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#42709 Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:53 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
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AC. Offline OP
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Hi everyone,

I always wondered why in some of Paul's epistles, such as Ephesians for example, Paul speaks to the whole church there as elect and predestined - would this be seen as presumptuous when viewed thru a Calvinistic lens?

thanks!


The mercy of God is necessary not only when a person repents, but even to lead him to repent, Augustine

AC. #42713 Mon Jun 08, 2009 2:59 PM
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Originally Posted by AC.
I always wondered why in some of Paul's epistles, such as Ephesians for example, Paul speaks to the whole church there as elect and predestined - would this be seen as presumptuous when viewed thru a Calvinistic lens?
scratchchin And now did you come to this conclusion that Paul is presuming the "whole church there as elect and predestined"? My Bible says this:

Quote
Ephesians 1:1-2 (ASV) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Seems to me from my reading of this salutation that Paul is writing specifically to those who HAVE BEEN saved by grace and those who are living lives which exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. shrug

In His grace,


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AC. #42714 Mon Jun 08, 2009 3:23 PM
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Originally Posted by AC.
Hi everyone,

I always wondered why in some of Paul's epistles, such as Ephesians for example, Paul speaks to the whole church there as elect and predestined - would this be seen as presumptuous when viewed thru a Calvinistic lens?

thanks!

Hi AC,

This may not answer your question but we could look at this with the eyes of the Spirit in the Word and not just scholastically or by resorting to the original languages. Below is a partial qoute by Robert Hawker.

Quote
It was not for the Church at Ephesus only that this most precious portion of the divine word was sent, but for the church of God in all ages. Thousands and tens of thousands, who never have seen, or will see Ephesus, have found cause to bless God the Holy GHOST for Paul's ministry and writings to that people. Yea, ages yet unborn, will find motives of praise for the same!



William,





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