[Dr. Eckleburg]

It looks as if cause and effect are reversed within the space of two paragraphs.

The misperception is yours, Mark.

If we believe, it is because God has given us faith.

If we believe, it is because God has given us new ears and new eyes and a new heart with which to believe.

If we believe, it is because God has named us to His family from before the foundation of the world.

And at a time of God's choosing, we will believe and know our salvation is by Christ's atonement alone.

"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." -- Ephesians 1:4-6

We either believe God's word, or we don't.

[MarkBsnr]

No Dr. E.

The fact remains, as does that post, of the contradictions of man-made Reformation theology.

In one paragraph you said that faith brings salvation. In the next, you said that salvation brings faith.

***And at a time of God’s choosing, we will believe and know our salvation is by Christ’s atonement alone.***

There is a difference between belief and knowledge; the same difference as between the Church and the Gnostics.

God has named us all and freely offers His Grace to us all; we are free as well to accept or reject that Grace.