Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple
Acts 19 is THE up close picture of Paul ministering to win souls at Ephesus. It shows just what he SAID then also what he did.
Of course salvation is a sovereign act. When have I ever said it was not? God purposed before the world was to save who he was going to save and then HOW he would save them.
We see that demonstrated perfectly in Acts 19. It unfolds EXACTLY like Acts 2:38. He is the one who brought about their repentance and faith. Water baptism is HIS OPERATION just like Paul said in Col. 2. It is NOT the work of men.
The Holy Spirit is SENT BY HIM to indwell a believer to sanctify, guide into all truth, and give power for living the life and being a witness to it.
You need not persuade me of predestination. I have believed in it for many years.
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I know, Michael, we're probably not that far apart either... but again, I think it's important to emphasize the "sovereign" element first. It was "sovereign grace" that saved the Ephesians (and us!).
And then, the rest of our lives began to unfold as we "rose" into the newness of life.