law. No one is able to attain righteousness by law through works. But how does that prove no one is able to attain righteousness by grace through faith? In verse 21 of this same chapter Paul introduces the means for man to attain righteousness, which is separate from the law. Calvinists seem to think that proof of our inability to earn righteousness through our own works likewise proves our inability to trust in the imputed righteousness of Christ. Proving that the lost cannot seek God does not prove that they are unable to respond to a God who is actively seeking to save the lost. as for Ephesians 2:1-3 - “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” This passage says nothing about the sinner not being able to believe and nothing about the condition of his will in regard to the accepting or rejecting the gospel. It says the sinner is dead in trespasses and sin, walks according to the course of this world and according to the prince of the power of the air, is a child of disobedience, and is by nature the child of wrath. But this is not the same as the Calvinist doctrine of total depravity which goes beyond the actual words of Scripture, such as those we find in this important passage, and adds the business about the sinner’s will and him not being able to believe. as for regeneration preceding faith, why does Paul write this in Colossians 2:12 "having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." through what are we raised with Christ? (regenerated, given new life) through faith. this verse says that the instrumental means through which we are regenerated is through faith. we are not regenerated so as to have faith, but *through* our faith in Christ.

[@Bo-gt5do]

@@silaschambers7413 Thanks for your reply. You seem to discount the explicit language of NONE SEEK FOR GOD. No man by his own nature can or would seek after God, for Romans 8:7 says its impossible for him to do so. Eph 2:1 says that man was dead, I don't think Paul was using that term willy nilly but was making a critical point to the nature of the unregenerate because in verse 3 he says BY NATURE (notice that) CHILDREN OF WRATH. A man cannot act in a way that is not in accordance with his nature. That's why if we take Eph 2 in context with Eph 1 we see that before the world was God predestined his children to be holy and blameless, but you were dead, but God made you alive. And this is the critical point, who gets the credit for you being in Christ? 1 Cor 1 30 And BECAUSE OF HIM you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (emphasis mine)

[@valdecirsouza8962]

@@Bo-gt5do Just one thing to add to the discussion here. When bible says that we cannot do anything you have to see it as whole context. Since genesis God has made clear he had a plan which he finishes on the death, and ressurrection of Christ. We cannot do this job ourselves and will never be able to. We have to see things on the whole context not only on a verse or chapter. When God said in genesis 3, here you can add the elect too! When people say they were saved since the foundation of the wolrd it is because the plan for salvation was there from the start to finish! Christ said go and preach the gospel. Not go find the elects. We have to preach more and let God through Jesus, do his work. Afirming things will only bring us close to hell! Peace be with you!

[@silaschambers7413]

@@Bo-gt5do Seems you did not read any of what I said in my previous comment. I stated "Proving that the lost cannot seek God does not prove that they are unable to respond to a God who is actively seeking to save the lost." i guess that went over your head "A man cannot act in a way that is not in accordance with his nature" Which is why you say it takes God's effectual calling to bring a sinner to be saved. If that is true, why did Adam sin at the fall? Gen 1:31 states "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good" Was Adam's nature *not* good? Well no, certainly not, that would go against what this verse clearly states. So then, if "man cannot act in a way that is not in accordance with his nature" we must conclude that God caused Adam to act outside of his nature and sin. But wait, that's heresy. As 1 John 5:1 says "This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all."

[@Bo-gt5do]

@@valdecirsouza8962 Interesting take. I don't disagree with you that we need to keep things in their context, but we never can sacrifice immediate context for global context and immediate context should never contradict or run against global. I agree that we preach the Gospel and let Christ do the work because the elect are not running around with a badge of sorts. But listen to what Paul says in 2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

[@eclipse3048]

I don't mean this to be rude and I don't want to go into too much depth, but when this video was made you don't understand reformed theology at all. You explained every single point wrongly and very badly. It seemed as if you wanted to explain perseverance of the saints wrong just to bash us. I'd love to explain all the points myself for these people to not waste their time, but that would take way too long so I would just recommend James White on KZbin for an actual good explaining of the reformed understanding of salvation.

[@gregsbrown85]

New to my Christian walk. So if we are dead and born again then how did we have conviction in order to believe in Christ? My understanding that we have to acknowledge our conviction in order to recognize God. I don't feel convicted sleeping around. Conviction doesn't seem like a good standard to determine who and who isn't saved.....

[@uncasunga1800]

"The works of God were finished before the foundation of the world"

[@MrBazinthenow]

Why did Jesus say " its finished " then ?

[@larrywaddell7332]

@@MrBazinthenow Same reason he told his disciples to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, when according to Calvinism God is sovereignly controlling all history since before there was anything to control.

[@Earth2Flo-v6f]

@@MrBazinthenow I think Jesus is saying he has finished what the Father and himself had planned before the foundations of the earth were formed. Just my opinion.

[@chrisneeds6125]

So by this are you saying that God does not have the ability to give man free choice? Why then would He say "Choose this day whom you will serve." or "Choose life..."

[@rpavich]

It never fails....whenever I see "Why I am not a Calvinist" sorts of titles, even if the person speaking has been seminary trained...I know (and this is the case here too) that they don't exegete the text to prove their point...it's either shallow surface level stuff, or they don't deal with the text at all.... Never fails.

[@truthseeker5698]

yes yes yes......... no one understands........it's just a mystery.........poor calvinists/ reformers...........maybe hand in your tulip for the Rose of Sharon.

[@chrisneeds6125]

@Truth Seeker Yes. For me, how much damage is any of these 'doctrines' doing to The Kingdom? If they are harmless, then we have no need to contend over them 😃

[@PretribPremill]

The problem with the Free Grace position is that it says you can be born from above and yet live your entire life without good works. But the Sacred Scriptures says in Eph. 2:10, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Therefore, Four-point Augustinian-Calvinists are right.

[@ROTAX1]

Are you the fruit inspector on that? How much is enough?

[@PaDutchRunner]

Calvinism, when rightly understood, produces just opposite of what he being described here in terms of assurance. Our assurance is not so much tied to fruit as it is to the objective righteousness of Jesus Himself. Yes, we must be born again, and we ought to examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith - but a major fruit of our salvation is the very comfort we receive in knowing that our salvation is accomplished in Christ!

[@mtac99]

Not true. Your hope is that you are elect and that God hadn't chosen to deceive you and send you to hell - so the rest of us will praise him

[@PaDutchRunner]

@@mtac99 My assurance is based upon the objective and undeniable work of Christ; it is not based upon anything in me. Therefore, my position in Christ is as secure as Christ is righteous.

[@rpavich]

@@PaDutchRunner Exactly. The folks arguing against you are just showing that they don't know what calvinism teaches.

[@edmundob.guevarra9565]

No difference from trusting in your works for salvation! No wonder Calvinism is the most deceptive demonic false doctrine in churchianity.

[@edmundob.guevarra9565]

​@@rpavichlol typical strawman

[@ConnieLewis-l4i]

What is the difference between preservationists and perseverance

[@jimsal101]

Wonderful. Thank-you so much. Maranatha

[@Christo1518]

Who is Andy?

[@MariusVanWoerden]

DID CALVIN TEACH REGENERATION PROCEEDING FAITH? Not according to John Calvin's own Institutes. In Book III, chapter 3, Neither does scripture.​ we find the following opening text that makes it very clear that regeneration follows from faith. After presenting this, I will show from the same text that Calvin equated "regeneration" with repentance.. (see Calvin in John. 1:13). For since pardon and forgiveness are offered by the preaching of the Gospel, in order that the sinner, delivered from the tyranny of Satan, the yoke of sin, and the miserable bondage of iniquity, may pass into the kingdom of God, it is certain that no man can embrace the grace of the Gospel without retaking himself from the errors of his former life into the right path, and making it his whole study to practice repentance. Those who think that repentance precedes faith instead of flowing from, or being produced by it, as the fruit by the tree, have never understood its nature, and are moved to adopt that view on very insufficient grounds.​ This seems clear enough so we proceed now to Calvin's treatment of regeneration. By repentance I understand regeneration (spiritual regeneration) , the only aim of which is to form in us anew the image of God, which was sullied, and all but effaced by the transgression of Adam. So the Apostle teaches when he says, "We all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord." Again, "Be renewed in the spirit of your minds" and "put ye on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Again, "Put ye on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Accordingly through the blessing of Christ we are renewed by that regeneration into the righteousness of God from which we had fallen through Adam, the Lord being pleased in this manner to restore the integrity of all whom he appoints to the inheritance of life. God assigns repentance as the goal towards which they must keep running during the whole course of their lives. ​ I strongly recommend that interested persons actually attend to Calvin's writings rather than assume they know what he taught. And special stay away from Leighton Flowers’s. Sproul and piper Justification is a work of God the Father and the Holy Spirit in us and without us. Justification and faith do not have a sequence in time but in order Faith- Justification but are simultaneously in time. Sanctification is a work of The Holy Spirit in us but not without us. Justification and SANCTIFICATION cannot be separated. There is no sanctification without justification or justification without sanctification, this even when sanctification is just a begin of regeneration through all our life. Faith is by Grace and the free gift of God. The Bible teaches us the Justification of the UNGODLY. [Made/ declared Righteous] God The Father the Judge does not say: not guilty He says GUILTY But then point to Christ Not a believer is justified nor one that chooses justification. This does not leave any room for salvation other than by the Conviction of the Holy Spirit of our lost state without Christ as being the first in Salvation of men. It is true what was said of old: “ Who Works First We Know Last.” There is a general working of the Holy Spirit in the hearing of the Word that convicts and precedes faith but not always leads to salvation. See the parable of the sower. This is how Calvin preached the Gospel FREE OFFER OF THE GOSPEL (Calvin's Wisdom p119-120) He calls all men to himself, without a single exception, and gives Christ to all, that we may be illumined by him. When we pray, we ought, according to the rule of charity, to include all. God invites all indiscriminately to salvation through the Gospel, BUT THE INGRATITUDE OF THE WORLD IS THE REASON why this grace, which is equally offered to all, is enjoyed by few.

[@larrybedouin2921]

King Saul was once saved, but he chose his own way at the end.

[@jayronmolina6760]

Where in the Bible says that we have free will??

[@chrisneeds6125]

In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, we find one of Scripture’s most direct communications regarding the *choices* we make and God’s will for His people: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20 loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

[@jayronmolina6760]

@@chrisneeds6125 Brother this verse doesn’t say that humans have free will, by the contrary, it sets forth the inability of humanity to chose God and repent of their sins. We found many passages like this where God calls Israel to reason with him, to repent, to turn away, and the progressive revelation reveals what humanity has in their hearts, hatred against God. Is not until the new covenant, when God puts a new heart in his people, that they’re able to believe and repent. A huge problem with Andy Woods, and the dispensacional community in general, and in seeing in you as well brother, is the fact of not seeing the complete progression of God’s revelation. Let me ask you a question, did Israel obey Deuteronomy?? Did they obey the commandments of David and Solomon?? The answer is no. When the prophet was calling out to God that everyone has turned away and wanted to kill him, God says that He himself had keep a remnant by grace. When the people where in Babylon, only 4 where faithful to God by not bowing to Nebuchadnezzar’s statue. I encourage you brother to read the Bible and to pay attention to the progressive revelation of God. Blessings

[@chrisneeds6125]

@Jayron Molina Bless you too Jayron. All will be clear soon...

[@ROTAX1]

A simple reading of Scripture provides that fact.

[@savedbygrace8337]

Galatians 2:16 “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” HE even has to give us the faith to believe !

[@AJ21969]

No Man 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 That Is OUR Lord JESUS CHRIST Himself! How Clear Is That Andy!

[@andywoodsunofficialchannel7421]

That's only one side of the coin. Andy tells in this sermon below (about election) that the Bible gives reasons for both. If the Lord equates the church with a bride in Ephesians 5, we need to ask ourselves: "Did you choose your wife or did your wife choose you?" I hope the answer is both. - Andy Woods. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3emf4eqnNR6d7M

[@AJ21969]

Unravelations Read The Whole Chapter Of John Chapter 6 The SON OF MAN IS CLEAR

[@jillxz9424]

Andy said that the Holy Spirit convicts one of sin but the can either accept it or reject it. Yes God draws you but you can accept that call or reject it. You have a choice

[@Ashwin2584]

Just read the next verse atleast.. John 6: 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him to life on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And all of them will be taught by God.’ Everyone who has listened to the Father and has learned anything comes to me. Verse 45 is referring to the prophecy by Jeremiah that no one has to be taught about God because EVERYONE will know him.. here Jesus says that out of this ALL that the father teaches, everyone who a) Listens and b) learns Come to Jesus.. so the process that is described as "drawing" in verse 44 is described as "listening" and "learning".. activities which are impossible without God's action but also involve human participation. It's quite clear. If you look at the context, Jesus is telling the Jews why a lot of them aren't saved.. the problem is not that God is unwilling to save them, but that the Jews were unwilling to listen and learn from God. This is why Jesus laments in Mathew 23:37 - Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. The problem was not that God did not want the Jews to be saved, but that many of the Jews of that time were unwilling to surrender to God.

[@bobtaylor170]

@@Ashwin2584 , thank you!! Calvinistic darkness been killing me for months. Please pray I will succeed in wresting myself free of it. Yes, I have wondered about the ample offerings of salvation to anyone who wants it throughout Scripture. If this isn't exactly true "the Lord" is a liar and cannot save anyone. But I don't believe he's a fraud. I'm beginning to speculate that history's Calvinistic teachers may be in for a lot of squirming eventually. At best.

[@neoturfmasterMVS]

Andy, are you a Reformed Theologian?

[@ROTAX1]

No he’s not

[@nickruskin6479]

One BIG problem with the Calvinism / Arminianism argurment is that humanism (pre-Enlightenment) thought changed theologians way of thinking after Luther and greatly influenced men like Calvin and Arminus. Calvin and Arminus the their followers had a mindset that demamded answers that God never intended for humanity to have. The 5 points of both systems are logical and "make sense" but they are not Biblical. People who call themsevles biblicists are usually pretty arrogant and think they have all the answers. There is great mystery and yet there are a lot of things revealed. Dispensational Baptists are not Biblical systems. The early church isn't perfect however there is a great deal of wisdom we can learn from the Church Fathers.

[@rpavich]

So...is THIS the answer? Lol...can you see that you didn't actually do anything but put yourself in their shoes "they think they have all of the answers"....you just cut yourself off at the knees with your own argument. Calvinism is Biblical...that's the end of the story...a careful exegesis of the text of all scripture reveals that.

[@dfstarborn]

Calvinism is not apart of Christianity and never will be and what's more is that John Calvin never truly left the Catholic harlot as he promoted infant water baptism as a means to salvation. All 5 points are wrong and he ended up like a Tyrannical Pope of Geneva murdering all those who disagreed with him. I could go further about his catholic symbolism on his own currency in Geneva and the Catholic handsigns that he made in his self portraits.

[@rpavich]

Christians shouldn't bear false witness and you just did bigtime. Repent of your lying.

[@truthseeker5698]

@@rpavich so bizarre that calvinism/reformed theology malign the character of God and you're talking about false witness?? hows that camel taste rpavich?

[@bobbyadkins6983]

The biggest reason why I'm not is because I believe in the God of the Bible.

[@toddcote4904]

So do I and became calvinistic in my soteriology after reading it for myself.

[@bobbyadkins6983]

@@toddcote4904 So you believe God is the cause of all the wickedness in the world? And you believe that everything you do and feel has been determined by God? You must be born again to enter into the kingdom of God.

[@hudsondonnell444]

God is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient. He knows the heart of all men. Calvinism is correct on certain things about the will of God, but falls short on understanding the mandates of the Great Commission of the LORD Jesus Christ.

[@uncasunga1800]

that is because calvinism is only soteriology. Its not a whole religion. it describes how man is reconciled to Yahweh God thru Jesus christ Lving intercession for His REMNANT prophesied throughout the OT the Promised Seed

[@djohnson3093]

@@uncasunga1800 Calvinism is built off stand alone verses that are taken out of context. It's like every other false doctrine. It can only survive in a topical study format. When applied to a contextual study format, calvinism dies a slow, miserable death.

[@markrogers7546]

That is plainly not true!! Many great missions are run by Reformed churches and organisations.

[@djohnson3093]

@@markrogers7546 Many great missions are run by Mormons, word of faith, prosperity gospel, Roman catholics, and all sorts of other false doctrines. That doesn't make them biblically correct.

[@SunderBlue22]

If someone doesn’t vehemently disagree with Calvinism, they probably are one….

[@djs9315]

We are ELECT once we have BELIEVED.. after believing and receiving him.. we are in him and he is in us.. we are IN CHRIST. If you read the bible through a calviniatic lense.. then I can see how they get to the conclusions they make.. but ultimately that (as Andy stated) depends on how you understand Total depravity.. and determinism.

[@rpavich]

You must be reading another bible because the one I use says "you believe BECAUSE you are my sheep" not "you are my sheep BECAUSE you believed THEN I elected you.... Does anyone study their bible anymore?

[@djs9315]

@@rpavich do you read yours sir🤔 The passage you refer to is preceded, in context, with Jesus at the festival of dedication in Jerusalem. The passage you referenced was Jesus response to the Jews who witnessed his works by the father.. yet doubted him and wanted to stone him.. he was talking to them, not you, or me. The father draws men to himself through his word, we have to hear the word, to believe the word, or what are we believing?? We hear about Jesus and get convicted. In Calvinism it’s as if you are part of a select group pre-earmarked for salvation .. if you believe in man being totally incapable of responding to God in any way, and election to mean only the elected ones will be able to respond to the gospel when the spirit regenerates them.. then the verse you chose could read like that, if you believe in the Calvinistic doctrines of grace (T.U.L.I.P) but it’s not in context to the theme of the passage, it’d just be snipping part of it to fit that theology, equalling eisegesis. If grace is irresistible.. is it a gift? when was the last time a gift was given that couldn’t be resisted.. that would be force

[@colonalklink14]

@@djs9315 Ephesians 1: 13 clearly says that believing comes before regeneration. Please keep up the good work brother.

[@thomasbland7146]

What did Martin Luther and Calvin say about Israel and the jews? Are calvanist reformed believing the church has replaced Israel?

[@christiandanario]

I thought this guy was David wood, then i looked again and he wasn't, then i looked at his name and it was Andy Woods... then i was like.. no way! it must be his brother or something?... then i realised his name was woods.. not wood.

[@inTruthbyGrace]

ha ha ha. This is a much much more gentle man than David.

[@neoturfmasterMVS]

Oh my he said the only sin that can send you to hell is unbelief. 🙃 Apart from Christ every sin sends one to hell. Even the believer is need of forgiveness of unbelief.

[@andywoodsunofficialchannel7421]

I'm afraid you didn't really understand. Yes, everyone is going straight to hell because of their sins. However, Jesus provided one condition to be forgiven of every sin, which is faith (trust) in Him as your Saviour, Who reconciled all of these sins, even former unbelief. However, if one keeps in this unbelieving state, hell is the only thing left. So in that sense, unbelief collectively is the only thing that sends you there, as opposed to belief. All based on the whole discussion in John 3 with Nicodemus. :)

[@Kman.]

He had it right..."“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” *John 8:24*

[@neoturfmasterMVS]

@@andywoodsunofficialchannel7421 John 3 is a treasure of insight. The Spirit of God goes as the wind and causes second birth to who He wishes. That man can not accomplish nor can't control. The one who is born anew is the only one who can recognize the Kingdom of God. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.

[@TimothyBlevins1127]

Sins do not send you to hell. Sins LEAD you to the only thing that sends you to hell which is unbelief WHICH those who are unbelievers just so happen to SIN. Sins dangers is the fact it is LEADING people to what ultimately is the only thing that sends them to hell. Unbelief. Just like a text message. Typing out the message does not send it but it leads you to what sends it....hitting the send button.

[@neoturfmasterMVS]

@@TimothyBlevins1127 "Sins do not send you to hell." What a stupid fool. Always back to the basics cause can't even get the basics right. As Jesus says, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?"

[@elei417]

Yes Christian Life has ups and down. Wrong to say calvinist scale people for not showing for prayer meeting.

[@edmundob.guevarra9565]

Most Calvinists are like that though

[@Gratusgratus]

Faith is indeed a gift. Eph2v8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Efs 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. If you make faith the result of your will, you are saved by grace plus your will. Do not confuse the way people are saved with the way people go lost. People are saved by God's will. People go lost by their own will. Yes, saved people have to learn to use their will according to God's will. But God first loved us. He therefore elected us out of his sovereign grace. When someone decides to accept Jesus as his Saviour, he does so from a regenerating heart, from what God the Holy Spirit has begun in his heart and soul and mind.

[@djohnz8793]

Ah the Frozen chosen, navel gazing fruit inspectors

[@truth7416]

The calvinist says that man is so depraved that he is unable to seek God and then their doctrine blames God for causing sin... John Calvin does.... “thieves and murderers, and other evildoers, are instruments of divine providence, being employed by the Lord himself to execute judgments which he has resolved to inflict.” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 17, Paragraph 5) “The devil, and the whole train of the ungodly, are in all directions, held in by the hand of God as with a bridle, so that they can neither conceive any mischief, nor plan what they have conceived, nor how muchsoever they may have planned, move a single finger to perpetrate, unless in so far as he permits, nay unless in so far as he commands, that they are not only bound by his fetters but are even forced to do him service” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 17, Paragraph 11) John Piper does..... "God . . . brings about all things in accordance with his will. In other words, it isn’t just that God manages to turn the evil aspects of our world to good for those who love him; it is rather that he himself brings about these evil aspects for his glory (see Ex. @-16; John 9:3) and his people’s good (see Heb. 12:3-11; James 1:2-4). This includes-as incredible and as unacceptable as it may currently seem-God’s having even brought about the Nazis’ brutality at Birkenau and Auschwitz as well as the terrible killings of Dennis Rader and even the sexual abuse of a young child . . . EVERY CALVINIST I HAVE TALKED TO DOES...... Jews thought salvation was only for them as the elect nation of God and could be achieved through works of the law. Calvinists think salvation is only for them as the Augustinian-elect of God. Ironically they both have the same elitist objections and can’t stand the fact that salvation is freely and genuinely offered to all through faith. Calvinists can even see the similarity between themselves and the Jews who boasted of their election. The irony is literally staggering. Calvinists are the 21st century Pharisees. Calvinism: Satan's way of unloading his responsibility for what he has done in this world and placing it on God.."God predetermined everything and caused everything including evil" If God predetermined everything..that means everything!! And so Calvinism places the blame of anything evil on God.. That is blasphemy..They follow a false god that is responsible for evil. I mean really?!? God gets glory by purposefully creating creatures that are intended to burn and suffer in unfathomably painstaking eternal torment as a way for Him to have glory?

[@malcolmscrivener8750]

He certainly has created vessels fit for destruction , and to demonstrate His justice , power , grace , mercy and glory , it looks like you are one ! If you continue to judge the character of your Creator and His Word , and spitting venom at His chosen people , you will feel the weight of His holy wrath on you in the flames of hell fire .

[@truth7416]

@@malcolmscrivener8750 Let me guess! 1. "YOU" aren't one of the poor pathetic wretches singled out for destruction? 2. "YOU" are one of his chosen people? 3. "YOU" have just commanded the flames of hell fire for everyone else? I bet your winning souls programs fail most of the time. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. Sending a message by the hands of a fool is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison. Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool. Proverbs 26 5:8 Fools chase after the gospel of John Calvin which IS a doctrine of demons. The Calvinist then becomes the enemy of God and the true gospel of salvation for every being that ever will exist. To the seasoned Calvinist that rejects the moving of the Holy Spirit over and ever again, eventually God gives them over to the lie they crave. I waste little time on them , except that many people will see the text exchange and see the absolute stupidity of Reformed Theology and run from it. Many Many Many people have woken up from the Calvinist Cult and turned to Jesus and the only Gospel that will save. TRUTH IN LOVE TO THE LOST CALVINISTS

[@malcolmscrivener8750]

@@truth7416 Who interprets when you babble in tongues ?

[@truth7416]

@@malcolmscrivener8750 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Proverbs 26 :4

[@malcolmscrivener8750]

@@truth7416 Been babbling long ?

[@steveelliott77]

Why would you be?

[@Over-for-now]

Why do people talk about calvin? The question is: is TD true? Yes Faith is a gift !!! The Bible clearly says that faith is a gift. We cannot come and WILL NOT come as dead sinners

[@shakazulu365]

When u say you have “no problem with unconditional election” are you also ok with unconditional reprobation. Lease don’t be inconsistent and pretend that unconditional election does not include the opposite.

[@shakazulu365]

@Wayne S no, that's not right. God knows if we will be saved and also sees the completed church. But I don't think the original language allows for the "looking down the corridor of time" theory, at least calvinists claim the Greek doesn't allow for that theory. But I don't know the language.

[@philrobbins2668]

Great explanation of Calvinism. Andy, I too am a Biblicist, not a Calvinist. . The Calvinist gospel is a false gospel. I am dispensational and believe OSAS. Calvinists would say to people like me, "you just don't get it." Well, I guess I don't get it because I don't have their special tin foil hat so I can receive signals from John Calvin.

[@johnhoffman8203]

The issue here is our depravity and our dependence on sin, we would not choose God on our own so He calls us per Rm 8.29/30 and provides us what we need to be reborn per Eph 2.8/9 even though we dont want it. When He calls His word will not return to Him void per Is 55.10. So one must be justified by His calling, a person has no choice, the choice is what a person does with it, to be carnal or spiritual and grow.

[@adamcolejones]

Calling does not mean you are saved. Matthew 22:14

[@johnhoffman8203]

@@adamcolejones Non sequitur. Many ARE called into justification and spirit rebirth but what has you worried is what is chosen. because in comparison to the called, few pursue sanctification/inheritance which is the purpose of the calling in the first place. Read Titus 3.4-8, 2 Thes 2.13&14. We are called to be chosen then faithful per Rev 17.14, a progression in our faith. Are you adding to your calling, and if so for what purpose and if not, get hot.

[@adamcolejones]

@@johnhoffman8203 many are called BUT few are chosen. You can’t read that as many are called and chosen. Passages like these contradict with the “chosen to believe narrative”. Jesus starts that lesson by saying “the kingdom of heaven is like”.. Good and bad were invited, the servants were invited and ignored the call. Matthew 23:37, People rejecting Gods will Romans 10:21- God reaches out to people who will continue to reject Him. Why does God have to harden hearts if they wouldn’t believe anyway? Why does Jesus speak in parables if he could just speak plainly and they wouldn’t care anyway? Why not just rapture the church now or create the elect in Heaven to begin with? Read Romans 9 in the context of the Old Testament citations. Romans 9 is about the election of the nation of Israel and not all of “Israel” is “Israel”

[@johnhoffman8203]

@@adamcolejones You didnt read my verses and think about it. Many=called, few=chosen they are not the same. My explanation was one of building upon our calling through sanctification your's is one of denial and what others say. Believers get hardened hearts by bad doctrine, and scripture was written to believers to encourage them in sanctification, which per 1 Thes 4.3 IS God's will. The parables were written to those who believe the premise that Christ will rule a Kingdom on Earth for 1000 years but only those chosen will partake of it with Him, those believers who qualify (chosen).

[@adamcolejones]

@@johnhoffman8203 I did read your verses. I’ve studied Calvinism since I broke up with a Calvinist over a year ago. I started with the intent on learning truth. If God sovereignly chooses unconditionally I wanted to know that and still do. But this theology is lose, there are too many verses you have to eisegete or twist the order of events. People think believing comes from being chosen but in all of scripture, we are told believe to then be saved. Acts 10:34-35 salvation has one condition. Loving God. The work has been done, we just have to believe. We don’t do anything to add onto salvation, we can not increase salvation. We can only accept it and that’s how God decided to lay out His grace.

[@amyntas97jones29]

Even Arminians believe in limited atonement. Only those whom God could foresee were going to believe will be saved. This is a limited number. You may do all you can do to make one believe, but it will all be in vain if, as God already knows, he is not going to believe. From listening to you it seems that you do not adequately understand the Scriptures.

[@АнтонСтепанов-о1е]

Where does it say in the Bible that people go to hell because of their unbelief?

[@andywoodsunofficialchannel7421]

John 3:18

[@Kman.]

“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” *John 8:24*

[@owlnyc666]

Which "version" of Christianity is the moderator? Which version of that version is the moderator? There are "versions"'of Lutherans, Baptists, and even Catholics. ALL of which support their individual versions from their " interpretation of The Bible! 😎😇💒

[@kjwalker6672]

Why are you not arminian Andy.

[@StephenBeatty-bz6sn]

Wow just Wow!

[@davec.3129]

God gives all a chance to come to salvation and wishes none should perish. I don't believe unconditional election is Biblical

[@toddcote4904]

You've misquoted that passage of scripture my friend. You imported that context.

[@rpavich]

Whoops..."all" of what? "none of what?" The book you are referring to is 1st Peter...written to...(drumroll....) THE ELECT! So...context context context....God wishes that NONE of His ELECT should perish but all of His ELECT should come to salvation. Does anyone actually study the bible in any depth anymore or just cherry pick the surface of a few verses?

[@davec.3129]

@@rpavich You believe God creates some people to go to hell with no chance of finding the Lord and worship Calvin. A man who had Servitus slowly roasted at the stake for criticizing him. You need help

[@karlsmit2873]

i dont understand this whole calvinist thing or arminiamism. then we might as well call ourselve a paulist or peterist or johnist... Calvanist the word in itselve is rediclous. We dont make up labels by peoples name except Christ... I am a Christian not a paulist or a calvanist or an arminiam. I read the BIBLE word for word i read the hard part as much as the easy parts. 100% Bible reader is a Christian...Easy Peasy "I AM A BIBLIST" Love It !!!

[@ryangallmeier6647]

@3:51 Andy Woods says explicitly: "...unbelief...is the ONLY SIN that can send you into hell." This is the NONSENSE that proponents of Universal Atonement have to spew in order to be consistent with their illogicality, and unbiblical doctrines. Proponents of the false teaching of universal atonement are stuck in an illogical conundrum: 1) If Jesus bore the sins of every single individual human being, then NONE of them would be destroyed in the Lake of Fire, and we would end up with Universalism; or, 2) Jesus DID NOT bear EVERY sin of every individual, because unbelief is a sin....and, as Andy Woods falsely says, "...unbelief...is the only sin that can send you into hell.". Therefore, proponents of Universal Atonement are stuck with either Universalism (which is a false teaching); or, they are stuck with an Atonement that doesn't actually atone for EVERY sin! Which is it, folks? You can't have it both ways. Thankfully, Rev. 21:8 refutes this utter falsehood: "as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." And, Rev. 21:27 also refutes it as well: "But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life." So, according to Scripture, sinners will end up in the lake of fire because of ALL OF THEIR SINS...not just the sin of unbelief. Christ's Atonement was made on behalf of ALL the ELECT, and they will actually be saved because of it... So we see, it is the proponents of universal atonement who LIMIT the atonement...they limit its power! Calvinists do NOT limit it's power and efficacy unto salvation. Just its scope. *Soli Deo Gloria*

[@thomasthepromise8430]

"I'll take 'False Dichotomies' for $200, Alex."

[@ryangallmeier6647]

@@thomasthepromise8430 Proof?

[@laserfalcon]

Ryan, Do you deliberately twist scripture or what the scripture teaches?

[@ryangallmeier6647]

@@laserfalcon Rev. 21:8 refutes Andy Woods' fallacious statement that, "...unbelief...is the ONLY SIN that can send you into hell." I think the text is pretty clear. What sends disgusting, rebel sinners into hell according to Rev. 21:8? Cowardice. Faithlessness (which Dr. Woods affirmed, but made the false assertion that unbelief was the ONLY SIN that can send a person to hell). Detestability. Murder. Sexual Immorality. Engaging in Sorcery. Idolatry. Lying. ...all these send sinners to hell because they are ALL SINS. Therefore, it is NOT just one sin that sends sinners to hell; it is ALL THEIR SINS. Unless you deny Scripture, and fall for Andy Woods' fallacious statement that 'ONLY UNBELIEF can send anyone to hell'. Do you agree with Scripture, and deny Dr. Woods' falsehood? Or, do you disagree with Scripture and affirm Andy Woods' falsehood? Can't have both, my friend. Hope this helps. *Soli Deo Gloria*

[@laserfalcon]

@@ryangallmeier6647 You didnt refute him lol Rev 21:8 refers to unbelievers He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18 KJV Not believing you go to hell Believers are not condemned.

[@tonyvalentine4154]

.....are maybe the question should be why does he seemingly want to promote the Roman Catholic doctrine of prevenient grace with a flavor of Pelagius’ view of sinful man. And just because Calvin was a lawyer, does that make him smart?

[@jimkraft9445]

Calvinist actually believe the same thing Arminians do, just in a different way. If a Calvinist sins, he is not one of the chosen. If an Arminians sins, he has lost his salvation. John 3:18 Believers are no longer condemned, but unbelievers are condemned already because the have not believed. Neither one of them have done John six:40 and John six:29. Matthew 7:15-23. They are trusting in their works, instead of Jesus finished work on the cross apart from works. Romans 4:5-8. They will hear depart from me i never knew you. Verse 21. They never did the will of His Father in heaven and boast in their good works as their merit for heaven. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace ye are saved, what Jesus did for us, through faith, when we believe it, and that not of yourselves, we did nothing for it, it is the GIFT of God, NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST. You can not boast in free. Romans six:23 For the wages of sin is death, and we all sin, and we all die, but the GIFT of God is eternal life, through Jesus finished work on the cross plus nothing. No works. Romans 11:six. The GIFT of God is eternal life, not a reward for good behavior. John six:47. John 5:24. What if we lose our faith? Second Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, after we have once believed, He abideth faithful, He can not deny Himself. Ephesians 1:13-14 Our guarantee of eternal life. Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit in whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. The rapture of the church. First John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God, that ye may KNOW YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. John 3:sixteen. Jesus said it, we believe it, and that settles it.

[@jimkraft9445]

I am just a whosoever. A sinner saved by grace. First John 1:8. I have nothing to boast in. Romans 3:twenty six thru twenty eight. We have to be perfect to go to heaven. and we are not perfect. But, Romans 4:six.

[@leeebbs722]

This man is a LIAR. He starts lying from the start with that "Therefore, God has to believe for you".

[@randym.7238]

So he's a 4 point Calvinist? We call people like him an Arminian. Believing that God believes for Sinners is just nonsense. Gods word is not a buffet. You can't pick and chose to believe some verses and not others, and expect to understand Scripture. Reformed Doctrine is based solely on Scripture with out assumptions. Always be persevering in good works? Calvin never said that. A Saved one will persevere in the Faith. This fellow is misrepresenting Calvinism. Frankly he doesn't know the Subject he's claiming to teach.

[@markhayes9198]

Harold Camping was a 5 point Calvinist.

[@fritzdippity3197]

me thinks harold camping was a Campingist...😜

[@uncasunga1800]

strawman. so are westboro baptist. no rational calvinist in a mainstream orthodox church would consider them in teh same religion at all.

[@markrogers7546]

And that is significant because???

[@michaelking4578]

Yes, and Calvinists don't study bible prophecy it seems. If they do they don't believe in a 1000 year reign of Christ. They believe the gifts of the spirit have ceased. There are many non Calvinists that are cessationists also having a man made reasoning for that too. Calvinists have a flawed way of thinking and how they conveniently define meanings of words to fit their doctrine. That's why I can't yoke up with Calvinists. Also, Calvinists love to argue with anyone that doesn't jump on their doctrine boat. Their gospel is more Calvinism than the gospel that saves. And Calvinism has snuck into churches where I am. The preachers know they are teaching Calvinism but most of the congregants are like, "yay Jesus!". They don't study prophecy because they don't believe in it. I believe in Jesus. Calvinists say they believe in Jesus. That's the primary difference and reason I'm not a Calvinists right there.

[@DonandBirdieHarms]

This is not true. You are thinking about reformed theology and not all people who believe in election are reformed. I believe we are drawn by God, but also have the freedom to choose. I believe that Jesus is coming back for us at the rapture of the church and we will return with Him after the 7 year tribulation to rule and reign with Him for the 1000 years and that Jesus will then have the Great White Throne and final judgement and we will forever be with Him on a New Heaven and New Earth. I really think that when someone like Andy teaches something, he really needs to know what he is talking about. I've respected his teaching for a long time and have his book and recommend him, but this is sloppy teaching when it comes to making out our brothers and sisters in Christ the same as a non believer. Assembly of God churches believe you can lose your salvation. Jesus didn't do the job. It is up to them to keep their salvation. Are they saved? Good question.

[@georgemorgan6060]

John Calvin was greatly influenced but Augustine, who is credited by many as the father of Roman Catholicism. He could also be described as The Protestant Pope. He was a cruel murderer, as well. Perhaps as many as 50 people were killed for refusing to bow to his teachings. For hundreds of years Christianity grew and spread apart from Roman Catholicism and Calvinism. Both are works based religions built by men. The dislike of the Catholic Church, fueled the reformers resistance, but it led to another false gospel. Many biblical scholars consider it heresy. In fact, one of their most famous preachers was R.C. Sproul. Later in his life, he questioned if he was one of the elect. He thought he might have just fooled himself that he was one of the elect. No true Calvinist has any assurance that they are one of the elect. That’s one of the reasons they focus on doing works in order to prove to themselves and others that they are. The Bible says we can know we’re saved by our faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross.

[@lindarobey8935]

How many types of Calvinism are there?

[@flyingphotography5770]

@ Linda Robey Ms. Robey, good question. I do not have an answer for you. I can say that I have spent far too many years, unknowingly I would admit, under Calvinistic preaching. Spent far too many years in constant anxiety that my stumbling would cost me my soul. When I learned this one truth, that He did it all (a calvinism truth BTW) did my soul then rest and *there* is the fruit. For, as I meditated on my redemption being solely dependent upon His promise, and *nothing* of my doing, then true worship, and tearful thanks began pouring out of my soul to His throne. Just this morning, I thought, He will bless us with Crowns and we will place those crowns back at His feet and in tears of great thankfulness and joy, I gave Him thanks again! When we acknowledge that He has “finished” it, and we have responded to His precious call, then we truly learn righteous worship.

[@christopherskipp1525]

Full blown calvinists generally call themselves 5-point calvinists. I agree with four of the points.

[@uncasunga1800]

tons just like every group from soteriology to denominations..

[@christopherskipp1525]

@@uncasunga1800 But denominations, nonetheless, share particular core beliefs.

[@christopherskipp1525]

@@flyingphotography5770 "Far too many years". . . meaning what?

[@savedbygrace8337]

How about just being A CHRISTian!

[@mugdiller2124]

SJW to Calvinism not a big leap - all about works.

[@uncasunga1800]

calvinism is the opposite its about Gods UNconditional election His choice is sovereign over any works armianians claim human works determine salvation

[@bobwaughman6259]

This is about slavishly following the teaching of a certain person. In this case Calvin. All the cults do this. One should also look at the life of the person giving the teaching, is it Christlike? Calvin was an unrepentant murder.

[@marksorenson5871]

Limited atonement? You mean there are people in hades now with their sins paid for by Christ ?? Really embarrassing misunderstanding of so called Calvinism. Faith is a gift. Dead men cant do anything! Andy denies total depravity

[@inTruthbyGrace]

no one is condemned for their sins. read John 3:18-21 He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

[@djohnson3093]

All sin. There's not a single person in hades for their sins. But hades is full of non believers. The sins of those in hades are no different from anyone else's sins

[@uncasunga1800]

@@djohnson3093 what kind of idea is that? Forgiven sins repented of is huge difference to unforgiven becuase of not repented of

[@djohnson3093]

@@uncasunga1800 Yes. There is a difference in forgiven and unforgiven. I'm saying that the sins of the truly redeemed are forgiven. But the sin itself is the same as any sin committed by someone who's unsaved. The difference is being forgiven of those sins. If you lie but are saved and I lie but I'm not saved, the sin is the same. The difference is forgiveness but a lie is a lie no matter who lies.

[@uncasunga1800]

@@djohnson3093 Limited atonement just means that Jesus knew exactly whom He was going to the cross for. Love is a CHOICE an action and True love has a SET object of affection. God is not Mickey mouse. none of you understand actual Doctrines of grace..

[@JordanRiley]

Andy has it all wrong

[@yeeandy3743]

Not surprising he against Calvinism. Matter of fact, that is not even Calvinism. For Calvinism never said God believe for people. wCF 3.1 know people will misundertand it so it stated "God, from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures; nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established." We can pretend we understand tulip by its meaning on the surface, yet all Calvinism will agree that the tulip is not created for perfect represent Calvinism but was used to easy remember. If we love the church and try our best to promote God's kingdom， then we should spend a little more time to study the institue of Christian religion or we study WCF to see how they define Calvinism before we critique it. Because misrepresenting something you hate and against it, will do no justice. For the Reformer can do the same thing by attack a certain doctrine of some church and cite whatever scripture that fits their point and let their followers bark at each other. What good is that? Furthermore, Calvinism is a logical system. Yes! That is right in some point. But again, all Calvinism will agree that if it is possible no one will wanna teach predestination. It is because Calvinist know that it is not the best case to argue with, it is not easy to explain by our limited logical mind, just like the mystery of Trinity. But they are people who seriously study the Bible see that it is teach in this way, so the faithful Christian has to teach what the Bible reveal. Finally, read a real Calvinist such as RC. Sproul and you will see they teach nothing like what this speaker was taught. Even the regeneration precede faith is not define like what he said. We should study john calvin teaching about the relationship of first cause, second cause and final cause. Then we can have a clearer picture about what Calvinism really teach about it. God bless. Love you all.

[@KOIFishcat]

Is it true that Calvin was a murderer?

[@andywoodsunofficialchannel7421]

Yup. He murdered Michael Servetus.. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Servetus

[@atzengruber]

@@andywoodsunofficialchannel7421 Among others

[@lhoffmann6537]

Calvin was not even a citizen of Geneva until years after Servetus was burned. He had no authority.

[@andywoodsunofficialchannel7421]

Source?

[@KOIFishcat]

@@lhoffmann6537 interesting

[@markrogers7546]

The title should be "Andy Woods misrepresents Calvinism"

[@jonathanlim7091]

Lewis Sperry Chafer is free grace in soteriology yet he is quite calvinistic in quite a lot of things he wrote.

[@86lanzo]

Arminians assert that we must believe in order to become Christians and when we become Christians we are regenerated. Calvinists assert that a person is not able to believe of his own free will because of the doctrine of total depravity (that his free will is a slave of sin). Therefore, in the Calvinist camp regeneration precedes faith. Each side is with its proponents and opponents as well as strengths and weaknesses. However, since I lean towards the Calvinist camp, I hold to regeneration preceding faith. But not in a temporal sense. Let me explain with an illustration. In a light bulb, electricity must be in place in order for light to occur. But, it is not true that light must in place for electricity to occur. The light is dependent on the electricity, not the other way around. Therefore, the electricity is logically first, but not temporally first because when the electricity is present, light is the necessary and simultaneous result. Likewise, regeneration must be in place in order for believing to occur. When regeneration is in place, faith is the necessary and simultaneous result. Finally, when we say logical order we must clarify that it is not an order of temporality, but of logical necessity. Logical priority is different than temporal priority. As with the light bulb and electricity, one is logically prior to the other even though they are simultaneous. If, however, regeneration preceded faith temporally, let's say by five seconds, then we would have someone who's regenerate, but also not a believer for about five seconds. That is problematic. Likewise, if faith precedes regeneration, let's say by five seconds, then we would have someone who is a believer, but is also not regenerate for about five seconds. See the problem? This is why it seems better to say that the order of regeneration preceding faith or faith preceding regeneration ought not to be a temporal one, but a logical one. It makes more sense to say that regeneration must be in place for a person to believe, but belief is a necessary result of that regeneration.

[@evanu6579]

The bible seems to indicate that faith precedes regeneration.... John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Eph 1:13 ¶ In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) God bless.

[@86lanzo]

@@evanu6579 I would disagree agree..I would say the Bible far clearly teachers that God must change us.. before we have faith... There's so much broad teaching on this... we're dead in sin...if we come to faith before regeneration..you have dead men having faith...while the point of saying we're dead is to highlight our inability to function spiritually... If we believe in Christ before regeneration...you have a natural man perceiving the things of the spirit..ie the beauty and benefit of Christ There's so much examples that come to me as I meditate Here's a link to an article on the topic I found www.9marks.org/article/does-regeneration-necessarily-precede-conversion/

[@evanu6579]

lanzo86 I’d be happy to discuss this with you. Being dead in sins doesn’t mean inability. I even cited passages that state we must believe to have life or those who had believed would eventually have living waters flowing from them. Paul speaks of how he became spiritually dead and how he desired to do right whilst being dead.... Rom 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 ¶ I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? As evidence that this is Paul preconversion, I point to Rom 6...... 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 ¶ Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 ¶ What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. And Rom 8...... 1 ¶ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace So spiritual death is given a definition by Calvinists to prove Calvinism. The bible doesn’t define it the way they do. God bless

[@evanu6579]

lanzo86 I can give many more passages that state the order of salvation if you like. I’m off to bed now but I’d be happy to send them tomorrow. God bless.

[@gwendaallsworth5112]

You should all listen to R C Sproul, Stephen Lawson, Sinclair Ferguson at Ligonier Ministries. This guy is not teaching truth.

[@pipkinrahl7264]

There is no part of Calvinism, as it is today, that is Biblical.

[@kraff1993]

Theology. Has to spring from the sovereignty of God. nothing is out of His control

[@tonyvalentine2944]

Sad commentary against the total sovereignty of God.

[@paultrosclair1775]

Overall pretty good but you lost me on eternal security. That's a false Doctrine

[@daviddeppisch4948]

Good Lord-- Spend your time preaching the gospel and forget about Calvinism and Arminianism -- Regeneration is all of GOD - Faith comes by hearing and by hearing the word of Christ... John chapter 3 gives us a reason to understand that being BORN AGAIN is mysterious! But those who are truly saved know it and don't have to defend a system or tear one down-- give them the gospel and let GOD do His work in salvation.

[@timothyflaherty5150]

I'm not a Calvinist, just a Christian. But I really don't think God chooses some to be saved and others to be damned. Seems to me the Bible teaches that God chooses a certain number to be saved, and the rest, themselves, choose to reject God and seal their own fate, which God confirms by hardening their heart as he did with Pharoah. The thing is that if God didn't choose some to save, all of humanity would be lost. I think that is what the Bible clearly teaches.