Featured Can someone WANT to be saved but not be?

Their nature was already fallen (Psalm 51:5; Eph. 2:1-3; Col. 1:21). Rom. 1 is an interesting passage of scripture. It explores the insidious nature of sin and the depths of reprobation. The account of the fool in Romans 1 isn't so much a timeline (exchanged the truth for a lie ---> given over to reprobation) as it is one of depth and progression. The sinner (which is everyone) is born as such and has a natural disposition towards sin. The more the sinner sins, and the more he hardens his heart, there is potential for reaching greater depths of sin. Some people peg the needle on the depravity meter and become Stalin's, Hitler's and Bin Laden's. Others never progress as far but are still enemies of God. The fool of Romans 1 is a composite. It's not one sinner who does all the things recorded in that chapter; rather it's broad brushed picture of where sin can lead.

Sorry for waxing long. It's 2:15 AM and allergies are keeping me up.

 

He [esau]:thumbsup::thumbsup:did not want to repent...he wanted his father to repent and give him the blessing.....

 

I do not think we have sufficient reasons to suggest that Esau was ultimately unsaved...If I were to posit a guess....I would actually believe that he was. He surrendered a life of blessedness in service to God, for instant gratification of earthly desires....He made foolish decisions to surrender the less tangible blessings of taking what would quite reasonably be expected to be his...His birthright. He had little appreciation for what his birthright was worth. Some years later....some wisdom gained...he had more appreciation (even if he never FULLY appreciated it) for what he gave up and sought it...but it wasn't Salvation he gave up. Real decisions have Real consequences.

 

Yes!

As the natural inclination of man, due to being sinners, is to refuse God and his offer of salvation in Christ!

man wants a salvation that comes about due to his own work/efforts. so rejects free offer in christ!

 

No, as the Lord will save ALL who come unto Him to get saved, and ONLY those whom He enables/quickens/draws to Himself will even want to get saved!

 

Double Post Edit

 

Unless, perhaps, if one briefly considers those of a works-based faith who ostensibly torture themselves their whole lives seeking with desperation salvation........Sure

 

NVM.........DP I need more savvy

 

that would be those who try to save themselves apart from jesus!

 

I appreciate reading this very nice job of articulating this important concern along with the added identification of the stereotypical roots of a serious problem facing Christianity! Well said.

 

I ran across an article in the Founders Journal by Jay Keywood, titled "Jonathan Edwards Religious Affections and True Religion in the Local Church."

Here's the link:http://www.founders.org/journal/fj85/article2.html

Edwards' treatise speaks to the subject under discussion here. And it raised some points that ought to make us re-examine all that we say and do in calling men and women to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus. It may also cause us to re-examine our own relationship to God, and our hope of heaven.

Here's just one paragraph from Keywood's article:

Edwards goes on to say what he believes are true religious affections, and the criteria for recognizing them in others.

Oh, and wanting to be saved is not one of them.

 

"My doctrine"? :/

Absolutely it matters. The lack of desire, is what produces the lack of ability. They do not want to repent and believe, therefore they do not.

Sure they can. They can be unable because they are unwilling.

 

That must be one of the worst sermons I have ever heard. The only effect preaching like this can accomplish is to make people doubt their salvation. I can imagine every single person in his audience coming away full of fear and doubt, and forever seeking some "unknown" faith they cannot hope to understand.

The scriptures are simple and straightforward. Jesus said whosoever comes to him, he will in no wise cast out. He didn't say our repentance must be perfect, our feelings perfect, our intentions perfect, etc... Jesus said if we come to him in our heart desiring that he save us, HE WILL SAVE US, and under no circumstances whatsoever shall he ever cast us out.

Jesus encouraged faith, he gave complete assurance. Fellows like Edwards spread doubt and fear to everyone who heard him. This is the technique the Roman Catholic church used for centuries to control people, FEAR.

 

Desire has no bearing on ability. That is "your doctrine" talking.

 

Of course it does. A person cannot do what he does not desire to do. That is not "my doctrine" that is just plain logic and reason.

 

Not at all. YOUR doctrine however, gives men who believe in Christ reason for boasting.

The men of the occupy movement (those who are actually part of your caricatured group, anyway...), do not seek employment because they are wicked. Because they are wicked, they do not desire to work. But that does not excuse there wickedness.

 

In truth, HD, even your side of the theological aisle has room for this so called "boasting",...... "Look at me.....I was chosen" Boasting, or the attitude of such is not relegated to one side OR the other, but can sadly be a characteristic of both.