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| | The human will, because of [[Original Sin]], is corrupted and fallen. Often [[Ephesians]] 2:1, which states that men are "dead in their trespasses," is cited in justification of this. The result is that the will is incapable of choosing to love God over things below. This does not remove the ability of human beings to choose between two options, but it does remove one option, the choice to love God or not, from the kinds of choices that humans can make. The will can only choose to love God if it receives the grace of God. | | The human will, because of [[Original Sin]], is corrupted and fallen. Often [[Ephesians]] 2:1, which states that men are "dead in their trespasses," is cited in justification of this. The result is that the will is incapable of choosing to love God over things below. This does not remove the ability of human beings to choose between two options, but it does remove one option, the choice to love God or not, from the kinds of choices that humans can make. The will can only choose to love God if it receives the grace of God. |
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| − | According to the doctrine of predestination, God chooses those to whom He will give the grace to believe in, and love, him. Thus, when a person chooses to place his faith in [[Christ]], he has received the grace of God and is numbered among God's elect. This understanding of predestination excludes the possibility that someone could put their faith in Christ and not be saved. The fact that one does believe that [[Christ died for his sins]] is sufficient evidence for his election. | + | According to the doctrine of predestination, God chooses those to whom He will give the grace to believe in, and love, him. Thus, when a person chooses to place his faith in [[Christ]], he has received the grace of God and is numbered among God's elect. This understanding of predestination excludes the possibility that someone could put their faith in Christ and not be saved. The fact that one does believe that [[Christ]] died for his sins is sufficient evidence for his election. |
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| | Predestination is also called ''unconditional election,'' the U in the ''TULIP'' mnemonic for five of the doctrines affirmed at the Synod of Dort (1619), which have now come to be called the "Five Points of [[Calvinism]]." | | Predestination is also called ''unconditional election,'' the U in the ''TULIP'' mnemonic for five of the doctrines affirmed at the Synod of Dort (1619), which have now come to be called the "Five Points of [[Calvinism]]." |
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| | People who believe in predestination will sometimes cite Ephesians 2:8-9 in support of their beliefs: | | People who believe in predestination will sometimes cite Ephesians 2:8-9 in support of their beliefs: |
| − | <blockquote>For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ([[KJV]])</blockquote> Several verses in [[Book of Romans|Romans]] 8 are also used to support this view. | + | <blockquote>For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ([[KJV]])</blockquote> Several verses in [[Epistle to the Romans|Romans]] 8 are also used to support this view. |
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| | ==Unificationist view== | | ==Unificationist view== |