Can You Make a Decision for Christ? (A Bible Study)

[@PastorBryanWolfmueller]

Read the full text of the article here: www.wolfmueller.co/can-you-make-a-decision-for-christ/

[@davidlau8162]

I am a lifelong conservative Lutheran, educated in Lutheran schools K-Seminary level, Lutheran pastor for 20 years (resigned in 2007, long sad story), was taught and taught all the doctrines Pastor Wolfmueller is teaching - yet not as well. No jealousy here. Just gratitude to God for servants like Pastor Wolfmueller. I have made multiple friends among the reformed in my current circumstance, and have gained from this video and others Pastor W made, insightful ways to share the Biblical truth on the doctrines that separates the Lutheran branch of Christianity from other denominations. May God utilize these videos to deepen our understanding of His truth so the Holy Spirit can use us in His work of enlightening both Christian and non-Christians to all the awesome truths of His holy Word.

[@rickpettey8822]

David, please receive my comments knowing it is sent in all humility. Your comment about Lutheranism being a “branch” of Christianity. This is incorrect. Our Confession never speaks about their confession as being nothing other than THE (caps for emphasis not screaming:) Christian faith. Otherwise they are saying that heterodoxy is acceptable. The Lutheran faith, where it remains fully true to all the symbols contained in the Book of Concord, IS the Christian faith. This does not mean that Christians in other Christian bodies are not Christians. It means they are heterodox. Pax, brother.

[@danbratten3103]

David, were you with the CLC? Just curious.

[@josephparks4270]

My experience resonates with C. S. Lewis: Tracked down by the hound of heaven and dragged kicking and screaming into the kingdom. Thanks be to God.

[@EmV-si1eu]

Yep! That's pretty much how it works!

[@Punkyrooster6]

Not sure I’m Lutheran but you, Rev. seem to have the Holy Spirit. You’re a HS scripture quoting madman with a perma-smile. I bought you’re book you’re so convincing.

[@diannesimasek9534]

This message on making a decision for Christ made sense of what happened to me. I was deep into New Age. I was attending a Bible study with a friend because she had her heart set on me going. After a few times I had enough. I didn't like Christians and was offended that God would require his son to die in agony. I was leaving with no intention of returning. The pastor stopped me and asked me a question then I was on the floor praying, crying, life would never be the same. I tell people Jesus kidnapped me and I don't want to get away. Now I truly understand what Jesus said, "You did not choose me, I chose you.".. My family attended a warm fuzzy seeker friendly church. I hunger for more than what is offered. I started listening to you and Paul Washer.

[@efraimlicod6480]

Amen

[@bdh2933]

"Our 'will' is not the tool for conversion, but rather the object... it's what Jesus converts."

[@jalapeno.tabasco]

YES!!! so many people are stuck in a semi pelagian evangelical mindset

[@jazzandbooks]

Don't give anyone else the credit for God's good work!!!! It is all Him!

[@sharondoan1447]

I would be so happy to understand why Lutheran’s do not agree that when the Holy Spirit has worked in your life, conversion is accomplished and requires you to acknowledge that fact. In a public setting, such as an ordinary church service , the newly Spirit filled individual is merely presently themselves to the group as a believer. Grid has called and they have answered. So simple.

[@masonmitchell56]

@@sharondoan1447we confess together every church service?

[@sharondoan1447]

@@masonmitchell56 Repentance is a different thing. Repentance says, “ I come before you ,my Redeemer, confessing my sin , asking forgiveness for what I have done against you. And the next step is,” I will go and not keep repeating the same sin over and over and over and over. “ As Jesus told the Woman at the well, “ Go and sin no more”. Confession does not give anyone permission continue in the sin they just confessed. Unrepentant sin is not okay. So feeling justified to take Communion on Sunday morning , having confessed sexual sin but not intending to change your sin is wrong.

[@masonmitchell56]

@@sharondoan1447 I agree, all ought to repent of their sins. I wasn’t talking about the confession of sins, I was talking about the confession of the faith in the creeds, we recite the apostles creed together every Sunday and the Nicean creed on communion sundays.

[@sharondoan1447]

@@masonmitchell56 Correct me if I am in error, but I believe you have Confession of personal sins confused with our Confession of faith. Our Creeds express our beliefs. Before we can receive Holy Communion we confess our sins and ask forgiveness . In the LCMS the Pastor offers absolution for confessed sin. Then you are welcome to Commune. If you would like further clarification please check with your Pastor to see if I know what I’m talking about.

[@Outrider74]

Great video, Pastor. Right now, there's a new wave of "decision theology" making its rounds on the Internet. This video is a good answer.

[@judithtaylor6713]

It’s indeed good news that Jesus decided to save us. Thank you for this.

[@proliturgy]

Here are some more good verses. John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. - John 3:27 And many more believed because of his word. - John 4:41 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. 45 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 6:44-45 And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." - John 6:65 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." - John 12:32 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. - John 15:16

[@thoughtsfromnh364]

Don’t Calvinist say the same?

[@Dilley_G45]

Yes. That's a lot of calvinist proof texting. But calvinism is wrong. God makes the offer we have to accept it. As the OT says God wants Noone to perish. As the NT says...FLEE from sin. We are asked to do, to avoid, to believe, to teach, to.correct, to judge rightly

[@samsonsupaka8716]

Romans 9:16.

[@samsonsupaka8716]

Romans 9:16.

[@jalapeno.tabasco]

​@@Dilley_G45😂😂😂 "that's Calvinism so it's wrong" This guy is a Lutheran, this is a biblical doctrine 🤦 All you did was give opinions and ignored Scripture

[@deadsmurf1628]

Asking this question before I forget: I know faith is a gift and from faith come good works, but I often struggle with how responsible I feel for performing those good works, and either feel like I am focusing too much on my own accomplishments, or using God as an excuse to relieve responsibility, only 17 years old and it’s just a little confusing for me, but I want to live a confident lutheran life with Gods gifts

[@johnpowers3013]

You are correct that from faith come good works. However, you do not have to stress about doing good works. They are a natural outpouring of the Holy Spirit that lives within you. Don't think about or worry about good works and just let the Holy Spirit do his thing.

[@debbiesinnercarr5402]

This is pretty mind blowing for this old Pentecostal

[@miguelz8721]

Greetings ! I grew up Pentecostal , I still believe the Gifts & power of the Holy Spirit are still for today & haven't ceased , but I agree with a lot of Confessional Lutheran Doctrines , there very biblical .

[@lc-mschristian5717]

Thank God, God made a decision to save US! Peace

[@judithtaylor6713]

‘Our faith is Jesus’’ work and that is our great comfort’. Good news indeed.

[@etheretherether]

Was hesitant at the beginning of the video, but it made sense towards the end. Faith isn't the thing we do or have in response to the Gospel, it's the thing we receive from hearing the Gospel.

[@loveyrogers3181]

GLORY TO GOD...BLESS YOU

[@kgebhardt1187]

All glory to God! ❤✝ Thank you, pastor. God bless you and keep you!

[@SCHULTZY2011]

We can all reject Christ but from the very beginning God chose us

[@jordantsak7683]

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” [1 Corinthians 2:14]

[@judithtaylor6713]

This is very worthy of review. Thank you.

[@jordantsak7683]

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you” [Acts 7:51]

[@User_Happy35]

Thank you!

[@billwinter6092]

Always resist the Holy Spirit! How can Steven rebuke them if it is God who opens the heart and gives faith? They resisted which is an act of the will!!

[@johnpowers3013]

@@billwinter6092 The Holy Spirit is aggressively trying to instill faith in your heart at all times when you hear the Word of God because God wants all men to be saved. While the Holy Spirit does not wait to be "invited" to instill faith in someone's heart, man has the free will to reject the Holy Spirit's advances. That is why the Bible can rightly state that some people "resist the Holy Spirit".

[@jordantsak7683]

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins” [Ephesians 2:1, see also 2:5 and Colossians 2:13]

[@kellymontgomery1293]

I love this guy! Don't agree with him, but just love that he uses scripture, and reason, and not just shouting

[@schellfamily9837]

I'm binge watching you videos! Great content.

[@lmeadows8276]

Thank you for your videos.

[@09jgdoss]

That's hilarious, my name is Joel and I honestly did a double take. Great message!

[@edwardwicks304]

No one would deny that decisional regeneration is a work of the Spirit of God. When we talk to people we don't know who will respond to the call to repentance. We give out the Word indiscriminately and the Spirit of God does the work. A fine example would be the sermon of Peter recorded in Acts chapter 2. I see no problem with ministering the word and then giving out an invitation for people to receive Christ. It's how I became a believer.

[@insomnolant6043]

Exactly right. Lutherans (like Calvinists) place way too much emphasis on the unseen part that we cannot know one way or another, while ignoring the constant examples of the Apostles calling to people to believe/repent and be baptized to be saved.

[@RomGabe]

Amen! Thank you for Law & Gospel!

[@maxstrange7606]

I'm not Lutheran but Amen.

[@ruthgoebel723]

Thank you!

[@rnorthrup2401]

A video I intend to share with a local pastor who is on the radio each morning. He has a good message but unfortunately framed around a personal decision for Christ. Your approach is caring, not over the top like so many voices of authority today. God's blessings to you and all who take in your videos of God's teaching.

[@sharondoan1447]

Are you sure no one has to acknowledge Jesus as their Savior and choose to follow him all the way Home? Is the infant who was Baptized at his parent’s behest, never expected to make a statement of faith based on their own personal acceptance of Salvation through Jesus Christ? Is it to be assumed that because the unwitting child was baptized they have no responsibility to acknowledge Jesus as Savior. They can simply continue their life apart from the church, following their own ways and still have the confidence of Heaven upon their death? Deep questions.

[@karstenkallesen4811]

Pastor Bryan, I am a former LCMS believer and am now am AG believer. But Romans 10:9 states, that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. God knocks at our hearts but we have free will to accept or deny him.

[@dorinamary7863]

Don't we have to be given the "measure of faith" with which to do that? I attended AG churches for a long time.

[@eriktorp-olsen1706]

The Swedish priest Carl-Olof Rosenius (1780-1841) said the same thing: "If you could, you would not want to,-and if you wanted to, you could not". -Of course,-Rosenius was a Lutheran, very much occupied with undeserved grace.

[@jenniferconnelly1426]

Thank you, Pastor!

[@jordantsak7683]

Sooooo beautiful message. Sooooo beautiful.

[@timclark2925]

So true....I like this verse John 1:13 " who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." It says we were born not by the will of the flesh or by the will of man; so much for human free will....

[@miguelz8721]

Great verse !

[@jordantsak7683]

“They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart” [Ephesians 4:18].

[@billwinter6092]

"If you hear his voice don't harden your heart" which is a definite action by us.

[@RichardMackenzieaus]

Despite my difference of opinion with you on having communion over the Internet. I still love your work. I agree with you on this topic.

[@jordantsak7683]

“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one” [Romans 3:10-12]

[@Southron-CiK]

Great video, agreed! My only question is when sharing Christ with someone how exactly do we ask someone if they do believe the gospel after sharing with them. Of course I know scripture that says “repent and believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved” but how do we present this truth with follow up questions w/o saying things like “accept” or “ask Jesus into your heart”. Usually I say “we must surrender to Christ” but that sounds wrong after watching this video.

[@kgebhardt1187]

Keep planting seeds, brother ❤ Some will land on good soil ✝

[@2Nickcdj]

Great video! Thanks for these videos pastor. You have a fan in this reformed guy!

[@patdunham3513]

Thank you Pastor

[@WittenbergProject]

great stuff pastor

[@jenniferhorstmann2279]

I agree that scripture absolutely teaches this. How then, do we appropriately and accurately present the gospel to unbelievers? Is it just a matter of instructing them to “repent and believe the gospel” rather than “make a decision for Christ”?

[@jakkistaatmcdonald4555]

Yes, I think that's it

[@thelutheranorganist4846]

Great video Pastor

[@SojournerDidimus]

Romans 10:13-15a For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him [of] whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? So believing comes through hearing. Indeed such hearing will only come onto "ears that hear" and will be in vain to those who are dead. The funny thing is that you and I do not know who have received the grace of Christ to have faith, so let us preach onto all men, that those that have faith will believe.

[@plattevilleclarks]

That is good news. But I can make a decision to leave a comment and subscribe.

[@jordantsak7683]

“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” [Galatians 5:17]

[@mysticmouse7261]

This is most certainly true

[@EricBryant]

The thing is, this can be somewhat semantic. If God enables the will, then yes you can make a decision for Christ. And Lutherans teach that we can resist God's grace. If so, there must be *some* point when an unbeliever "accepts God's grace" or "resists God's grace." Resisting is a decision. Accepting is a decision. "Men get stuck in words like elephants get stuck in the mud." -- Buddha. I agree with the spirit of what you're saying, Pastor Wolfmueller. And I love your channel and am a subscriber. I love the Lutheran Confessions. But topics like these are why Lutherans are often charged with being "inconsistent Monergists." We all have to make a decision. In fact, the process of repentance and sanctification consists of countless decisions, made over the course of a lifetime. Salvation is synergistic, not purely monergistic. Where I depart from Lutheran doctrine is the idea that Conversion is a once-in-time event. Really, that's kind of where all Protestantism goes off the rails. Conversion, like Salvation, like justification, like sanctification -- all these are synergistic processes in Orthodoxy. So it's almost as if the question of "whether you can make a decision for Christ" doesn't arise for us. Signed, An Orthodox Christian :)

[@griffinwagg582]

Can we ask God to grant us repentance? For example. I grew up in a Christian family but loved my sin more than Christ. I used to hope that annihilationism was true because I loved my sin and did not want to follow God. I remember sitting on my bed at 17 and saying to God "Lord I know you are real, I love my sin though and I do not want to follow you. Would you come into my heart and change that?" A year 1/2 later, after anxiety, a tough breakup, and sin not giving me the life/pleasure I wanted, God brought me to my knees in surrender and I confessed Him not only as being real, but as being my Lord. I had an understanding of His love for me and the cross. I remember crying to Him in joy and knowing His love at that time. It was a beautiful time in my life. I still confess Jesus as my Lord. I don't get the amazing feelings I did when I first "believed/trusted" in Jesus, but He's my God, King, Friend, Savior, and when I look around, there is nowhere in this world for me. Jesus is all I could ever need or want.

[@michaelciccone2194]

Whatever made you leave Campus Crusade for Christ? ........you have a very nice way of communication.

[@jakkistaatmcdonald4555]

I wondered ths samee

[@michaelciccone2194]

This line of thinking......this just deflates any evangelistic outreach from a LCMS congregation.

[@caelachyt]

God gives faith to each in the measure He deems appropriate - Rom 12:3.

[@swm1700]

Thank you.

[@danaviges9904]

On the other hand, Billy Graham has brought many to faith in Christ, by asking them to come and make a decision for Christ.

[@joelkuykendall8564]

Amen. Very well explained.

[@augsburgbiblechannel9246]

You make a lot of decisions for Christ when the Spirit brings faith in the Gospel.

[@25258721]

Excellent!

[@thewordrules]

My pastor says that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so if any part of our salvation depends on our work, (a decision) that is one weak chain of salvation.

[@stephaniedorothy6525]

So the verse where Jesus says I will stand at the door and knock, and we let him in…isn’t that a choice?

[@jordantsak7683]

“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot” [Romans 8:7]

[@ChristCrucifiedforyou]

New subscriber here...found this video by way of trying to discern if open theism is Biblical. 🌱

[@investdoggy]

Amen

[@charliebrownfootball]

thank you. that was so easy

[@j.sethfrazer]

If it’s up to you to GET saved, then it’s up to you to STAY saved. Impossible.

[@marttilaine6778]

Great video like having the collection of verses

[@Liz.StudentoftheKing]

Thank you for this teaching! Is this stance one of the major differences between Lutheranism and the Baptist denomination?

[@thedailyheat]

So what responsibility do we have to lead our children to salvation, guide, teach, pray for them heavily while they are being drawn into the ways of the world? I am a Mother and would love to know your thoughts on this.

[@firdeleafe6995]

Great question D. Anne Cook! According to the grace that has been given to you; you may be able to water the garden, pull up the weeds, and fertilize the soil, but you cannot make the seeds grow ... God does that part. As a parent you have a God-given responsibility to bring up your children "in the fear and knowledge of the Lord," but their faith is something which you are enabled to cultivate, not something you (or your children) can create. it also is a responsibility that you do not bear alone. The entire church is tasked with teaching, admonishing, correcting, rebuking, training in righteousness, etc. and offering prayers and supplications to God about everything nearly all the time. This does not mean the church or you as a parent have the power or ability to save other people, even if they are your own children. God alone saves. He chooses to make people a part of His plan.

[@dusttodust1522]

Other than your Bible out of your personal library if you had to get rid of all your books except one book or one set of volumes what would you keep what do you consider the very best set of books you have?

[@frizfarm]

This is a subject in which all of the Reformers agreed. Luther was not alone in this. In fact, Luther, [not Melancthon] . . . his main contention at Marburg was over the real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper. Had Zwingli submitted to scripture in this point, we may have had a unified Church coming out of the Reformation.

[@Dilley_G45]

Another calvinist intrusion. Luther was NOT a calvinist. Luther did NOT believe in double predestination. And the reformed crowd believed in vandalizing churches and ripping out altars and crosses. They tried to be as uncatholic as possible and made a new church. Luther tried to preserve the church and only eliminate a few false elements that had crept in.

[@txelmore]

What effect does a serpentine belt have to do with the proper operation of the brakes? Maybe Kerry has a point. Great theology though, I think you may have found your calling. 😁

[@Dave72760]

Saving ourselves and choosing to follow Jesus ARE 2 very different things. Making a decision to follow Jesus follows on the the fact He ALREADY paid the price is up to me. If it were NOT up to me, might as well just say, "hey, God's already chosen me and it's all good". EXCEPT I STILL HAVE FREE WILL. I will not curb that free will and try to better and change myself and follow the teachings of Scripture UNTIL I CHOOSE TO DO IT!!! I can't save myself or anyone else, that's for God, but I can choose to follow Him... or not. Are you telling me that if I choose not to , that God has not chosen me first? No-No.

[@rickpettey8822]

Sorry David, you do not have free-will before God. Before man, yes. Simply not in the spiritual realm.

[@bmcfonzie]

According to one's unregenerate and fallen will, they are not just a stranger to God, but a dedicated enemy of Him. The fact you respond positively to His call through His Word is an indicator He has already begun His work in you. It's His work that frees us (and our will) from bondage to sin, but we cannot free ourselves. We are totally powerless to do so.

[@Damon-p9u]

Where can I get one of those Luther rose mugs? And if I became a Lutheran would I have to give up watching belly dancing?

[@robertw1258]

When we "believe" in Jesus for salvation, it means we trust in Him alone. That's what the Greek word Pisteuo communicates: Trust. the word believe appears 242 times in the Bible... Why would God insist we Do something that you tell us we cannot do and are incapable of doing ??? Believing IS making a decision...

[@philpopper8879]

I’m a thorough predestinarian but I do believe that anyone has the physical capacity to repent but not the will to do so until God grants it. But salvation comes from the God-given human choice to repent/believe, hence the command to repent for forgiveness in acts 3:19 or believe etc. so I’m not against people saying that you need to choose to repent/believe to be saved. But I recognize the origin of such a choice is from the sovereign will of God

[@katandpapa]

Can you reject Christ after the Holy Spirit has softened your heart?

[@johnmarquardt1991]

Yes.

[@scottforesman7968]

Splain Acts 2. Peter is preaching, and then "with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." Yes, it took God's Spirit. But then SOME responded to the message. Some did not. It seems simple to me. We 'preach' and "Some" will "Receive" the Word. So I would say we CAN and MUST 'make a decision' regarding the Gospel, and 'yes' it is by God's Spirit that we CAN do this, but we CAN accept or refuse. (What about the Lutheran churches that do the ALPHA program? The focus of this program is making a 'decision' for Jesus Christ. Are they not following Lutheran teaching by using this program?) I think this what 'prevenient Grace' is all about.

[@katandpapa]

We can't make a decision for Christ, but we can reject Him? It's confusing...

[@jamesburson5689]

Behold, I stand at the door and knock,if any Man hear MY voice AND OPENS THE DOOR, I AND MY FATHER will come in.. you are not going to be made to accept HIM.. Father draws you to Jesus... you can not accept... Jesus said,if I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me... Salvation is of the Lord. You can REJECT it.. Look at all who backslide afterwards.or DEMAS...

[@juliebless7119]

You make some good points. I believe the context of this verse has to do with repentance (see verse 19) rather than conversion. The Laodiceans were already believers but they had rather easy lives, much like American Christians I suspect. Their faith was lukewarm. Jesus is beseeching them to repent and He assures them He is always there for them. They can certainly reject Him and not open the door (repent) but He promises to be in communion with them (eat with) those who repent. God works repentance through us - contrition and faith that sins are forgiven.

[@AndrewOfBethel]

Seems to me one could make a decision along the lines of christ, outside of his graceful will for them to be saved, I would call it legalism or works based "faith"

[@paulrooney982]

I'm an unbeliever and here's my decision for Christ. Either show face or you don't exist. What's it to be? Tick, tick, tick ..... I really wonder if people two thousand years from now will still be waiting anxiously for him to "return". At what point will the Christians finally come to the realisation that they were wrong after all? Not in my lifetime, unfortunately. Nor the lifetime of any Christian reading this. How convenient for them.

[@kgebhardt1187]

I pray that when He knocks, you hear and are moved to answer the door. He is real, and I hope you meet Him one day ❤ peace be with you and may God bless you

[@paulrooney982]

@@kgebhardt1187 Yeah, peace be with you. I am not an unpeaceful man. I genuinely want the best for people and wish no harm on others. But please can you realign your analogies? When he knocks? What does that even mean? Knocks on what? We have absolutely ZERO proof that your god, or any other god that is worshipped in the World, exists. It's all based on faith. I believe in science and empirical evidence. I know I will live my life and die and that's it. I am no more. That does not worry or scare me. Nor does the thought of being judged because, as far as I am concerned, there is nothing credible to tell me that will happen. If you're happy, great. I wish you sustained happiness. But please don't assume that people like me are not happy or resolved to ending our days without a god. Peace n love.

[@michaelciccone2194]

Sad that you and Dr. Taylor Marshall have left Campus Crusade for Christ. I admire the conservative positions of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Each time a Lutheran gets confirmed or receives Holy Communion ---isnt that a type of deciding for Christ? Going to and knelling at the altar rail is a "deciding for Christ".

[@OMEGA-hz7nv]

You were talking the other day on pastor Fisk's podcast "why pray?" that we as Christians have an authority for Christ's sake to ask God for other people's conversion. My question is - is influencing the will of God through prayer not concidered making a decision for God? Or the fact that one prays to God to grant faith is already God's decision?

[@OMEGA-hz7nv]

Just listened to your podcast "Prayer in Jesus’ Name - Jn 16:23-30" it explained everything to me. Thank you!

[@judithtaylor6713]

This must be the crux, the pivot, the axial point and the stone of stumbling.

[@samlogosz8422]

Stick your hand next to a hot flame and that should put you in the right direction.

[@jjmulvihill]

Paul also said that I die daily. Likewise, to mortify the deeds f the flesh. God moves us, but we do decide, we do mature, we do grow, all the while that Christ works in us. How can God judge you, if life is not made up of choices? Parable of the coins tells you that you are judged by your choices. Yes we choose, but God moves.

[@paul.etedder2439]

Freewill ( in regards to salvation) is NOT found in scripture. No Where

[@prettypleasevideo]

Paul.E Tedder True or False? GOD gives us a "freewill" to deny Him? “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” ‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:11-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3:12-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[@bmcfonzie]

@@prettypleasevideo None of these scriptures say a person is free to choose to be saved. You are reading that into the text. If one repents, it does not follow that he did so of his own free will. That's exactly why Paul says it's not found in scripture.

[@joefear]

So, how do we explain The Parable about "Prodigal Son" in Luke 15:11-32, did he not come back to The Father. Also, how can someone explain Repentance after accepting Christ. Then we have to go with the "Calvin's" explanation.

[@Tim-AlexPowell]

So do ppl who believe they got saved upon repenting and confessing belief, still go to hell??

[@doreenchristensen1252]

Make Christ atepart of your life now

[@doreenchristensen1252]

A part

[@examinetheWORD]

What Bible did you read Acts 7:51? I cannot find where it says, "This resisting is the natural state of man."

[@johnmarquardt1991]

Read it again.

[@bruceschweyer557]

I must always do the homework and then pay attention. I must always prepare the way of the Lord. We're referring to The Holy Spirit. Because it's really The Holy Spirit that is doing the actual decision-making. My decision entails preparing the way. .....Believe it or not, there is a correct way to live Life. There is a divine pattern etched into all of Cosmos.

[@kevenmosley-koehler7482]

We can't choose christ but we can reject him

[@bothwingz]

While I appreciate Pastor Bryan's theology for the most part, his answer in the negative to the question "Can You Make A Decision for Christ?" is wholly inaccurate. As God has created man, he created us with an intellect. That intellect is the capacity to understand good from evil, and to make the right choice of good over evil. God does not force feed anyone faith. He will give us all reason and incentive to believe in Him but will not violate our own free-will aka our God-given-right to choose. So, not only can we make a decision to accept Christ, but God requires us to do so, if we are to avoid the penalty of our sins, which is eternal death and destruction of our soul.

[@trinamarino9942]

Yes but if you believe it's by faith then why do you also say that one must be Babtised in order to be saved?

[@MrGassemann]

Trina Marino because Jesus says so.

[@truthwithproof5847]

How can you be trusted teaching the Bible? That's your point.

[@seanmoore9713]

Your serpentine belt wasn't tightened enough, which is why it was making that noise. Great video btw.

[@billwinter6092]

Well, much of what you've shared is very right on, because God reveals to us the gospel, opens our hearts. But the Word says that God wants no one to perish, does it not. So if He opens the hearts then why does he not open everyone's hearts? Also, God does not give us faith, or Christ could not have rebuked his disciples for their lack of it. And he also said "when the son of man returns will he find faith on the earth? In Galatians Paul is not referring to faith "which is not of ourselves" but the "grace" is the gift of God "which is not of ourselves" Reread that verse Galatians 2:8,9. you'll see that. Also in the gospel of John it says, "But as many as has received him, he gave them the right to be called children of God" So there is Gods life changing Gospel, and our receiving but God's Holy Spirit working to reveal the truth. When Saint Steven said to the Jews, "you stiff-necked people always resisting the Holy Spirit", if they could resist, then that was there decision. The Holy Spirit was wooing, and revealing truth to the Israelites but they were resisting. Remember too when in the gospels Jesus could not do many miracles in the one town because of their lack of faith. Did God choose not to give them faith, or did God reveal to them through creation and other works of the Spirit, but they refused to believe?

[@bmcfonzie]

Just because God gives faith does not mean it is God's fault that some lack it. We are the sinful ones, not Him. Every gift He gives us (including salvation) is 100% grace, 0% our merit. Just because we receive the gift does not mean even the receiving was our doing in any way. It's similar to a baby being given the gift of birth. They certainly received the gift, but their role was completely passive and could not be credited to them in any way. See also the various miracles Jesus did during his ministry. Those who received the gift of these miracles (such as the resurrection of Lazarus) could not claim credit. So it is with being born again also. Due to our sinful nature we are not inherently capable of receiving the gift of grace (see the scriptures Pastor Wolfmueller cites above). God must do that for us as well.

[@westsidewarrior1972]

So we can choose, when God is wooing us, to have 'unfaith', we can reject faith but we cannot chose to have faith in Christ? This is scrambling my brain. What about the notion of 'prevenient grace'?