DISTORTING THE SCRIPTURES by steve finnell

2 Peter 3:16 as also in all his letter, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.(NASB)

Distorting the Scriptures can lead to self destruction as well as to the destruction of others.

Example: The distortion of the doctrine of election.   

The following was written by John Piper, March 1, 1985 

Unconditional Election by John Piper

If all of us are so depraved that we cannot come to God without being born again by the irresistible grace of God, and if this particular grace is purchased by Christ on the cross, then it is clear that the salvation of any of us is owing to God’s election. He chose those to whom he would show such irresistible grace, and for whom he would purchase it.

Election refers to God’s choosing whom to save. It is unconditional in that there is no condition man must meet before God chooses to save him. Man is dead in trespasses and sins. So there is no condition he can meet before God chooses to save him from his deadness.

We are not saying that final salvation is unconditional. It is not. We must meet the condition of faith, for example, in Christ in order to inherit eternal life. But faith is not a condition for election. Just the reverse. Election is a condition for faith. It is because God chose us before the foundation of the world that he purchases our redemption at the cross, and then gives us spiritual life through irresistible grace, and brings us to faith.

Faith comes from hearing the gospel. Faith does not come because men have been individually selected for salvation.

Romans 10:11-17....17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. (NASB)

Faith comes before election.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, (NASB)

God's grace is available to all who hear the gospel and obey the terms for pardon.

Those who believe in unconditional election after having heard the truth may have a hearing problem. (Hebrews 5:8-11....9...He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation.......11 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.(NASB)

Two impediments to understanding election. Distorting the Scriptures and being dull of hearing.