As many are aware Arminian theologians present Ephesians 1:4 “Accordingly as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” believe that the predestination in this verse is centered on the act of choice before the foundations of the world, rather than on individuals themselves. An example of this can be found at
http://www.apologeticspress.org/rr/reprints/Biblical-Doctrine-of-Predestina.pdf by F. Furman Kearley.
What would you say to say to refute this interpretation of the verse in question?
In the article I linked he presents the full context of why he believes this is the proper interpretation of the verse and others of the same topic.
I believe that in the verses following Eph 1:4 we read more on individuals, rather than on their lifestyles. So I think that his interpretation is highly unlikely. So it would seem that the mention of the acts (holy and without blame) in Eph.1:4 of individuals would be more of an identification mark of the elect rather than actually what or who is chosen.
What are your thoughts?
Yes I know that I have made a few threads on this particular topic in the last little while, but I have my reasons. Mainly I want to be sure I understand the issues before I reply to the person I am talking to on the matter.
Tom
