Is belief a choice?

[ElectedbyHim]

Yes, the Bible is not Alive and Active....Gods Living testimony is Alive and Active..the Living Holy Spirit..just like when Mary became pregnant by the power of the Spirit....she never became pregnant by any Bible.

[11] So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Spirit gives birth to spirit...Flesh gives birth to flesh...both Living Active births...Born Again of imperishable seed..which is Alive and Active in the heart of Gods child...when their spirit becomes Born Again.

We have a new heart and spirit within, the moment the Spirit births our spirit into his.

Yes, the Bible is not Alive and Active

But it is alive and active. Read the verse again.

Hebrew 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

It seems to me that the Bible is secondary to what you think Holy Spirit is saying to you.

I have seen many people rely on Holy Spirit over the Lords written word and yes, tongues are more important as well than the written word and "normal" prayer. These people live in the "supernatural" world so to speak. Many believe that their emotions and feelings are in fact the Holy Spirit guiding them. This is in no way Biblical.

 

[Ritajanice]

But it is alive and active. Read the verse again.

Hebrew 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

It seems to me that the Bible is secondary to what you think Holy Spirit is saying to you.

It seems to me that you don’t know who Gods Living Witness is...you seem to push the Living Holy Spirit aside and don’t wish to discuss who he is....how do you know that Jesus walked the earth and how do you know that God is a Living Spirit..he is not a Bible.

I have seen many people rely on Holy Spirit over the Lords written word and yes, tongues are more important as well than the written word and "normal" prayer. These people live in the "supernatural" world so to speak. Many believe that their emotions and feelings are in fact the Holy Spirit guiding them. This is in no way Biblical.

We are led by the Spirit we are not led by feelings or emotions...the word confirms how we are led by the Spirit.
No it’s not...the Bible is not Alive and Active and it does not birth our spirit...read the verses I posted again...

The Bible confirms how we are Born Of The Spirit...also no one can say that Jesus is Lord accept by the Holy Spirit.

Spirit gives birth to spirit...?....how do we know that the Spirit gave birth to our spirit?

Romans 8​

​

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

[Ritajanice]

Hebrew 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit

And I suggest that you read what it says...piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit

Tis The Spirit who brings life...read the verses I posted

 

[ElectedbyHim]

It seems to me that you don’t know who Gods Living Witness is...you seem to push the Living Holy Spirit aside and don’t wish to discuss who he is....how do you know that Jesus walked the earth and how do you know that God is a Living Spirit..he is not a Bible.

No it’s not...the Bible is not Alive and Active and it does not birth our spirit...read the verses I posted again...

The Bible confirms how we are Born Of The Spirit...also no one can say that Jesus is Lord accept by the Holy Spirit.

Spirit gives birth to spirit...?....how do we know that the Spirit gave birth to our spirit?

You deny the Scripture.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The word is alive and active, Holy Spirit will illuminate, convict us of sin and bring the Word to life in our lives. Without reading and studying the word, one is clueless of how Holy Spirit works.

Spirit gives birth to spirit...?....how do we know that the Spirit gave birth to our spirit?

Verse 15 is one way to know.


Heirs with Christ
Romans 8:12 So then, brothers, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—
Romans 8:13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die, but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the practices of the body, you will live.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Romans 8:15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
Romans 8:17 and if children, also heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

 

[Ritajanice]

You deny the Scripture.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The word is alive and active, Holy Spirit will illuminate, convict us of sin and bring the Word to life in our lives. Without reading and studying the word, one is clueless of how Holy Spirit works.


Verse 15 is one way to know.


Heirs with Christ
Romans 8:12 So then, brothers, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—
Romans 8:13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die, but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the practices of the body, you will live.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Romans 8:15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
Romans 8:17 and if children, also heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

You deny the Living testimony of the Holy Spirit..why don’t you answer my easy questions?

Romans 8​

​

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

[ElectedbyHim]

You deny the Living testimony of the Holy Spirit..why don’t you answer my easy questions?

Romans 8​

​

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Look above this post.

 

[Ritajanice]

Look above this post.

Read the scripture I posted.
No point in discussing this any further..if one doesn’t have spiritual eyes to see and spiritual ears to hear...then it’s banging one’s head against a brick wall...I pray that you know the Love Of God deep within your heart....and that you seek him out with all of your heart.it seems that you only follow the Bible....you don’t seem to have any spiritual knowledge on who God is....I will leave you with those words and exit this thread.

​

1 Corinthians 12 ►​

​

​

​

​ ​ Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ Spiritual Gifts 1Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines. The Body of Christ 12The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. 14For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. 15If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be?20As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.” 22On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor. And our unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty,24whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God has composed the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. The Greater Gifts 27Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.​

​

​

 

[ElectedbyHim]

Read the scripture I posted.

​

1 Corinthians 12 ►​

​

​

​

​ ​ Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ Spiritual Gifts 1Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines. The Body of Christ 12The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. 14For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. 15If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be?20As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.” 22On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor. And our unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty,24whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God has composed the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. The Greater Gifts 27Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.​

​

​

Spiritual gifts are just another part of being in Christ.

Spiritual gifts are also cause of chaos when not being checked by the written word.

There are no Apostles and prophet in this day and age.

Many, many people interpret all this with feelings and emotions.

Feelings and emotions are not Holy Spirit leading anyone.

I have met those who let feelings and emotions lead them in tongues and other behaviors that are not Holy Spirit, have been there with these people, it is very demonic.

Please start another thread on this, we are way off topic and I am guilty of that.

 

[Arial]

It’s because of the death and resurrection of Jesus that we can become Born Again..

Please. Give us your definition of "born again". Don't say you can't because only one who is born again can understand. I ask, because I believe that you are using the term in a different way than orthodox Christianity. When people mean two different things by the same words, cogent conversation is impossible, unless each makes their definition clear. Tell me yours and I will tell you mine.

Born again means something specific or it would not be in our Bibles. Therefore anyone who is born again should at some point in their life be able to give a definition of it. Provided they are doing their due diligence in prayer and study of the word.

 

[Arial]

.and that you seek him out with all of your heart.it seems that you only follow the Bible....you don’t seem to have any spiritual knowledge on who God is....I will leave you with those words and exit this thread.

You need to stop making these accusations and speculations about people simply because they do not seem as "spiritual" as you in your own estimation. It comes from a high and lofty position.

FYI: the five solas.
1. Sola scritpura: Scripture alone is the authority of doctrinal truth. Therefore, scripture interprets scripture. A difficult passage is interpreted through the lens of passages that are clear on the same subject. One scripture will not contradict another, so it is vital to keep all contradictions (that means within the full counsel of God---the Bible) out when arriving at an interpretation.
2.Sola fide: Faith Alone. Salvation is through faith in the person and work of Jesus and nothing else. Pure grace, even the faith is a gift of God.
3.Sola gratia: Grace alone. Nothing of ourselves contributing to salvation. It is all of God, from regeneration through sanctification.
4. Sola Christo: Christ alone. All by the person and work of Christ and only in and through him.
5. Soli Deo Gloria: To the glory of God alone. By him, and through him, and for him.

See how pragmatic and reasonable that is? No mysticism (belief in direct experience of transcendent reality or God, especially by means of Contemplation and asceticism instead of rational thought), No looking inward in search of ecstatic experiences in order to believe.

Just looking upward to God, like a baby bird with its mouth wide open for food. Pursuing his word because in it he speaks to us and reveals himself through his word who he is. IOW seeking God, to know him and what pleases him, instead of seeking feelings and emotions. That is truly loving God, because he first loved you.

It is the Spirit who illuminates his word in the Bible, so that we can understand it, from our mind (understanding) and into our heart, transforming us day by day. And that does not mean that the first thing that pops into your mind when you read a scripture, is what the Holy Spirit told you it meant. You have to check what is in your mind against the scriptures. Christianity is not for the lazy of mind, if seeking God is their goal.

 

[Arial]

Hearing the written word..how can you hear the written word?

If someone is reading it to you or it is being preached.

 

[Josheb]

No Josheb..the Holy Spirit didn’t bring me here to be taught by you....

Never said he did. What I did say is that perhaps your presence in forum as a whole was a divine appointment. The alternative would be you are here outside the will of the Holy Spirit.

most of what you have posted here makes no sense...

And yet the majority of us understand it perfectly. You are the outlier in that claim, @Ritajanice. As far as understanding goes, or "making sense," there are literally millions of Christians who understand monergism (Calvinism). It is a red herring to say it does not make sense. It may not yet make sense to you..... but to say the position itself makes no sense is, ironically, nonsensical. You may learn to understand it and then reject it (many people claim to have done so), but that is not the same as saying monergism makes no sense. More importantly, rather than baselessly saying Calvinism makes no sense the better alternative would be to ask questions, so the doctrines are correctly understood. I have tried to address your basic inquiries AND I have asked you (twice now) to respond.

Post #256 is still sitting unattended, despite my having asked you specifically for your response pertaining to its content, and I wonder why that's the case. Why the avoidance?

becoming Born Again is very easy to understand, provided it was the Spirit who birthed our spirit...we are all on our own journey with the Lord..I’m not here to be quizzed by you ...maybe you should ask yourself the same questions that you have asked me....because they make no sense to me and they don’t have to because the Spirit is my master...I don’t have to answer one question of yours...you seem to think you have it all right..which I’ve underlined for you..be open to learning Josef,..if you think that you know it all, then you are walking on dangerous territory..just saying, bye.

Great. Now that you've staked out your territory with a pile of red herrings, do you have anything op-relevant to post about belief being a choice or not? Anything you'd like to post in response to the specifics of Post 256? Should I expect an answer to the two questions asked at the end of that post or should I expect more silence and just move on?

One of the secondary reasons monergists posts ops like this is because it is likely synergists will not reply on topic. It is very common for synergists to apply verses written about the regenerate to the unsaved (eisegetic misuse), post misrepresentations of monergism (straw men), attack monergists either implicitly or explicitly (ad hominem), or simply ignore anything for which no answer is possessed (avoidance). This Arm & Cal board is filled with threads like that. They can be found in most soteriology boards in most Christian forums. I mention this because of the claim to rely on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit never teaches God's people to practice any of those responses.

As an act of goodwill are fellowship in the Spirit, I will answer my own questions and explain their relevance.

Question: Can the two-word phrase "free will" be found in the Bible?
Answer: No. The phrase "free will" does not occur anywhere in the Bible. The reason this fact is important is because every mention of the phrase is extra-biblical and, therefore, something we should consider with caution. The phrase may be just to use, but its use must be justified. We can't simply invent phrases, never define them, and discuss them as if they are something scripture teaches when that is demonstrably not the case. The Holy Spirit never teaches that practices because that practice is contrary to the written word (and we have already established common ground regarding the authority of scripture). The Bible does teach the use of rational inferences, but they have to be explained, and I do not read anyone here defining "free will," justifying its existence, or explaining its veracity. What scripture states is a simple dichotomy: a person is either a slave of sin, or a slave of righteousness. I am confident you understand there is greater liberty in the latter, far superior in every way over the former.

Question: Is the volitional agency of the unconscious person relevant to anyone wishing to revive the unresponsive individual?
Answer: No. The near-death person might protest after being revived but such an act would occur only among the suicidal, not the otherwise healthy. For everyone other than the suicidal individual the normal, healthy response is gratitude for the reviver's actions occurring when the drowning victim was unable to responded behaviorally, volitionally and behaviorally. If the analogy is a fair one, then the analogy illustrates how much the appeal to volitional agency and free will is a red herring and all of us can then discuss the more relevant aspects of belief.



So, if you would not mind, can you make sure your next posts addresses at least one specific point made in Post 256?

 

[prism]

My question is, how do we know that we have been reborn, in other words what in us knows that it’s been reborn and by whose testimony?and how would you know that his Spirit has been shedin in your heart?....

Our heart would have a growing desire to know and love Him, His Word will come alive and we'd have a growing love and sensitivity towards others.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJV
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, [2] in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, [3] among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

There truly is a change (at least, that's what I had experienced.

Ah, so you have read that from the Bible?

Yes, otherwise known as Gods Word.

I see...well..I know that God is pure Love the moment he birthed my spirit into his...Spirit gives birth to spirit...he filled my heart with so much Love, that it blew my mind and still does....God is very much a Living Spirit...and he is a God Of Love...the Holy Spirit testifies to our heart how much God Loves us..when our spirit becomes Born Again of His imperishable seed....it’s a Love like no other...no one on the planet can Love us like God does.

How do you know God is pure love, outside of what is revealed in His Word? Looking at the world today, maybe God is a terrorist, and looking at the way we unthankfully eat meat, maybe God is a carnivore? (think mosquitoes)

God reveals his Love to our heart, once it’s Born Again of His imperishable seed....His Living seed resides in our heart, that is where the seed of supernatural faith will grow...because it was planted by Gods Living testimony, the Holy Spirit....we have a new heart and spirit within.

Outside of God's Word by what authority do you say those things?

 

[atpollard]

Any thoughts?

sure ...

Is belief a choice?​

Yes, but it is not OUR choice:

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? - Romans 8:30-35 [ESV]

For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. - Romans 9:15-16 [ESV]

 

[Carbon]

sure ...

Is belief a choice?​

Yes, but it is not OUR choice:

Amen brother!

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? - Romans 8:30-35 [ESV]

For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. - Romans 9:15-16 [ESV]

 

[His clay]

. . . . snip . . . .

We are led by the Spirit we are not led by feelings or emotions...the word confirms how we are led by the Spirit.
No it’s not...the Bible is not Alive and Active and it does not birth our spirit...read the verses I posted again...

. . . . snip . . . .

Ritajanice says, "the Bible is not Alive and Active . . ."

God's word says, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Heb 4:12 ESV)

Apparently, Ritajanice does not understand that the Holy Spirit does not contradict what the Holy Spirit inspired authors communicated. Ritajanice must be lead by another spirit, not the Holy Spirit.

 

[Arial]

Ritajanice says, "the Bible is not Alive and Active . . ."

God's word says, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Heb 4:12 ESV)

Apparently, Ritajanice does not understand that the Holy Spirit does not contradict what the Holy Spirit inspired authors communicated. Ritajanice must be lead by another spirit, not the Holy Spirit.

@Ritajanice has her spirit confused with the Holy Spirit. It is a serious mistake among many in the Charismatic world.

 

[ElectedbyHim]

The topic is

Is belief a choice?​

Please stay on topic.

2.2. Address the issue, topic, or argument, not the person. Such things as inflammatory or marginalizing language, divisiveness, misquoting, misrepresenting, trolling, and personal attacks (including belittling, insulting, falsely accusing, or making assumptions about the character, motives, or faith of other members) are strictly prohibited. It only serves to derail meaningful theological discussion. Avoid speech that incites needless conflict, fosters resentment, seeks to stir up strife among believers, or exaggerates or distorts another member's words in order to discredit them or to win an argument. When quoting or summarizing another member’s position, do so honestly, in context, and preferably with a citation to ensure that their views are represented accurately and fairly. Aim to promote unity in Christ while allowing for meaningful debate, speaking the truth in love and humility, recognizing that all wisdom and understanding comes from God (cf. Rule 2.1).


3.1. Use scripture as the foundation for discussion. Support theological claims with relevant scripture passages whenever applicable. Interpret scripture carefully, considering context, historical background, and sound hermeneutical principles. Thoughtful engagement with biblical texts is encouraged over proof-texting or out-of-context citations.

 

[Arial]

@Ritajanice,

The Charismatic world has nothing to do with "Is Belief a Choice". That is why all your conversations here are off topic. It is you who began talking about the Holy Spirit and the Charismatic view of him. When someone does that, it quite naturally follows that people will begin to address that issue in responding to your posts.

I will be happy to begin a thread on the Holy Spirit and his relationship to our being born again and include as a subtopic within the OP what it means to be born again and how that comes about. I will tag you when that happens. But in your responses, take heed to rule #2.1 and 3.1


2.1. All members must engage in discussions with humility, respect, and peace (Eph 4:2; Rom 12:18; Matt 7:12; 1 Cor 13:1-13). Discussions should be constructive, seeking to edify rather than tear down. Approach discussions with a willingness to listen, a readiness to learn, and a heart that seeks to edify fellow believers in unity with Christ Jesus.

3.1. Use scripture as the foundation for discussion. Support theological claims with relevant scripture passages whenever applicable. Interpret scripture carefully, considering context, historical background, and sound hermeneutical principles. Thoughtful engagement with biblical texts is encouraged over proof-texting or out-of-context citations.