God’s “purpose” is the decided counsel of His settled will

[Guest]

Some examples of God's resolve especially toward the salvation or destruction of men.

Esau and Jacob were rejected and elected, based on
nothing but God’s determinate purpose.

Romans 9:11 (ESV)
"Though they were not yet born and had done
nothing either good or bad—in order that God's
purpose of election might continue, not because of
works but because of his call."


Judah would be desolate as God had resolved according to
His unchangeable purpose.

Jeremiah 4:28 (ESV)
"For this the earth shall mourn,
and the heavens above be dark;
for I have spoken; I have purposed;
I have not relented, nor will I turn back."


Those who are effectually called, are called acording to
God’s predetermined purpose.

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all
things work together for good, for those who are
called according to his purpose."


Those who are predestined to salvation are predestined based on
God’s eternal purpose."

Ephes. 1:11 (ESV)
"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having
been predestined according to the purpose of him
who works all things according to the counsel of his
will."


Again, God’s saving us is based on His sovereign purpose
and grace, not on anything we have done or could do.

2 Tim. 1:9 (ESV)
"Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not
because of our works but because of his own
purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus
before the ages began."[/b][/i]

[Guest]

I think I answered at least some of this in your topic "The mind of God and His counsel are eternal and unchangeable".

The real question is, what is God's soveriegn purpose? Is is to make some of us in such a way that we have no choice but to believe and others in such a way that we have no choice but to live in unbelief?

I don't think these verses say that. I think they say exactly what they say. God's will is that everyone repent and all to be saved. But we know not all will repent and be saved. why not? Because God wanted it that way. Yes, He did, but based on what? Faith. A gift from God to be sure, but exercised by man.

Hebrews 4:1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest,