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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Is this invitation open to everyone? | Matt 11:28 | mark d seyler | 164544 | ||
Hi Doc, Thank you for making my point for me. This perhaps was my error, but as I read your posts quoting the "Council of Orange", and subsequently, they seemed to me to portray the doctrine of election to the exclusion of the universal offer of the Gospel, and our personal responsibility to receive it. As I questioned you of your beliefs regarding this, your answers, especially in post 164511 seemed to confirm that this was what you believed and wished to express. I would like to suggest that I may not be "mixing up doctrines", which would say that I am perhaps confused, or some such, but that I know that anything the Bible teaches must be in harmony with everything else it teaches. When we promote one doctrine to the exclusion of another doctrine, then it is not a balanced teaching. I do take exception to your quote of Bruce Demarest, in that an offer that cannot be received is not really valid. Let's take for example that you needed a kidney transplant to survive. Now I know that your blood-type does not match mine, and that there is no way that you can accept a transplant from me, yet I offer to you my kidney. That offer would be absolutely meaningless to you. And on my side, I would be offering to you something I know I will never have to give. That would be true if God made an offer of salvation to one who was not able to receive it. That would be a "universal offer" in name only, but without substance. I, of course, argee with you that the Bible was given for the purposes in 2 Tim 3, but I don't beleive that the Bible has no purpose to the unredeemed. If there is absolutely nothing else, it will be the standard by which they are judged on that day, as they are judged according to their works. Their works, that is, against the standard of God's Law, written in His Word. If no one were saved, the Bible would still serve it's purpose. I appreciate your quote of Calvin, that when someone does not receive the offer of salvation, it is because they have rejected it, and not simply because they are unable to received it. It has seemed to me before that you have been saying that there are those who are unable to receive salvation, and that to them it is neither offered nor available. Thank you for clarifying this for me. The fact is, the Bible teaches both things, that we are unable to respond to His call without the work of the Holy Spirit, but also that His offer is freely given, and it is us who either receive or reject. That is why this issue has been debated for centuries, and why we have agreed to not continue that debate here. Thank you for your patience with me, and for clarifying these matters! God bless you brother! Love in Christ, Mark |
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2 | Is this invitation open to everyone? | Matt 11:28 | DocTrinsograce | 164547 | ||
Dear Brother Mark, It is easy to start talking about apples when discussing oranges. After all, they are both fruit! :-) Although we know from Scripture that the Word of God is not necessary to insure the guilt of the lost, and that the Word of God is necessary for the very life of the believer. I admit that "to whom much is given much is required." I'm not sure I'd call both things a "purpose" for each of the parties involved. I will refrain, however, from quibbling. :-) Yes, reformed theology acknowledges the Scriptural doctrine of the full responsibility of the hearer of the Word. God does, indeed, bless me! For which thing I am grateful! I can argue from the Word that this blessing includes His gift of brethren such as you. :-) In Him, Doc PS Why can't I be on the forum all day? These people here at work just don't seem to have their priorities straight! |
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3 | Is this invitation open to everyone? | Matt 11:28 | mark d seyler | 164548 | ||
Hi Doc, There will come a time that I will be able to spend 1000 years with you sharing in the things of the Lord. Let's go now! (Or, when the Lord wills!) :-) Love in Christ, Mark |
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4 | Is this invitation open to everyone? | Matt 11:28 | DocTrinsograce | 164549 | ||
Yeah, but if we only get a 1000 years, when will you get to say anything? :-) | ||||||