Ephesians 1 De-Calvinized

Dr. Leighton Flowers, Director of Evangelism and Apologetics for Texas Baptists, gives a brief 10 minute overview of Ephesians 1 from a Traditional/Provisionist perspective as in contrast with the typical Calvinistic reading.
The first chapter of Ephesians is a hotly contested passage regarding the doctrine of salvation. The first verse reveals that Paul’s audience is “the faithful in Christ Jesus.” In fact, the “in Christ” theme introduced in the apostle’s opening sentence continues through this entire section of the text. He repeats this phrase, in various forms, ten times in just thirteen verses.
I would like to pose a question for objective consideration. Let’s drop any preconceived ideas we have about this text and attempt to answer the question as honestly as we can.
How does one come to be “in Him?”
Does this passage state that he chose us individually to be effectually placed in him, or does it simply state, “he chose us in him?” Does it teach that Christ redeems us individually so that we might be irresistibly put in him or does it only teach, “In him we have redemption?” Does it say that God has chosen individuals to be in him, or does it say, “in him we were also chosen?”
Has God chosen individuals to be placed in Him?
Or, has God chosen individuals who are in Him?
Put another way…
Has God predetermined the individuals to be in the group?
Or, has God chosen a group of individuals for a predetermined end?
Some focus so much attention on the first 12 verses that they fail to see the last two verses where Paul gives an answer to this vital question; “How does one come to be in Him?”
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.
First question: When were they included in Christ?
Was it before the foundation of the earth? What answer does the text give?
“…when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.”
Let’s continue to read:
When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession-to the praise of his glory.
Second question: When were they marked in Him?
Was it before the world began and without any regard to their response to the gospel? What does the text say?
“When you believed, you were marked in him…”
The text seems to clearly indicate that God has predetermined that the “the faithful in Christ Jesus” (vs. 1) will become “holy and blameless” (sanctification - vs. 4) and they will be “adopted” (glorification - vs. 5). (Note: Romans 8:23 clearly indicates that Paul sees “adoption” as a future hope for all who come to faith.)
How do we know that we, believers in Christ, will be sanctified and glorified? Because God has marked us IN HIM and given us His Spirit as a guarantee of what he has purposed for all who believe.
This passage is not about God predetermining which individuals will be in Christ. It is about God predetermining what will become of those who are in Christ through belief in His truth.
For a more in-depth look at Ephesians 1 please consider these other videos: • Walking Through Ephesi...
Ephesians 1 contrasted with a Calvinistic reading from JD Greear: • Critique of Calvinisti...
An article on Eph. 1: soteriology101.com/2015/03/14...
To support this ministry: www.soteriology101.com/support

[@gospideygo6061]

Ok I’ve been Calvinist for 3 years but for some reason your explanation makes more sense.

[@jax345-]

Leighton is an ex calvinist himself! I hope and pray God reveals to you the truth my bro/sis in Christ! Whether it be calvinism or provisionism.

[@jesuslover6497]

Amen 🙌

[@JohnSmith-tx3ys]

I was Calvinist for ten years.

[@jkpow93]

Phil 2:13

[@kevinjypiter6445]

It’s so rare to see someone with a humble heart in the comment section. I too have struggled with this passage because of Calvinist teachers. As it turns out the church fathers have always held the same view Dr. Flowers supports here

[@timg1770]

I get it! I was never a Calvinist but now I think I have a deeper understanding of Eph 1. It's about how God wants to lavish His love on those who believe in Him. Once we have believed, He has already predestined us for these wonderful things - to be forgiven, made blameless, become adopted sons and daughters and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Eph 1 is not emphasizing predestination. It''s emphasizing just how much God loves those who believe in Him in that He has already predestined these gifts (or acts) of love toward those who become believers. Thank you, Leighton!

[@hadassah_redeemed]

It's amazing how people can twist the scriptures so they say what they want it to. You explained this so clearly and ended so much confusion for me. Thank you!

[@codysmith7788]

I’ve been so frustrated recently by Calvinists who claim their view must be correct because scripture uses word like “predestination” and “election”. But, they never actually consider the whole text. As Dr. Ben Witherton said, “ (A) text without context is just a pretext for what we want it to mean, and thus the New Testament text must be read in its historical, rhetorical, literary, social, and religious contexts”.

[@tomtemple69]

my 3 rules are context the Bible interprets the Bible and clear passages override unclear passages

[@zzevonplant]

And those words predated their ideology. People read those same words in Scripture for a long time before Augustine et al, without coming to the conclusion the Calvinists do.

[@amyunick5674]

Yes!!!!! 💯 Amen 🙏

[@j.luminous7238]

I love the condensed video and this explanation was the best I've heard. I had to stop and start praising God with how secure I am and the hope I have for the future knowing that He has predestined so much good for those who believe. Thankyou

[@kimberleerivera3334]

Thank you Leighton Flowers! GLORY TO GOD! PRAISE OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST!

[@Just_a_Reflection]

Thank you so much for this. I was rereading the New Testament, very slowly and deliberately, to make sure that my theology was intact, and began looking for teachings like this after finishing seemingly difficult books of chapters. I was looking for something long and in-depth, but instead found something concise and succinct. And, unbelievably, I was concentrating my study on "soteriological" issues. God is Good ✝️🕊!

[@2001BornAgain]

I’ve watched a number of your videos but this one by far is the best one I’ve seen. Very clear, contextual, and illustrative explanations should help many believers (and Lord willing unbelievers) understand the idea behind predestination, and understand very clearly what Paul was really saying in that first chapter. Good stuff, brother! God bless!

[@Xhej22]

Kevin Thompson at Beyond The Fundamentals does a amazing job explaining this in detail. Thank you Leighton !

[@maurineorton6091]

So glad to hear this explanation as I have always believed this to be true. After all Gods plan as we read (Genesis to Revelation) has been about redemption not condemning people to hell. Thank you so much for rightly dividing the word of truth.

[@robertcheyne7235]

Exactly! Only a monster God could plan to make people burn in hell 'for his glory,' as some claim, with those sorry souls deprived of the free will to believe in Christ!

[@derrickcarson]

What an excellent explination. I have always known the Calvanist Doctrine was off but it was difficult to explain. This was perfect.

[@clellaadams]

It was purposefully made difficult to explain.

[@clellaadams]

It was purposefully made difficult to explain.

[@amyunick5674]

Oh my gosh it's hard to explain but it's so wrong Jesus please help me and my brothers and sisters in you spread the true Gospel to the world

[@warinheri3878]

Excellent analysis of Ephesians 1:1-14. It communicates a clear biblical understanding of this passage and dissipates the calvinistic fog surrounding it.

[@lighthouseministries8014]

I absolutely loved your video I thought that you explained the scripture in great detail I'm a pastor myself And we'll be using your analogy Thank you so much

[@zekdom]

4:50 - “The DESTINATION of those IN HIM is set beforehand. That is predestination.”

[@fishandbike]

no he is saying that, God has predetermined the destination of those who CHOSE Christ, not that God has predetermined who will be in him

[@suganemmenaul]

@@fishandbike v4 God who chose the believers in Christ before the foundation of the world, (it’s God choice) that we should be….( because of God election we were United to Christ through our faith ) ( because of Christ we are holy, blameless, and loved by God )scripture is clear on that. V5 God who predestined us, it’s a past act of God. Not present act of God when we believe. LF put it as it’s God set the destination, but He did know who will be in Christ, it’s a open election motherhood, Scripture did not say that. V4 clarified God who chose us in Christ from the foundation of the world. Read it as it is. And give glory to God. ❤

[@platinum1781]

Before I ever saw this video I prayed before reading Ephesians 1… I prayed that the Holy Spirit would teach me, and within the first 2 minutes of this video it’s EXACTLY what I learned reading Ephesians 1… without any commentary or help from anybody else, the first verse jumped out at me like so clearly… to the faithful in Christ Jesus, the “us” being referred to is the faithful in Christ Jesus. It’s actually so simply displayed in front of you if you don’t have calvinist lenses on.

[@caleb4015]

Very similarly to you I prayed for God to show me the truths in his Word and when I read Ephesians, I see the sovereign choice of God who chose "Us" before the foundations of the world. There are 2 distinctions between our beliefs here. When we boil it down, free-will Armenians believe that man is the center of God's plan and Calvinist believe God is the center of God's plan. God's plan hinges on the decisions and actions of man according to your belief.

[@platinum1781]

@@caleb4015 “Gods plan hinges on the decisions and actions of man according to your belief.” First of all you’re putting words in my mouth and misrepresenting my view. No I don’t believe Gods plan hinges on man… God provides a way of salvation and it is our responsibility to respond. Are you just assuming I’m a free will Arminian? I’m not. If you’re holding to the “sovereign choice” of God. He chooses to give some people no ability to accept the truth of the gospel and then punishes them in eternal hell for doing what he decreed them to do. Absolute nonsense. We have a free will, but it’s not some super power… think about Jonah. He resisted God’s call but God chastened him for his disobedience and he ended up doing God’s will, what do you see here besides two opposing wills? Did God decree Jonah to resist Him and then punish him for doing it? “and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command OR DECREE, nor did it come into my mind-” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭19:5 Is it part of God’s secret will to meticulously determine His people to burn their children in the fire or was it their free choice to do it? Looks to me God said He didn’t decree it…

[@caleb4015]

@@platinum1781 In that instance, man's will is left in the default state of rebellion and sin, which means in that state, man will do all manner of wickedness because he is a slave to sin. When regenerated by God, man is made a slave to Christ "doulos" instead of a slave to sin. My intent is not meant to be hostile to you. Simply making an observation as to how I see our views. What do you do with the fact that there are many who never hear the gospel in their whole life. They die and go to Hell. Case in point, the natives of Sentinel Island or a close comparison of such a people. What about how God made the Assyrians attack Israel, even though it never entered their mind to do so, but still punished them for the act? At the end of the day, this is God's plan and ultimately everything is to the glory of God.

[@platinum1781]

@@caleb4015 I apologize if I came across as rude… So if a man is a slave to sin (which I agree we are outside of Christ), does that therefore mean he can’t call upon Jesus to free him unless God picked him? Because a man is a slave he cannot respond to God’s appeals to be reconciled? You can try to make this palatable all you want, but ultimately (in the calvinist view) God creates most people for the purpose of eternal torment in hell. For what, his own glory.. really? Who is more blame worthy objectively, the man hated by his maker from the womb created to be destroyed, or the man that hates God and won’t respond to Him despite God’s love for him? I think God is more glorified in displaying His love for His enemies on the cross than creating them to squash them under His finger. Was God using wicked Assyrians for His purpose, or did He decree them to be wicked so as to use them? Something to think about.

[@FaithfulReasoning]

It's not by chance that we stumble across such videoes

[@felixgilberto25]

This is so helpful. Thank you for teaching this so good. Praise God

[@johndoe-ln4oi]

Leighton, thank you for these more condensed videos! They are much easier to make time to watch.

[@deeasinero8692]

I’m so blessed to listen to this video. God is really the God of truth. This affirmed my understanding of these passages, and you explained it simply and clearly. Thank you so much for explaining this that we may understand the context. Praise the Lord for the leading and enlightenment!

[@TrevorAndersen]

Starting a Bible study on Ephesians with my small group tonight and I’m showing this because I want to avoid having to spend hours on predestination. Thank you, Leighton!

[@mualim]

Please do more of these short and to the point video series! This one is very clear and concise. Thank you!

[@bencausey]

Incredibly well done. I knew all of this intuitively, but it was disjointed in my mind. Not any more. Thank you.

[@chuckduck516]

Same here!

[@johnparkinson3860]

Ten minutes well spent. Dr Flowers has given us the key to a proper understanding of Ephesians 1. Thank you for a scriptural explanation of predestination.

[@djohnson3093]

@@reynaldodavid2913Jo Please... just stop it .... Nobody was chosen for salvation from before the foundation of the world. If that were the case, you'd present the scripture that says such instead of having to dance around trying to prove something that scripture doesn't say. Calvinism 101

[@kratosofspartareal]

This gives the glory to God! Christ Jesus is the destination! He is the everything in Ephesians 1, in the scriptures, in the gospel! Everything is IN HIM!!!!

[@mitchielou9622]

Thanking God for this ministry!! I started going to a church that doesn’t make it clear up front that they are Reformed. I started to hear some different things & questioned the pastor. It led to more confusion, but then led to a fervent study of scripture and the discovery of this channel! I am now more clear on what the scripture says and have since left that church after praying about it and have found a biblically sound church.

[@bornagainbeliever1429]

Praise God!

[@rominaf4901]

AMEN, Thank you Leighton Flowers for taking the time to put this together. Praise God for the gift of the Holy Spirit that obviously dwells in you. It brings such joy to my heart to hear this message and to know that He first loved us to do what He did for the whole of His creation in order to bring Salvation to those who put their faith and trust in Him. All Glory Honour and Praise be to you Lord Jesus.

[@darryld.8616]

The word for "predestined" is the greek word "proorizo" which means: to predetermine, decide beforehand, in the NT of God decreeing from eternity to foreordain, appoint beforehand. Now where in the definition does it mean or even imply "destination?" It doesn't. So the question "what is predestined" and the answer found in this definition. The word does not give that answer. The answer is in the rest of the text. People are predestined not a place. Again Leighton has redefined "predestined" to an improper word that Paul is not saying here.

[@djohnson3093]

@@darryld.8616 The word "predestined" in Ephesians is not talking about individuals being predestined. It's talking about people being predestined for something. And that something is not salvation, which is not mentioned in Ephesians. We are chosen in Him to be holy and blameless, we are predestined for adoption. It doesn't say that anyone is predestined to be in Him. Only what those who are in Him are predestined for. This epistle is written to those who are already in Christ by the same author who has previously explained how to be in Christ. This same author said "that IF you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved". Notice Paul said "IF"? No where does the Bible say that anyone is predestined to be saved. It only speaks of what BELIEVERS are predestined to become.

[@darryld.8616]

@@djohnson3093a particular people are predestined not a end. The definition of the word "predestination" again has zero to do with a destination. The bible is clear that there is an "Elect" of God chosen before the foundation of the world, individuals of whom Paul surely is talking to and is talking about. Paul writes about the church as the "Elect" of God, chosen of whom Christ intercedes for in so many places in his epistles that its undeniable that Paul is talking about individuals who are chosen. Christ did not intercede for all mankind on the cross, then stop interceding for those who reject Him. Paul says,... Romans 8:32-34 NASB95 - 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. The "us" Paul is talking about is the "elect" of whom Christ will freely give all things to because Christ intercedes for "us." Not only this but Christ will never stop interceding for "us" showing He only does intercede for us here in Hebrews.... Hebrews 7:25 NASB95 - 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. It says in the above verse Christ intercedes for those who drawn near to God which begins with Christ's death on the cross. So thus Christ did and does not intercede for those who will not be drawn near to God. This theology all ties together perfectly when looked at consistantly. In too many instances Paul expresses people are chosen. Just like here in Eph. where Paul says we were chosen for adoption. Exactly! At the moment of salvation the imputed righteousness is given to us whereby we can call the Father Abba because we at that moment of salvation instantly become children of God. We are people whom the LORD chose to whom He gives us all things....justification, adoption, salvation, glorification, sanctification, a seat in heaven, mercy, grace and so much more. So as individuals, we were given all these things because He graciously predestined us to receive them not by our will, but by His will from eternity past.

[@darryld.8616]

@@djohnson3093 oh and just for the case of simple logic regarding this. Adoption equals being a Child of God. If we are "in Him" then we are adopted. We dont choose to be saved then God adopts us. No. God chooses to save us thats why we are adopted. That is what grace is...giving us what we dont deserve Us being "in Christ" was from eternity past always in the mind of God as surely as Paul says now we are citizens of heaven. Yeah cause though it hasnt happened yet, since God ordaines it to be so, it is thus guaranteed to happen.

[@djohnson3093]

@@darryld.8616 I didn't say a word about predestination meaning a place or destination. I actually said it means "for" something. I also named exactly what Ephesians says believers (the audience being addressed) are predestined and chosen for. Here's the problem with your interpretation. It cannot coincide with the whole of scripture. The majority of the Bible must be explained away. This is what calvinism does (like all false doctrines). Definitions are changed. Explanations are created that are unbiblical. Smooth, convincing language is used. For example, according to Calvinism, ALL doesn't actually mean ALL (not in scripture). Whosoever doesn't mean Whosoever (not in scripture). Everyone doesn't really mean Everyone. (Also not in scripture). The biblical doctrine of the believers assurance is done away with because you nor anyone else can know if you are among the chosen unless you have a list of names. The end times judgement becomes nothing more than show by a judge who passes judgement on those for what the judge made them do. This destroys the definition of "Righteous Judge". The message of the cross cannot coexist with calvinism. No where does the Word of God even hint that God only had intentions of reconciling these He had chosen from before the foundation of the world. It's just the opposite. I can go on forever with this. I can list verse after verse that is in direct contradiction to the calvinist interpretation of predestination. I'm guessing that you would only come back with more proof texts which implies "Oh yeah? I know what John 3:16 says but Ephesians 1:4 says..." which is nothing more than claiming the word of God has contradictions. On the other hand, the interpretation I believe to be right causes zero controversy with the whole of scripture. The believers assurance remains in tact. I can present the gospel to the lost without turning the good news into bad or hiding what I truly believe. All means All. Whosoever means Whosoever. Not only for our sins but for the sins of the whole world means what it says. Again, I can go on forever. The point is, is that I don't have to explain away anything. It all fits together so beautifully. I don't believe that all will be saved because many will not come. Many will choose to remain unbelieving. This is also biblical. I don't have to limit my doctrinal arguments to 10 - 15 proof texts that support my beliefs. I can use every single word without contradiction. You used explanations in your comment that aren't found in scripture. Which forces you to avoid my comment about the Bible NEVER saying that some were chosen before the foundation of the world for salvation. Where is it? The words saved and salvation are used regularly. Why not while talking about predestination? I've heard your exact response from every calvinist I've talked to. They never go outside the proof texts. They all say practically the same thing almost word for word. I understand why. I can give you 100 verses that are in direct contradiction to the calvinist interpretation and 9 out of 10 times they will be ignored and the response will be the same proof texts over and over. Tell me where you find a passage in the Bible that says some were predestined from before the foundation of the world to be saved while the others are condemned to eternal damnation from before the foundation of the world. At least something remotely related. But I am going to need the words saved, salvation, chosen, elect or predestined in the same passage. Thanks

[@treybarnes5549]

I always say if you put the emphasis on “Him “and less emphasis on “us“, you’ll very quickly leave the subculture of Calvinism.

[@nathanhellrung9810]

Exactly, and yet they think their view is less man-centered. Think about it.

[@johnmorgan692]

Trey"!😃well said"

[@goodshorts]

@@nathanhellrung9810 precisely, we don't follow the doctrines of men, but the truth of Christ. We don't need calvin, calvin needs Christ.

[@n.holt7]

That us true lol.

[@darryld.8616]

The word "predestined" does not mean nor have anything to do with a "destination". It is wrong to break up the word and define it in English as Leighton here has done imposing a definition upon the word Paul is using here. The word "predestined" is the greek word "proorizo". Here is the definition: to predetermine, decide beforehand in the NT of God decreeing from eternity to foreordain, appoint beforehand Now where is "destination" here? Its not there.

[@hbrws813]

Another excellent teaching that clearly explained the true meaning of predestination.

[@JJaddme]

Well said! Thank you Dr. Leighton!

[@Lost-in-the-EIGHTIES]

Really awesome explanation. I have always believed in Arminianism but in truth I’ve had trouble in the last couple of years being solidly in one camp or the other mostly because of your debates with Dr White which made me contemplate my position. Ty and God bless you Dr for this message. I feel a real sense of peace and assurance on this much debated topic and I’m all the way in

[@johnwotherspoon2550]

Thank you for this excellent presentation. God bless your ministry!

[@flow1180]

Amazing Dr Flowers Wow! This explanation is truly led by the Holy Spirit thank you 🙏🏻 keep it up brother.

[@LyndaAlsford]

This is really helpful. Thank you. I am preaching on Ephesians 1:1-14 and couldn't get my head around predestination. And this really helped and made sense.

[@Melusi_Nyathi]

The problem is we want to add our opinions and explain things that need no explanation so they fit our biases or so that they make sense. The Word is Spiritual and the moment you want to analyse it with your mind so it makes sense to you, you will loose it. That is why many Churches today are full of theories but lack the Power of the Gospel for they have explained the potency of the Gospel away in order to make sense of it. The Gospel was not made to make sense or appeal to the senses, it is Spiritual and only the spiritual can understand it, it needs to be revealed to you by God, not analysed. Just because this video makes sense doesn't mean its true, when you believe something because it makes sense to you and is logical, you have moved away from the Spirit realm to the sense realm. The Gospel Jesus preached never appealed to the senses or made sense, the message of the cross was and is foolishness to many but is life to the spiritual. A lot of times the Bible just means what it says no need for explanations, dont try to make it fit your opinion, rather seek God till you conform to the scripture and deeper mystries are revealed to you concerning whatever scripture. God is Sovereign, He left nothing to chance.

[@clsmithent]

We are to do all things in the Spirit, that includes reading God's Word.

[@Melusi_Nyathi]

@@clsmithent Amen to that for the New Convenant is a Spiritual reality.

[@nohandle519]

Your ministry is very important, thank you for putting this much time and effort in to bring glory to God with the truth.

[@fishandbike]

This makes a lot of sense actually...

[@ruthsnively7248]

All I can say after watching this is PRAISE THE LORD !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@joefine48]

Thank you for helping me understand better the doctrine of predestination. I needed a good explanation.

[@loricarl9261]

This makes so much sense to me. when you listen to others try to make this about predestination for salvation it leads to confusion, (1 Cor 14:33) "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." this explanation gives me peace.

[@sheilasmith7779]

So true. It's the use of the word predestination. God predestined many things. He predestined a PLAN for salvation, that all that accepted the gift of salvation would receive it, not an assign few.

[@jackrust9817]

Once again a very well thought out and well done presentation of the truth. Thank you for what you are doing and in the loving manner in which you do it.

[@darryld.8616]

The word for "predestined" is the greek word "proorizo" which means: to predetermine, decide beforehand, in the NT of God decreeing from eternity to foreordain, appoint beforehand. Now where in the definition does it mean or even imply "destination?" It doesn't. So the question "what is predestined" and the answer found in this definition. The word does not give that answer. The answer is in the rest of the text. People are predestined not a place. Again Leighton has redefined "predestined" to an improper word that Paul is not saying here.

[@djohnson3093]

@@darryld.8616 What does the text say people are predestined for? (Specifically the Saints/believers that this epistle is addressed to. Not just people.) Does the text say people are predestined to be saved from before the foundation of the world? Or does the text say what those who are in Him are predestined for (to be holy and without blame, for redemption through His blood and forgiveness of sins, inheritance, adoption, etc)? Is predestined for salvation in this text somewhere?

[@darryld.8616]

@@djohnson3093 people are predestined not outcomes.

[@darryld.8616]

@@djohnson3093 please dont believe Flowers..."The Choice Meats" guy.

[@djohnson3093]

@@darryld.8616 Predestined for what? Do you see salvation in the text? I'm talking the word of God... Not Flowers. What does the text actually say?

[@andym1729]

Thank you brother Leighton!

[@MrYftuna]

Absolutely fantastic!! Thank you for sharing.

[@brianwagner3651]

Excellent explanation!

[@jcthomas3408]

God has chosen those in Him to be blameless in his sight. The passage is a list of blessings for those in Him. Not a choosing of who will become believers. Great baseball coach analogy.

[@josephdurraz8574]

Jc Thomas, God has chosen the Elect since the foundation of the world to be saved because the Elect are His True Children... The Elect lost their fellowship with their Father God after they inherited the 'Sinful Nature' of Adam and Eve... So God sent Jesus Christ to Redeem them... REDEEM means to take back by paying... Jesus indeed Redeem the elect by paying His Own Blood.... This means the Elect already belongs to God thousands of years before they were even born...

[@johndoe-ln4oi]

@@josephdurraz8574 You're so right. John 3:16 says it so well: "For God so loved the Elect that he gave his one and only Son, so that the Elect, who were already predetermined to believe in him and saved anyway, shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (Calvinist Edition)

[@johndoe-ln4oi]

@Followerofchrist 247 Well done!

[@djohnson3093]

@@josephdurraz8574 Where is that passage in the Bible? Actually... where do you find the words chosen, elect and salvation in the same verse? Maybe you added a few words to support a false doctrine?

[@Tothehighwaysandbyways]

@@djohnson30932 thes. 2:13

[@JesusIsLord77788]

Seems like adoption got completely ignored? Please explain he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. Ephesians 5-6

[@thwartz]

Great video! Thank you!

[@ph50493]

Thank you this is an excellent teaching 😊

[@RobSanchezjr]

Thank you for all you're doing.

[@robertrogers-nm8wf]

Thank you so so much for explaining, teaching in truth on this Calvinism/reformed issue. So important.

[@marcbrianvil]

Thank you very much for this!

[@hannahc8934]

I'm so grateful for these de-Calvinizing scripture series. For many years, I had no idea how scripture was being frame for me through a Calvanistic lens.

[@leo72885]

This makes perfect sense!

[@clsmithent]

When I first heard the doctrine of predestination, I cried. It hurt my heart to think of all my family & friends that I wanted to believe in Jesus, might not be able too. And so why should we go out & preach the gospel since God already had His chosen. It didn't make sense. Calvinism reminds me of Jehovah's witnesses teaching, it only looks at one view of how to read the scriptures. Are there any other preachers that give bible teaching that are from a non-Calvinistic view point?

[@clsmithent]

@@reynaldodavid2913Jo Yes, I can believe SOME are predestined or elected or chosen, but what verses back that up. I wish I could copy your response so I could read it more for understanding. Ty for your response.

[@Lightningclad1]

Cheryl - Check out Pastor Mike Winger (the Bible Thinker) for some great content as well.

[@christianhalkides5707]

I always felt it wasn’t right but battled that as well ! But I know the Love of Christ indeed !! 💯☝🏼🙏🏼

[@denvercrucifixion5928]

@@reynaldodavid2913Jo to assume that before or after have any bearing on eternity outside of our relativistic time and causal structure is a fallacy. Acts 13:48 is just a strange English translation. It is tantamount to saying that they ordained themselves from the context of verse 46 by choice

[@denvercrucifixion5928]

@@reynaldodavid2913Jo no in verse 48 it talks about being "pre-ordained." This is a misinterpretation. It more accurately translated as being disposed or weakly (grammatically) ordaining oneself. Ordering to line up with something in a military sense. Choice actions as displayed by the context of verse 46

[@brianschmidt704]

As a member of a reformed church for many years, I am very familiar with the calvinistic interpretation. Often, the key problem is that iyes you determine who the author of a passages and who their audience Is. So often, This changes the entire understanding of a passage. You showed an excellent explanation of that here. Thank you.

[@nicholasdibari9095]

This actually makes a lot of sense. And this interpretation coincides with “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬ And “For 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; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:11-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

[@DanielApologetics]

Nailed it!

[@SavedandUnashamed]

I'm praying hard that I don't have to leave my church over this, but I cannot ignore the fact that Christ died for all. Ephesians 2 makes it plain, because of grace and by faith. I'm hurting and heart broken.

[@keithkeller7323]

I can relate

[@twistedtitan5485]

Excellent presentation Love the airplane analogy

[@sheilasmith7779]

If Flowers stood on a debate stage opposing a Calvinist, this presentation would dismantle the Calvinist. Evidence, in the words of scripture.

[@mattflynn1342]

Such a clear BIBLICAL explanation. Thank you Dr. Flowers! I just sent it to 3 Brothers, who I know will appreciate it.

[@CynVee]

Excellent! Imagine how helpful it would be if every pastoral candidate was asked to preach on Ephesians 1 before an offer of position was made? In this way, the church, elders would know exactly where the candidate landed on the theology of Calvinism vs. non-Calvinism.

[@heels-villeshoerepairs8613]

Very simple and concise! Well presented.

[@DrewMack316]

I wonder if there’s a better name than “De-Calvinized” for these series. I get what is meant (that we are so ingrained to think a particular way about certain passages that we need to be reprogrammed) but it may unintentionally communicate that the Bible sounds like Calvinism/determinism is true but it actually isn’t. It’s more of a defensive posture than a positive case. My 2 cents 😊 Looking forward to listening in when I wake up in the morning!

[@owengoodspeed5763]

"Recovered" might be better than "De-Calvinised"?

[@a.k.7840]

How about "Revisited?"

[@JohnQPublic11]

@Drew McLeod --- YOU >>> "but it may unintentionally communicate that the Bible sounds like Calvinism/determinism is true but it actually isn’t." ME >>> *That is exactly what it is supposed to convey.*

[@lizicadumitru9683]

@@JohnQPublic11 Yep yep. The video title is on point.

[@josephdurraz8574]

Drew McLeod, Calvinism's main doctrines are Biblically true but John Calvin did not understand the entirety of the Beautiful Biblical Doctrine of 'Election and Predestination', So he added his own understanding without Scriptural Support and even contradicts to the character of God... =>>> It is biblically true that God predestined the elect to be saved since the foundation of the world...=>>>> It is biblically true that Jesus died only for the elect...=>>> and it is biblically true that none of the elect will lost their salvation....

[@GThePreacher]

I would love if you made a study bible lol just bought both your books on amazon excited to read them :)

[@glurp1]

There's a cheap Kindle book called The Arminian Bible Commentary. It compiles different commentary from Arminians on verses central to the debate. It's older writing, but I've found it useful, especially for the cost of a dollar. Also, Flowers' site has a list of resources. I don't know about Provisionist/Traditionalist Bible commentaries specifically, but I assume there will be a fair amount of overlap in interpretation with the Arminians.

[@hughwanzakaffi7348]

Thank you!

[@dougwebster1813]

This is excellent and I also think it important to mention that God being outside of time and knowing your beginning from your end knew what your decision would be using your free-will before you were even born!

[@guillermodominguez8643]

There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. Romans 3:11

[@johnpinckney7269]

He knew your choice before you were born and He made you anyway.

[@Psawyer555]

@@guillermodominguez8643 if that was really what the text meant, then there wouldn’t be any Christian’s. I think calvinists fail to understand how God makes known his existence throughout the world which is also mentioned in the Bible so therefore it also says in the Bible whomever the Lord sends the Holy Spirit to intervene in a person’s life, they will either believe or not but the simple fact is that the Lord gives everyone a chance at salvation and I don’t know why calvinists would believe God wanted and created people just to go to Hell. It’s not biblically sound. There would be numerous verses about that if it was true but it’s not. And how calvinists say that Christ didn’t die for everyone’s sins because then that would mean that Jesus died for people that are going to Hell which mean the atonement wasn’t enough which is just confusing to the most genuine believers in Christ it causes division and causes “one of these little ones” to stumble which is very bad according to scripture. Bottom line is, scripture can’t contradict other scriptures so Christ atonement was unlimited for anyone whom will believe which God doesn’t show favoritism and it also says in Ezekiel how God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked which would mean he doesn’t just create people to burn for an eternity while he chose some to be saved…it’s so sad how Calvinists try to make scripture say something that is almost blasphemous in nature such as Jesus didn’t die for everyone’s sins I mean John 3:16 clearly says He did idk how Calvinists still try to justify their doctrine when scripture flat out says what it means…it’s almost like they are just as bad as the false teachers that say LGBT is not a sin…I wonder if they’ll ever realize the error too

[@shawnlew9477]

Thank you very much Dr Flowers for this insightful explanation of the text. I've watched your other video on decalvinizing Romans 9, and I'm also equally edified by the insightful approach you took towards the text. However, my dilemma now would be this: boiled down to the final analysis, is it my RESPONSE to the offer of salvation that "unlocks" salvation for me? If this is true, I can't help but to think it goes against Ephesians 2: 8 - 9 (8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can BOAST.) If it is indeed (ultimately) my ability to response to God's offer of salvation, my justification to others when being asked why am I a Christian will definitely contain the following element: 1) I'm a sinner; 2) Christ died for my sins; 3) I CHOOSE to believe. My argument to a non-calvinistic approach to soteriology would mainly be point 3., as I can't help but to think it gives a believer ground to boast, which is not what Ephesians 2:9 says. Perhaps you have address this issue as well in your other videos. If yes maybe someone could recommend me those videos too? Thank you and have a blessed day

[@kennethmacgregor6427]

I am new to this channel. Point 3 is something I am unclear on as well.

[@YoursEver-Nina]

I can understand your dilemma, truly. However, it is kind of the sinful, proud part of us that could ever consider that it was our response that saved us. And we all get that way from time to time! It's just as foolish as a man grabbing a person's hand to be pulled out of shark infested waters, at first being so very grateful, but as the years pass and the memory dulls he says, "You know it was really I who saved me because he couldn't have done it if I didn't reach out." No one ever says that while staring at the cross with tears in their eyes. It's only after you walk away and consider in our human hearts. We never ever say, "You know, maybe it's the Romans who really saved us because if they never killed Jesus we couldn't be saved." Or "Perhaps Mary saved me because she said yes to God and bore Jesus" We never say these things because it would be ridiculous. I find that when I am in deep worship and I consider the work on the cross, I don't find my heart won't dare give weight to my act accepting Jesus as thought THAT saved me, but rather my soul gives ALL glory to Jesus for dying. So the thought 'Did I actually myself because I accepted Jesus when others didn't?' is just another foolish thought that should be dismissed along with the other foolish thoughts the devil inspires :). That's how I see it anyways. Have a good day!

[@AnniEast]

Great response, delleisha! I would like to add by pointing out to tge original poster that in Ephesians 2:9 Paul contrasts works with faith, so we can conclude that faith is not a work. And I don't actually see the act of faith as the means by which God saved, but rather the prerequisite. God is not unable to save you unless you believe, like faith in itself has some power, but rather God said He already decided that He will extent His saving grace to those who will place their faith in Christ. Much like an university doesnt need anything to teach you, they are fully able, but yet they require a high school diploma as a prerequisite. That is their sovereign right and will. In this same manner I see nothing wrong with God, as the Sovereign Creator God, to demand whatever He pleases. He couldve demanded many different things, but He couldnt have made it easier for us. We literally have to do nothing except believe that we can do nothing and Jesus did it all. It's a pretty sweet deal!

[@richardthorne2804]

Excellent analysis of Ephesians 1. I like to keep it to believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. Abraham believed in God, and it was accredited him the righteousness. Also Acts 19:4 makes it clear what repentance John the Baptist was preaching, and the apostle Paul said that it was telling the people to believe in Jesus. Great work on Ephesians 1.

[@Amberger21]

The Bible also say that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

[@Psawyer555]

Yes the Bible absolutely says that which is such a relief after finding out that some Christian’s believe God creates people he hates and will send them to Hell whether they want to believe the Gospel or not.

[@neosporran]

This is an excellent clarification. Thanks.

[@joshlegare]

This helps so much!

[@georgemay8170]

Christ alone is our righteousness. It is put into my account and not infused into me. If God had not determined this I would be lost.

[@allheart30518]

It appears to me there is a shift between “those who first believed” in verses 3-12 and “you also” in verse 13 that appears to refer to the Gentiles. Is there a reason in the Greek this would not be the case? This pattern continues through Chapter 4 back and forth between we (us), and you.

[@villarrealmarta6103]

Elise Fowler God’s plan is not confined to the Jews: in whom also you, having heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation, in whom also, having believed, you were sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise. In the case of the Gentiles also, as Paul here shows in addressing the Ephesian congregation, which consisted largely of Gentile Christians, God’s eternal purpose was realized. They have been brought to faith in Christ by accepting the Word of Truth, the message which testifies of the divine truth, the Gospel which tells them of the salvation gained by the Savior. In this way they have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. When working faith, the Holy Ghost comes into the heart of man, dwells in him, becomes a seal of his faith, gives him the divine certainty that he belongs to God and will remain His own in time and eternity. Preservation in the true faith is a work of the Holy Ghost, who, as Luther has it, called us by the Gospel, enlightened us with His gifts, sanctified and kept us in the true faith. The result therefore is: Who is the earnest of our inheritance for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory. In Christ we have the redemption in His blood, the forgiveness of sins. This fact the Holy Spirit has impressed upon us by faith. And therefore He Himself is our earnest-money, our guarantee and assurance, that our final redemption from all evils of body and soul, of property and honor, will come, that we, the redeemed of the Lord, His own peculiar people, shall enter upon the possession and enjoyment of our inheritance in heaven. And with this consummation of our hopes the praise of the glory of God will also reach the state of perfection; then we shall exalt Him and all that He has done for us, world without end. Note: The election of grace always refers to the entire plan of God with reference to the chosen. It is not an absolute decree, but was made in Christ and is founded in the divine promises. Its acceptance is done by the certainty of faith.

[@contemplate-Matt.G]

Elise Fowler provided a nugget of truth and you two trampled on it. She's correct. There are two groups of believers in Eph 1 just as there are two groups of believers in Jn 17. Yes, they come together but they are distinct at first because some things pertained to the "first" group before the second group was included.

[@drittenberry1]

Thank you

[@curtisbaetz3225]

Excellent

[@hart2heart]

Praise God

[@JohnQPublic11]

Excellently done Dr. Flowers.

[@SeanGrossICT]

This only makes sense if you’re looking at it through a lens which doesn’t account for tota scriptura. That said, I enjoy Leighton as a brother. I look forward to spending eternity with Dr. Flowers in heaven!

[@DarlaGuyton]

I have just been studying "once saved always saved." I just left a Calvinist church and my head is spinning. Well, right after I left, I started searching a lot of my own, and I discovered just a few weeks ago that tribulation rapture is actually post and not pre-and that just started all kinds of studying that I wasn’t expecting. God does these things you know. Well then it led to once saved always saved, and once I started reading, I couldn’t stop seeing that that is absolutely a false doctrine. And when I tried to present that to my best friend, who is the pastor’s wife in that church, she pushed me to Ephesians 1. Thank you so much for this very clear teaching really resonates in my heart.

[@AnniEast]

Hi Darla, there is a very big difference between the P in tulip and the doctrine of eternal security. The first relies on who they supposedly are, the elect, and that the elect can never be lost bc they are predestined for heaven.(Calvin) The latter relies and the faithfulness of God to save to the utter most those who place their faith in Jesus. (Hebrews) We receive eternal life the moment we are justified through faith, not temporary life. It's instant and without us having to do anything to earn it. In ephesians we read we are sealed with the Holy Spirit until our day of redemption. There are no verses that speak to us becoming unsealed, or sealed people going to hell. Our sanctification is a life long process and how we live matter a whole lot, and it can deeply affect our fellowhip with God. Thus we are admonished to repent to be restored. But our unity with Christ is forever. If we didnt work to get it, why work to keep it? Makes no sense to me. May I suggest the late pastor Jack Kelly's teachings on the subject. His website is called grace thru faith. Blessings!

[@DarlaGuyton]

@@AnniEast thank you, but my teacher is the Holy Spirit. I have peace that I must work out my salvation with fear and trembling. And my love for God will create obedience in me. I must pick up my cross daily. He won't forsake His promises, but He's righteous and just. If I fall away, He will keep those promises also. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding, my sister. No consequences, no fear. It's a relationship and obedience that He wants from us. Be blessed in truth and love.

[@AnniEast]

@@DarlaGuyton i understand where you are coming from, especially if one comes from some form of deception, but learning from godly men is absolutely biblical. I also have a deep understanding of the doctrine as I held your view and tried my utmost to disprove people like me. And it is worth mentioning that knowing I am secure in Christ creates nothing but referential fear of the Lord in me. I am ever aware of who I am and where I came from, and it is by God's grace and mercy alone that I am considered righteous in His sight. Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a NEW creation. The old has passed away, behold the new has come. If regeneration is done by the hands of God, how can we undo His work by human hands? We have to believe that God gives us a new heart and He is the author and FINISHER of our faith.(have you ever heard of someone who had a heart transplant and then goes back to the doctor and says they want their old heart back?)we have to believe That He has placed a seal of ownership on us and that the Holy Spirit is our token of our inheritance. The Holy Spirit is given to us as a gift, to lead us and guide us. And to give is assurance that we are indeed children of God, and that even while we groan in these bodies, eager to be set free, we can know for certain that we will be redeemed. Once someone is regenerated it is for life. Nothing you can ever do or not do after that point can make God love you less or send you to hell. You are not going through on your own merit anyway. You go based on your faith in the works and character of Christ alone, not based on your performance. Be blessed and rest in the sweet salvation of Christ. And as romans 12 reads, our reasonable response to this truth and reality is to present our bodies a living sacrifice. A true believer lives for God every day bc they love God and respect God so deeply, but they also know they are a work in progress and when they fall Jesus will be right there to pick them up again, and often this looks like discipline/some might say punishment...Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25) I'll end off with one of my favorite passages in the bible... Now it is God who establishes and confirms us with you in Christ, and who has anointed us; it is He who has also put His seal on us and has given us the [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as a pledge [like a security deposit to guarantee the fulfillment of His promise of eternal life]. 2 Corinthians 1:21‭-‬22 AMP And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. ESV 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. KjV

[@austinespi1793]

God’s good pleasure is the body of Christ. Pleasure involves a body. Pleasure means gratify the body. Gratify means to please and satisfy. Please means to cause a good feeling. Satisfy means to pacify by contentment. Pacify means to bring peace to something that is not at peace. Peace means free from disturbance. Content means the expectations of or the needs, wants, desires have been met

[@Psalm119-50]

This video makes me believe even more in the Scriptures that election is true just like God chose Jeremiah before he was born!! Thus not all who want to teach should teach!

[@TheJoeschmoe777]

Love the Calvin and Hobbes reference lol

[@robroy4058]

Amen

[@daviddelavega8636]

I am glad to see a description of predestination similar to mine. I disagree on our ability to respond but that falls under the free will discussion that I hope you have a video on.

[@djohnson3093]

Brother Flowers has several videos on free will, if I'm not mistaken. Try searching for them on the channel. Good stuff that really makes you think. Blessings friend

[@jerem18h]

Anyone ever notice that Dr. Flowers has basically made it his life goal to stomp on a particular flower? You’re doing a very good job btw, to the degree that the calvinists now use as a rebuttal to our points as “you can’t think for yourself so you just quote Leighton Flowers” Lol

[@funtimefreddy4204]

The thing that frustrates me is that there’s a comma after “world.” There is no punctuation in Greek, so the translators put it there. This disrupts the passage because putting it after “World” means that the subject of those who are chosen in Christ is before the foundation of the world and not that the choice is to bring us to eternal life after we’ve chosen Christ to be holy and blameless.

[@coryowensby2926]

I gave it a shot, because I simply want to believe and know the Truth for His glory and do NOT claim any 'ist' doctrine. But, alas, while it all made a lot of sense, the end is what killed it for me. "It is YOUR responsibility". I do greatly appreciate your insight though, sir. Exegesis is the only way to study the Bible, and you demonstrated it beautifully. Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ to you.

[@jkpow93]

"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." Phil 2:13 It seems both 100% choice yet 100% in the Lord's control

[@InformalGreeting]

I have never understood how people have such a hard time with this. Just takes a little though. First, what is an apostle? It is someone that had an encounter with the Risen Christ. Second, think about you sending a letter to someone. When you say “we” you aren’t talking about the people receiving the letter. If I write to you and say “we look forward to learning more about this situation” I’m talking about myself and whoever is with me. In this case Paul is clearly using “we” to talk about the apostles. When he says “you” he is talking about the believers receiving the letter- and by extension all of us reading it now. Paul is clearly indicating that it was predestined for him to be in the position he is in. He in now way hints that the receivers were predestined to be in their position. They heard and believed, not compelled.

[@danijax24]

Is there a change in who is being addressed once we hit verse 13? It goes from “we” to “you.” Was wondering if before v 13 this was about possibly Jewish believers, or about the apostles, then the verses after 12 becomes about the Ephesians? Any help or insights appreciated! Trying to make sense of the pronouns. Thanks in advance.

[@thejewelsmith1460]

Could it be that Eph 1:3-11 is Paul's way of introducing his Apostolic authority and that the "us" is in reference to the Apostles? It's unlikely that "the mystery of his will..." in 9 was made known to all the believers in Ephesus (see Eph 3:2-3.) Also, "the first to put our hope in Christ..." doesn't seem to mean the church but the Apostles. Finally, in 13 "And you also were included in Christ when..." seems to mean that he is now speaking to the church. If you read his other epistles, you get the same formula of first establishing Apostolic authority and then addressing the church. See Rom 1:5-6. Lastly, the earliest manuscripts don't include "To God's holy people in Ephesus" which leads most scholars to say that this is a general letter to the churches in the region thus prompting Paul to establish authority. Just an honest question...Thanks for your ministry.

[@karinlofgren6359]

Do you mean that I can start to belive in Christ on may own, by my self? I'snt faith a gift from God? Do I get the Spirit after my decission to belive or is my faith a work of the Holy Spirit?

[@AnniEast]

Believing God does all the saving is not unique to calvanism. Every true bible believer should believe that. Romans 10 says who can call on Him that they do not know?...God sends out evangalists to spread the good news. We do not one day wake up and think today I'm going to look for God and believe in Him. God sends out His call and we either respond in faith or reject Him. The Holy Spirit's job is to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgement. I believe that He does that in the moments we are confronted with the truths of God, even if that truth is creation. The Spirit testifies to us that Jesus is the way, or that there is a Creator God that should be worshipped. He makes us aware of our insignifigance and need for Him. No one can one day stand before God and say they didnt have a choice. God offers a choice to all people, one way or another. He made us in His image, He made us to worship...we see it all throughout history. Sadly few worship/ped Him. Not because He made them so, but because they loved the darkness more than the Light. So the answer is no, you cannot do it by yourself. You need God. But you have a responsibility to respond to God in the way that He demands, and that is through faith in Christ Jesus. If you are a parent and you love your children you would know that you would be hard pressed to punish you child for something that was out of their control. What if you made your child drive your car without a license and they crash, can you justly punsih them? Is that what a loving parent would do? We call that setting someone up for punishment. If we as mere humans know in our hearts that is wrong, how can we then say God determines all things, even our sins and unbelief, and then He will punish us for it for all eternity bc you werent chosen to be saved in the first place? Does that sound reasonable to you? God encourages us to reason with Him as He wants us to come to the knowledge of the truth. Dont be misled by these ideas that if you dont hold to tulip then you think you save yourself, that is nonsense.

[@Messi10266]

Are you saying predestine the place not the person.? Verse is pointing to persons.??

[@TheRockofGod21]

Can someone help clarify something for me? The phrase "in him before the foundation of the world" is still really confusing for me I can understand the concept of predestination as leighton lays it out (as the destination being set beforehand for those who are in christ) but for some reason I still get tripped up whenever I see that phrase. I know from other areas of scripture we can see the difference between "from" the foundation of the world and "before" the foundation of the world but this passage in particular confuses me. I think because of how close "Us" and "Him" are to "before the foundation of the world. anyway, that was longwinded, but any feedback to help me understand will be greatly appreciated.

[@djohnson3093]

When we see the phrase "in Him" we tend to think the phrase "to be in Him". Those are two different things. Reading Ephesians 1 you'll see that the blessings that are listed are for those who are in Him. Those who are in Him are chosen to be holy and without blame, for adoption, for an inheritance, for redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, etc. Paul lists the blessings that were predestined for those who are chosen in Him. Anyone who is not in Him has not been chosen to be holy and without blame, for adoption or inheritance, or redemption through His blood and forgiveness of sins... These blessings are only for those chosen in Him. The blessings are what have been predestined from before the foundation of the world for those who are chosen in Him. Not the saints/believers. Note that this passage says nothing about salvation? Verse 1b specifically says that this letter is addressed to the saints/believers. Those who are already in Him. They are chosen to receive the blessings listed. Are you in Him? Are you a believer? If so, you are chosen in Him to be holy and without blame, for redemption through His blood and forgiveness of sins, etc. Hope this makes sense.

[@michaelcooper5873]

It means what it says. Leighton Flowers is such a hater of Gods truth as it relates to the doctrines of grace that he has ventured off into his philosophical humanist opinions of scripture. All those who believe that God saves based on something you initiate or do, hates the doctrines of grace simply because these doctrines crush their self righteous beliefs.

[@djohnson3093]

@@michaelcooper5873 Would you be so kind as to point out the doctrines of grace in scripture as interpreted by calvinism? Calvinists keep saying "doctrines of grace", throw an insult, a few angry slanderous comments but NEVER point to these doctrines of grace in the Word of God in context as according to the calvinist interpretation. I said scripture. Not the writings of Calvin, Augustine, or any other calvinist. Thanks

[@djohnson3093]

@@michaelcooper5873 BTW.... If "in Him before the foundation of the world" means what it says, why did you not bother to explain what it means to a brother who is apparently searching for answers? Instead, you jumped on the opportunity to throw a few insults. Calvinism much? Let's hear your contextual interpretation of "in Him before the foundation of the world". And please include the context

[@michaelcooper5873]

@@djohnson3093 Ephesians 1 means what it says. Flowers interpretation is his humanist opinion of what he wants it to mean. And quit acting is if you don’t know what I mean by the doctrines of grace. Going back and forth with you provisionist is pointless. You all are so inconsistent and contradictory. Confusion is what Flowers brings. Pelagian, Arminian. Both are wrong. Throw you all in the middle

[@kharmeyer]

Thank you for making this video, but I don't think I'm getting it... I'm not sure how to interpret verse 11 in a way that allows our free will: "having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." If he works all things according to the counsel of his will, then isn't he determining ALL things (including our believing/faith in Him)?

[@theTavis01]

you could just as easily say that it is God's will to give us freewill. Also, you need to consider verse 11 in the context of verse 12 and 13. Obviously, "who first trusted in Christ" is the subject of the predestination in 11, and does not apply to all believers but only the first to believe or possibly only the Apostles. Then Paul includes MORE people by saying in 13 "In Him you ALSO trusted, after you heard the word of truth" - 'also' clearly meaning in addition to those predestined in 11. And finally, is it even saying that specific people were predestined to be the first to believe? Or is it that those who were first to believe were predestined to be the praise of His glory?

[@biblestudies9755]

How about this angle on Ephesians 1? In vv. 1-12 Paul speaks of 'we', referring to the Apostles. They were 'predestined' (v.5) and became the 'first to hope in Christ' (v.12). So the pull upon the Apostles was so powerful, they had no choice but to become of Christ. Then in vv. 13, he addresses 'you', the Ephesians, who believed the gospel that the Apostles, the pre-destined ones, preached to them. So we have two groups, the Apostles, the chosen ones and regular Christians, those who believed the gospel. Thanks, :) Ed

[@WeekendWarriorMX-ATV]

okay can someone explain verse 4 when the bible clearly say he chose before the creation of the world?

[@jasoncraig5549]

Dr. Flowers I have something on Ephesians you may find interesting. It would be too much to type here. Is the an email I could send it to?

[@fellowmerican]

In my experience, it is so hard for my calvinist brothers/sisters to understand this. I know once it clicks, it clicks like a chemistry equation but I think the issue is the conflation of faith and grace in their minds. Being faithful in Him = adoption, salvation, etc (if he’s chosen us to be saved, he’s chosen us to be faithful). It’s near impossible for me to aid in them mentally separating the two. Where as I understand it, my faith in Christ leads to adoption, salvation, etc. I’d even throw a < symbol up there instead of =. Just rambling.

[@Tylerstrodtman]

That’s really interesting, I would call myself a Calvinist, I do believe that God is sovereign over every aspect of salvation, the biggest, sticking point that I have with this passage is the concept of adoption. My take on it so far up until now has been that adoption is dependent in no way on the child being adopted, it’s entirely dependent on the parent doing the adopting, and therefore, I concluded from this passage, quite definitively, that we have nothing to do with our salvation. But to cross reference it with Romans 823, which is written by the same author, adoption appears to be understood, as some thing that we are awaiting, that it has not happened yet. Am I getting that right? Because if that is true, then I need to rethink my understanding of what adoption means.