The Calvinism Debate - Way of Life Literature

which says that Jesus was crucified “by the determinatecounsel and foreknowledge of God.” e Calvinist claims thatdeterminate counsel and foreknowledge is the same thing,but it is evident that these are, in fact, two different things.e Calvinist points out that “determinate counsel” precedes“foreknowledge,” but what he fails to observe is the “and.”Acts 2:23 does not say that Jesus was crucified “by thedeterminate counsel which is the foreknowledge of God”; itsays that Jesus was crucified “by the determinate counselAND foreknowledge of God.” at God elects according toHis foreknowledge does not mean that He elects solelyaccording to His determinate counsel, and this fact does notmake God any less God.2 Timothy 1:9--“Who hath saved us, and called us withan holy calling, not according to our works, but accordingto his own purpose and grace, which was given us in ChristJesus before the world began.”ough this verse says that God did not call us by ourworks but by His grace which was given us in Christ Jesusbefore the world began, it does not say that the saved are“sovereignly” chosen and that their election has nothing to dowith their faith and with God’s foreknowledge. For a sinner tobelieve on Christ is not a work (Eph. 2:8-9).2 essalonians 2:13--“But we are bound to give thanksalway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord,because God hath from the beginning chosen you tosalvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief ofthe truth.”is verse does not say that election to salvation hasnothing to do with belief of the truth. One must read thatdoctrine into it. In fact, taking its words by their face value,the verse says that belief of the truth is part of our electionand it does not say that election has nothing to do with Godforeseeing the sinner’s faith.Ephesians 1:3-5--“Blessed be the God and Father of ourLord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual94