Tuesday, July 26, 2005

On the road to Damascus, Jesus spoke to Saul and challenged him about "kicking against the pricks" (or ox goads). Then Jesus led Saul into a direction and a place that Jesus selected.

Exactly how much does one have in determining one's salvation?

Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) Romans 9:12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. Romans 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. Romans 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. Romans 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.