POINT AND COUNTERPOINT [PREDESTINATION] by steve finnell

POINT: All Christians have been predestined for salvation. (Ephesians 1:1-12)

COUNTERPOINT: Men have not been predestined to become Christians. Christians become Christians by obeying the gospel terms for pardon. (Ephesians 1:13 In Him, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation---having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,(NASB)

Salvation is available to all men who hear and obey the gospel.(Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,)(NASB)

Whoever believes will have eternal life, not who has been individually selected before the earth was made. (John3:18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.)(NASB)

All men have the free-will to obey the gospel or reject it. Men can reject Jesus as the Son of God. Men can reject immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins.

THE GOSPEL TERMS FOR PARDON

FAITH: John 3:16

REPENTANCE: Acts 3:19

CONFESSION: Romans 10:9

WATER BAPTISM: Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 22:16

God does force men to obey the gospel nor does He force them to reject it. All men have free-will.