Should we still pray for the lost even if God predestined and chosen in advance, those He will grant salvation?
Although the Bible is clear on “Divine election,” Apostle Paul urged Christians to pray for ALL the lost. They neglected to pray for others, and so Paul wrote a letter reprimanding the Ephesians.
2 Timothy 2:26
“Pray… and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, captured by him to do his will.“
Monergism vs. Synergism: The root cause of debate
In monergism, God works through the Holy Spirit who regenerates (predestined) fallen men to respond to the Gospel, regardless of the person’s cooperation. Synergism is God moving in our hearts—but we need to respond (receive the gift) to be saved.
1. Jesus came to seek the lost
In “absolute predestination,” there is really no need to pray for the lost. There is no hope for them. Yet Jesus came to seek the lost (Luke 19:10).
However, Jesus also said, only those “God draws” can come to Him (John 6:44). In fact, the natural man cannot understand the Gospel unless God’s Spirit “draws them.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)
The word “draw” is used to mean “to persuade or draw attention.” It does not follow they will believe and become Christians. Hence, free will.
→ Who is the Historical Jesus.
2. God elects and He also invites people to respond
Jesus said only those who God gives Him would be saved, but He also took away the world’s sins (John 1:29). For hypergrace, this means everyone is saved, regardless of repentance.
Hebrews 10:10
“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.“
3. The apostles shared the Gospel to whoever
The apostles told us to pray for the lost and share the Gospel. Our part is to “accept God’s gift” and believe. Such an act does not make us sovereign, but of “free will.”
In the same way that God choosing many of us to be saved ahead of time, still requires a response through repentance. (metanoia).
1 Timothy 2:2-4
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.“
Can it be both? God elected but to others; He gives the free will to choose; hence we must pray for those God already rejected
God has elected some, while the invitation to enter the door of salvation remains open to everyone else, but only for a time. [Parable of the virgins]
While the answer remains a debate, we can’t limit God’s grace. No one knows the mind of God.
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