Leighton Flowers WRONG on Predestination!!!

GRACE AND PEACE, BRETHREN. (also see video below)

      Leighton Flowers acknowledges that the Bible indeed speaks in regards to predestination. .However, he absolutely has a misunderstanding of what predestination actually teaches. He emphatically denies that the Scriptures teaches that God has chose and predestined a particular group of people unto Himself before the foundation of the world for salvation. But is Leighton correct in his assertion? The Scriptures mentions predestination approximately six times (Acts 4, verse 28, Romans 8, verse 29, Roman 7, verse 30, 1 corinthians 2, verse 7, ephesians 1,verse 5, and Ephesians 1, verse 11).It is the Greek word 'proorizo'. It literally means to predetermine or foreordain. Also, in some instances, it can mean "marked out beforehand" .Out of the six instances where the Greek word proorizo is used, only five usage of the word is associated with God's elect. However, all six usage of this Greek word that's found in Scripture is in reference to an action by God that transpired before the foundation of the world. God has predestined essentially in each instance of the word 'proorizo' {before the foundation of the world}

.     Leighton states that "I know that I'm going to heaven because God has predestined for believers to go to heaven". Technically, that's not true .Nowhere in Scripture is the Greek word 'proorizo' used as describing God having predetermining believers for heaven .Just the opposite. God has predetermined those whom he foreknew will be conformed to the bodily image of His Son (Romans 8, verse 29).It would be unbiblical to equate those whom God foreknew as believers and no other text of Scripture implies as such. The text plainly states that God predestined those whom he foreknew. In other words, God foreknowing of a particular people preceded his predestining .Furthermore, God's predestining of a people likewise precedes his 'call' of the very same people to Himself by means of the Gospel message .If God has predestined a people prior to the call of the very same people by way of the Gospel, then those whom he foreknew were not believers, but unbelievers -having not heard, as to have been called as of yet by means of the Gospel. God foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and then glorified His elect (the order of salvation). In addition, when the apostle Paul states that God predestined "us" for adoption to Himself as sons; God was not predestining 'believers' for adoption as sons. God had predestined those of the Ephesian Church who had 'not yet existed' as a people for adoption before the foundation of the world. Seeing that God elected the very same "us" before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless as well -when no one had been born as of yet. Mind you, God's predestining precedes his call of a people through the Gospel. As we saw in Romans 8. God 'marked us out" beforehand for adoption as sons prior to his call. In fact, this 'marking out' beforehand or predestining was before the foundation of the world in the same manner as God having chose "us". The question remains, who are these particular people whom God foreknew? Well, the preceding verse tells us; those whom God foreknew are those for whom 'all things work together, who now love God'(Romans 8 verse 28).Paul is speaking about those believers who groan inwardly ,having the first fruits of the Spirit, waiting eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of their bodies having been saved based upon this hope (Romans 8, verses 23 to 24).Paul speaks of this hope in the midst of the Ephesian believers sufferings (Romans 8, verse 18).Paul encourages these believers in light of their inward groanings, informing them that the Spirit intercedes on their behalf according to the will of God. It is because of this fact that this is how the Ephesian believers, or all believers for that matter, can know and rest assured that all things will work together for their good in the midst of suffering - thanks to the Spirit, who intercedes on our behalf in our weaknesses. However, when Paul speaks of God foreknowing these particular believers, this foreknowing is not only in reference to God knowing them prior to his call of them as believers by way of the Gospel, but God ultimately foreknew them before the foundation of the world .Do you recall when I earlier made the claim that God has predestined in each instance of the Greek word proorizo {before the foundation of the world}? Well, when Paul speaks of God having chose 'us' in Christ before the foundation of the world, we can altogether agree, however, that no man existed prior to the foundation of the world. Although God, who is not bound by time, knew or rather foreknew those whom he chose in Christ even before they existed. This is why Paul could go on to say that God predestined to sonship the very same ones he likewise chose before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless (Ephesians 1, verses 4 to 5).So when Paul states that for those whom God foreknew, he predestined (in Romans), and God having predestined the same group of people He chose before the foundation of the world,(in Ephesians), this predestining is always in reference to before creation, even though it may not be directly stated in every instance where the word appears. God has indeed predestined a people prior to the call of the gospel, but ultimately he has predestined beforetime began or before the foundation of the world, in each instance of the word (1.Corinthians 2, verse 7). 

     Lastly, Leighton makes an erroneous claim that somehow, if God has, according to his sovereign prerogative, chose a particular people before the foundation of the world to believe unto salvation, then such a decree by God would deem to be done so arbitrarily, as in God's will, would be considered arbitrary to the neglect of those who were not chose, leading ultimately to their damnation. Leighton contributes such a 'will' by God as irrational and God unjustly, having shown partiality to some at the expense of others. It's true, God does not show partiality. But what does this actually mean? Well, God does not show partiality or favor for merely one group of people, (the Jews) but he has determined to extend the same saving grace towards other groups of people, (the Gentiles or the nations) as well. However, this is not to say that God is restricted in showing favor to certain individuals among both groups; for this is what the Scriptures consistently teach. When God saves, he calls out from among both groups; Jew and Gentile, not "every" Jew and Gentile without exception, as some falsely claim. Leighton has misunderstood this teaching. In my opinion, Leighton likes to use the word arbitrary against those who teach unconditional election because he negatively associates the term with an evil dictator or a capricious judge - but wrongly so, when it comes to Scripture. He thinks those who teach unconditional election that their God is simply irrational, unjust, and not found in Scripture. It is apparent that Leighton has become extremely frustrated with the doctrine of predestination, accurately taught and understood, because God has not entirely revealed to Him or us why he chose beforehand one person over another for salvation, other than to reveal that he has predestined a particular people unto Himself as sons - in love and for his own glory. God has eternally loved those he has predestined. But it is also apparent Leighton is not the least satisfied with what God has graciously chosen to reveal or not reveal; according to his word .Leighton is seemingly demanding of God more than what God has determined, as if God owes Leighton or any other sinful man for that matter, a detailed explanation of His actions (romans 9, verse 20).The apostle Paul states that God chose a particular people before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless, (ephesians 1, verse 4), and predestined them to sonship (ephesians 1, verse five).However, notice who God DID NOT choose, nor neither predestined, but essentially passed over for salvation - the "rest of mankind". So, did God really predestined a particular people to himself, as sons to the neglect of the rest or the rest of humanity, as Scripture states (ephesians 2:3)? It, seems as though the Apostle Paul has taught the very same thing as those of us who also teach unconditional election. Leighton Flowers, is so wrong on predestination. And unfortunately, he is leading many people astray according to his misunderstanding. I pray the Lord will open his eyes to know the truth of Scripture.

by Aaron Fisher

..... That men should "seek God" and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him (acts 17:26-27)?

Are the Scriptures contradicting itself? How can Paul say that men would seek God (acts 17:27) while at the same time say there is none who seeks after God (romans 3:11)?

In regards to Acts 17, the reason Paul now mentions men perhaps seeking God as to find Him is because of past ignorance of who the one true God is but their ignorance as stated in the scriptures no longer remains (acts 17:30) since Christ appointed as judge by the Father has now been raised from the dead - so now all men are without excuse as to who the one true God is as Paul was attempting to explain to those in Anthens. And because of Christ resurrection as judge, it is now, that all men everywhere is commanded to repent because of this fact for judgement is certain to come. The seeking of God (vs 17) is in conjunction with all men now being  commanded to repent (vs 30) because their remains no more ignorance regarding the one true God since Christ has now been raised as proof from the dead to be judge over all mankind. However, those who will have indeed repented, will have done so by seeking God by the Spirit that is working in them. This is why Paul can say in Romans 3:11 without it being a contradiction of scripture that there are none who seek God because those who do not possess the ability or desire by the Spirit to repent will never seek God but remain stubborn of heart in there sin and evil doing in opposition to God. The scripture does not contradict itself regarding Acts 17:26-28 and Romans 3:11. The scriptures are not saying on one hand there is none that seeks after God (romans 3:11) and on the other hand they're are some who do (acts 17:27). In order for one to have the desire to obey and repent that person's heart must be changed (romans 2:5 & 29). It is the person with a new heart that seeks God and will inevitably repent and believe. It is only a new regenerated heart that has attained godly desires as to obey and repent; not the old stubborn uncircumcised heart bent toward evil and evil desires. The Spirit is at work within a person PRIOR to them repenting and believing for it is the Spirit alone that convicts of sin and gives understanding to what God has spoken. No one will ever repent and believe if they are not convicted of sin nor have understanding of what God has required of them FIRST by the Spirit (john 8:43 & 47, john 6:60 & 63).

In addition, prior to Christ being raised from the dead, God overlooked men's ignorance regarding who the one true God is.  But it's not as though sinful man was not seeking God prior to Christ resurrection; however, now that the Father has given proof that there will be judgement concerning man's sin by raising His Son appointed as Judge from the dead - men are now without excuse as to be ignorant of the one true God who does not live in temples or is in need of anything as those in Anthens did. And now that there remains no more ignorance regarding who the One true God is - in sinful mans attempt to seek God as it was in Anthens; all men are commanded to repent of their sins because the true God has fixed a day of judgement for all men. The seeking of God Paul is referring to after Christ resurrection is in conjunction with sinful man's understanding of truth, acknowledgement of his sin, and genuine repentance according to God's command. This "seeking of God" is impossible without the Spirit's work beforehand giving one the desire to seek and the ability to understand and repent. Men indeed sought out God but it was done in ignorance. Sinful man did not nor neither can he understand because of his enslavement to the power and control of sin (romans 3:9) and.also stubborn darkened heart. Therefore, no man will ever seek God apart from the Spirit's initial internal work upon the sinful man's heart.

By Aaron Fisher

The TWO NATURE'S of MANKIND (the old and new man).

The nature or constitution of man consist of two different classes of humanity (1) one being, those who are 'in Adam' as unbelievers from birth and the other; (2) those who are 'in Christ' as born again believers deriving from a supernatural rebirth. Scripture also describes those who are 'in Adam' as the 'old man', possessing an inherit nature and sharing the sinful characteristics of Adam from a fallen state (genesis 5:3). In a similar fashion, Scripture also describes those who are 'in Christ' as having obtained a new nature possessing the righteous characteristics of the 'new man' which is found in Christ.

However, there remains an obvious and glaring DIVIDING LINE between the 'old man' and the 'new man' - this dividing line is the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit either IN MAN or NOT that is the dividing line between the two natures of man; that being IN CHRIST having the Spirit or IN ADAM without the Spirit.

Since the Holy Spirit is the "dividing line" between the two nature's of mankind, let's now look at a few characteristics of both.

For example:

The 'old man', because of his nature can only do what his nature allows him to do; he is indeed confined. The old man or unbeliever can only obey sin and not righteousness (romans 6:12-14, 16-19). Furthermore, the old man only obeys the cravings of the flesh and following it's desires and thoughts because of the power and control of sin in his body (ephesians 2:3). Sin and it's control and power is the 'old mans' Master (romans 6:14). Sin REIGNS in the 'old mans' mortal body therefore making the unbeliever obey it's passions (romans 6:12). The flesh alone serves only the Law of sin (romans 7:25). Man born of the flesh is born sinful by his very nature. We are born with a SINFUL NATURE being that of the 'old man'. And by our very nature from birth, we are considered children/sons of disobedience deserving wrath (ephesians 2:3, galatians 2:15) - and just why is that? Because we are born with a nature that can ONLY and WILL inevitably sin leading to death apart from the initial unilateral saving work and grace of God.

However, in regards to the New Man and his nature, he is not confined to only obey sin and what the flesh desires but he has been freed from the power and enslavement of sin and what the flesh desires and therefore can now freely obey righteousness by the Spirit of God in him.

For example:

The 'new man' because of his new nature is not only free to obey sin but now righteousness as well, a privilege the 'old man' does not share. Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 corinthians 3:17). The 'new man' according to his nature is comprised of those who are to be found 'In Christ'. They are those who have been born again by the Spirit of God. These born again believers or the 'new man' serve or obey God in a new way according to the Spirit and not by the Letter of the Law that is according to the flesh (romans 7:6). Having become slaves of righteousness and set free from sin, the 'new man' has now become obedient from the heart whereas the 'old man' was by nature stubborn and disobedient from the heart (romans 2:5), seeing that he was enslaved to sin according to his nature and can only obey unrighteousness (romans 6:17-19). Lastly, the 'new man' with a new nature who is now enslaved to righteousness having become born again has the power and ability to mortify the deeds of the flesh BY THE SPIRIT; another privilege the "old man" doesn't possess because of his nature being void of the Spirit; this being a distinct difference between the two nature's. The 'new man' shares in Christ Divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) and obviously, the 'old man' does not.

Point being, without sounding redundant - the 'old man' can only obey sin and the 'new man' has been freed from only obeying sin but now righteousness as well. This fact, is due to the difference in the 'old and new mans' nature. The 'old man' can ONLY bear fruit unto death, the 'new man' bears fruit unto God; both bears fruit, be it ACCORDING to their NATURE.

By Aaron Fisher.

Christ, a failure if He died on behalf of everyone without exception? (Jesus death and role as High Priest are necessarily connected).

If Christ died for "everyone without exception" - It would indeed make Him a failure because his intercession as High Priest before and after His death (john 17:1-2, 10-11, romans 8:33-34, hebrews 2:16-18) as it relates to salvation would indeed be found unsuccessful if His death was intended to benefit everyone without exception seeing that everyone will not be saved. But according to Scripture, this is not the case. Christ intercessory work on behalf of His sheep before their salvation (john 17:20-24) and after salvation (romans 8:33-34, hebrews 2:16-18) is an effectual intercessory work on behalf of those given to Him from the Father; not everyone without exception. Everyone that Christ intercedes for will inevitably come to saving faith. Jesus could NEVER lose any of all those He intercedes for; it is an IMPOSSIBILITY (John 6:39). Jesus came down from Heaven to do the will of the Father and He accomplished this task that was given to Him on behalf of the Father's Elect and His very own sheep (john 6:38-39, 17:4, and 19:30). If Jesus died for everyone, that would imply His intercession as High Priest fails for whom it was intended (if all without exception); this is also an impossibility. Jesus does not intercede for those who were not given to Him! 

However, Christ is a High Priest ONLY toward the Children of Abraham (hebrews 2:16-17, john 8:37-47). The Children of Abraham are the Children of Promise and the Children of Promise are God's Elect and God's Elect are the Son's Sheep. Christ prayed BEFORE HIS DEATH on behalf of those given to Him from the Father (john 17:1-2, 10-11) so that AFTER HIS DEATH, those things He prayed for BEFORE HIS DEATH may indeed come to pass seeing that He accomplished all that the Father had given Him to do in regard to the work of redemption on their behalf - IT IS FINISHED.

Seeing that Christ intercessory work as High Priest is an effectual work, it is an impossibility for Him not to fulfill His Father's commission. Christ always does and fulfills the will of the Father. Indeed, the Son will lose none of all that was given to Him but raise them up on the last day. A KEY POINT - Jesus death and role as High Priest are necessarily related and cannot be seperated; He only intercedes for those He died for; therefore, resulting in the inevitable salvation of those who were given to Him - seeing that the Father will always honor the prayers of the Son for the Father ALWAYS hears the Son and the Son ALWAYS does what pleases the Father (john 8:29, john 11:42).

By Aaron Fisher 

It is the Spirit, that gives Life.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. - JOHN 6:63

Sinful man according to his flesh alone profits no spiritual good. That which is born of flesh is strictly flesh! It is the Spirit that gives life (makes one alive) in order that they, those who come to Christ after being born again may truly understand spiritual truths. This is why the Jews primarily took offense, because they could not discern spiritual truths that Christ spoke (john 6:25-65). The carnal man in his flesh cannot comprehend things pertaining to the Spirit (1 corinthians 2:14) but the one who has the Spirit in him from being born again now has the ability to understand the thoughts of God (1 corinthians 2:11-13). You won't and cannot believe apart from being made alive.

https://biblehub.com/greek/2227.htm

FURTHER EXAMINATION:

In verse 63, Jesus spoke truth saying, It is the Holy Spirit that makes one alive and the flesh to which men are born profits no spiritual good. He spoke of the flesh as having no help at all regarding the words He spoke. For He continues to say in verse 63, the words He spoke to the disciples following Him are of the Spirit of God or of God who is Spirit and pertain to spiritual life. He was stating a theological truth that man according to his flesh alone cannot ascertain spiritual truths. Spiritual truths are only understood by the Spirit or in essence, regeneration. In verse 64, Christ states, that there were some of them who did not believe. And finally in verse 65, He reiterates what He has already said in verse 44; that - "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” In other words, no can come to the Son unless (IT) has been granted to him by the Father - to come and believe on the Son. What is being granted is the ability to hear and learn from the Father by way of spiritual life or being made alive. Prior to this ability being granted, sinful man is unable (DUNAMI, verse 44 and 65) to come to Christ and believe - this ability has to be granted. And it is only granted to those given to the Son from the Father.

THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE are for  only those who were PROMISED ETERNAL LIFE beforehand; Christ SHEEP!

By Aaron Fisher

Libertarian Free Will?

*Libertarian Free Will robs God of the glory that's due Him alone*. 

Free Will makes the creature a sovereign (god) unto himself for a sinful heart is by default prideful taking after it's father, the Devil (john 8:44-45 and ezekiel 28:2) who was first to lift himself up in pride before God - wanting to exalt himself even above his Creator. (isaiah 14:12-17, and 2 thessalonians 2:3-4). Just as Satan desires to exalt himself in pride above his creator, then by default so does his children; the sons of disobedience - for they both share in a nature that's evil. However, God has ensured that no creature shall boast in His presence by decreeing all things beforehand that will take place, so that the sinful creature can't take credit for anything that God has ALREADY predetermined to take place for His OWN glory; even salvation. 

Libertarian Free Will is a false teaching. Whether, a believer or unbeliever, regenerate or unregenerate; it nonetheless DOES NOT matter - NO ONE is libertarianly free; for NO ONE is ultimately free from God's eternal Decree regarding His eternal purposes!

By Aaron Fisher

For As Many As Received Christ ..... - john 1:12

Those who received Christ, were those who were born, not of blood nor the will of the flesh, nor the will of man but God. In other words, the phrase, "who were born, not of blood nor the will of the flesh, nor the will of man but God" - is a QUALIFYING statement. The phrase  actually LIMITS or RESTRICTS those who actually received Christ. For it is NOT saying, everyone without exception could receive Him but ONLY those who were ....... born of God.

John 1:12, is also NOT saying that those who received Christ were born of God AFTER receiving Him - as most interpret this text but just the opposite being born of God PRIOR TO receiving Him.

Furthermore, and in context - 

Those who received Christ (John 1:12) did not hate the light which is Christ (John 3:20). In fact, scripture testifies that those who come to the Light are only proving that their deeds according to their faith were carried out in God (John 3:21). 

And if their deeds were carried out in God it only also proves that they too were born of God before they received Him (John 3:21). Because if those who received Christ (John 1:12) did NOT hate the light, which is Christ and was neither practicing evil deeds (John 3:20) BUT yet was practicing the truth BEFORE they came to the Light, which is Christ - then this fact solidifies my argument that those who received Christ in John 1:12 only did so because they were born of God first; BEFORE receiving Him! 

QUESTION:

How can a person receive Christ and not only hate Him who is the Light but at the same time be partaking in evil deeds while coming to Him? They can't and they won't. They are still UNREPENTANT. The scriptures clarify those who actually come to Christ; those who are already practicing truth regarding the Word of the Lord and have sustained from practicing evil deeds - for these are the ones who were ALREADY born of God BEFORE coming to Christ. This same fact is also shared in John 6 involving those who are granted by the Father to come and believe in Christ AFTER being MADE ALIVE (john 6:63).

Conclusion; Those who received Christ, thus believed upon Him were doing what was right before coming to the Light, which is Christ - demonstrating their deeds according to their Faith were brought about in God because they were born of God PRIOR to them receiving His Son.

But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.  - John 1:12-13

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever practice the truth comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. - John 3:19-21

By Aaron Fisher