Brother Redeemed, Faith by itself can save no one! Shocking statement?? LOL Please allow me to explain. ( Eph 2:8-10) No question, I could not have saved myself! but Faith, and belief of that faith, have far different meaning to me! Can Jesus believe for anyone?? NOPE! ( Rom 10:10)For with the heart who believes?? YOU DO!! For if what Jesus has done does not have to be believed, then Jesus will have no one to judge but himself!
Many use this famous scripture in ( Rom 8:29-30) to point out that Jesus predestined some to believe and some not to believe. But look close at verse 29 again! For those whom he foreknew( and we know Jesus is all knowing!!( 1Peter 1:2) He also predestined TO BECOME!!! ( Phil 1:6) conformed, not to be conformed! For if Jesus already conformed us, then we as believers would have no freedom of choice! Choice!!( Jos 24:15) in the Old covenant and CHOICE in the new!! ( Rom 10:4 to everyone who does what???) and ( John 6:28-29) Our only work! But it is a work!!
Now if I choose not to believe. Jesus has still fulfilled everything anyway, and if I die not believing what Jesus has done, then I will have to be judged by the LAW! And we all know if someone is judged by the law they have no grace!!( Gal 5:4!!) Some Calvinist friends I have, get very upset at that statement. They say God is in full control!! REALLY???
If God is in full control how is it he had no control over what the devil could offer him??( Matt 4:8-11) Jesus did not call the devil a liar here!! Jesus said you shall worship the Lord thy God and him only shall thou serve! It is not that Jesus cannot take full control, he sure can!
But just like those he created in his own image he has, and gives choices to all, for if he did not then we as believers would have no real freedom!( Gal 5:1 and Gal 1:13-15)And not having total freedom would mean one has got to be in some sort of bondage! Which we through our Jesus are not any longer!( Rom 6:14) Providing!!! WE believe!! Ask and what?( Matt 7:7) Believing calls for an action on our part!! I could have never, ever have provided what Jesus already has, BUT!!!!!! I HAVE to believe this!! And if I do not believe what Jesus has already done!! I have chosen to become lost! Not Jesus fault whatsoever! This brother is something I hope many will consider.