[editor-surveyor]

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It is beautiful until one allows himself to believe those effluvious words of encouragement to a strong congregation are meant as a general guarantee of predestined salvation.
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[smvoice]

I believe it was God's PLAN for this dispensation of His grace that was predestined. That everyone who believed in the finished work of Christ (the gospel) would be saved. And sealed unto the day of redemption. Why?

Ephesians tells you that, too. "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." Eph. 2:7. We, in this time of His grace in order that we might be reconciled to Him, are the "but now" of Ephesians, Chapter 2. Formed BEFORE the foundation of the world, but kept secret until revealed to Paul. Also found in Ephesians Chapter 1:4.