1.Peter.1

1 PETER 1 AND THE ELECT. God ELECTS by INVITING. He calls the MANY but few are CHOSEN because they do not love the TRUTH. First Peter will be in red. This is a quick response to an e-mail yesterday. The view was that because God knows all things it must be because He CAUSES all things. But that is a human trying to limit an infinite God. Because our short life amounts to zero time in the mind of God He can know all things because He does not live in time or place. Therefore, God can know every thought of our mind without causing our actions.

See another quick response to David Lawrence of Engedi.

I have decided to look at First Peter and his definition of the ELECT. In short, God ELECTS by inviting all people through the Gospel.

PETER, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered thoughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1 Peter 1:1

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,

through sanctification of the Spirit,
unto obedience and
sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1 Peter 1:2

Adam Clarke notes: Verse 2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God] If the apostle had directed his letter to persons elected to eternal life, no one, as Drs. Lardner and Macknight properly argue,

could have received such a letter, because no one could have been sure of his election in this way till he had arrived in heaven.

But the persons to whom the apostle wrote were all, with propriety, said to be elect according to the foreknowledge of God; because, agreeably to the original purpose of God, discovered in the prophetical writings, Jews and Gentiles, indiscriminately, were called to be the visible Church, and entitled to all the privileges of the people of God, on their believing the Gospel. In this sense the word elected is used in other places of Scripture; see 1 Thessalonians i. 4, and the note there.

"The Rev. J. Wesley has an excellent note on this passage, which I shall transcribe for the benefit of those of my readers who may not have his works at hand.

"Strictly speaking, there is no foreknowledge, no more than afterknowledge, with God; but all things are known to him as present, from eternity to eternity.

Election, in the scriptural sense, is God's doing any thing that our merit or power has no part in.

The true predestination or foreappointment of God is,
1. He that believeth shall be saved from the guilt and power of sin.
2. He that endureth to the end shall be saved eternally.
3. They who receive the precious gift of faith thereby become the sons of God; and, being sons, they shall receive the Spirit of holiness, to walk as Christ also walked.
Throughout every part of this appointment of God, promise and duty go hand in hand. All is free gift; and yet, such is the gift, that it depends in the final issue on our future obedience to the heavenly call.

But other predestination than this, either to life or death eternal, the Scripture knows not of: moreover,

1. It is cruel respect of persons; an unjust regard of one, and an unjust disregard of another: it is mere creature partiality, and not infinite justice.
2. It is not plain Scripture doctrine, (if true,) but rather inconsistent with the express written word that speaks of God's universal offers of grace; his invitations, promises, threatenings, being all general.3. We are bid to choose life, and reprehended for not doing it.
4. It is inconsistent with a state of probation in those that must be saved, or must be lost.
5. It is of fatal consequence; all men being ready, on very slight grounds, to fancy themselves of the elect number.

The same Peter wrote about how one receives A holy spirit:

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

A holy spirit is not a third person: Jesus Christ promised to return as another or fuller comforter (John 14:18). In the human sense A holy spirit is A clear conscience or A sanctified spirit. The word holy is:

Hagios (g40) hag'-ee-os; from hagos , (an awful thing) [comp. 53, 2282]; sacred (phys. pure, mor. blameless or religious, cer. consecrated): - (most) holy (one, thing), saint

A sanctified spirit is:

Hagiasmos (g38) hag-ee-as-mos'; from 37; prop. purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concr. (by Hebr.) a purifier: - holiness, sanctification.

Paul defined it this way: A true heart is

Katharos (g2513) kath-ar-os'; of uncert. affin.; clean (lit. or fig.): - clean, clear, pure.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,

having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,
and our bodies washed with pure water. Heb.10:22

The same Peter called it A good or clear conscience.
And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh,
but an appeal to God for A good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 3:21

THE ELECT ARE THE CHURCH OR ASSEMBLY. Is it REALLY true that only the POOR are the chosen or elect? No! You have to read whole thought patterns:

Eklektos (g1588) means favorite or select.

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith,
and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? Ja.2:5

Eklegomai (g1586) ek-leg'-om-ahee; mid. from 1537 and 3004 (in its prim. sense); to select: - make choice, choose (out), chosen.

God elects us by calling us out of the world. Many are called but few are chosen.

Ek means "out of."
Lego (g3004) leg'-o; a prim. verb; prop. to "lay" forth, i.e. (fig.) relate (in words [usually of systematic or set discourse... by impl. to mean: - ask, bid, call,
Paul used another word:

Unto the church (ekklesia g1577) of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 1 Cor 1:2

Called is:
Kletos (g2822) klay-tos; from the same as 2821; invited, i.e. appointed, or (spec.) a saint: - called.
Klesis (g2821) klay'-sis; from a shorter form of 2564; an invitation (fig.): - calling.
Kaleo (g2564) kal-eh'-o; akin to the base of 2753; to "call" (prop. aloud, but used in a variety of applications, dir. or otherwise): - bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-) name (was [called]).

Those who are CHOSEN by being CALLED OUT by the INVITATION of the Gospe by the Word are added to the church:

Ekklesia (g1577) ek-klay-see'-ah; from a comp. of 1537 and a der. of 2564; a calling out, i.e. (concr.) a popular meeting, espec. a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Chr. community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, church.

Upon the confession that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus knew that Peter was "of the truth." Not predestinated, but people make choices which makes them lovers of TRUTH.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church (ekklesia); and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matt 16:18

Peter issued the ELECTION or INVITATION at Pentecost:

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off (Gentiles), even as many as the Lord our God shall call (invite). Acts 2:39

God invites through men who have been selected, trained and guided into all truth. Their commandment was go GO, preach and baptize those "of the truth" who believe. Therefore, God's CALL is through Peter the apostle who issued God's selection or invitation:

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Acts 2:40

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41

And later, the CHURCH were involved in learning the apostle's doctrine and in fellowship and eating meals in common. They were...

praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Ac.2:47NKJV

Of course, those who "believeth not" proved that they were treacherous and did not love the truth because they did not obey. They called God in Christ a liar because they "rejected the counsel of God for their lives by" not being baptized in the Pre Pentecost baptism.

Rubel Shelly: Repentance does not lead to baptism.

It leads to the

gift of the Holy Spirit,
to times of refreshing from God's presence,

to a personal relationship with Jesus Messiah! .

Peter issued the invitatation commanded by Jesus Christ in the Great Commission. ONLY those who RECEIVED the word and were baptized were ADDED by the Lord to His called out body: the ekklesia or church. We have a personal relationship with our wife but Jesus is now the Spirit. We understand that the new MUSICAL WORSHIP TEAMS are obsessed with haveing an erotic experience with God but a Spirit hath not flesh and bones and blood. Therefore, it is hard to know just what is meant by a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP. I think that it means some charismatic experience which Paul identified in Corinth as madness.

Jesus had another purpose in mind:

Peter obeyed the command to preach the gospel to EVERYONE:

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off (Gentiles), even as many as the Lord our God shall call (invite). Acts 2:39

Jesus does not say that some CANNOT hear the truth and be saved because they were predestinated deaf and blind:

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, t

that I should bear witness unto the truth.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.Jn.18:37

God does not INVITE in a perfected sense those who are DISINVITED by Satan and false preachers;

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2 Thes 2:9

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they RECEIVED NOT the love of the truth, that they MIGHT be saved. 2 Thes 2: 10

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1Pe.1:22
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1Jn.3:18

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2 Thess 2:11

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thess 2:12

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord,

because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2 Thess 2:13

The NIV: But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you [b] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 2 Thess 2:13NIV

b13 Some manuscripts 'because God chose you as his firstfruits'

The LIV: But we must forever give thanks to God for you, our brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose from the very first to give you salvation,[c] cleansing you by the work of the Holy Spirit and by your trusting in the Truth. 2 Thes 2:13LIV

c13 or "because God chose you to be among the first to believe."

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 2:14

Kaleo (g2564) kal-eh'-o; akin to the base of 2753; to "call" (prop. aloud, but used in a variety of applications, dir. or otherwise): - bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-) name (was [called]).

Keleuo (g2753) kel-yoo'-o; from a prim. kello, (to urge on); "hail"; to incite by word, i.e. order: - bid, (at, give) command (- ment)

Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' Matt 22:9

But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. Matt 9:12

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matt 9:13

Metanoia (h3341) met-an'-oy-ah; from 3340; (subj.) compunction (for guilt, includ. reformation); by impl. reversal (of [another's] decision): - repentance.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Ac.2:38

The righteous are:

Dikaionos (g1342) dik'-ah-yos; from 1349; equitable (in character or act); by impl. innocent, holy (absol. or rel.): - just, meet, right (- eous).

Does this mean that SOME are righteous because they were predestinated and justified by FAITH? Does this mean that BECAUSE they are righteous Jesus does not call them to be baptized?

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; Rom 3:9
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Rom 3:10
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Rom 3:11

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Rom 3:12

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thess 2:15

'Paul understood that it is baptism which causes Jesus to add us to His ekklesia which is his kingdom. He rules over those who are OF THE TRUTH. Those who are NOT of the truth "believeth not" and are "baptized not" and are damned because the word means that they are treacherous and are NOT OF THE TRUTH.

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge (one of the SEVEN SPIRITS) of God; Col 1:10

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Col 1:13
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Col 1:18

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; Col 1:19
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Col 2:10

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Col 2:11
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Col 2:12
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Col 2:13

If Shelly is correct then repentance might bring on the gushing waters of madness or a charismatic experience. However, by demeaning baptism he teaches people to refuse to be added to the church, the kingdom of Christ.

Paul warned of wicked people who BELIEVETH NOT and are therefore ministers of Satan.

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2 Thes 2:8
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2 Thes 2:9And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;

because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2 Thes 2: 10
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie 2 Thes 2: 11 :

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2 Thes 2: 13

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thes 2: 14

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thes 2: 15

Forknowledge.

Proginosko (g4267) prog-in-oce'-ko; from 4253 and 1097; to know beforehand, i.e. foresee: - foreknow (ordain), know (before).

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Ro.11:2
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 2Pe.3:17

Peter continued:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:3

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:4

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1: 5

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 1 Peter 1: 6

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 1: 7

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 1 Peter 1: 8

Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1: 9

Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 1 Peter 1: 10

A DIRECTION OF THE OPERATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NECESSARY FOR CALVINISTIC PREDESTINATION.

However, the Spirit of Christ is Christ the Spirit or The Mind of Christ or The Holy Ghost (1 Cor 2)

Jesus said that MY WORDS are SPIRIT and they are LIFE (John 6:63)

There is no operation of Christ the Spirit without honoring His WORDS which He spake from the Father Who was within Him.

Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 1 Peter 1: 11

Paul NEVER uses the term HOLY SPIRIT as a third, separated member of the "family of gods."

> Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, Acts 16:6

After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. Acts 16:7
When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. Acts 16:7NIV, NAS, RSV, LIV

> But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Rom 8:9

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Rom 8:10

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Rom 8:11

> But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 2 Cor 3:15

Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 2 Cor 3:16
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Cor 3:17

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor 3:18

> And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Gal 4:6

> We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and

the day star arise in your hearts: 2Pe.1:19

The SUPPLY of or MINISTERING the Spirit of Christ does not depend on the MOTIVES of the teacher as long as he "teaches that which has been taught." There is no other Biblical way of receive the Spirit of Christ other than through the WORDS of Christ which He said "are Spirit and Life." John 6:63

> What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. Ph 1:18

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Ph 1:19

The SUPPLYING of the Spirit can come through pretenders or hypocrites. This does not mean that Christ approves of the ACTORS but He does the teaching when His words are taught.
Epichoregia (g2024) ep-ee-khor-ayg-ee'-ah; from 2023; contribution: - supply.
Epichoregeo (g2023) ep-ee-khor-ayg-eh'-o; from 1909 and 5524; to furnish besides, i.e. fully supply, (fig.) aid or contribute: - add, minister (nourishment, unto)
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 2Co.9:10

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Ga.3:5

And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Col.2:19

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; 2Pe.1:5

For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2Pe.1:11

> Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them

that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 1 Peter 1: 12

> And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: f

or the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Rev 19:10

CALVINISM ALWAYS MISSES THE "WHOM" IS PREDESTINATED: Both Jew and Gentile. This was to disabuse the Jews of the notion that they were uniquely predestination.

Paul insisted that the same gospel was for both Jew and Gentile.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Ro.1:16

And Paul said that he preached CHRISTS GOSPEL and not Paul's Gospel.

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christs gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, 2 Co.2:12

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. 2 Co 2:13

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2 Co 2:14

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 2 Co 2:15

To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 2 Co 2:16

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 2 Co 2:17

Let's try to figure this out: Gospel means good news and the Word is free of Charge (Isa 55). Now, if we are going to RETAIL the word "as it has been taught" then we gotta water us some wine and CUT it into little pieces so that we can RETAIL the free word.

Kapeleuo (g2585) kap-ale-yoo'-o; from kapelos , (a huckster); to retail, i.e. (by impl.) to adulterate (fig.): - corrupt

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1: 13

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 1 Peter 1: 14
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 1 Peter 1: 15
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1: 16

God's predestinated plan was that WE be holy. Not all accept the invitation.

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 1 Peter 1:17

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 1 Peter 1:18

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 Peter 1:19
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1 Peter 1:20
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 1 Peter 1:21

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Eph 1:19

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Eph 1:20

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Col 2:12

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Peter 1:22

Hupakoe (g5218)hoop-ak-o-ay'; from 5219: attentive hearkening, i.e. (by. impl. compliance) or submission: - obedience, (make) obedient, obey (-ing).

John Calvin Writes: Christ declares that he sent the Apostles to produce fruit from his labours, (John 15: 16.) What this fruit is Peter briefly defines, when he says that we are begotten again of incorruptible seed, (1 Pet. 1: 23.) Hence Paul glories, that by means of the Gospel he had begotten the Corinthians, who were the seals of his apostleship, (1 Cor. 4: 15;)

moreover, that his was not a ministry of the letter, which only sounded in the ear, but that the effectual agency of the Spirit was given to him, in order that his doctrine might not be in vain, (1 Cor. 9: 2; 2 Cor. 3: 6.)

In this sense he elsewhere declares that his Gospel was not in word, but in power, (1 Thess. 1: 5.)

He also affirms that the Galatians received the Spirit by the hearing of faith, (Gal. 3: 2.)

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? Gal 3:1

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Gal 3:2

In short, in several passages he not only makes himself a fellow-worker with God, but attributes to himself the province of bestowing salvation, (1 Cor. 3: 9.)

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 1 Cor 3:8

For we are labourers together with God: ye are Gods husbandry, ye are Gods building. 1 Cor 3:9

Husbandry is:

Georgion (g1091) gheh-ore'-ghee-on; neut. of a (presumed) der. of 1092; cultivable, i.e. a farm: - husbandry.
Georgos (g1092) gheh-ore-gos'; from 1093 and the base of 2041; a land-worker, i.e. farmer: - husbandman.
Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: Mt.21:33

But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. Mt.21:38

Building is:

Oikodome (g3619) oy-kod-om-ay'; fem. (abstr.) of a comp. of 3624 and the base of 1430; architecture, i.e. (concr.) a structure; fig. confirmation: - building, edify (-ication, -ing).
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Ro.14:19
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. Ro.15:2

Edification is education which is preaching whatever Christ the Spirit inspired. Edification does not mean "making the worshipers feel good."

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23

Born of water and the Spirit:

> And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, Matthew 18:2

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted,and become (be born) AS little children,
ye SHALL NOT enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

> Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man (already born of the flesh)

be born of WATER (H20) and of the SPIRIT,
he CANNOT ENTER into the kingdom of God. John 3:5

> But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Tit.3:4

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Tit 3:5 (Our spirit becomes A holy spirit)

> That he might sanctify (make mentally holy) and cleanse (wash off) it with the washing (loutran: baptism, washing of regeneration) of water (H20) by the word (Eph 5:26.).

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 1 Peter 1:24

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. 1 Peter 1:25

Rhema (g4487) hray'-mah; from 4482; an utterance (individ., collect. or spec.); by impl. a matter or topic (espec. of narration, command or dispute); with a neg. naught whatever: - / evil, / nothing, saying, word.

WHEREFORE laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 1 Peter 2:1

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 1 Peter 2:2

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted,and become (be born) AS little children,
ye SHALL NOT enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:3

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 1 Peter 2:4

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 1 Peter 2:6

Demosthenes, Speeches
[197] At first, I believe, they only tried to make her drink quietly and eat dessert; so Iatrocles told me the following day. But as the carouse went on, and they became heated, they ordered her to sit down and give them a song. The poor girl was bewildered, for she did not wish, and she did not know how, to sing. Then Aeschines and Phryno declared that it was intolerable impertinence for a captive,--and one of those ungodly, pernicious Olynthians too,--to give herself such airs. “Call a servant,” they cried; “bring a whip, somebody.” In came a flunkey with a horsewhip, and--I suppose they were tipsy, and it did not take much to irritate them,when she said something and began to cry, he tore off her dress and gave her a number of lashes on the back.

[198] Maddened by these indignities, she jumped to her feet, upset the table, and fell at the knees of Iatrocles. If he had not rescued her, she would have perished, the victim of a drunken orgy, for the drunkenness of this blackguard is something terrible. The story of this girl was told even in Arcadia, at a meeting of the Ten Thousand ¹ ; it was related by Diophantus at Athens in a report which I will compel him to repeat in evidence; and it was common talk in Thessaly and everywhere. [¹ The Assembly of the Arcadian Confederacy, meeting at Megalopolis.]

[199] With all this on his conscience the unclean scoundrel will dare to look you in the face, and before long he will be declaiming in sonorous accents about his blameless life. It makes me choke with rage. As if the jury did not know all about you: first the acolyte,¹ reading the service-books while your mother performed her hocus-pocus, reeling and tumbling, child as you were, with bacchanals and tipsy worshippers;

[200] then the junior clerk, doing the dirty work of public offices for a few shillings a month: and at last, not so long ago, the parasite of the greenrooms, eking out by sponging what you earned as a player of trumpery parts! What is the life you will claim, and where have you lived it, when such is too clearly the sort of life you really have lived? And then the assurance of the man! Bringing another man before this court on a charge of unnatural crime! However, I will let that go for the present. First read these depositions.Depositions

1 Peter 1 and the Elect