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The point is if God wants a man to have the gift, that man will have the gift.

"For [the kingdom of heaven is] like a man going on a journey, [who] called his own slaves and entrusted to them his possessions. And to one he gave five talents, but to another two, but to another one, to each according to his ability..."(Matthew 25:14-15)

Are you familiar with this parable? What happens to the slave (us) given ONE talent, BUT DOESN'T USE IT? What is that man's destiny as a result? Having the gift doesn't mean the man will USE the gift... Man has free will.

Regards

Actually jokus that is a pretty fair analogy. To those who think that burying the talents has nothing to do with salvation, the end of the parable shows that the guy who buried his talent ended up in outer darkness.

Of all your arguments for free will, this one appears to be the best.

For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:29-30 KJV)

That certainly is something to think about. Knowing our Calvinist friends, I'm certain that they will provide their insights into this. But I must admit that you make a good point.

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Marlowe

The point is if God wants a man to have the gift, that man will have the gift.

"For [the kingdom of heaven is] like a man going on a journey, [who] called his own slaves and entrusted to them his possessions. And to one he gave five talents, but to another two, but to another one, to each according to his ability..."(Matthew 25:14-15)Are you familiar with this parable? What happens to the slave (us) given ONE talent, BUT DOESN'T USE IT? What is that man's destiny as a result? Having the gift doesn't mean the man will USE the gift... Man has free will.

That does not address the issue. The man was given the talent he could not refuse it

This is not a salvation passage BTW this speaks of the rewards of those that use what God has given them in a wise and productive way. The elect still sin, but they are able not to sin, something the unregenerate can not choose, So the regenerate have an even greater amount of "free will" than the unregenerate.

Just lets say that God knows exactly what you will do or not do with your talent, he will not be surprised if you choose to bury it. No matter what you choose to do with the talent He will be glorified by it .