Election and predestination have NOTHING to do with salvation. These have to do with the eternal purposes of God FOR THE SAVED.

Paul said, "We are chosen IN HIM -- that we should be holy and without blame...... predestined unto the adoption..." Adoption is not salvation. In those days it meant to come into maturity as a child so that you could take responsibility over your inheritance. Paul is telling us that if we are already IN CHRIST that we are elected AS those who are saved unto holiness, and predestined AS those who are saved to take responsibility over eternal inheritance. We can also forfeit these purposes through unbelief. Being elected and predestined according to God's will doesn't destroy or negate free will.

To summarize, once you come to Christ by faith, you are then IN CHRIST -- and so you are elected unto God's purposes FOR THOSE IN CHRIST.

To say it another way: There is ONE ELECT: Jesus Christ. Come to Christ and you become the elect IN HIM. Jesus is the ONLY begotten Son of God -- but if we are IN CHRIST we are sons and daughters IN HIM -- and are therefore COHEIRS.

The doctrine of unconditional election -- that God has ordained from the foundation of the world who He will save and who He will damn -- and that we have no choice in the matter -- this is Calvinism -- and it is heresy. It is not only a contradiction to the Bible, but is a contradiction to God Himself. It paints a horrible picture of God and minimizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ died for all. We are in darkness but God brings light and Truth -- and we must choose.

'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:16-21)

This is THE gospel. But Calvinism, legalism, license, Catholicism, universalism -- these are all, "another gospel."

The body of Christ needs to WAKE UP and realize that these matters are serious business:

For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God? (I Peter 4:17)

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Gal. 1:6-10)

Finally:

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (II Cor. 11:13-15)

Today, the pulpit is filled with individuals who were never called of God and who do not know Jesus Christ. Today the qualifications for ministry are a degree, ordination, and an outgoing personality -- and the presumed ability to bring in and keep members.

According to scripture, church growth has NOTHING to do with members, money, or what appears to be a success of ministry -- namely a following or prestige among Christians. NOTHING to do with any of that. In scripture, what matters is the building up of believers in Christ. That can happen with very few. It is what matters to God.

Today, many stand behind the pulpit and read from a prepared manuscript – and some rarely make eye contact with their congregation. Some scream and yell. Others cry. But perhaps the most subtle of all are those who present a false gospel with soft tones of love and concern -- who themselves are deceived by the very falsehoods they preach.

No one is suggesting that most false teachers are deliberately lying to their congregation. They may not know they are deceived -- but they COULD know. That means they are responsible. If a person stands before others and claims to speak for God -- they are responsible for knowing Jesus Christ and responsible for being a faithful steward of Truth. This is NOT maybe. It is a FACT. It is also something that is taken lightly today.

God is a loving, forgiving, and redemptive Heavenly Father. It is NEVER too late to repent and turn back to Him. This is God's continual plea even to those who have taught errror in His church. He is the God of all grace.