Discuss John 6 Page 6

JLind007,

Here's what I can share with you on this. It may be a little lengthy, but please bear with me.

(Part 1)

In John 6:52-59, we see the perplexity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood. So, these people are perplexed. In Verse 52, the Jews asked how can this man give us His flesh to eat? And then in Verse 53, Jesus begins to give an explanation. Jesus says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." Gross huh? Welcome to Christianity!

In Verses 54-57, Jesus says, "Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

That sounds kind of deep! In fact, that's the reason and the teaching why the multitudes left. Remember, there were 15 to 20 thousand people that were fed the day before. And now these same people are listening to somebody telling them about cannibalism. (Please keep this is mind because this is very important). This multitude of people were there looking for more physical food. But Jesus is not talking about feeding them physically, but spiritually.

What does Jesus mean? He explains it to the disciples later in the chapter, but He doesn't explain it to the public. His words are spirit and they are life. It is not flesh. When He says "Eat of my flesh and drink of my blood," if you think about it from a Jewish perspective, it makes more sense.

If you remember, when Jesus was introduced to Israel, He was introduced as the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. I want to emphasize to you from the book of Exodus that it wasn't just the blood over the door posts that saved a household from the Angel of death in order for the Angel of death to Passover.

Matthew 25:31-46, John 3:15,16,17,18,36, John 6:40,47, Romans 6:22, 2Thessalonians 1, Jude 1, Revelation 20:15, Mark 9:42-48, 2Peter 3, Revelation 14:9-19, Revelation 15:1-4, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:10-15, Revelation 21,

Hi Adam,

Actually Jesus isn't the Son of God. Christ is. Who is Christ except God's Son as He created Him. And what is Jesus except the Christ in Him. Jesus' appeared, took on the form, was in the likeness, being found in fashion of a body. Philippians 2:7,8. His reality is Spirit, since His Father is Spirit. John 4:24. We know what James 3:11,12 says. To paraphrase, woolly mammoths don't produce rabbits, and neither do redwood trees produce poppies. We know also flesh can't produce spirit. It is highly illogical Spirit producing flesh. God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all 1 John 1:5. Light does not produce darkness, only Light. God is Love 1 John 4:8. Love creates Itself and nothing but Itself. The truth of Jesus is not a body, but Christ, Who like God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, wholly loving and wholly lovable. Jesus, who appeared as a body has the Mind (Spirit) of Christ. Jesus (his Mind) has nothing that does not come from God; the difference between both me and you now is that He has nothing else. So yes, Christ is God: 100%! The flesh profits nothing. John 6:63. Where in the Scriptures does it say God is a body; and they that worship Him must worship Him in body and in truth?

And yes, Christ is God's Son, an extension and complete sharing of God's Self (Mind). The Trinity in It's Oneness transcends the sum of It's parts. They are One.

Peace be with you

God Is

John 12 and Predestination

This section goes from they did not believe (as seen in John 6:64; 8:46 and others) to verse 39 of this chapter which states that they COULD not believe as prophesied in Isaiah 53:1.

Verse 42 serves as a harsh reminder that we can have belief in Christ but we also must CONFESS with our mouths ( Romans 10:9-10) in order to have saving faith. We are reminded here of Luke 16:15 which states that which is honorable among men is an abomination to God.

Here; it was praise of men that was the cause; and being thrown out of the synagogue; not even direct physical persecution.

Verse 48 reminds us of the conviction of the Spirit as mentioned in John 16:8; a few chapters later. Clearly; the whole Godhead works as a unit in tandem in ways mysterious to man.

Verse 40 goes on further to state from Isaiah about God Himself blinding men. Some other verses on that include 2 Thessalonians 2:11 where God Himself sends strong delusion so that they will believe the lie because of the previous verse where they did not LOVE the truth. Also we have Isaiah 66:4 where it says that God will choose their delusions.

All sin stems from self justification; and self love that cannot accept the true state of our souls as fallen man because of Adam and his progeny that makes up natural man. Naked we come into this world and naked we shall go ( Job 1:21); also see Ecclesiastes 5:15. We cannot love anything above God; Jesus uses the word HATE for anything else ( Luke 14:25-26). We see the general sentiment in verse 25 of this chapter. Clearly; Christ Himself showed love in the previous chapter for Lazarus; Mary and Martha as well as John when He said "Behold your mother" to John at the cross so that he could take care of her. ( John 19:26-27).

There were times when they sought Him out when He stated the more important principle that those who followed Him were brothers; sisters; etc. ( Luke 8:21).

The blueprint for being a child of God or not is in John 12.

Almighty God Father and Creator, thank You for knowing all things Lord. Thank you for Your wisdom and love. Thank you God for You are the same today as yesterday. We lift up family "Tradawn Montgomery" to You Lord and pray in Jesus Christ's Almighty Holy Name that what is hidden will be revealed to this family Lord. So that they can throw what is not from You God into the deepest abyss, in Jesus name we pray Amen. Thank you for answered prayers that will deliver this family from this idol they have in their midst Lord.

John 6:1-14

Interesting stuff. There is also found in Romans 8 regarding predestination and who we are in Christ, one of my favorite chapters in the bible. God bless.

John 6 on Predestination.

This appears to be the longest chapter in scripture outside Psalm 119 and the Genealogies. The theme of verse 37; 39; 44 and 65 continue to hammer out the exclusivity of all those called; chosen and therefore elected by God the Father for Christ to be revealed to. This is interwoven throughout the book of John in particular; but is evident in many other scriptures as well.

Notice the approach of Christ; He is continuing to "weed" out those who are truly going to be disciples from all those following Him for other reasons. He always waits for questions from people; then responds with the true condition of their hearts; then explains what is really going on to blind men to the truth.

First we see those who were fed that tenaciously went to the other side of the lake of Tiberius after they wondered how Christ got across to the other side. He didn't bother telling them that He walked on the water; simply stated that they should believe in v. 29 before the first statement in v. 34 on God's election.

Verses 41-43 show the problem in not recognizing Jesus as God in the flesh. He gets back into election in v. 44; then into the subject of living manna. The subject of eating Hs flesh and drinking His blood were meant to describe what goes on in the spirit. Certain disciples at that time left Him. Despite the 12 affirming His deity; Christ knew that one chosen to be the son of perdition would betray Him. (v. 70). This had to be hidden from everyone else lest they stop God's plan from coming to total fruition. The ways of God are beyond our comprehension ( Deut. 29:29).

Well Rob, I don't struggle with this as the Scriptures are clear to me. You asked if there was a "man at the right hand of God?" To answer that as you gave it, I would say NO, only because that short statement doesn't reflect Christ's true personality & remains open to confusion & speculation. It only reflects His Humanity, devoid of His eternal existence & the Nature of His Resurrection.

But if you asked, 'is there One called Jesus Christ, who came to Earth from Heaven ( John 3:13; John 6:38), from within the Person of God ( John 1:1-14), to become Man, died, arose from the grave, & now ascended to the right Hand of the Father, ever living as the Word of God made flesh (where Divinity has merged with Humanity) making intercession for His people, & one day returning to Earth in the same state that He left this Earth (as the Word of God: Revelation 19:13)?', then I would say, YES. Any other Jesus is, from my understanding of the Scriptures, to be another Jesus - One assumed maybe from incorrect teaching and/or a bias against the Plan of God to secure our salvation.

If I avoided certain pertinent Scriptures revealing the full Nature of Christ, I could well agree with you. And some of us have shared those Scriptures, but receiving no exposition.

Covenants part 3

God sees our hearts. It is those often unseen; praying in the closet; living chaste lives; giving anonymously; etc. that are blessed.

Following and living out the truth because of obedience results from love of God. The characteristics of God's children today bring them spiritual authority and blessings to rule and reign someday with Him; alongside from the way scripture indicates; the tribes of Israel with the territories promised in their covenants thousands of years ago. He has called us out of this world; seated us in heavenly places ( Eph. 2:6); and sealed us to the Day of Redemption. ( Eph. 4:30).

Since His covenants are eternal; we have eternity to spend with the Lord (or conversely; in hell). Eternity has been set in the hearts of man; since God Himself is without beginning or end; thus it is reflected in the nature of man that He created; and communed with from the start. Through His Son; He purchased us and redeemed us through the transaction at the cross to be His own. These are all things tied into the concept of election and Predestination. Those who are NOT His children ALL will eventually fall away. John 6:37 is one verse of MANY in that Gospel and elsewhere showing how we are through the Godhead part of the plan of God to reveal the Truth as His child; or outside that number. These are profound mysteries; but it also shows a covenant or at least an agreement with the Father and Son which apparently was made before the creation in eternity past ( Ephesians 1:4).

I will attempt a section on Predestination soon; Lord willing. This section ties together the concept of covenant with election.

Through the Son we are given a new nature which is deemed acceptable to the Father because of Christ's merits and substitutionary atoning sacrificial death. To be one of His children we also must die to self; a lifelong process that initiates at salvation and goes on to death. ( Galatians 2:20; also see Romans 12:1).

Thanks Mark. I agree with what you've written here: that "each (aspect of the Godhead) is somehow spoken of as separate from God", and this I believe is true because that is how the Word of God reveals the Mind & Acts of God in relation to humanity. Yet, God is One & is indivisible into some sort of 'parts of God' - but that God takes from within His Divinity to reveal to men His Love & longing for all to turn from their wicked ways, unto Him alone. He alone does this for our sakes, and we now can love Him because of that Love displayed through His Son. When we see Jesus, to love Him, learn from Him, & long for Him, we do in very Truth see the Father ( John 14:9).

And John 6:37-39 is God's Promise to us: "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT. For I CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day."

John 21:16,17, Jesus said this directly to one person, Simon, Son of Jonas, called Peter. To understand more deeply, you would have to follow the scriptures that happened prior.

Please read: John 10:1-18, Psalms 100:3,

Luke 12:22-32,

Matthew 26:31-75, Mark 14:27-72, Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, prophecy from Old Testament: Isaiah 53, Zechariah 13:7,

Example of people lovingly referred to as sheep : 2Samuel 24:17, 1Chronicles 21:17, 2Chronicles 18:16, Psalms 74:1, Psalms 78:52, Psalms 79:13, Ezekiel 34:6,

Matthew 9:26, Matthew 18:12,13, Mark 6:24, 1Peter 2:25, compassion,

Deuteronomy 8:3,

John 6:47-69, notice in that moment "Simon Peter"'s reply: John 6:68,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hi David,

Yes, I think Gnosticism in earliest forms predates Jesus. For a period, parts of their belief system paralleled Christian thought in the first to third centuries.

Philippians 2:6-8. So, being in the form of God (Spirit), Jesus didn't see it as taking away from God by claiming His equality with God; because Jesus has the Mind of God. Jesus took on the "form" of a servant (man), made to look like man, being found in fashion of man. Jesus appeared as a body named Jesus. John 6:63 : The words He speaks are spirit and life, not flesh which profits nothing (counts as nothing). I can only speculate Paul thought Jesus was only a body, or both (dualism). Spirit or body. Will the real Jesus please stand up.

Peace.

A day in the life of Christ part 3

In looking at and comprehending Christ's unlimited attributes; we might think that with no surprises as to the assessment of men; that He wouldn't experience some of the reactions that He did. One notable example of this was with the Centurion who prayed for His child. ( Matthew 8:5-10). In His human emotions there was nothing wrong with this; in essence He was greatly rejoicing and "basking in the moment" as it were. Mark 6:1:6 shows the opposite example; that of the unbelief of those from His own hometown. This was righteous annoyance if not downright indignation; again not any surprise to the Son of God. Other times there are instances where He wept; careful study of those scriptures gives us insight as to WHY He did so; often associated with the unbelief and blindness of others. It should be noted that as the "Man of Sorrows" there is no verse showing Him laughing while on earth ( Isaiah 53:3). There is no die hard rule here; but we should carefully assess our reasoning for humor and ensure it isn't for inappropriate thoughts.

Again; it is clear that there were varied levels of depth to Christ's speech; particularly in regard to the parables which He expounded to the Disciples privately after declaring them openly. They were designed so that those who thought they could see were revealted to be blind. ( John 9:39; etc.) He therefore upbraided His disciples frequently for not understanding. To draw all men unto Himself; therefore meant all those the Father had given to Him ( John 12:32; John 6:37 for comparison). We see His temporary solitude with the Disciples after the death of John the Baptist be abruptly halted after the crowds followed Him. Since only some of the crowd was sincere; it shows the nature of Christ in continuing to meet their needs despite the grief of Himself and the Disciples. His priorities made such decisions to care for others above His own needs (coming to serve and not be served

Kenaket,

God does draw people to Christ. From there, it's up to the individual as to whether or not they will receive Him for salvation, or want to get away from Him. The individual must receive Jesus in order to be saved. ( John 6:44)

John 17, Jeremiah 30:18-21, John 6:44, John 15:16,19, Romans 8:28-30,

Numbers 16:5,

Matthew 20:16, Matthew 22:14,

John 6:70, John 13:18, Acts 1:2,

Hopefully these are helpful

is john 6:44 about election/predestination?

Matthew 4:1, Mark 14:38, Luke 8:55, Luke 11:13, Luke 23:46, Luke 24:39, John 3:5,6, John 4:23,24, John 6:63, John 14:17, 1Corinthians 12:3, 1Corinthians 15:45, Galatians 5:16,17, Galatians 5:22-25, Galatians 6:8, Ephesians 1:17, 1Thessalonians 5:23, James 2:26,

Romans 8, Hebrews 4:12,

Warning, 1Timothy 4:1,

1John 4:1-11, 1John 4,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study of your spirit & flesh; (body)

Jim,

John 6:37 would be one of many verses that would show the permanency of salvation. I believe in the permanency of salvation because I am trusting in the one who saved me and the one who has promised to keep me saved until the day of redemption.

Unfortunately that goes in contradiction to what we are told in the scriptures, and I wish it wasn't such a commonly unknown truth which is not just mentioned once in some obscure text, but it is written and confirmed in the Books in the New Testament which us Christians are required to know if we are to be a profitable servant. This is idea of Christ being unable to force his will upon someone is some kind of false gospel of an invented God which is not found in the Scriptures.

John 6: 65

And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

John 6: 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (draw meaning to literally drag.

Then you have the first chapters of Ephesians which says that the Father has CHOSEN US before the foundation of the world. To say that we are in control of whether we except God or are saved is to once again undermine the gift of eternal life which is why we are saved by grace, not a decision we made. It's really a scary thing that professing Christians can be so ignorant of the very things that make the Gospel so profound and perfect and undeniably of God. Also, you have expressed a love for a God who is not found in the Scriptures, and I strongly advise you to go back to the beginning and rediscover the faith you professs and find out where you stand concerning the Gospel after studying it again in its entirety. Most churches profess the same false gospel you have which I think is where you have been ensnared by.

I truly don't say these things to be hard or mean but I am just wanting to be able to possibly help you find the truth of God's character and the beauty of the Gospel is how undeserving we are and how powerless we are to do anything without permission from God to receive something or truly anything apart from the strong arms of our almighty Savior.

Dear thank u, John 6:37 have a nice and peacefull day and the rest (smiley) God bless

Dear Right Hand i can pray for you, Dear Almighty God and Creator i pray in Jesus holy name, that a root of bitterness does not grow up in humanity today John 12:18 But peace be with all. Let the Christians who call themselves Christians reach out for help and comfort to the whole herd. Let us today hear His Voice, that the ears are opened and we can expect to join Him when He returns with His Trumpet Voice. So that we can live in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. John 5:24-29 Thank You, Lord, for bringing Your salvation to all who cry out to You. And You will not reject anyone, according to Your Word. John 6:37 Amen

God bless u in Jesus name, love u in Christ.

O Almighty God and Creator, You who created all things. You who also see in grace to us humans and gave us Jesus Christ. My gratitude will last forever! Let my heart always burn for You my God. Always ready and witness for Your cause, Lord. Always have a willing heart to pray for my family, relatives, friends and all the people on this created earth. Many many thanks for everything Lord!

And even fill me with Your Love so that i forgive all those who have wronged me and mine throughout my life.

Also for everything i need for daily life, the food i eat and the water i drink, for the clothes i wear. Oh Lord, everything comes from You, and all the gifts come from You, Thank you My Lord and Master I give everything to You. You will have the glory forever. You Are King.

John 6:22-40 God bless us all in Jesus holy name, love u all in Christ.

Dear "Rboyd1972" , for a question! I've never thought about that.

But it might be a word or something like "jump in the ocean" or something like that. But it was perhaps a picture of what was expected of someone who would follow Jesus. They did not yet know that Jesus would eventually hang on the cross. So they probably thought these were cruel words. He complained about it often, you know. For example, how long will I endure with you? Matthew 17:17

The disciples were taught by the Lord so they knew He had His words. Many also left Him, because the word became too difficult and understand. As in John 6:41-49

Stay strong in the word of God that is the best way. God bless u in Jesus name, i love u in Christ.

Hello Fabian TAIMABRI,

Genesis 1:27, notice: Genesis 1:26,28,29,

Genesis 2:7, interestingly here "formed, breathed life" is this symbolic of the Church the body of Christ to come? John 12:25, Genesis 3:22, John 5:26, John 5:24, John 3:36, John 6:48,54, Titus 1:2, Romans 8:6, John 5:39,

Is chapter 2, symbolic of the stewardship of GOD's Church? Genesis 2:15, Matthew 20:8, Luke 12:42, Mark 12,

Back to Genesis 1, "man appears to be collective for both" yes in name like human, humanity, humankind "man"

see even more interesting = Genesis 5:2,

GOD says distinctly female & male Genesis 1:27,

It appears it could be those created to multiply, fill the earth, subdue were away from the presence of GOD, again seeming to point to the symbolism in the garden "in the presence of GOD " His church. Genesis 3:8, Genesis 3:23-24, Genesis 4:14-16,

Genesis 2:17, spiritual death? Matthew 8:22, Luke 9:60, Matthew 22:32, Matthew 23:27,

In the forming of Eve, it appears also specific, spiritual & special with symbolism, Genesis 2:21-25, Genesis 6:1-3, Mark 10:4-9, 1Corinthians 6:15, Revelation 21:2,9, Isaiah 62:5, John 3:29-36, Matthew 22, Luke 12:36, Ephesians 5:30-32,

1Corinthians 13:9-12, James 1:5, Ephesians 3:4,

Hopefully these are all helpful

"Once saved always saved" just like the english word "rapture" are not mentioned in scripture per se. There are verses about being sealed with the Spirit until the day of redemption ( Eph. 1:13-14). Actually the verse states our inheritance in KJV v. 14.

John 6:39 indicates that Christ will lose none that the Father has given Him. As to the rapture/Resurrection from the dead; we of course can read in Thessalonians and Corinthians on the event. The latin word comes from "rapturo" which means to snatch out; quickly remove.

A fundamental misunderstanding comes when the doctrine of Predestination is ignored in scripture; and God's initiation of salvation based on those of His choosing. Romans 8:30 makes this pretty clear and many other verses; particulary the Gospel of John are helpful (read John 10). Our repentance and sanctification as well as good works are all things the Lord has prepared in His Providence (see Ephesians 2:10). On our end; we are responsible to make a public confession; repent and live a Godly life; but if we attempt to do so without being regenerated we are trying to be saved on our terms. In the flesh; we can do as Judas Iscariot did; who was BTW called and chosen; but predestined to be the "son of perdition" as prophesied in Psalm 41:9. What is known as "decisional regeneration" by those who truly become Born Again must change our avoidance of consequences of our actions to that of a new regenerated heart which loves God. The Lord chastises all He loves ( Heb. 12:6).

These verses sort of fit together. It appears many are left behind to endure the Tribulation who were either tares or perhaps who thought they were saved. If they are to be saved; they will endure martyrdom and finally produce fruit to "make their garments white". Whether that includes backslidden believes now; I can't give a certain answer. We should all keep Luke 21:36 in mind as certainly all believers aren't in that mindset today. Agape; Rich P

Doug sir, the descriptive background wrote here regarding this journey explains to me that you cast aside your opinions, understandings from men, church teachings, and asked the Holy Ghost to lead you in all truth. Because of this you can see more clearly what is in the Word I would humbly ascertain.

The "rapture" is a contentious item, (pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib, pre-wrath, no rapture and also inverse: removal of the wicked) I too sought answers on this. 1 Thes 4:17 The key word used in this argument is in English "caught up", in Latin "rapture", and in Greek "harpazo" G726. This same word in our KJV is used 13 times, some of interest in comparative study are Rev 12:5, Jude 1:23, Acts 8:39, John 6:15. We all have an opinion in this matter, but we are all in HIS body. Regardless of what we think, His Word will come to pass as He intends it too. Alleluia!

1 Thes 4:15 The key word here is "coming" G3952 parousia- par-oo-see'-ah

From the present participle of G3918; a being near, that is, advent (often, return; specifically of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physical aspect: - coming, presence. (there is no 3rd coming, we are looking for the 2nd advent of Christ which is this, the harvest)

Who is the restrainer? Who is he who is letting until he be taken out the way? Jude 1:9, Dan 10:21, Dan 12:1

God bless you,

Josh

Douglas Borchard,

This prophecy gives the precise time of the first coming of the Messiah. You will receive different understandings of this, it is a study that will take much time. this is just a little information you may use to help your study.

Many put the last week of this prophecy at the end times. It is used for the 7 years of tribulation, a peace treaty with the antichrist (he in verse 27) for 3 1/2 years then 3 years of great tribulation with the taking of the church somewhere between (pre, mid, post).

"Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, (70 weeks, 70 x 7 = 490 solar years or 483 prophetic years) on the house of Israel (Daniel's people) and the holy city (Jerusalem). It started from "the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem", make a note, that the rebuilding of the temple is not in this prophecy.

Here are a few verses that may help your study and if this prophecy has been fulfilled or not.

1. To finish the transgression Isaiah 53:5, 8 Isaiah 53:11 Hebrews 9:15-18

2. To make an end of sins Matthew 1:21 Hebrews 10:8-11 John 1:29 1 Corinthians 15:3

1 John 3:5 Psalm 32 Romans 8:3

3. To make reconciliation for iniquity Colossians 1:20-22 Isaiah 53:6 Isaiah 53:11 Ephesians 2:16 ( Titus 2:14 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

4. To bring in everlasting righteousness Romans 5:17-21 Romans 3:21-26 1Peter 2:24

2 Corinthians 5:21 Isaiah 61:10-11

5. To seal up vision and prophecy Daniel 9:23 John 6:27 Mark 1:14-15 Acts 3:18

John 5:36-40 Matthew 11:11-15

6. To anoint the most holy Hebrews 8:1-12 Hebrews 9:6-14

The six things that were determined on Daniel's people and the holy city in this 70-week prophecy; did the Messiah/Jesus fulfill?

God bless,

RLW

The point of this scripture seems to be the " impossibility " that Jesus shows all things are possible. John 6:5-13,

Note: John 6:7 note the last part of that scripture says clearly "._._. is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. "

Regardless of amount of money, even clear understanding of money amounts for time, inflation, price gouging, sales, shortage etc. Historical understanding doesn't say what GOD's scripture does about the message He is saying to us.

1st John 6:6 "And this he said to prove him, for he himself knew what he would do."

It was Philip Jesus was talking to: John 6:5, & Phillip who answered: John 6:7, his answer was about financial calculation, earnings, lack, almost as if money was the only answer he had. Remember it was to prove him. When we see " impossibilities" where's our faith & solutions?

Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 15:29-39, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:12-17,

Note Matthew 15:32-33,

In each account Jesus had healed all the sick.

Hopefully this is helpful

Hello Don. You asked, "has God preselected the ones who are to be saved through Christ?" I believe He has. But I don't believe that's the full story, because as you shared the reference Romans 8:29, those whom God has predestined were those He also foreknew.

If we then look at those aspects of God's Work in Romans 8:29,30, we see firstly, His Foreknowledge (a knowledge of all things past, present & future). Based on that knowledge, He predestined some to become His children (as His Son is & His adopted ones would be - Ephesians 1:5). Then God's Work upon us begins: those predestined are now called to come to Him/drawn to Him - John 6:44. Those whom He has called, God applied to them the outcome of the Cross, i.e. of Justification - the guilty declared not guilty by reason of substitutionary payment made on their behalf. And those so justified, have received glorification - in part now with the indwelling Holy Spirit (the "earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession" - our completed redemption & glorification fitted out for Heaven: Ephesians 1:14).

Then what part "does our faith in Christ Jesus do for us?" Those whom God has predestined, called, & justified, are those who would be blessed with the gift of Faith - Faith that is needed for God's Grace to do its mighty work ( Ephesians 2:8). What then is the Gift of God? It is both His Grace poured out upon us plus the Faith to apprehend it & fully rest in it. One might ask, 'Can such a person drawn of God resist Him?' I would reply with questions: 'Would God even draw one who wouldn't be saved? Would the one being drawn want to resist the Love of God in Christ & the Holy Spirit's Work of Conviction? And, even if barriers were set up by Satan to obstruct the passage of the sinner into eternal life, would not the God Who makes no mistakes, still bear upon the sinner that he might understand the Truth & find that his hope lay in Christ alone?' John 6:37-40 - none of His will be lost.

ELB, thanks for your message. I stand by the phrase "doing our (my) best to follow Him every day". Following Jesus is not easy and won't be in this realm. Adam took care of that and you and I and all of mankind have been paying the price of sin ever since. That's why He asked in Luke 6, why call ye me Lord, Lord and do not the things I say? He then goes on to say those who hear my sayings and does them are like the man who built his house on the rock. Then there's Ananias in Acts 9 who was told to go pray for Saul/Paul that He might show him those things Paul must suffer for His name.

Finally, in Romans 7:14-25, Paul relates the 'battle' that happens every day in all of us. The spirit versus the flesh. Thank God I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. But I have to persevere and not wander off or go back to the former self prior to conversion as Demas did to Paul in 2 Tim. 4:10. You're right when you say it's not my strength or ability, but Jesus. I have to choose Him daily. Not to be born again, mind you, but determined to follow Him, no matter what. I don't want to be like those who left following Him as recorded in John 6:66. Thanks for your time...