Predestination and Election | Romans 9-11 (Part 2) | Gary Hamrick

5/26/2024
Does God predetermine some people to go to Heaven and others to go to Hell? Did Jesus die only for the Elect (those whom God decided to save)? Does man have a free will to choose Jesus, or is that God’s choice? Pastor Gary answers these questions and more in today’s teaching on predestination and election.
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[@bettiegerard27]

I'm so glad you have approached this subject Pastor Gary all my life and I am 83yrs now I never understood what the Word meant in this scripture. I just always hoped and prayed that I was loved by God. Thanks for explaining it so we'll. 🙏🙏

[@johnlavender242]

It seems strange that people who know the Scripture, that before conversion, we are dead spiritually without hope - that a person who is DEAD can make any positive movement towards God. I believe that our greatest hope lies with the sovereign Lord who does all things well, rather than hope in a dead man’s ability to make a choice that he is unable and unwilling to make.

[@toolegittoquit_001]

Either God is sovereign Or he is not …🤷🏻‍♂️

[@michelleinchristalone2769]

Amen! Exactly. Those of us who were saved by the grace and mercy of God are grateful that He did for us what we could not. He opened our eyes to realize our abject poverty and sin before His Holiness and our need for Christ. Only by knowing that God alone is the cause of our salvation and our keeping, will we give Him ALL glory knowing that we did not, and could not do it in and of ourselves. It makes me concerned for Arminian brethren who profess Christ as we do but seem to think they had a part to play.

[@denmart9842]

There's at least two fallacies in your coment here!!!!!!

[@ronlanter6906]

@@denmart9842 and those two fallacies are?????

[@happyforever1528]

Eph. 1 : 3 -9 , Blessed be the God and Saviour of our Lord Jesus Christ , who has blessed us with All Spiritual Blessing in Heavenly Place in Christ, according as He has Chosen us in Him Before the world was made !,read it for yourself , but first ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see , if you do He will, but if you don't He wont, Cheers and God Bless !

[@Beeloved936]

If this is true, why did God select a people group for His own glory?

[@12111scott]

DATES: 5 Articles of Remonstrance 1610 TULIP in response to 5 Articles 1611

[@TheCalculatorGuy]

Absolutely incredible. God bless you. A man of Christ; not of Calvin, not of Arminius, not of Luther, not of Francis, *but of Christ.*

[@SachelleCambria]

Exactly.

[@DanielKennedy-z3l]

I grew up learning Calvin, Luther, and the lot... but I never understood why God would need to send His own Son to die for those who were predestined to salvation via irresistible grace. Not to mention the holy scriptures, that by their very nature offer many disputations to this doctrine.

[@SpotterVideo]

Romans Chapter 11: In its New Covenant context... There is no Plan B of salvation outside of the New Covenant Church in this passage. Plan A is found in verses 23 and 24. In Romans 1:16 Paul said the Gospel was taken "first" to the Jews. This time period can be found in Matt. 10:5-7, and Acts 10:36-38, and Gal. 1:14-18. Many try to claim God never gave the Jews a chance to accept Christ, so there must be some Plan B of salvation before or during the Second Coming of Christ. Romans 1:16 proves they are wrong, since Paul said the Gospel went "first" to the Jews. Many ignore the fact that Peter addressed the crowd as "men of Judea", and as "men of Israel", and as "all the house of Israel" on the Day of Pentecost, when about 3,000 Israelites accepted the New Covenant fulfilled in blood at Calvary. The Gentiles were not grafted in until several years later. This passage proves Paul was right about the Gospel being taken "first" to the Jews. Were all of the Israelites "partially" hardened in Romans 11, or were part hardened and another part were not hardened? The answer is found in the "remnant" of Romans 11:5. Paul reveals two different groups of Israelites in Romans 9:6-8. There is an Israel of the promise, and an Israel of the flesh. This is part of the context of Romans 11. Paul speaks about the "remnant" of Israel in Romans 9:27. This is also part of the context of Romans 11. Paul starts Romans 11 with two different groups of Israelites. In verse one Paul reveals he is still an Israelite, even after his conversion. Then Paul refers to two different groups of Israelites during the time of Elijah. There were the Baal worshippers, and there was the faithful "remnant". In verse five Paul says there is also a faithful "remnant" of Israelites during his time. This must be the Israelites who have accepted Christ, as on the Day of Pentecost. Paul uses the two olive trees as a symbol of the New Covenant Church made up of believing Israelites, and believing Gentiles grafted together into the same tree. The unbelieving Israelites have been broken off but can be grafted back in through faith in Christ in verses 23-24. Verse 26 is the problem for many modern Christians. What does the verse actually say, and how is it changed by many in the modern Church. I have heard two of our nations famous preachers say the following. "And then all Israel will be saved..." I have heard another say the following. "And all Israel will be saved..." What does God's Word, recorded by the Apostle Paul actually say? Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: The English word "so" is translated from the Greek word "houto", which is an adverb of manner, instead of an adverb of timing. Some have changed the word from "so" to "then", in order to change the meaning of the verse. How will all of the "remnant" of Israel from Romans 9:27 be saved? The answer is found in the verses that precede verse 26 and are found below. Rom 11:23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. Rom 11:24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? Paul quoted from the OT in referring to the Deliverer coming out of Sion to pay for sin. Did this happen at Calvary, or will Jesus die again for His people in the future? Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. Verse 28 can only be understood by looking at how Paul started the passage. He started with two different groups of Israelites and he ends the passage in the same way. There are two different groups of "they" in verse 28. One group of "they" reject Christ and are the enemies of God, and another group of "they" are the election which accept Christ through hearing the Gospel and faith. Rom 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. Based on Luke 21:24b-28, the times of the Gentiles comes to fullness at the Second Coming of Christ. This agrees with what Paul said in Romans 1:16 about the Gospel going “first” to the Jews.

[@lindatyler3645]

Every time this topic comes up, I think of the 1 Cor. verse "I am of Paul" and "I am of Apollos." I was THRILLED to hear you use that passage in application to this topic. The Armenians say, "The other choice is Calvinism" and the Calvinists say, "The other choice is Arminianism" and I want to scream "NO!" Since when does anyone have a choice of 2 mere men to align their beliefs with? I'm not buying it. I am of JESUS!

[@paulbrown9415]

Q

[@TheRomans9Guy]

And both of those theological systems are wrong, partly because they share the same foundational error, the doctrine of election. Both Arminians and Calvinists believe God elects some people and not others, they just differ on how he chooses. But Jesus and Paul were explicitly teaching that all people were chosen. It’s horrendous how bad Calvin and Arminians got it wrong.

[@claudiafarley2501]

Amen

[@johannesbotha6443]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@jtfike]

It’s all a trap discussion. God is the beginning and the end so he knows what choices we will make before we make them. Lamentations 3:37 is the written word and it is not refutable. And he also gives us free will. He does both. So both Calvin and Armenian are true at the same time.

[@7MaryD7]

I always tell people I am neither a Calvinist nor an Arminian. I don’t align myself to a man made system of understanding God. His ways are not our ways, and the total of Him is past finding out, at least on this side of eternity. It’s an injustice to God and His perfect character to align at all with any man made system that boxes a finite God into a man made mold. That’s not who God is! It falls so short that it’s not even remotely plausible for me to consider myself any of those, either in part or in whole. So when someone asks me which one, I say neither; and that I am a Biblicist. Only the Bible has it right.

[@chrismaguire3667]

*@7MaryD7,* Absolutely right, Amen and Amen! This is my current 'conversation' with my vicar at the moment. I shall now consider myself as a 'Bibilcist'! Blessings and thank you!😇

[@7MaryD7]

@@chrismaguire3667 Thank you for your comment. Blessings to you too! 🙂

[@reylambarte5615]

Wrong, romans 9, 10, 11 is for the romans gentile church. Paul only used the old testament to prove his teaching that God truly elects His own people before He created the world. But Jesus died to invite all into salvation elect or nonelect. Now all has the chance for salvation but this never negate about Gods election.

[@chrismaguire3667]

Election is not choice. What if Trump is elected into the White House, but he chooses not accept it? What then? It's never a done deal until one accepts the offer.

[@reylambarte5615]

@@chrismaguire3667 hello, you mixed two different biblical principles the, election and freewill. God before He created the world He elected those whom He will be merciful. Freewill is the previledge that God has given to all those who believe Him or are members of His kingdom only and not to those outside His church including satan. About freewill if you disagree, send me a passage in the bible that offers freewill to unbelievers and satan.

[@jchen2873]

Our “freewill” is under God’s sovereignty, we believe is the result of HIS election.

[@annfitchpatrick]

@@chrismaguire3667heaven help us all if Trump wins the upcoming election!

[@chrismaguire3667]

@@annfitchpatrick Heaven *did* help you in 2016. It was either snatched away from you, you threw it away, or G-d took it away because too many people didn't know what they had and didn't want it, just to show what debauchery and deprivation could be had. You found out, and the World is sorrier for it. You really think Harris, or her equivalent, is good for the US and the Western Hemisphere? I doubt she could point out Ukraine - or Israel - on a map...

[@erikalee65]

Such Excellent teaching, Pastor Gary!

[@litespeed03]

Every Christian should read Chosen by God by RC Sproul. There's also a video series by the same title on KZbin.

[@SachelleCambria]

Every Christian. Jesus was the only one who died for me.

[@7MaryD7]

No; but rather, every Christian should read the Bible.

[@7MaryD7]

@@SachelleCambria Amen. Jesus is the only way.

[@stephenfadullon1486]

I am reformed. Not because I am Calvanist. Because I am biblical. John Calvin happen to just agree. Pastor Gary, a dead man cannot will anytning. Ephesians 2. It is God who made us alive. His will. His initiative. Show me a dead man who can decide. Only then I will agree with you. The problem why many dont like the idea of God having predetermined who He will save is because it is offensive and painful. We cannot simply swallow that. If a rich man walks in a store and said I chose to buy 50 of the people here lunch. The others cannot protest and accuse him unjust. No. He has the willful right to choose who he will buy lunch and those he will not. Its mercy or justice but never injustice. Jesus saw the lame man near the pool. He looked at him and asked “do you want to be well”. We know what takes place after that the lame man gets up and walks home. But wait, the bible said there were MANY there who were just as crippled and disabled. Why did Jesus heal only this man and not the persons beside him. Is He being unfair. No God forbid. He showed mercy to that one man. And justice to others. He is being God. You and I do not call the shots. Lazarus has not power whatsoever to put his body parts together to make him whole. Jesus had to call him. The Father gives to the Son whom He wills (John 6:37). We were dead in our sin. How can I bring myself to Jesus. No person has the ability to accept Jesus. No person has the ability to choose Him. He makes the choosing. He accepts not man. We have reversed this truth. You can all disagree to this, but I stand with what the Bible teaches not the opinion of men.

[@ronlanter6906]

Amen brother, stated well and Biblically 🙏🏻☝✝

[@catalina7294]

You mean to the Augustine's gnostic view of the bible, instead of fathers who believe in free will and foreknowledge, and a departure from their teachings. Tertullin agains Marcion destroys Augustine the gnostics views.

[@hemjoo]

I’ve struggled with this for some time so it is refreshing and helpful how you reconcile it. So true that there’s always this tension between sovereignty of God and man’s responsibility like tension between mercy and judgement, grace and truth. Yes, let’s just be humble followers of Christ who heed His prayer to be one in Him. Thank you for your sermon!

[@bornagainbeliever1429]

Thank you Pastor Gary for SOUND teaching of the Word! This is why I Watch you every Sunday, as well as Pastors Jack Hibbs and Brandon Holthaus- preachers who preach the Truth and rightly divide the Word of truth 🙌🏻

[@GenaoAnothen]

I believe he's got it reversed... Arminius put forth their 5 points to counter the followers of Calvin... it was then that they put forth their "5 Points of Calvinism"...

[@Duckytattz]

What is the will of man naturally bent towards? In what condition does the will exist? Starting at the point before salvation, how do spiritually dead individuals “choose” God ? Or are we not all born in Adam? If not, then I guess we can just freely choose whatever we want without any outside influence or predetermined push. Do lions choose meat or is that in their nature?

[@tinadehart3526]

Exactly. We will NEVER willfully choose to walk away from our sin. It’s Gods work and he chooses. Sorry but it’s pretty clear and I know that makes many people angry. This is called pride because it allows you to think you were responsible for making this choice. Sorry but you’re not!

[@jennygrennan]

Great sermon! It’s one of those you need to listen to a couple of times because it’s that good! 🙏

[@walterkowalski8271]

Saved for 64 years I'm 84 thank you Pastor with this message I get it explained so well by you I'm so grateful. Blessings to you, I listen to your Bible studies and learn a lot.

[@ssnick35]

You left off the rest of Chapter 9 which gets into the vessels of honor and dishonor and God's wrath and mercy which really makes it look like it's talking about salvation. I doubt you did it on purpose... But it doesn't give the whole picture where you stopped in Ch. 9. I am of Jesus.

[@3BadBostons]

I don't judge anyone's intentions, but, anyone that starts a sermon saying " well, that's not what it means" , has to know what they are doing

[@ssnick35]

@@3BadBostons Yeah, you would think he used the whole context, which really starts in Romans 8... and here's the deal, I don't like John Calvin's interpretation of this but I've got an issue with this set of scriptures and what it means. And I believe Hamrick definitely left some verses out of this teaching here.

[@mrskemp230]

Thank you for excellent teaching on Predestination and Election. To God be the glory. ❤

[@Christopher-nq1dw]

Scripture says that God chooses for salvation and that he draws and that whom he draws they will come to Christ, and the Father gives to the son and that all he has given to the son he is going to lose nothing, but raise it up at the last day

[@horetaepere8622]

Esau reconciled to Jacob, and God made a great nation if Esau's descendants

[@ba.anderson]

Jesus calls his sheep by name and they hear him and they will follow. This age is not about turning goats into sheep but the calling of the wheat. No grapes were ever gathered during the harvest of wheat.

[@ronlanter6906]

Amen brother 🙏🏻☝✝

[@AResilientLife]

Finally, a sensible voice of sanity on this subject.

[@SachelleCambria]

Yessss.

[@Christ-is-King-]

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, (Ephesians 1:4, ESV)

[@candicemoore5846]

Was at a gathering yesterday when a fellow asked a Methodist pastor there, “ What’s the difference between Presbyterians and Methodists.” Her reply was, “ Presbyterians are Calvinists and Methodists are Armenians.” This subject is new to me, not having studied the Reformation period but has come to my attention during Bible study like this one and others that teach on Romans. Would have never expected this subject to be brought up when it did! That was a question I would not have known to ask. God is so awesome!! Thank you Pastor Gary for explaining this passage of scripture.

[@Emet-Debar]

Best I have heard on this at just the perfect time as I am surrounded by people who believe the opposite. Thank you Pastor Gary! Thank you God!

[@happyforever1528]

THATS THE WAY MOST OF US START OFF, but we learn as we go !.

[@pipspips2658]

We don't have free will in terms of salvation,left on our own we will not choose God.

[@ronlanter6906]

Amen Pips 🙏🏻☝✝

[@johnjames8739]

Amen. This is terrible exegesis

[@catalina7294]

You mean to the Augustine's gnostic view of the bible, instead of fathers who believe in free will and foreknowledge, and a departure from their teachings. Tertullin agains Marcion destroys Augustine the gnostics views.

[@pattidkrause2590]

Thank you, Pastor Gary, for explaining the sovereignty/choice issue. After I became a Christian, I went to a Calvinist church, but couldn't buy the predestination "theory" because it didn't fit in with John 3:16...."whosoever believith in me shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life." Then I read about Armeniansm, and God giving us choice, and got to the middle like you preached, and came to the belief that because our sovereign God had no desire that we would be like a "Chatty Cathy Doll" saying "I love you, God" every time He pulled the string on our neck, or pushed our buttons, but would love Him by choosing to love Him with our heart, soul and mind and strength, that He gave us the amazing ability to make our own choices. All of us who go to heaven go there because we chose to believe that Jesus died for our sins and we choose repent for our sins, to follow Him, and love Him and seek to live for Him. Those who have chosen to refuse to believe that they are sinners, and they don't need Jesus, choose their own eternal destiny, which is the place of total separation from God and all that He is: there is no light, no love, no mercy, no joy, no happiness, no good, no fellowship, no comfort, no peace, no beauty, no refreshing, no rest. All the wonderful things we enjoy, often without realizing they are gifts from God, will be gone forever. Thank you, Lord, for sending Your beloved Son to suffer the punishment we deserve, and to shed His blood and die on the cross for our sins. He died and then rose again to make the way for us to come back to You, God, after being separated from You because of the ugliness and awfullness of our sin. Thank you!

[@pattidkrause2590]

I agree with those who don't follow either Calvinist or Arminian theology, but being a new believer I learned a lot by reading books about Christianity written by various authors and with different views and studying how their teachings line up with God's word, His love, mercy, justice and righteousness. I follow Jesus.

[@billcovington5836]

I always find this man of God mature and balanced. Praise the Lord!

[@markrogers7546]

Paul's letter to the Ephesians clarifies this in relation to personal salvation: "God’s Sovereign Election … he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will ." (Eph. 1:4-5 NKJV). So, election is about Israel. But it is also about the predestined plan of God for the salvation of those who are in Christ.

[@larryibanez9049]

Praise God ..for your expository preaching on the book of Romans ,viewing from Cebu Philippine

[@annlewis9729]

Thank you Pastor Gary for teaching me not to be divided. I know Jesus does not want this division in our church.🙏🙏🙏❤️

[@happyforever1528]

Every one who Believes in Jesus Christ for their salvation is belong to God, for only Almighty God can give you the Gift of Faith , and thats exactly what Faith is , a gift from God to His People !.

[@happyforever1528]

There IS ONLY ONE WAY AND THATS Gods way !.

[@micheletisdale7467]

In Wiersbe's commentary he says "A seminary professor once said to me, Try to explain election, and you may lose your mind; but explain it away and you will lose your soul!" I was also gonna quote Spurgeon but you beat me to it 😉

[@Christopher-nq1dw]

God says whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified

[@whatweretheythinking3274]

God certainly knows who will accept the gift of salvation. But he does not choose for some to reject him. Judas walked with Jesus. Judas was chosen by Jesus. Jesus loved Judas. Judas rejected Jesus. When Jesus stated that the he loved the 12, was he lying about Judas? Certainly not. Judas rejected Jesus and later regretted it. If he was predestined to reject Jesus, why did it later cause him such anguish?

[@Christopher-nq1dw]

@whatweretheythinking3274 I want to know this if God already knows who is going to accept the gift of salvation, then what does it mean by God choosing us in him before the foundation of the world.

[@Christopher-nq1dw]

@whatweretheythinking3274 About Judas, Jesus already knew that he was going to betray him, for it was in the scriptures in the Old Testament, Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him before he chose him.

[@whatweretheythinking3274]

@@Christopher-nq1dw What Jesus knew is that Judas would choose to betray him. But Jesus chose him. Every praise, every promise, every care and concern, every kindness, every confidence, etc. that Jesus showed his chosen, included Judas. Are you saying Jesus wasn't honest about choosing Judas? Was Jesus just leading Judas on all along? God relented to Abraham's pleas and saved Lot. The same happened at Nineveh. Ultimately, God is sovereign and knows who will reject him. But it isn't because God created some hearts for rejection.

[@whatweretheythinking3274]

@@Christopher-nq1dw God chooses all of us. The world. Every heart is made with a desire for God. Some will reject him. But that doesn't change the fact that all are chosen. The parable of the bridegroom is such a beautiful example of this. The bridegroom, Jesus, said go into the streets and invite everyone. He excluded no one. All accepted and freely came prepared for the feast, dressed in the righteous given by Jesus. But one man rejected that gift and came in his own dress. When it was time to feast, all were chosen to sit at the bridegroom table except the one who rejected the gift of salvation. That man was not given a seat with the bridegroom. But that didn't change the fact that he among the chosen.

[@Christopher-nq1dw]

If foreknew means God knows already who is going to believe in him and who's not or who is going to choose him and who is not then what's the point of him Choosing

[@jeanmanns4467]

When we come to Christ it’s because the Holy Spirit draws us to him. Only way we are saved is when the Holy Spirit draws us..John 6:44

[@7MaryD7]

God draws all. He does it through the cross. No one can be saved apart from the cross work of Jesus Christ. Yes, the Holy Spirit draws all when He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement, that all may know they need Jesus. No one can come to Him, unless Jesus go to the cross as the payment for sin. Unless we are drawn by the cross, we have no hope. Thank you Jesus for being obedient to the Father so that we could be drawn to you as our only hope of salvation. John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

[@catalina7294]

You mean to the Augustine's gnostic view of the bible, instead of fathers who believe in free will and foreknowledge, and a departure from their teachings. Tertullin agains Marcion destroys Augustine the gnostics views.

[@abhishikthpidiyala4134]

Sovereignty of God ❤

[@toolegittoquit_001]

💯

[@oldsoul8429]

God is either fully sovereign, or he isn't. We'll never fully understand this subject on this side of eternity.

[@tinadehart3526]

Exactly. So my conclusion of this is that he is also sovereign over who is saved. I had to research this myself. If you look up predestined, chosen, foreknown it is very clear to me that God make the choice not us. Jesus also says he will not lose or reject those who THE FATHER SENDS ME. There’s not really any way to interpret that except God is the one who chooses. We can’t be saved without the Holy Spirit. Who does everyone think the Holy Spirit is sent by. I also think that people can reject it and are still responsible for that choice. As with many things in God’s word why do we think we have the right to question who God chooses? We don’t know everything and we never will until we go home. God chose the Jews then why is it so difficult to think he chooses believers. God is sovereign over EVERYTHING salvation included. I listen to John MacArthur almost every day and he is better at explaining this than I can but I totally agree with his biblical explanation.

[@oldsoul8429]

@@tinadehart3526 to some, God extends grace and mercy. To others, he extends justice. God is righteous and holy in both cases. God's sovereignty is on every page of his Holy scripture; it's undeniable. Like Nicodemus, we struggle with the concept of salvation through regeneration (the new birth), and we do not know where the wind (Holy Spirit) blows. If my salvation hinged on my ability to overcome my own depravity and choose a holy God without God's help, I would never be saved. Jesus told his disciples directly: "you did not choose me; I chose you." It's not our burden to understand it fully, but to proclaim salvation in King Jesus for the repentance of sins to every creature and leave the rest to God. Amen, and God bless, sister!!! Edit: grammar

[@JuliaNeubauer]

John 6:44. God draws NOT; Jesus saves NOT. Unless Jesus sees the work of God, the Father, in us when God draws us to Him, Jesus will not save us.

[@jonathandavid9720]

@@oldsoul8429 Penalty flag on the “I chose you verse.” It has nothing to do with salvation, but about Jesus choosing specific disciples. As the video implicates, we should be cautious on assessing what the Scriptures SEEM to say.

[@oldsoul8429]

@@jonathandavid9720 I completely agree that the context of that specific verse applies directly to Jesus choosing his disciples and not to us, and I understand how my lack of expounding leaves my point a little ambiguous. Thank you for pointing that out. I referenced that verse as a picture of God's ultimate sovereignty. Jesus invited these men to follow him and they accepted, yet he tells them that (ultimately) they did not choose to follow Jesus, rather Jesus chose them as followers. The scripture emphatically says "nobody comes to Jesus unless the Father draws them..." God chooses to draw some, and he chooses not to draw others. He is sovereign, and it is arguably heretical to reduce God to some kind of fortune-teller who can merely see the future (I'm not implying this is your view, just preemptively refuting the common interpretation of predestination as 'God looked down the corridors of time and saw that little Tommy would choose Jesus.' I highly recommend John Owen's 'The Death of Death in the Death of Christ.' He does a great job of explaining our free will in the context of God's ultimate sovereignty. That said, I think these theological discussions are healthy for believes to engage in and I'm glad you commented! God bless, brother!

[@retiredbiker676]

Live real life in the Lord Jesus Christ. Don't get entangled in the Word and numerless interpretations thereof. Denominations. Cults. Living experience with goodness and might and faithfulness of the Lord God is what saves us , not debates who is right and who is wrong.

[@rayma6173]

That was a wonderful explanation of God's love for everyone. Everyone has the "free will" to come to God through His Son, Jesus. But the Father already knows who will accept His salvation and who won't. My prayer is that everyone who hears His Word, will humble themselves, repent, and trust in Jesus. 🙏

[@happyforever1528]

What you are preaching there is Arminianism , Mans Choice , nothing could be further from the truth , it is the Father in Jesus Christ who does the choosing before we were born, in fact way back in old Eternity , before the world was made , not because of any Good He foresaw in us but because He loved us !.

[@winsomehill1972]

Thank god for pastor Gary he teaches very well so i could understand the bible. Thank God he loves me and forgave me of my sin. Pastor Gary bring to serving the ture and living God. Thanks for the word of God.

[@thomasharp3246]

I think it would be safer to say neither rather than both. Calvinists believe we don't have free will but God chose who would be saved before creation. Arminians believe you can lose your salvation. Both are proven wrong. The truth is pre destination is all post salvation. Before being saved everyone is on the path to hell because of sin. God pre destined things for saved people and it's in essence sonship. We're going to be like Jesus in that we'll be children of God forever and nothing can separate that. Being children we'll inherit heaven. We're given the Holy Spirit as an earnest payment of the inheritance upon salvation. The elect are the saved according to faith. No one can lay a charge against us. We've been justified and will be glorified.

[@truth_matters777]

Oh the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out (Romans 11:33) The Bible says WHOM He foreknew He also did predestinate (not WHAT He foreknew, i.e that they would believe in Jesus). In Jeremiah 1:5 God says: I knew you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart for me before you were born. In my thirty years as a believer in Jesus I have hardly seen anyone show an interest in salvation. That tells me that God has to instill it by His grace and mercy. I am hoping for that for all those I am praying for. I heard a true story of a Christian pastor in Wales who prayed for all his six children to be saved and watched them grow up into adults. He died without seeing any of them come to faith. But now every one of them is a believer, along with all their children and grandchildren - thirty-six in number.

[@joanmavima5423]

That is an encouraging word ! For every believing parent, that is a burden on their heart.

[@sunithapeter6685]

*AMEN!* *May God Bless you Pastor*

[@1tmagda]

I have family members that won' t come to Christ because, they don't feel this irresistible call to accept Him, so how far do we allow this damnable heresy of Calvinism to deceive, lie to the world? 20 min later.....LOVE Chuck Smiths quote that I'll certainly use.. .Thanks again!

[@tinadehart3526]

Because they haven’t been called or chosen.

[@JuliaNeubauer]

Because they haven’t been called or chosen YET. God beckons us - according to His preordained plan and TIME.

[@Christopher-nq1dw]

Why does he need to elect us? If in his foreknowledge he know that some by their own power can come to Christ and believe in him why did he need to elect us what does his electing do?

[@carmennooner2027]

I was baptized at Calvary Chapel, Bellflower, CA. I was saved at a non denominational church in Orange County, CA, but even as a baby Christian, I knew that they were very Ken Copland-ish, so I had to move on. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit led me to Calvary Chapel and it was there where I became born again! Then I accepted my full commitment to Christ, and I stepped into the water to be baptized. This was in 1989, and I had the blessing of going to Orange County (Costa Mesa, I think?) once a year to what was called Harvest where many of the "names" who represent the early foundation of Calvary Chapel stood on the stage and gave their testimonies, and encouraged everyone to come to Christ and to grow strong in faith. I never personally met any of them, including Chuck Smith who was also there. But I had never realized how large the umbrella was until I attended those events. I was a stubborn 39 when I came to The Lord. I'm now a willing 75 year old widow who is looking up, every day, longing for His appearing. God bless you.

[@happyforever1528]

That's called the providence of God , Everything that comes our way comes by His hand 1.

[@mrnoedahl]

WOW. This man gets his doctrine from reading the whole Bible. What a novel concept. Do you think it might spread? I sure hope so.

[@toolegittoquit_001]

Many faithful men have done this for centuries…

[@chavitsagun5504]

Watching from Madrid Spain.God bless everyone.

[@michelhaineault6654]

I don't think responsIbility is what determine salvation Jesus saves only the ones the Father bring to him, where is our responsIbility here ? It's all about GOD WILL AND GOD CHOICE.

[@happyforever1528]

And to those He Gives the Gift of Faith !

[@catalina7294]

lol, then you have not read the bible correctly. I understand salvation is a gift from God, but the decision is ours. That is why we have to believe. The Father's will is that EVERYONE who looks to the son and believes in him should have eternal life (John 6:40). However, we must believe, If that was not so, Jesus would not have said: you refuse to come to me to have life (John 5:40) Calvin and Luther follow Augustine's gnostic teaching, a departure from the church fathers teachings, a new teaching that was not knew, it was the gnostic teaching the fathers were fighting against for 300 years.

[@MivhaelLeon]

I thank God because He has raised men that can interpret His Word more deeply. Praise Him

[@sstaners1234]

He talked about Calvinism and John McArthur. I have seen more videos on people being condemned than anything. And it comes across as extremely judgmental to the point where you start to ask “who can be saved?” They forget the grace of Christ Jesus and make up their own.

[@MrPancake0825]

I always enjoy me some pastor G!!!! God bless Pastor G, we love him!!

[@fernandomarquez3131]

05-28-2024 thank You HEAVENLY FATHER, bless the ministry @ CORNERSTONE. LEESBURG VIRGINIA.

[@markdiblasi3061]

He hates what Esau stands for, carnality traded his blessing for a bowl of soup.

[@Over-for-now]

If we have free will and we choose HIM then we CAN boast in HIS presence. NO NO NO. WAY. No boasting --- He chose us

[@ronlanter6906]

Amen 🙏🏻☝✝

[@Over-for-now]

​@@ronlanter6906hello, do you believe God CHOOSES to save some? I believe in HIS absolute sovereignty because we ARE dead to God and HIS claims on our lives. Jesus paid the debt we owed completely

[@ronlanter6906]

@@Over-for-now Yes, I adhere to the Reformed faith (I'm a Particular Baptist). I also believe that "doctrine matters". I boast in Christ!

[@SachelleCambria]

He chose us knowing we would accept Him.

[@happyforever1528]

We are all born with the fallen will which we inherited from the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden , All praise and Glory belongs to God Alone Read Eph. 1: 3 - 9 but ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes before you do , if you do He will , I you don't He won't , its called one of the secret things of God , Cheers and God Bless !.

[@krystal6612]

Praise the LORD FOR HE IS ALWAYS GOOD! I watched your baptism video❤ it made me cry tears of JOY❤❤❤

[@ruthweil3489]

Thank you Pastor Gary, I am greatly helped by your teaching. I would just like to know what verse says we have Free Will? It’s not a catch question, it’s just that I’ve found some verses which can be construed as saying that but I haven’t found a verse that actually says when He created us, He gave us a Free Will. Thank you.

[@fakeyououtdotcom2409]

The New Covenant does NOT state man is responsible for their salvation. Jesus is the AUTHOR of faith, not the offeror of faith. What happened on the cross, and through the death and resurrection of Jesus, is true because it happened, NOT because someone "chose to believe it." Think it through folks.

[@michelleinchristalone2769]

Gary can say he’s neither a Calvinist or Arminian all he wants but in reality, he falls in the Arminian category in his belief that God somehow abdicates the free exercise of His sovereign will over all He has made in order to maintain autonomous free will for the humanity He created. That IS NOT the one true and living God of the Bible who created and upholds all things. Apart from a sovereign new birth of God in Christ, man is hopelessly in bondage to a fallen will and can do nothing with a glory of God in mind including choose for Christ. God must first give him a new heart, a new birth, make him a new creation so that the fetters fall away and he sees Jesus as the all glorious, perfect Savior and runs to Him willingly and for the first time… freely as a free man no longer a slave to the Devil but as one no longer condemned. This is the sovereign will of God and His Will IS His mercy. All of God’s attributes are His essence, there is not one that overrides or competes with another but all perfectly are all of God. All that is in God, IS God. You can’t pit His sovereignty against His mercy. That God’s will is done is the best thing for His own. Arminians put fetters on God instead of acknowledging the ones on fallen and sinful humanity. The whole of redemptive history points to God’s holiness, man’s sin and inability, and God’s sovereign way of redemption in Jesus Christ. Salvation is all and completely of the Lord.

[@dianad4633]

Thank you so much for this sermon. I am 65 and years ago I heard about Calvinism and Armenianism. Being someone that studies the word and considering myself a Berean who likes to know truth, this subject really confused me. I would read a book about Calvinism and it would make sense, but John 3:16 kept coming back to show me that Calvinism just couldn’t be completely correct. Your sermon just confirmed exactly what I believe and I love the way that you say I don’t follow Calvin or Armenia but Jesus Christ only. Thank you so very much again.

[@DaviGouveadosSantos]

I’m exactly like you. I grew up and was raised in an Armenian community. However, I noticed that I could be perfect, but it would be impossible to be saved by my acts. At some point, predestination made me feel forgiven, and that made me love the gospel even more. My desire to respond to this love was by living in a way that testified to His grace. But, even understanding His sovereignty, I felt bad about being elected while others were not but I can't see to be saved by my own merit anymore as well. I've just decided not to thing about it and keeping spread His love believing that everyone could reach him as they heard his voice.

[@CharlotteThompson-i9d]

Gary I believe the Lord told me when I was trying to figure him out he said my ways are higher than your ways not human where we can find out who he is. God is the Lord of Lord king of Kings, first and last but beginning to the end I’m just saying he says the Lord my ways are higher than your ways stop. I hope that helps.🙏

[@carlnebrin]

James 1:18 “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

[@marine8347]

Super clear message and it’s from the Bible, not from some ….who got off the bed on the wrong side !!! Praise the Lord that there are still pastors who really preach the true gospel 💯❤️👍🙏

[@mrnoedahl]

Dear brother Gary. You, my hillbilly friend, need to read The Institutes of The Calvin Religion, and you too can become one of the enlightened ones. And divide the church as a bonus.

[@Over-for-now]

It's heresy to teach that our corrupt free will can CHOOSE HIM. !!!!!! In mercy he has to choose some. We choose to go to hell--- HE does not choose some to hell

[@s.l.7982]

We all need to work out our own salvation; which means following the Lord and His Word and not Calvinism or whomever else. Get in the Word and the Lord will reward you with the truth and assurance of salvation!

[@micheletisdale7467]

Amen!!!!

[@jamesda86]

i have battled with Calvinist, OSAS, Catholic, JW and it's fascinating to understand how people can be soo proud of their religion. Very much appreciate the sermon today, I choose Jesus, and understand free will of man but also the foreordained sovereignty of God.

[@dannyjones4044]

Amen. I'm right with Gary. I was raised Southern Baptist and this is more like what I have always believed. I prayed and asked God to forgive me as I had been asking my mother , The pastor came and explained to me how Jesus loves everyone, but if you want Jesus to come into your heart you have to let people know. I walked down that long isle in 4th grade. Too bad they didn't follow up with classes for children and adults about savation to explain more deeply. I accepted Christ because in my youth I wanted to believe and Jesus has changed my life. Not perfect person, but loved by Jesus. Maybe will meet in heaven, Blessings, Shelley(my husbaand didn't set me up with my name on computer as it says D for Danny and I am Shelley.

[@creechclann]

“I have battled”. “Other people are proud of their religion”. Hmmm

[@jamesda86]

@@creechclann I've battled with every type of friction. Mostly lost but through it i found knowledge and wisdom. I believe this is how the Lord teaches me. My stubborn, ego, pride, he shatteres it and gives me hope to rise. Many more i expect and give thanks to him who loves me soo dearly. Expects much more from me. Such a blessing. Hallelujah

[@jamesda86]

@@dannyjones4044 im glad you are on your journey with the Lord. What i honor is what lord teaches about prayers and good deeds. To do in secret. Pray in your room etc. Don't let other people pressure you into doing anything. Make sure you align with the Lord and do everything else around it. Go far and explore but always come back to the Lord in your heart. Protect it from external forces. Amen

[@michelleinchristalone2769]

It seems the man who said “I chose Jesus” is the one who is proud. The one who in retrospect, looks back at their state before regeneration and acknowledges their inability and poverty, knowing that only God by Himself and for Himself could have regenerated them, is the one who has laid down pride and sense of self, giving all glory to God and not keeping any portions piece, or aspect of their salvation in Christ for themself. Salvation from predestination to glorification is all and only of the Lord. When you realize this, you will truly live a life of grateful and worshipful gratitude to the only God and Lord, the only Savior Jesus Christ and not hold out any boasting for yourself.

[@amapola53]

Thank you, Pastor Gary , for tackling is divisive issue. God is holy, He is just...He gives everyone the opportunity to be saved. But they have to choose to believe. ❤❤

[@RoyceVanBlaricome]

I've listened to this about a half dozen times now while trying to multitask and do some other things. I should've known that was a mistake. So this time I'm actually focusing on this and I wanna say that I REALLY like the way Gary is teaching on this. I'm not sure I've found anything in all his teaching/preaching that I disagreed with but I think I may on a couple of things in this video. Which likely would come as NO surprise to Gary given the amount of debate and controversy on the subject. I hope you see this, Gary, and will comment wherever you think I'm off in my exegesis and interpretation. The first thing I might disagree with but don't know for sure because Gary didn't really define it is what it means to be Sovereign. The Calvinist define that as "in control". And by "control" they mean CONTROL. The theology term is Divine Meticulous Determination. God decrees and determines every single thing that happens down to the minutest detail. I define it as Ruler. God is the Sovereign Rule but that does NOT mean He controls everything. Rulers rule. They do NOT determine what happens with free agents. Back to listen to this one last time. Had to be sure but, yes, I disagree with what Gary says about Rom. 8:29. I have wrestled with the Predestination & Election passages and have come to the conclusion that there's NO way to understand them when isolated out from the other passages. Thus I read Rom. 8 in the same light as Eph. 1:4. Who is the Elect? Those IN Christ? Who did God "foreknow"? Everyone. Who has God predestinated to be conformed to the image of Christ? Everyone. Thus who did God call? Everyone. Who is justified? Everyone - IN CHRIST. I could go on but the only way I can reconcile all these passages and Scripture as a whole is by seeing that ALL are called and justified and glorified WHEN in the Elect One - Christ. Two other quick points just because I'd REALLY appreciate your feedback should you happen to see this. Another reason I don't agree with your argument that Predestination is based on God's foreknowledge is because I don't believe it's wise to say what God knows or doesn't know. One because His ways are higher than ours and He does speak to "secret things" belonging to Him. (Deu. 29:29) Second, because there are Scriptures that SPECIFICALLY say God did not know things and that they never even came into His mind. (Jer. 7:31, et al) Secondly, wrt the Gospel, Jn. 3:16, and other verses you listed as "invitations", I don't believe that's the case. The Gospel is a COMMAND, Jn. 3:16 is a statement of fact, and the other passages are either the same or exhortations and such.

[@markrogers7546]

Truth is truth. You can't combine Calvinism and Arminianism! The Sovereignty of God always trumps man's feeble choice.

[@bbclare7]

Pastor Gary - Thank you for sharing your gift of teaching to us all. I have been thinking about this for a while now and appreciate your viewpoint. 🙏

[@Christopher-nq1dw]

If he knows who is going to be saved in his foreknowlege then why does he need to do anything like elect us draw us?

[@jennifertallbear4480]

Thanks for the effort, ❤️🙏 Have you ever heard Kevin Thompson on Election and Predestination? He is At BTF on KZbin

[@jonathandavid9720]

He is very thorough and jn-depth on this topic.

[@marthaudom6543]

Listening from Canada Mississauga

[@garycairns8460]

Jesus = Grace n Mercy Amen ❤❤

[@pattyedmonson3261]

Wait what or whom is this for and why is politics in the church? If this is for Trump he has sinned says he sees no reason to ask for forgiveness someone needs to relook at him. I’m a lifelong Republican and a Christian but a person that doesn’t feel the need for forgiveness isn’t someone to follow or Lead…. Seems you are always talking about what’s concerning him. The church needs to get back to saving souls and get political out.

[@busybody1474]

❤ i agree

[@cameronayers5266]

Proverbs 16:4 The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

[@michelleinchristalone2769]

The issue at hand is what do you believe about the nature of the Fall of Man? Was it partial or radical. The Bible teaches a radical fall. Adam’s freedom and that of all of his posterity was indeed rescinded at the fall and with the subsequent curse. Only those who by the grace of God, are then found in the second Adam- the final and perfect prophet, priest, and King; the all-sufficient propitiatory sacrifice for sin are set free from the curse and penalty of sin and are once again free.

[@Christopher-nq1dw]

If someone who is chosen by God can resist him, then you are saying that not all who are chosen by God are going to have salvation

[@janicetroch7798]

Thank you for sharing this message. Watching from Florida.

[@raynaldarseneault78]

Explain to me what Jesus meant when he said in John 6:44 '' No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.'' and in John 6:65 '' No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.'' ??? And how can a spiritually dead person believe in Jesus-Christ unless God himself wakes him or her to the glorious truth of the gospel. like Paul says in Ephesians 2:1 ''And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;'' ??? I believe in the sovereignty of God who choses who will be saved.

[@mikesturgell9420]

God calls every human because he is NOT willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

[@chb33]

In John 15:16, Jesus is speaking to the 12 disciples when He says “I have chosen you…” He’s not saying He chooses among all humans who will believe or who won’t believe. He made a similar statement to the disciples in John 5. “70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.”

[@tinadehart3526]

He again said I will not lose or reject not one who the FATHER GIVES ME! it’s Gods choice not ours!

[@jonathandavid9720]

Correct

[@jim6798]

Before any of this Catholics and Eastern Orthodox would be considered Armimians

[@GailynZagula]

I’m glad you did sermon on this subject! I have heard the negative from a couple of people that say “ you don’t choose… study that!” Mainly, I want to share this with them because it really adds stress and doubts. May He bless you with peace always. In Jesus name Amen 🙏🏼

[@michelleinchristalone2769]

It is the opposite of what you think: It’s the Arminian view that God’s hands are somehow bound and that WE must choose that causes stress and doubt and creates a ‘flower petal gospel’ (He loves, me. He loves me not). For instance, how and why do you pray for your fallen family, children, neighbors, coworkers, etc if in fact, God is not sovereign over their salvation? In their fallen state, do they have to find it within themselves to work up in their ‘free will’ to be smarter, more holy, more savvy than the unregenerate guy next door? Is that what separates you from the unsaved guy next door? And furthermore, if you had to boot-strap your own salvation, it would necessarily follow that you must then keep in a right standing before God by your efforts as well. How did all that work for ethnic Israel??? Are we any different? The truth is, there is no peace or sure hope in a God that is not completely sovereign over salvation and all things. You don’t have to COMPREHEND all of God and His ways, but we can certainly APPREHEND the truths contained in His Word. We don’t pit this verse against that verse but instead rely on the analogy of faith and of scripture to help us interpret difficult passages. Those, like myself who hold to the Doctrines of Grace do indeed understand the mystery of Divine Concurrence: that God is sovereign AND man is responsible. The difference between us and Gary is that when we say God is sovereign, we mean utterly. Unregenerate humans will go to Hell not because they didn’t hear of Christ, but for their high-handed sin against God. So when Gary jokingly relates the story of the person who doesn’t know if their elect - he was part right when he said, “repent and believe! Good. Now you’re elect!” What he doesn’t teach is that the whosoevers are those whom God has given a new heart TO repent and believe. Regeneration (John 3) precedes faith. Our very repentance and faith, a true and heartfelt act, is a gift of God who has sovereignly replaced our heart of stone with a heart of flesh so we come to see the holiness of God, the poverty of our sin, and the beauty of the only Savior Jesus Christ our Lord. Salvation is of the Lord.

[@j.a.c.7191]

One of the very best explanation I’ve heard on that subject. Love when he said, it’s Both sides, attempting to explain an infinite God in a finite way. I’m paraphrasing, but you get the point.

[@wethefree-alberta]

Mercy🙏💙 Thank you for this interpretation. It was a timely message for me.

[@Christopher-nq1dw]

Are you saying that we can resist Gods choosing? Because if you are, then you are saying that God is wrong in choosing us

[@Christopher-nq1dw]

I mean, in choosing the one who has resisted him

[@denisespencer8000]

I have a plan for you...... is predestined

[@mr.wilson77]

as always, I am grateful for the education and illumination of the Word

[@harveywarne9030]

Clearly, God said what he chooses to do. He isnt checking in with us. Even is Psalms...think 115:3. In any event, he is soverign...he has mercy on whom he chooses and not on whom he chooses.

[@tinadehart3526]

Amen!

[@bobhibbard4965]

Fantastic teaching! This explained much and made clear many verses about this topic.

[@jesusandcoffee5388]

Thank you for this easy-to-understand lesson on predestination and election. It made it so much easier to understand than anything else I have heard or read.

[@12111scott]

Acts 13:48 was after Paul and Barnabas preached to the Gentiles

[@fernandomarquez3131]

Thank you sir for the bible that was sent to me .

[@kiwiburciaga]

Min 20. Esau was carnal. 1 Corinthians 15:50. The flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. Jacob was a liar and deceiver, but loved God and changed his ways, when he was deceived by Rachael’s dad

[@schrishzen]

If he knows who will be saved and who will not, can those who will not, choose to believe in and follow him?

[@yvonnegray9516]

Awesome message, I needed to hear this message, very well explained ❤

[@THARTLOVE-jw9jz]

Malachi 1:1-4 the another clear explanation about why God loves Jacob and hates Esau

[@Christopher-nq1dw]

Can Adam have chosen to obey?

[@randybriggs9158]

Thank you! I asked God to direct me when I hit play because this subject conflicted with me. I thank God for his Word! I have heard many doctrines on total depravity. I now can listen again with a different perspective knowing the I'm of Christ and eat from his plate. I don't know this guy here , never heard him before but I identify with him in Christ only.

[@UCGC]

your part 1 video was just as informal as this being part 2. awesome videos God bless you and your church in Christ Jesus :)