[CCWoody]

While I am open to various interpretations of this verse, to include the one you propose, it is necessary to bear in mind that this apostles-only interpretation is highly likely given that even within the context itself Jesus then addresses others....those who would believe through the apostles word; i.e., those who were not specifically chosen by Jesus himself.

There are plenty of other verses to backup our position concerning election. I don't normally quote from John 17 for the specific reason you brough up. But it still doesn't bother me when someone does.

Rather, I quote verses like these:

John 6:44-45 No man can come to Me unless the Father who hath sent Me draw him; and I will raise him up at the Last Day. It is written in the Prophets: `And they shall all be taught by God.' Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned from the Father cometh unto Me.

John 6:34-40 All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me, and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from Heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will who hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the Last Day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me: that every one who seeth the Son and believeth in Him may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the Last Day."

RnMomof7's reading of scripture is perfectly in line with these and the many other verses which define election.

[xzins]

There are plenty of other verses to backup our position concerning election. I don't normally quote from John 17 for the specific reason you brough up. But it still doesn't bother me when someone does.

I can live with what you say. Although we know that I'm no calvinist, I appreciate the obvious biblical integrity in what you've just posted.