[countmeworthy]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

I've found that usually when the Bible talks specifically about two things that appear to be contradictory (think predestination vs free will), then they are still both true.

yes. I may not understand the 2 doctrines of predestination vs free will but since I am secure in Christ, both definitely ring true to me.. I believe I WAS chosen before the foundation of the world! I also believe God allowed me to choose HIM or not, thus free will. Growing up, I would get 'glimpses' of God as if He was wetting my appetite for Him.

It is just our limited mentalities which can't seem to accept that both are valid.

I liken the scriptures to be like a puzzle. God imho wants us to figure it out. The answers are all in there. It's just not cut and dry. I think that is why we are instructed to STUDY in 2 Timothy 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

So if there are verses showing that rapture occurs after the GT and before, then how can this be? Our concept says there is one rapture. So which is true, our concept or the Word? (not a tough question, at least in theory)

I gave you my thoughts on the many raptures mentioned in the scriptures in the last post.

So yes, we true Christians are all redeemed by His blood and have been reborn with His indwelling life and have been made new creations in Him, but there is also the matter of our actions after this wonderful occurrence. I have gotten much clearer on this, this past year. It is not so much about the performance-based walk idea I seemed to pick up in the LC, which was a heavy burden indeed. But there definitely is a matter of being well-pleasing to Him - being faithful in at least a few things (as he tells the unfaithful servant in Matt 25).

This past year, I have learned to pray "Thy PERFECT WILL be done in me this day"/ WOW! talk about lifting the burden off my shoulders!! AMAZING GRACE literally!!

Many Christians miss this matter of what is expected of them after the new birth.

I blame the pulpit preachers and pulpit teachers.

James 3:1 warns teachers of the Word:
Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.

If the 'teachers' have not learned to RIGHTLY DIVIDE the WORD, is it the babe in Christ's fault they miss the matter of what is expected of them?

The NEXT question is: What does rightly dividing the Word of Truth stated in 2 Timothy 2:15 mean??

I hope I conveyed things clearly. Does any of that make sense?

Clear as mud. JUST KIDDING! great discussion... and I hope my views were NOT clear as mud. Even more.. hope I did not put anyone to sleep!