Results 1281 - 1300 of 1459
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Results from: Notes Author: John Reformed Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1281 | Hebrews 6:6 explained | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45237 | ||
Dear Cbjd (thats french for cdbj), Excuse moi, but what in the world are you talking about. I'm the one whoneeds an interpreter. Frerre Jeaque, Frere Jeaque,brother John , Brother John. I just got it |
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1282 | Two "wills" of God? | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45275 | ||
Dear Tim, Praise God with me, for we do have Him in common. You said "Where we differ though is the question of whether 'spiritually dead' means 'unable to respond'." The calvinist does not deny but rather affirms that mankind does in fact know the truth. We believe that the witness of nature and the works of creation and providence so clearly reveal God that all men will be found without excuse before God. Hold on to your hat now. We believe that fallen man has the freedom to choose! However, because man's nature is corrupt and the desires of his heart are only wicked continually, he is unable to choose to surrender to God. Not because God prevents him, but because in his fallen state he has no desire to do so. That is why Jesus said "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;". Men are damned, not because they did not know the truth, but because they suppress it. Man requires God's grace before he is able to desire salation. Faith is a spiritual attribute that is a gift of God given to those who He draws to Christ. I'll continue later. John |
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1283 | Two "wills" of God? | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45321 | ||
Hi Tim, If one is to understand the 5 points of Calvinism he must first understand Total Depravity. Once that point is accepted as scriptural, the remaining points are more easily comprehended. You asked: would man have to always choose sin over righteousness? Yet, we know that not every sinner is as sinful as he can possibly be. Some go to greater depths of sin than others. So, it seems to me (based on this) that depravity doesn't not mean that even sinners always choose sin. Just curious how you view this! Total Depravity does not mean that man that each sinner is as totally or completely corrupt in his actions and thoughts as it is possible for him to be. Instead the adjective "total" is used to indicate thaat the whole of man's being is affected by sin.... The corruption extends to every part of man, his body and soul; sin has affected all (the totality) of man's faculties-his mind, his will, etc. As a result of this inborn corruption, the natural man is unable to do any spiritual good. (The 5 Points of Calvinism) Does man have to choose sin over righteousness? Yes. But he is not forced or coerced by God to to choose sin, for that would make God the author of sin. It is true that fallen man does do ethically good works. But these works do not equate to righteousness; "for without faith it is impossible to please God". The motive for the works are not to glorify God. At best they are an attempt to establish a seperate righteousness apart from God that will put Him under an obligation to bless the worker. Does this help? John |
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1284 | Two "wills" of God? | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45331 | ||
Hi Tim, Good question. My answer is the grace of God. Just as the rain falls on the just and the unjust. But God gives his grace for his own reasons, not because any deserve it. Everything He does is for His glory; for His eternal purpose. Even the sinful acts of man are preordained. They freely choose sin for the sake of evil, but God purposes it for good. Josephs brother for instance. Pilate,Herod, the Jews and gentiles who crucified Christ (Acts 4:27,28). Gotta Run, John |
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1285 | Aren't the elect commanded to repent? | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45376 | ||
Howdy Hank, Matt 3:5,6 Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and ALL Judea and ALL the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. Now Hank, I know you was just funnin me. You shore nuff must know that all does not mean every single one all the time. Dont'yuh? Brer John |
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1286 | What is God's covenant with believers | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45401 | ||
Dear Christlifer, I read your post to chyna and was moved by the way you ministered God's wordto her. I am glad our Lord directed you here. I have been taught that the Old and New covenants are one covenat under different administrations. I am currently attending a study of the WCF, but am not yet convinced of the confession's view of God's Covenant with man which is: 5. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law, and in the time of the gospel: under the law it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all foresignifying Christ to come, which were for that time sufficient and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal salvation ; and is called the Old Testament. 6. Under the gospel, when Christ the substance was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper; which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity and less outward glory, yet in them it is held forth in more fullness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles, and is called the New Testament. There are not, therefore, two covenants of grace differing in substance, but one and the same under various dispensations. From what I've read of your posts you sound like you come from a Reformed perspective, but hold to New Covenant Theology. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I have been reading John G.Riesingers book (The Four Seeds of Abraham) and have been persuaded by some of his arguements. I would be grateful if you could impart to me your understanding. God Bless, John Reformed |
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1287 | Aren't the elect commanded to repent? | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45407 | ||
Hi Hank, Well I guess a Brooklyn boy transplanted to Arizona can't fool an old razorback like you! But, seriously, I posted Matt 3:5,6 as a clear example that all is not necessarily a universal term in all cases. Hank, as soon as you reply to Matt 3:5,6, I'll answer your question. Nevermind! All in Ro 3:23 must be taken as universal because of the body of scripture that supports i'ts usage. Now will you tell me what Mathew meant by all? I gleefully await your answer. The Brooklyn Bubba, John Reformed |
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1288 | What is God's covenant with believers | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45410 | ||
Dear Christlifer, It is obvious to me that God has blessed you with a gift for discerning His truth. I don't mean that it includes infallibilty of course, but that you reached these conclusions on your own speaks of a zeal and love for His Word not common to many Christians. It is too late tonight for me to scrutinize your post, but I will tomorro morn, God willing. Thanks again and God Bless, John Reformed |
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1289 | Aren't the elect commanded to repent? | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45435 | ||
Dear Hank, I do believe that both sides of the "free will" vs "man's inability" are both intent on defending God's glory. Where we both fail is when we lose patience with one another and begin to throw hatefull accusations of all kinds back and forth. I don't see how the Lord is glorified when brothers quarrel and fight each other. It is a mystery to me as to why the Church has split so often over the past 2000 years. All-out wars have been fought and thousands killed over doctrine. Now, don't get me wrong, doctrine is essential! Without it we would be adrift at sea without a rudder or map. It is the distillation of the truth of God handed down to us from godly men and has stood the test of time. But it is not infallible. The Bible alone is perfect and all-sufficient. Nevertheless, I'm glad every new generation does'nt need to reinvent the wheel. (although some do it every week through "new revelations") My particular denomination is strong on doctrines, creeds and confessions. It is an old denomination whose roots go back hundreds of years to Scotland, to great men like John Knox and others who fought and died to establish the right of each christian to interpret scripture for himself. I guess sometimes we must take up the sword, but God forbid, not against our brothers. Forgive me for rambling Hank. Maybe I'm just going on because it's early in the morning an I'm still sipping my first cup of java. At any rate, it's good to talk to you again. Your Brother, John |
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1290 | Two "wills" of God? | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45439 | ||
Dear Tim, I came upon a passage in Ephesians 2 this morning that crystalized for me, why I believe election is up to God alone. Eph 2:12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. In light of the fact that the vast majority of gentiles on earth at that time had no contact with Israel (therefore no hope of conversion), Of what use was there so-called ability to choose. I suspect you may point to the witness of nature ,the law of God written on the hearts of all men and the Holy Spirit's power to influence anyone, anywhwere at any time. But the verse says the Gentiles were without hope and without God. Can you reconcile your doctrine with this passage? Your Brother, John |
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1291 | Two "wills" of God? | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45459 | ||
Hi Tim, Good Morning! The point I had in mind was related to "free will". The fact that the gentiles spoken of were without Hope and without God, means they had no alternative but to keep the law of God written on their hearts! What opportunity did they have to choose to the way of faith? They were without God. A word search of "choose" will show that God Himself is the initiator of who gets chosen and who gets passed by. Why were the Gentiles left in darkness but the Jews were given the the benefit of the knowledge of God? Even if Esau and Jacob were "types" of nations, it was still according to God's choice. What of their "free will"? You wrote: So, this is a wonderful passage for the corporate nature of election, since the whole world (Jew and Gentile) now have access to God (v. 18). Even if your premise is true, it does not answer the question: Why has God not provided every single inividual (or even every nation) the same degree of revelation, if He indeed desires to save all of mankind? Your Brother, John PS.Are nations saved or are individuals saved? |
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1292 | Two "wills" of God? | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45481 | ||
Dear Tim, If your view is correct, which is: they all have enough witness to seek out God. Can you produce any historical evidence of the spontaneouss rise of christianity(No christian witness, no written word) anywhere or at anytime on Earth? Please excuse my presuption but, no you cannot! "It does not say that all men surpress the truth, but those who do are experiencing a revelation of God's wrath." Rom 3:19,20 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. That leaves but one option, which is the Gospel. "even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;"Rom 3 The sky, the stars, the mountains all testify to the existence of God the Creator but are silent regarding the Gospel itself. The Bible is not anti-intellectual. God is has an infinite intellect. Therfore, if a theory is put forth supporting doctrine it should be supported scriptualy and not based on wishful thinking. I do not wish to unkind Tim, but I am speaking about cold, hard facts and not personalities. Where is your evidence. Your Brother, John |
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1293 | Two "wills" of God? | Hebrews | John Reformed | 45493 | ||
Dear Tim, Ninevah recieved the knowledge of God from a man God sent (a preacher). God chose Ninevah, He also chose Jonah. He also chose Joshua, not to witness but to commit genocide on an entire nation. Why? You are right one anecdotal story does not a doctrine prove. But even if this particular story is true, could God not have inspired untold numbers of remote tribes in the same way? It seems to me rather odd, that if was God's intention to save all, why the evidence of it is so paltry. After all, He is God Almighty and could raise up the rocks themselves to witness His truth to all men. But He has not. He has chosen the foolishness of preaching. I'm sorry Tim, but the evidence you offered cannot stand under scrutiny. I would'nt blame you if you just told me "enough is enough, let's drop the subject". Your Brother, John |
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1294 | COULD A BELIEVER LOSE THEIR SALVATION? | Hebrews | John Reformed | 99743 | ||
Dear mattie, Do you think that you were saved by something which you did, something that God did, or was it a cooperative effort between God and you? I believe that your answer will explain your willingness to place your salvation in your own hands. John |
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1295 | Always Saved?? | Heb 6:6 | John Reformed | 78399 | ||
New Creature, Our diffence lies in what the result of God's choosing us accomplishes. You said that God merely initiates our salvation. I believe that God not only initiates it but gives us the means by which salvation is actually realized in our beings. In other words the unbelieving heart of stone is replaced with a new heart. This new heart is a heart which willingly surrenders to Christ. Repentance and faith are also a manifestation of the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Yes we do have to choose, and we do so freely by following the desire of our heavenly gift. A brand new heart. John 1:12 does not contradict unconditional election. Neither does John 3:16 or any other verse which I am aware of. The question is: Why do some recieve Him and believe on His name, but others reject Him and do not believe? My answer is based on Scripture. Rom 9:18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. To God be the Glory, John Reformed |
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1296 | Always Saved?? | Heb 6:6 | John Reformed | 78422 | ||
Dear New Creature, You stated: "On the day of judgement will God Judge those whose hearts were hardened, because of their inability to have been given a heart able to respond in faith." God will judge all those who are not "in Christ" based upon their sins. Salvation is not a right. It is a function of mercy twords those guilty ones whom God has chosen to redeem through Jesus. The rest are passed by and suffer the penalty for their sins. If you believe that this is unjust, consider what Paul said in Rom 9:20-22 "...who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?" God Bless, John Reformed |
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1297 | Always Saved?? | Heb 6:6 | John Reformed | 78499 | ||
Dear New, You have done an end run around my arguement which is supported by Rom 9. I would appreciate if you would answer my point. Nevertheless will address your objections. ------------ (Since God judges in righteousness, and since His desire is that not one perishes. And since God's love is unlimited. And since all are born with an inherited sin nature. For God to damn some to hell for their inability to respond in faith, would mean God is unjust rather than just, and that would also make God the author of sin." ---------- 1. God is a righteous judge, as you point out. All those who die in their sin will experiece that judgement. My question to you is: Where is the biblical evidence which teaches that if God shows mercy to some, in order for Him to be fair, He must show mercy to all? In fact the Bible teaches that God shows mercy to whom ever He pleases and witholds it from others according to His good pleasure. I realize that this teaching rubs us the wrong way. Nevertheless, if the Bible says it, that settles it; regardless if we believe it or not! 2. The judgement of those outside Christ does not bring joy to the Judge. Yet He will cast them into the pit nevertheless. To do otherwise would mean He is unjust. This fact has nothing to do with those to whom He has shown mercy. We must never bring God before the court of human wisdom and carnal reason. 3. You said that the Bible does not damn people for their inability to believe. Who ever said He did? They are damned for their sins! 4. You say that God's love is unlimeted. Does that mean He loves everyone in the same way? Obviously not. He prefered Israel over all the nations. Why? Jacob He loved, but Esau He hated? Why? We have heard the gospel but most of mankind throughout history never have. Explain please. My wife is calling me to assist her in mundane and temporal works. Ah well.. John |
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1298 | Always Saved?? | Heb 6:6 | John Reformed | 78514 | ||
Hello Sniper, I still hold that we are not expected to abandon reason. However, reason must bow before the the clear teaching of the Scripture. Merely because we don't see how God can be just in a given circumstance means nothing in itself. John |
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1299 | Always Saved?? | Heb 6:6 | John Reformed | 78517 | ||
Hi Tim, The complaint that Paul anticipated, was that if mercy was based on God's good pleasure and that man could not affect God's choice in any way, then why did God create man as He did. No one can "deserve" mercy, for then it would not be mercy. Mercy, by definition is God's favor bestowed upon the undeserving. No man is in a position to critisize his Creator for not showing mercy to him specifically. For all men stand convicted before the Judge of the Universe. He always does what is right and just. God is not in need of justification before men. That is a mistake that many make when they seek to twist verses that are an affront to our ideas of what is just and what is unjust. They do so in an effort to protect God's reputation, as if He needed anyone to protect Him! Good to hear from you! John |
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1300 | New Covenant alone? | Heb 8:6 | John Reformed | 37325 | ||
Dear Emmaus, The continuity of the Old and New Covenants is a doctrine on which both Covenant (Reformed) and Dispensational theologians (by and large) agree. I subscribe to the former. However, as of late I have been considering the claims of New Covenant Theology which is at odds with them both! One may wonder: what is a good calvinist is doing by entertaining dogma that disagrees with his own tradition? I'm glad you asked. I believe the creeds, confessions, catechisms etc. are of great importance in instructing the faithful. To the degree they conform to Scripture, they are a treasure. Nevertheless, they are written by fallible men, so the duty of every reader is to search the Word, relying on the infallible teacher; The Holy Spirit. When I was a Catholic I believed the Catholic Church; As a Nazarene I believed the Nazarenes; as a Pentacostal I adopted their brand of Christianity and as a Presbyterian I embraced Reformed Theology. From the preceeding history one is liable to label me as a "flighty" sort of person. Not so! First of all, I've been going to one chuch and then another for 50 years. For another, every time I left one for another it was a painful and gut wrenching decision. Each time my reason for moving involved Doctrine. I had come to believe that the doctrinal differences were irreconcilable and as the spiritual head of my family I was compelled to go elsewhere. At the present time, I feel no such compulsion to leave the (PCA). It is a great denomination and God has used it in my life to grow to know Him better. However, I must have the whole truth concerning God's Word! Having been in bondage to works in other churches, I may have a keener appreciation for the liberty we have in Christ than some others who grew up under scriptural teaching. And now having touched and handled and tasted of it, I am loath to surrender one sweet morsel! Emmaus, my message is growing longer and the hour is growing later. If youcan bear with me thru a 2nd post, I will continue, God willing, in the morning. God Bless Emmaus, John |
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