KOSTA: Dr. E seems to think otherwise. She even knows that her children are among the elect (because, quote "God gave them to" her!)! But, then, no one expects concordance among 33,000-plus man-made "denominations."
It's just not that tricky, Kosta. In fact, it's quite simple to grasp from Scripture.
None of us knows the names of the elect, or we would be God. But we have His assurance that if we have been given Trinitarian faith in His son, Jesus Christ, then we are numbered among His children. That's what Scripture tells us in black and white and that's the understanding the Holy Spirit gives us of those Scriptures.
The rest of the world we can only presume to know. But we have pretty good indicators in the evidence of men's lives (always mindful that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" -- Romans 14:23.) And this learning comes from the lips of Christ Himself, no less...
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." -- Matthew 7:16-18 "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
So again, your argument is with God and Scripture, Kosta, not with those who preach His word.
As far as our children are concerned, Scripture tells us the promise was made to believers and their families since it is God who creates families in the first place. I trust God. Therefore, I trust He will guide my children to Him.
"She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet." -- Proverbs 31:21
Is your household clothed in the blood of Christ, Kosta?
Funny thing is, the more a parent believes that to be the way of things, the more it becomes true. Almost like it was supposed to be that way.
Do you have children, Kosta?
The Bible containes no such statement. On the other hand, maybe your Bible does. Why not, it contains all sorts of other additions...of men.
That's what Scripture tells us in black and white
No it doesn't.
that's the understanding the Holy Spirit gives us of those Scriptures
The Holy Spirit gives us the understanding that we can be severed from Christ and fall again; but it also tells us that if we, want to be with Him, and follow Him, if we persevere, He will never leave us.
But we have pretty good indicators in the evidence of men's lives (always mindful that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" -- Romans 14:23.)
The only problem is what people consider "faith." Judging from the Protestant/Baptist/LDS/others crowd on these forums, anything goes pretty much. As it turns out, even a faith can be a sin.
And this learning comes from the lips of Christ Himself
If had a penny for every one who has a definition of what is good and evil I'd be a multimillionarie. The only problem here is that the verses don't tell us what is good and what is evil, so everyone can make it up. It's a pretty wide brush you are using to narrow down the argument. I think you won't be able to get a clean line in those tight corners.
So again, your argument is with God and Scripture, Kosta, not with those who preach His word
No, I have no argument with Scriptures. They proclaim universal truth, provided one knows what "truth" or in this case "good" is. My argument is with those who read into the Scriptures their own definitions of what is truth or what is good and, worse, who define themselves as possessing the truth and being good.
Is your household clothed in the blood of Christ, Kosta?
My household has been blessed by a priest in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. His Blood was shed for the whole world, inlcuding my household.
Do you have children, Kosta?
I do.