If you don't believe in Calvinism, then my comment wouldn't have triggered you. My disagreement is not with the Bible but with your understanding of the Bible. And how do I know that you're a Calvinist? Because of how you're cherry picking.
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What "triggers" me, is people ignoring 95% of the Bible, in order to push an agenda. That being said, I used to be a Baptist, was raised in the church for about 32 years. Then, I actually read the WHOLE Bible for myself, instead of having some State "ordained" minister summarize it for me. Prayed and fasted. And found out a lot more then I was prepared for. Now I just follow the Scriptures, without any denominations or opinions from State educated pastors.
That being said, I'm interested in how you "understand" these verses to mean something other then they plainly say?
Ain't that what you're doing? Ignoring the context of each of the verses you're quoting to somehow prove that you're "chosen?" and it's not up to people to get saved? Take John 15:16 for example. How about you put it back into its context and then read it? Is it talking about you? Or is it Jesus talking to the disciples? :)
Are we who follow Him not as the disciples? Are we supposed to be following someone else?
We are to follow Him but that doesn't change the fact that John 15:16 is not talking to us but in context, it's talking to the eye witnesses who wrote the New Testament. Applying that to yourself is taking the verse out of context.
So, then, what parts of the Bible should we apply to ourselves? Paul's letters were written to certain groups that none of us today are part of. So how are you citing them?
The 10 commandments were given to Israel in the wilderness, should we ignore those commandments?
What parts of the Bible then, do we apply to ourselves in order to follow Him?
Great question. This is where context comes into play. Let's look at the ten commandments for instance. Do you keep the Sabbath? They say context is king.
Yes, I keep the Sabbath
You have yet to show how these verses are really "out of context". You are just saying they are. Do you have any scriptures that refute pre-destination?
I'm not here to refute predestination. I myself believe in predestination. But how exactly does it work? Is it unconditional and before we were even born or had done anything good or evil, as Calvinism teaches? Or is it conditional and based on faith as Scripture teaches? That's the real question at stake.
In that while we were yet sinners, He died for us. that makes it unconditional. But he also came not but unto the lost sheep of Israel, even those that were not yet of the flock. That makes it pre-destind.
His sheep hear His voice and follow his call, bearing good fruit, because they know and love Him. He that says "I know him", but keeps not His commandments is a liar.
True faith will make you keep His commandments. True faith produces works. Even works as dramatic as being about to sacrifice your own child.
Do you keep His commandments? Jesus said give EVERYTHING you have to the poor and then come and follow Me. Have you done that yet?
Very nice comeback! Honestly, I did. I had accumulated a lot of worldly possessions during my 12 years in the Army, while I was in the church, and pursuing the "American Dream". But then, after reading the bible for myself, I had some experiences that changed all that. I stopped eating unclean things. Started keeping the Sabbath. Sold everything that I could, gave a lot away, and the only things I still own are what is of necessity at the moment. Once my kids are out, I plan to adopt a nomadic lifestyle, hopefully completely off the grid