Mankind is influenced by sin, but not under its dominion, as all yet have free will and the ability to determine their own destiny. Anyone can of his own free will come to Christ for salvation. All men have faith, but not all will to exercise it.
Mankind is spiritually dead and under the dominion of sin. (Eph. 2:1-3; John 8:34) None can of his own will come to Christ for salvation. (John 5:40; 6:65). None has faith unless God graciously bestows it. (Eph 2:8)
God the Father has graciously chosen and predestined to salvation some of our fallen (2 Thess. 2:12; Eph 1:2-6). His choice was in no way conditioned upon foreseen good or merit in the chosen ones. (John 15:16).
Election to salvetion involves both the sinner choosing God and God choosing the Sinner. God's choice was conditioned upon man's choice, as God chose in eternity past those whom He forsaw in time believing in Jesus Christ for Salvation
Jesus Christ died as the substitute of God's elect, forever redeeming and forgiving them (Isa. 53:4-6; 8b; Eph 1:7). He did not die for any who will die in unbelief (John 10:11, 26).
Jesus Christ died for every one, paying the price of redemption for them all. But this does not guarantee their forgiveness, as many of his redeemed will be eventually damned because of unbelief.
God will not be thwarted in His purpose of salvation (Dan 4:35). Every one of His chosen and redeemed sinners will be brought to saving faith in Jesus Christ (John 6:37, 45; Rom 8:29f).
The sovereignty of God does not extend to His salvation, as man's will can here thwart God's purpose. God is trying to save every sinner, but He is helpless to save any sinner who will not let Him.
God preserves in salvation in all believers in Christ, and none will ever perish (John 3:16; 10:28f). And He enables them to persevere to the end, so that none will be lost. (Jer. 32:40; Rom 8:35-39).
God cannot preserve in salvation those who of their own free will refuse to be preserved. Those believers who do not remain faithful to the very end will lose their salvation, "fall from grace," and eventually perish.
Spurgeon Heritage Church, Holland, MI.
Cheshire Baptist Church, Allegan, MI
Central Wesleyan Church, Holland, MI
Rose Park Baptist Church, Holland, MI
Rush Creek Bible Church, Grandville, MI
Bethel Baptist Church, South Haven, MI
Ventura Baptist Church, Holland, MI
First Baptist Church, Holland, MI
Landmark Baptist Church, Holland, MI
Ridgepoint Community Church, Holland, MI
Immanuel Baptist Church, Holland, MI
Holland, MI.
