Thought for the Day ~ 10 October, 2025 A.D.

‘Acts 13:48  ...and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. The cause [of life] is not faith, but ordination of God.’ -John Gill

The text of Acts 13.48 is God’s word.  The interpretation of it by John Gill is as concise as it can be stated.  Is this my doctrine, is this the doctrine of my church? Or do I have another doctrine, a doctrine that is nothing more than of man’s opinion?  Look at this portion of the verse again. 

The subject is ‘as many [Gentiles] as were ordained to eternal life.’  The verb is ‘believed.’  So first we may reduce this to the simplest terms, ‘They believed.’  Now let’s look again at who they are that believed? They are the ones ordained [appointed, set, determined] to eternal life. In this verse the Gentiles that were appointed to life believed.  

See the order?  First, there is life (eternal life), then faith.  IT IS NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND, FAITH THEN LIFE.  

Eternal life, or regeneration, or the new birth, or quickening works upon the sinner first in order for them to believe. ‘He that believeth on the Son hath (has) everlasting life’ (John 3.36.)  Faith reveals that one has been born of God! This is the doctrine of Jesus Christ.  Receive it as it is written and be blessed.

-copied 

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