Pilgrim
Thank you for those links, I am finding this thread to be extremely interesting.
I am a person who even when I understand a particular doctrine, often have a hard time expressing what I believe in words. Often, it becomes apparent (usually my fault) that what I wanted to say was not understood by people reading what I said.
At times I like to quote people in order to avoid misunderstanding, however I would rather us my own words.
With that in mind I thought I would say something concerning this topic and see if you/others agree/understand with me.
I believe one is justified when they believe and not before. That means that there was a time when every single one of us before we believed and was justified, was guilty and condemned to hell.
However, it is important to realize that those chosen before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4) will upon belief be justified. If one is chosen, it is a foregone conclusion that they will eventually be justified.
I believe it is a mistake to believe that when one believes upon Christ, they have a realization of what God has already done in the act of eternal Justification; mainly because it puts justification before saving faith. Thus making light of saving faith.
Tom
