Where did you get the idea that I was saying that someone was required to believe in hell to be saved? I was just pointing out that a believer who does have access to the Bible should believe in hell because of how clear the concept is in the Bible. Besides, what would a believer say we need saving from if there is no hell?
So the Sinner's Prayer does not make someone elect. Well, that's a start.
Right. God named the elect before the foundation of the world, so that was the causal element. Saying the Sinner's Prayer, or some form of it, is what all of the elect will do per God's ordination. It is the moment of salvation and when the Spirit descends upon the believer.
For example, consider Mat 25 and the Sheep/Goat parable. Christ KNOWS who is a sheep and who is a goat. The "animals" don't separate themselves. Christ does. Nor do the "animals" recognize Christ in their actions of goodness or refusal to do good.
But I thought that the sheep do follow the Good Shepherd because they recognize His voice.
OK, I guess I misunderstood you. Please accept my humble apology for not understanding what you were saying.
Saying the Sinner's Prayer, or some form of it, is what all of the elect will do per God's ordination.
In some form or another. But the question is - "do all who make the Sinner's Prayer members of the elect"? I agree with what you have said, but that does not lead to the question that I ask.
I thought that the sheep do follow the Good Shepherd because they recognize His voice.
All who follow Christ's voice are not necessarily His sheep. One must persevere and continue to follow His voice. Following it for a few years and then not following His voice does not make you a follower of Christ when Judgment comes.
Regards