Results 61 - 80 of 86
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: JRdoc Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
61 | Sovereignty and Free-Will | John | JRdoc | 61273 | ||
YOU SAID: Scripture clearly states: "He died for all" 2 Cor. 5:15 Does "all" in 2 Cor. 5:15 and elsewhere exclude anyone? NO, it does NOT, when taken in context: 2 Cor 5: 17-18, 21 Therefore if any man be IN CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled US to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to US the ministry of reconciliation;…. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for US, who knew no sin; that WE might be made the righteousness of God in him. The preposition “for” indicates He died -in behalf of,- or -in the place of- all (Is. 53:4–12—note the terms US, WE, MANY; Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:11–14, Eph—His Church, John His sheep, etc). Everyone who died in Christ receives the benefits of His substitutionary death (Rom. 3:24–26; 6:8). With this short phrase, Paul defined the extent of the atonement and limited its application. This statement logically completes the meaning of the preceding phrase, in effect saying, --Christ died for all who died in Him,-- or --One died for all, therefore all died-- (vv. 19–21; cf. John 10:11–16; Acts 20:28). Paul was overwhelmed with gratitude that Christ loved him and was so gracious as to make him a part of the all who died in Him. Of course much more could be stated, but there is not room or time—get out your Greek texts and read it from the original language! You keep missing context of the verses! ---- When 1 John 2:2 says: "he is the propitiation for our (our those who believe) sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Does "the whole world" in the above verse exclude anyone? Again, you mis-state the facts. The term world has at least 7 different meanings in Scripture. Here it is speaking of the world of the Gentiles that will be saved as compared to the Jews. Who was John writing too. CONTEXT, CONTEXT! Look here for a more complete/biblical explanation of this verse and the others you plan to assert: http://www.the-highway.com/atonement.html -- Now, let me ask you a question: This is the fourth time this is posted and yet no answers??? 1. Did Christ die for all sins of all men? 2. Did Christ die for some sins of all men? 3. Did Christ die for all sins of some men? If Christ dies for (1) "all sins of all men" then why are any lost? After-all is not "unbelief" a sin? And if He died for the sin of "unbelief" how could any be lost--but some are aren't they! If Christ died for (2) "some sins of all men" then we do not have an atonement for "all sin" without exception and all are still in sin! Thus, Christ died for (3) "all sins of some men" --His elect that some according to His purpose and plan may be saved (Eph 1, Rom 8-11). |
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62 | Sovereignty and Free-Will | John | JRdoc | 61266 | ||
If man is sovereign in his choice than God is not God. Arminianism re-defines terms such as foreknowledge, election, calling, grace etc to be just mere speculations of God's desire and make salvation a work of man vs. the sole work of God. I do not assert that man does not have a will, but it is not the free-will the Arminian thinks..there is no Scriptural support for it. If I cannot use Scripture than I do not see where a conversation about this would be valuable as all truth is from THE text alone. I do not discuss the WHAT IF's of philosophy when the I AM of Scripture has already spoken to the point. I see no verses when correctly interpreted and in context that fit the Arminian scheme of Scripture. Since you believe that Christ died for ALL SIN for ALL MEN then you must be a universalist for ALL would need to be saved. UNBELIEF is a sin, and you say Christ died for it for everyone without exception. Yet the Scripture affirms that many are lost. Thus, Scripture does not back that view. |
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63 | Sovereignty and Free-Will | John | JRdoc | 61260 | ||
Thanks for your welcome. Glad to be here for a brief time. Yes, it ashame that theology does split the Church (but never the true Church), but that is not always bad. Great truth is commonly discovered by many during this time. The Reformation was given to us and in that I think we all rejoice...think of where we would be otherwise.... My prayer is that God will open the eyes of the blind so they may see the truth of Scripture and what it says fr itself. |
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64 | Predestination: scriptures meaningless? | John | JRdoc | 61257 | ||
Steve: Being new here I am glad to see I am not the only one who defends the doctrine of Predestination. |
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65 | Predestination: scriptures meaningless? | John | JRdoc | 61256 | ||
YOU STATE: Also, it is clear that all men DO have a small amount of light. No one is in total darkness:.. John 1:9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. So you think just because a light shines that a blind man can see it? It does not work that way naturally or spiritually, that is why you need a Great Physician! Just because a light shines DOES NOT mean one can see it (2 Cor 4:4). Even the verses surrounding your proof text (John 1:9) are intriguing and disprove what you say: John1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not…. Notice it was not comprehended. Why, because they are blind and dead…. John 1: 11-13 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. How does one receive Christ? The Scripture itself explains: not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God—One may see and believe and enter into the Kingdom of God because of the work of God John 3, not of works lest any man should boast (Eph 2:8-10). Please note it is important to keep CONTEXT with the verses you quote for you assertions. ---- YOU SAID: God has dealt every man the measure of faith needed for a fair choice: …Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Who is Paul writing to? The CHURCH—notice the terms --every man among YOU! -- CONTEXT, CONTEXT! You may prove any faulty argument if you remove the context of the verses citied. --- YOU SAID: Does'nt predestination make these scriptures meaningless? No, it just affirms its need! Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. The word is US (toward US, for US) and not ALL. Again, CONTEXT. Rom 10:13-18 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; "THEIR VOICE HAS GONE OUT INTO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD." I figure you capitalized the texts you desired answered thus, When do dead men (Eph 2:1) speak, when they receive new hearts, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh…. Yes, the Gospel and the gospel messenger is beautiful news to all those that are enabled to hear it (he that hath ears let him hear…,but not everyone has spiritual ears or else all would be saved?—see my question below for further). Does everyone who hears the gospel message get saved…NO….Who hath believed our report, no one until God puts within them His desire (how can? they are dead and need life, without the ennoblement of being born again they will never hear—Salvation is of the Lord, He is the Author and Finisher of our faith)…. Though Christ was in the world and preached to all in His day, did ALL get saved…No..only those that were ordained to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:48). So thus your voice needs to go out into all the world (you do not who is called, predestined, elected, etc), but it does not mean (1) it will be heard by all (spiritually or effectually) (2) or even comprehended it since they do not have the mind of Christ (3) but all those that are ordained to eternal life will hear in God’s time according to His plan (Eph 1) Yes, Scripture affirms the need of PREDESTINATION otherwise why would God write about it? ---- Now, let me ask you a question: This is the third time this is posted and yet no answers??? 1. Did Christ die for all sins of all men? 2. Did Christ die for some sins of all men? 3. Did Christ die for all sins of some men? If Christ dies for (1) "all sins of all men" then why are any lost? After-all is not "unbelief" a sin? And if He died for the sin of "unbelief" how could any be lost--but some are aren't they! If Christ died for (2) "some sins of all men" then we do not have an atonement for "all sin" without exception and all are still in sin! Thus, Christ died for (3) "all sins of some men" --His elect that some according to His purpose and plan may be saved (Eph 1, Rom 8-11). |
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66 | Sovereignty and Free-Will | John | JRdoc | 61241 | ||
YOUR PREMISE is faulty though. You state: However, it is also possible that God being sovereign and all powerful could have created beings (humans) that were actually capable of either desiring a relationship with God or not desiring it. Their nature could be partially corrupted so that they have a tendancy to choose to reject God, but still have the ability to overcome that first instinct. Then some of them would choose to love God and would deserve heaven (only by God’s grace of providing a way to salvation through Jesus). But others would choose to reject God and His salvation and would deserve Hell. Thus everyone gets what they deserve (in a greater sense). ---- We will just look at one of your phrases as the other revolve around them: Where does it say “that God being sovereign and all powerful could have created beings (humans) that were actually capable of either desiring a relationship with God or not desiring it.” Even you said could have, where is this in Scripture? What ability, capability, or desires does a dead man have? (Eph 2:1)--NONE. He is spiritual dead in trespasses and sin. The Scripture is clear “no man seeketh after God,” how many “no not one” (Rom 3:10-11). So even if you assertion is correct and one has ability, capability, or desire (which of course is not the case—John 1:13), they still would not seek after God and thus your case folds because the Scripture does not support your assumption. To assert otherwise would be to say there is some degree of righteousness in every man (something that was not corrupted), but “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). The quoted example (in the beginning of the post) is very clear and it does address (1) the truth of Scripture, (2) yes, it is the Calvinistic belief against Arminianism, which is not supported with proper Scriptural exegesis. Now, let me ask you a question: 1. Did Christ die for all sins of all men? 2. Did Christ die for some sins of all men? 3. Did Christ die for all sins of some men? If Christ dies for (1) "all sins of all men" then why are any lost? After-all is not "unbelief" a sin? And if He died for the sin of "unbelief" how could any be lost--but some are aren't they! If Christ died for (2) "some sins of all men" then we do not have an atonement for "all sin" without exception and all are still in sin! Thus, Christ died for (3) "all sins of some men" --His elect that some according to His purpose and plan may be saved (Eph 1, Rom 8-11). |
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67 | How is the tongues speaker edified? | 1 Cor 14:4 | JRdoc | 61235 | ||
If you do a study of tongues (pl) in 1 Cor 14 you will see two types mentioned. While in the singular (unknown tongue) they refer to the counterfeit gift (exception of verse 27, I believe) when in the plural (tongues) the genuine gift. Do a study on Corinth's history and you will discover that the counterfeit gift is not of God--you may trace their history from the Tower of Babel forward. They are gibberish, meaningless for edification in the Church. The original gift has passed away but always (1) had a interpreter (2) others could already understand their own language being spoken (compare with initial outpouring in Acts). Notice one of the major purposes of the gift of TONGUES (pl) was for unbelieving Jews (1 Cor 14...in the law it is written), since Judaism passed away as a valid religion with the destruction of the Temple --70 AD, Judaism in essence can no longer exist in its true O.T. form. If you get into the Greek text of the end of 1 Cor 13 you will also see that tongues (pl-genuine) had a built in stopping place. Now to your question I know of no Scripture reference that tells us to speak to God in any unknown language (whether then, and of course now since they have passed away)? Experience does not dictate whether tongues still exist, only the Word of God may be our reference and the evidence of cessation is clearly seen throughout. A good book on this is Charismatic CHaos by John MacArthur |
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68 | angered at God?? | Jon 4:1 | JRdoc | 61233 | ||
OK Jonah 4:1 says But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. I see him displeased (terror or distressed, sad, displeased--per Hebrew) at God, but angry (fearful, trembling, temper, anger, strong displeasure, jealous) with the situation. The verb for anger is IMPEREFCT--(It is used to describe a single as opposed to a repeated action in the past) Since this is NOT a repeated incident (note Jonah's fleeing from God in the first place--would have indicated a repeated incident and then--anger at God and thus could not be in the IMPERFECT TENSE) I believe it refers to the incident itself and not to God directly: Additionally the verse says IT - I believe referring to the situation, not a person. Jonah, because of his rejection of Gentiles and distaste for their participation in salvation, was displeased at God’s demonstration of mercy towards the Ninevites, thereby displaying the real reason for his original flight to Tarshish. Luther writes: This is, I think, a queer and odd saint who is angry because of God’s mercy for sinners, begrudging them all benefits and wishing them every evil. Luther, M. (1999, c1974). Vol. 19: Luther's works, vol. 19 : Minor Prophets II: Jonah and Habakkuk (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald H. T. Lehmann, Ed.). Luther's Works (Jon 4:1). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House. Displeased ... exceedingly ... very angry. A typical Hebrew parallelism, expressing the extreme reaction of Jonah to the salvation of the city of Nineveh. Pfeiffer, C. F. (1962). The Wycliffe Bible commentary : Old Testament (Jon 4:1). Chicago: Moody Press. |
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69 | Who's the rider in Rev.'s 6:2? | Rev 6:1 | JRdoc | 61229 | ||
You will receive different opinions on this based on whether one is Pre, Post, A-Mil.....believes in Dispensational Theology, etc.... White Christ (white symbolizes being holy (thus not the devil or anti-Christ as some assert), rider receives a crown (Rev 14:14), Additionally, this is a conqueror Rev 3:21, 5:5 6:2, John 16:33, lastly compare this with the rider of Rev 19:11--the Word of God, Faithful and true. REd Horse--Religious persecution of God's children is my interpretation here--compare--Rev 10:9, Mat 10:34, notice that the verse says that they should slaughter one another, in every place but one this refer to the death of Christ or the persecution of believers (1 John 3:2, Rev 5:6, 5:9, 5:12, 6:9, 13:8)--compare with 5th seal Black Horse--the 2nd and 3rd riders belong together. Both describe the persecution of God's people. Pale Horse--More trails for the church and unbelievers to go through to go through. Of course the rider is already named--Death..... An excellent resource for understand The Revelation is More Than Conquerors, by William Hendriksen. |
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70 | angered at God?? | Jon 4:1 | JRdoc | 61226 | ||
What specific verse are you studying to say Jonah was angry at God? |
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71 | Sovereignty and Free-Will | John | JRdoc | 61218 | ||
If you look at the example already given you will see that His light does shine to all, but many are blind and can not see it (2 Cor 4:4). Do blind people see light? This is the reason you may have different responses when people hear the very same message preached (some are saved--new eyes, some are lost--dead eyes). The Scripture says he that hath ears, indicating some hath not ears (spiritual)....Christ healed some blind and thus they could now see the light (but not all without exception). To YOUR QUESTION: Do you think it is God's desire to keep some in the dark indefinitely?, Yes, I believe in election (Eph 1). P.S. A dead man (Eph 2:1) cannot see! He needs a new life (which has new spiritual eyes--John 3) Now, let me ask you a question: 1. Did Christ die for all sins of all men? 2. Did Christ die for some sins of all men? 3. Did Christ die for all sins of some men? If Christ dies for (1) "all sins of all men" then why are any lost? After-all is not "unbelief" a sin? And if He died for the sin of "unbelief" how could any be lost--but some are aren't they! If Christ died for (2) "some sins of all men" then we do not have an atonement for "all sin" without exception and all are still in sin! Thus, Christ died for (3) "all sins of some men" --His elect that some according to His purpose and plan may be saved (Eph 1, Rom 8-11). |
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72 | Should women be allow to be a Minister? | 1 Tim 3:1 | JRdoc | 61213 | ||
Women are very special to God. God created them and gave them a specific role to play in the establishment of His church. It is important that we stay within the confines of the roles God designed and dictates. What if you were seated in a jet today and the plane took off. Then about half way into the flight the pilot says: "I no longer desire to carry out my role as pilot, good-bye." Chaos would be the order of the day and in the church when we do not act within the God given roles God Himself through His Spirit dictates the church is out of order and not able to as fully accomplish what God had designed for it. Paul writes: 1 Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. Women may serve in several capacities in the church, but they may not be ministers or deacons, as they do not meet the qualifications of such (husband of one wife). I do not say that many woman do not know more than men about Bible than men--this is an indictment against men, but not an excuse to become a minister against the Word of God. I do not disagree that there are some able woman teachers, praise God and if they teach in their respective ministries, according to God's Word, God can greatly use them. Thus, Paul's statement is not an indictment against woman, but he reveals God's order of things to be followed. |
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73 | Martha faith lazarus living | John 11:26 | JRdoc | 61198 | ||
In verse 26 of John 11 Christ is teaching to believe in Him for eternal life (ONLY Him). Belief in His death, burial, resurrection...1 Cor 15:1-4. Of course faith (belief) is a gift of God (Eph 2:8-10) that can not be initially manufactured (if it could be initially manufactured it would not be a gift). God saves one first (John 3, born again, 2 Cor 5:17 new creation) enabling one to have faith. Then (but it is instantaneous, which is why many get the steps of salvation out of sequence and thus it brings forth misunderstandings) faith is given-received-acted upon and then grows as one stays in the Word, prayer, fellowship, etc. Once one is truly saved he may never be lost. Christ promised her eternal life! Lazarus was raised as Christ said in John 11:4 ...This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. This also gives us an example of salvation. What did Lazarus contribute to his resurrection...NOTHING, he was dead. He could not see, hear...he was dead. Christ have a specific command to ONE person (election and calling) and called him from the grave. Look at the thread on Sovereignty and Free will for a fuller picture of this. |
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74 | Please define Jehova Nissi and Jehova Sa | Ex 17:15 | JRdoc | 61196 | ||
Jehovah-nissi Meaning: Jehovah my banner the title given by Moses to the altar which he erected on the hill on the top of which he stood with uplifted hands while Israel prevailed over their enemies the Amalekites (Ex. 17:15) Jehovah-shalom Meaning: Jehovah send peace the name which Gideon gave to the altar he erected on the spot at Ophrah where the angel appeared to him (Judg. 6:24) http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/home.html |
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75 | Sovereignty and Free-Will | Not Specified | JRdoc | 61188 | ||
It was stated thus, "I would appreciate it if the resident Calvinists on the forum could either explain why the Arminian perspective decreases the sovereignty of God, or admit that the Arminian perspective of God's sovereignty is not necessarily less than that of the Calvinists." Arminianism makes man God. It makes God and puppet in the hands of ma's so-called free will. It is a evil of all evils. Calvinism looks at God's sovereignty as Holy and for His glory. So how do sovereignty and free-will relate: Here is a quote from A Layman's Systematic Theology, by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, copyright 2002: When a man chooses to sin he chooses to do it by his own will. When a man does not choose Christ he does so by his own will. When a man chooses salvation he chooses to do so by his own will. Man does have a will in both cases, but it is not “as free” as the Arminians like to preach it. A man is in a box. The box is completely enclosed. The box has no light in it. The box is sound proof. The box has no windows or doors. This man lives in “his” box. The man lives in total darkness. Nothing from the outside get in. Nothing inside gets out. Now in this box this man makes all his own decisions based on the knowledge of the things in “his” box. The man above is one who is dead in trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1). The man is blind to the things in the outside world (2 Cor 4:4). Unredeemed man loves darkness rather than light (John 1:4-9) for this is all he really knows, for this is all that is in his box. Though light appears all around his sin nature he will not comprehend it (John 1:5). As Christ demonstrated by His many healing miracles, man, because of his sin nature, is blind, deaf, crippled, speechless, diseased, and is even dead. Until God alone heals this inability of the soul of man he will remain in this condition. Man needs the Great Physician. God cannot in this be judged that He is unjust because He does not save them, for the man is free and is making his own decisions in his own box and he chooses not Christ: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). The natural man is in “his” box. Nothing comes in or goes out. His own sin has enclosed him. He is dead to all God has and makes his decision freely, based upon his own darkness, but will never freely choose Christ, for Christ is not in his box (Rom 3:11). But, God, in His sovereign grace, mercy, love, and purpose looks at the boxes of His elect from all eternity. God endures with His creatures in many things, but at a point in His sovereign timing He breaks open the box of His elect and allows His light to shine in the man’s box. The Holy Spirit has done a work in this man in the soul of his box. This man has been birthed into a new realm of understanding that he did not have before. He now sees something wonderful and irresistible in the light. Now he is irresistibly attracted to Christ. Because of this birth of grace the man is no longer blind, deaf, crippled, speechless, diseased, or even dead. He may now see the kingdom of God (for he is no longer blind), and hear the Gospel call (for he is no longer deaf), and walk to Calvary (for Calvary has already walked to him), he may now confess with his mouth the LORD Jesus (for he is no long dumb), he can now enter into the holiest of all (because he is no longer diseased), and he is now alive, (for by grace alone he has received life and is no longer dead in trespasses and sin). Light entered the box first. Now faith is in his box. Now faith enlightens and draws him. Yes, this man, as the other, is free to make a decision, but with the miracle that has just transpired his decision is now irresistibly enlightened: As the natural eyes are drawn irresistibly to the beautiful Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights), the spiritual man is drawn irresistibly to the light of Christ (John 1:12-13, John 3:3). As the natural man’s hearing is drawn by the beautiful sounds of the breaking ocean waves, now the spiritual man irresistibly hears the spiritual waves of the Gospel call (Rom 10:9-10). As a natural bride walks down the isle to meet her beloved in holy matrimony, the spiritual bride is now drawn irresistibly towards Calvary, for see they have been engaged since before the foundations of the world (Eph 1:3-12; 5:21-33). As the natural man is drawn irresistibly to speak out loud about himself and what he owns (for he is full of pride; ), the spiritual man is drawn to speak about his Lord and what his Lord owns (for he is full of praise; Eph 1:13). As the natural diseased man is drawn to go to his physician for cure, the spiritual man sees that the Great Physician has already cured him, for he has given him the spiritual penicillin of grace and faith (Eph 2:8-10). |
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76 | Sovereignty and Free-Will | John | JRdoc | 61190 | ||
It was stated thus, "I would appreciate it if the resident Calvinists on the forum could either explain why the Arminian perspective decreases the sovereignty of God, or admit that the Arminian perspective of God's sovereignty is not necessarily less than that of the Calvinists." Arminianism makes man God. It makes God and puppet in the hands of ma's so-called free will. It is a evil of all evils. Calvinism looks at God's sovereignty as Holy and for His glory. So how do sovereignty and free-will relate: Here is a quote from A Layman's Systematic Theology, by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, copyright 2002: When a man chooses to sin he chooses to do it by his own will. When a man does not choose Christ he does so by his own will. When a man chooses salvation he chooses to do so by his own will. Man does have a will in both cases, but it is not “as free” as the Arminians like to preach it. A man is in a box. The box is completely enclosed. The box has no light in it. The box is sound proof. The box has no windows or doors. This man lives in “his” box. The man lives in total darkness. Nothing from the outside get in. Nothing inside gets out. Now in this box this man makes all his own decisions based on the knowledge of the things in “his” box. The man above is one who is dead in trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1). The man is blind to the things in the outside world (2 Cor 4:4). Unredeemed man loves darkness rather than light (John 1:4-9) for this is all he really knows, for this is all that is in his box. Though light appears all around his sin nature he will not comprehend it (John 1:5). As Christ demonstrated by His many healing miracles, man, because of his sin nature, is blind, deaf, crippled, speechless, diseased, and is even dead. Until God alone heals this inability of the soul of man he will remain in this condition. Man needs the Great Physician. God cannot in this be judged that He is unjust because He does not save them, for the man is free and is making his own decisions in his own box and he chooses not Christ: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). The natural man is in “his” box. Nothing comes in or goes out. His own sin has enclosed him. He is dead to all God has and makes his decision freely, based upon his own darkness, but will never freely choose Christ, for Christ is not in his box (Rom 3:11). But, God, in His sovereign grace, mercy, love, and purpose looks at the boxes of His elect from all eternity. God endures with His creatures in many things, but at a point in His sovereign timing He breaks open the box of His elect and allows His light to shine in the man’s box. The Holy Spirit has done a work in this man in the soul of his box. This man has been birthed into a new realm of understanding that he did not have before. He now sees something wonderful and irresistible in the light. Now he is irresistibly attracted to Christ. Because of this birth of grace the man is no longer blind, deaf, crippled, speechless, diseased, or even dead. He may now see the kingdom of God (for he is no longer blind), and hear the Gospel call (for he is no longer deaf), and walk to Calvary (for Calvary has already walked to him), he may now confess with his mouth the LORD Jesus (for he is no long dumb), he can now enter into the holiest of all (because he is no longer diseased), and he is now alive, (for by grace alone he has received life and is no longer dead in trespasses and sin). Light entered the box first. Now faith is in his box. Now faith enlightens and draws him. Yes, this man, as the other, is free to make a decision, but with the miracle that has just transpired his decision is now irresistibly enlightened: As the natural eyes are drawn irresistibly to the beautiful Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights), the spiritual man is drawn irresistibly to the light of Christ (John 1:12-13, John 3:3). As the natural man’s hearing is drawn by the beautiful sounds of the breaking ocean waves, now the spiritual man irresistibly hears the spiritual waves of the Gospel call (Rom 10:9-10). As a natural bride walks down the isle to meet her beloved in holy matrimony, the spiritual bride is now drawn irresistibly towards Calvary, for see they have been engaged since before the foundations of the world (Eph 1:3-12; 5:21-33). As the natural man is drawn irresistibly to speak out loud about himself and what he owns (for he is full of pride; ), the spiritual man is drawn to speak about his Lord and what his Lord owns (for he is full of praise; Eph 1:13). As the natural diseased man is drawn to go to his physician for cure, the spiritual man sees that the Great Physician has already cured him, for he has given him the spiritual penicillin of grace and faith (Eph 2:8-10). |
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77 | A Greek study of houtos:Who is this One? | John 7:18 | JRdoc | 61179 | ||
"houtos", is translated out many ways in the KJV-- "this" (Mk 12:30), "these" (Mat 4:3), "the same" (Mat 18:4), "she" (Mat 26:12), "such as" (Mk 4:18), "this man" (Lk 7:49), "they" (Lk 8:14), etc. John 17:8 Interpreted: ¡°And they accepted them [Christ¡¯s words].¡± He expresses the mode of this knowledge: they received the doctrine which he taught them. But lest anyone should regard his doctrine as human or of earthly origin, he declares that God is its author: ¡°I gave them the words you gave me.¡± He speaks, as he usually does, as the Mediator or Servant of God, saying that he taught only what he had received from the Father. Since his own condition was still in humble flesh, his divine majesty hidden under the form of a servant, by ¡°the Father¡± he simply means God. Yet we must keep to John¡¯s witness at the beginning of his Gospel, that insofar as Christ was the eternal Word of God, he was always one God with the Father. Therefore, the meaning is that Christ was a faithful witness of God to the disciples, so that their faith was based on nothing but God¡¯s truth, since the Father himself spoke in the Son. The ¡°accepting¡± that he speaks about came from his effectively revealing to them the name of his Father through the Holy Spirit. ¡°They knew with certainty ¡¡± He now repeats in other words what he had mentioned before: that Christ ¡°came from¡± the Father and was ¡°sent¡± by him mean the same as what was said earlier, that all that Christ has is from the Father. The sum of it is that faith should look directly at Christ, yet so as to know nothing earthly or contemptible about him, but to be carried upwards to his divine power, so as to be convinced that he is God, and all that is of God, perfectly in himself. ¡°And they believed.¡± Note also that in the first clause he uses the verb ¡°know,¡± and now he uses the verb ¡°believe.¡± Thus he shows that nothing can be known about God correctly except by faith, but in faith there is such certainty that it is right to call it knowledge. Calvin, J. (1994). John. The Crossway classic commentaries (Jn 17:8). Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books. Word Study: prob. from a redupl. of 3588, used as a demonstrative pron.; this:¡ª afterward(3), especially(1), fact(2), follow(1), here(1), hereafter(1), man(1), now(1), one(2), one whom(1), partly(1), person(1), present(1), same(1), so(1), so then(1), so(1), some(2), such(2), therefore(16), these(179), these...things(1), these men(10), these people(1), these things(192), this(737), this man(56), this man¡¯s(2), this one(4), this reason(1), this thing(2), this way(1), this woman(4), this*(1), this...thing(1), those(2), those things(1), very(3), very thing(2), who(2), whom(1). Thomas, R. L. (1998, 1981). New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries Updated edition. Anaheim Foundation Publications, Inc. houtos prn. (demonstrative); ¡Ô Str 3778 5023 5025-6 5123-30¡ª1. LN 92.29 this, these; (as an object) him, her, it, them (Mt 3:17; Lk 10:11; 15:30; 18:11; Jn 1:2); 2. LN 89.106 Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.) (GGK4047). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc. |
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78 | Salvation is of the Lord... | 1 John 1:1 | JRdoc | 61177 | ||
God does more than initiate salvation. He is its Author and Finisher. The process of salvation is much to complicated on this forum to discuss because of length alone. I would suggest a Systematic Theology by L. Berkhof (it is Presbyterian--I'm Baptist--but very well written though of course I do disagree about certain issues such as baptism, but these have no bearing on eternity....). You asked What must I do to be sure of my salvation?--The scripture says work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. May I ask you why you "think" you are saved? What evidence have you seen? What evidence have others seen? How does this evidence compare to 1 John which I asked you to read and study? No you do not believe despite any "proof"--if there is no "proof" there is no "root"! Root of salvation that is. But, your proof should not be an emotional proof it should be biblical proof--again 1 John. One is not saved because he recites a sinner's prayer--God is not some cosmic genie that you control with some magical potion spell of words. Rather a person will desire to confess Christ and see the value of something like the sinner's prayer when God changes his/her nature. The process is so quick that normally most get the order of salvation incorrect and attribute it to their own works instead of by the grace of God alone. Again a good Systematic Theology is worth the read to understand the complete process. |
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79 | Ephesians | Eph 1:1 | JRdoc | 61128 | ||
The letter probably had a broader audience than Ephesus alone. Some of the oldest Greek manuscripts do not include “in Ephesus” in the address of the letter (1:1), reading instead: “to the saints who are also faithful in Christ Jesus.” Several early Christian writers seem unaware of a specifically Ephesian address. The letter lacks the personal references and greetings Paul almost always includes in his correspondence. At the same time, no manuscripts name any other city as the address of the epistle. Many scholars believe Ephesians was written as a general letter to a number of churches in the region. This would be in keeping with the sweeping contents of the letter as a whole. It is likely that Paul originally sent the letter to Ephesus, but as the letter was sent from church to church the address was omitted because the contents had little to do with Ephesus in particular. Or it may be that the letter was originally in two forms, one for the Ephesians and one for general circulation. Characteristics and Themes Like the letter to the Romans, Ephesians provides a special view into Paul’s thought, since he had the luxury of addressing an important issue without the distraction of having to settle a local controversy. The focus of Ephesians is the mystery of the church. The church is God’s new humanity, a colony where the Lord of history has established a foretaste of the renewed unity and dignity of the human race (1:10–14; 2:11–22; 3:6, 9–11; 4:1–6:9). New Geneva study Bible. 1997, c1995 (electronic ed.) (Eph 1:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. |
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80 | forgiveness confirmed? | 1 John 1:1 | JRdoc | 61123 | ||
Salvation is of the Lord! Salvation is NOT an emotion it is a relationship. My guess is something happened that you are not happy with and now Satan has filled your heart with doubt? He is good at that. He desires us to react and relax in our emotions instead of faith in Christ ALONE. Go to 1 John. This book is written to give you assurance. Read and "study" it. The good news is this. You came and posted it! Someone who has committed the unpardonable sin (which BTW is only for the 1st century Jew IMHO) does not get convicted by the Holy Spirit of sin--they are lost--they have no interest in God....you are revealing different fruit...fruit ripe with repentance. |
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