Page 72 - Bible Doctrine Survey I - Student Textbook (3)

In these last two references Jesus states both sides of the coin with no apology or contradiction. Any
can come and not be cast out (free will of man – 6:37). All who come have been chosen (sovereign
election by God – 6:44).
Acts 13:48 – “…And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed”
See also Acts 16:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (“chosen…through faith”)

What is Salvation?

Free Will – We choose Christ by Faith

Scriptures make it abundantly clear that a person will not receive salvation
apart from exercising believing faith. Every person definitely has a free choice
whether to believe or not to believe. Each of the following passages contains
the key terms (faith, believe) to explain what we must do to receive eternal
life: John 1:12; 3:16; 3:36; 5:24; 6:40; 6:47,48,51; 7:37,38; Acts 10:43;
16:30,31; Romans 1:16; 3:22; 3:27,28; 5:1; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:1-
4; Galatians 2:16; 3:22; Ephesians 1:13; 2:1-10 (esp. 8,9); 1 Thessalonians 5:9;
1 Timothy 1:15,16; 2 Timothy 3:15; Titus 3:4-7; 1 John 5:11-13.

Romans 10:13 – “Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”
John 3:16 – “…that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”

Scripture clearly states that God has sovereignly chosen us, yet we have a free will in salvation.

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