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cjones said:
After reading all your responses, I still do not understand it? Does it mean that only the elected are interested (drawn/attracted) in becoming repentant and trust God and Christ?
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/yep.gif" alt="" /> and <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/nope.gif" alt="" />, hehe.

1. Yes, only the elect will in time become TRULY and GENUINELY convicted of sin and consequently repent and believe upon Christ. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.

2. No, many will outwardly show interest in Christ and speak "god words", play church, etc. Sometimes it is very difficult to distinguish between the "wheat" and the "tares". In these last days it is God's will that both will dwell together in the visible Church. Jesus explained all of this in several different ways, one of which is most well known here, Matthew 13:3-23, Mark 4:3-20, and Luke 8:5-18, (cf. Matt 7:21-27; 11:25-30).

As for the doctrine of Predestination/Election, although it is taught in myriad places in Scripture, for me the clearest and most glorious passage is found in Ephesians 1:4-13. There, Paul is expounding upon how the believers in Ephesus came to be believers... and why; for what purpose.

It can be healthy to have doubts about your salvation as it is a means by which God brings you closer to Himself by grace. Looking inward will only result in depression and doubt for what good could one possibly find in a heart which is laden with sin, albeit in part compared to before the soul was made alive? (read Romans 7:7-25 which is portion of Paul's own autobiography)

And lastly, there are many beneficial articles on Predestination which William already pointed you to here: Predestination, which I would encourage you to read through. Many, if not most of your questions on this doctrine are answered there. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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