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beloved57 said:

This is were we disagree ! The truth of the gospel as to who christ died for , the sheep, the elect, the church, the chosen ones. It is a vital part of the gospel, perhaps even the stumblingblock!

..... it should not be excluded, because it is an essential truth, it describes for whom christ died!

Beloved57,

While I agree with you that God knows whom He has predestined unto salvation and who will be lost can you tell me how that's helpful in a Gospel presentation. If you use it in your Gospel presentation can you say that you know for sure that those who respond are indeed the elect of God? Is everyone who responds to the Gospel elect? Is every member of the church who has made a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ elect of God? If so why do some fall away?

We can't see into the hearts of our fellow church members and we can't know for sure who the elect of God truly are. So why do you think this is so vital to be included in a Gospel presentation? In Matthew 13 we read that the wheat and the tares will grow up side by side and then at the time of harvest they will be seperated. The one will be burned and the other will be brought into the storehouse.

The election of God which is taught throughout Scripture is learned and embraced by a true believer but is not essential in a Gospel presentation. The knowledge that God chooses us rather than the other way around is indeed a comfort to the believer because he knows that He who has begun a good work in him will also bring it to completion.

The Gospel is the narration of historical facts, interpreted by God for us, to be embraced and kept. Since Christ truly died and was raised, therefore our salvation is in Him alone; He is our hope.


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts