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Wayfarer said:
First, we are to offer salvation to everyone because we are told to do it and because there are a multitude of Scriptures to that effect.

If God tells us to proclaim the gospel to everyone, we can be sure that this makes sense. We must remember Ezekiel 33:11, or Isaiah 55:1, or Matthew 11:28.

But second, and speaking strictly, the gospel is not so much an offer, that people may politely accept or refuse, according to their own pleasure, as it is a command to turn away from sin and come to Jesus.

People have gotten into the habit of treating the gospel as an offer, which in one sense it is. But, we have forgotten that, even more than an offer, it is a command to sinners to repent and believe.

It is only after people have done this and have turned to Jesus that they can know that they are among those for whom Christ died.

Does this weaken the gospel message? Far from weakening the message, the doctrine of definite atonement strengthens it and alone makes it a genuine gospel. A gospel that truly humbles.

I am coming to understand this more everyday. When I see the depth of my sin I can not fully comprehend the depth of His grace. To believe that there is any thing in me, even my chosing Him, that would move Him seems like insanity. Honestly, I am finding more peace with the realization that all of salvation is His doing and that He is the one who is glorified by choosing to save the elect... of which I am humbled to be a part. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" />