Results 1 - 20 of 114
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: reformedreader Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Election, Summary. | 1 Pet 1:2 | reformedreader | 7930 | ||
Nolan, Thank you for your response and explanation. May we continue with a need for more clarification and explanation? Who is it that is making this conscious choice? Is it the unbeliever or the believer? If it is the unbeliever, then his will is not free to make a conscious choice. And if his salvation is dependent upon his choice, then election cannot be separated from his choice and his ability to make that choice. This is where I see a contradiction. If God elects to salvation based only upon His own good pleasure, then the unbeliever’s choice both doesn’t exist and would be irrelevant if it did. Now, I do believe the believer makes a conscious “response” to God’s calling but his response is not a decision to receive or reject God’s calling but, rather, as a result of God’s calling. As stated before, Christ said whomever the Father calls, He (Christ) will raise that person to eternal life on the last day. If the Father calls all humans, then all humans will be raised to eternal life on the last day. And we both know that is not true that all humans will be raised to eternal life on the last day and we both know that choosing to be saved is not a condition our Lord placed in John 6:44. God’s foreknowledge of our actions (mental or physical) has no bearing on His electing us to salvation prior to our actions. That would be the contradiction. God elects solely on the basis of His own desire to please Himself. That is the doctrine of election. Salvation is the result of election. The two cannot be separated. We cannot have a doctrine for election and a different doctrine for salvation. They are as inseparable as the Trinity itself. God does not elect anyone on the basis of a foreseeable action on the part of man. If that were true, then God’s election is based on the actions of man and not on God’s own pleasure. Nolan, you are saying (even if unintentionally) that God acts upon the unbeliever’s action by your statement, “God elected people (before the beginning of the world) to salvation who He foreknew would of their own free will believe in Christ and persevere in the faith”. First, there is nothing in Eph. 1:4 that says anything at all about choosing to be saved as part of having been elected since before the foundation of the world. Second, there is nothing in the entire New Testament that says anything about salvation being the result of the unbeliever choosing to be saved. It were so, that action contradicts God electing to salvation on the basis of His own pleasure. You are saying that God elects to save because He knows who will use their free will to choose to be saved. So, if it is on the basis of the unbeliever’s free will choosing that God saves and since salvation is the result of election, it is only the natural course of this view to say that God elects to salvation on the basis of what He foresees the unbeliever doing. Can you show me where any scripture says anything at all about the unbeliever making choices in order to be saved. Again, you cannot separate election from salvation. My view of election to salvation is no different than my view on salvation by election. We simply cannot create antithetical views of election and salvation and I do agree that the doctrine of election is firmly entrenched in nothing but the personal pleasure of God. Since we both agree on that, I fail to see why you do not view salvation as the natural result of election instead of the result of the unbeliever’s actions. Sam Hughey |
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2 | God's gospel or Man's gospel? | Rom 5:6 | reformedreader | 7865 | ||
JVH0212, Thanks. Sometimes the silence speaks more than words. Sam Hughey |
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3 | Care to Claim what you Proclaim? | Rom 5:6 | reformedreader | 7864 | ||
melchizedekau, You would be surprised to know what I understand. If you truly want to live up to Luke 4:18, then why don't you answer my questions and recover sight to the blind? Sam Hughey |
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4 | How do we make a Covenant with our Lord? | Bible general Archive 1 | reformedreader | 7839 | ||
Nehemiah, Your vow/oath is your word. If you have given God your solemn word of truth that you will do whatever you promise to do, then that is your covenantal agreement between you and God. However, don't forget that you do not control the agreement, you must obey your commitment. God may have other plans that might not coincide with exactly what you want to happen. Sam Hughey |
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5 | Salvation for children | Bible general Archive 1 | reformedreader | 7838 | ||
Jim, Thanks for asking with such a kind spirit. The truth of the matter is that age has absolutely nothing at all to do with our salvation. John 6:44 clearly states that no one can come to the Son unless the Father draws him. Coming to the Son is the same as believing for the purpose of salvation, which is precisely why God calls in the first place, and is precisely what Isa. 55:11 states concerning the call (word,will) of God. It is also very important to note that Christ will also raise up on the last day (eternal resurrection of the just) those whom the Father calls for the purpose of receiving salvation. We cannot separate "those whom the Son will raise" from "those whom the Father calls". At what time in a person's life do they realize they are a sinner? Well, that can be debatable and perhaps the answer could be at most any age. However, just because a person understands they are a sinner does not imply they are being saved. The two are not necessarily the same. I knew I was a sinner as young as 16 but I was not saved until I was 38. Sam Hughey |
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6 | Election, Summary. | 1 Pet 1:2 | reformedreader | 7832 | ||
Nolan, I appreciate your response Nolan, but I think some of your statements seem a bit confusing or even contradictory. Your summation seems to contradict everything you previously stated. Your statement, "God elected people to salvation who He foreknew would of their own free will believe in Christ and persevere in the faith" contradicts your previous statement, "I agree with you that man's choosing is not the cause and basis for election to salvation". Which is it? God elected us to salvation based either on His own pleasure or our choosing but it cannot be both. There isn't a single verse in the entire Bible that clearly and unambiguously states that God foresaw anyone's alleged "free-will" decision and then on that basis elected (chose) to save us. This clearly contradicts Eph. 1:5 and 1 Peter 1:3. Neither of these verses say, imply, infer or even remotely suggests the will of the unbeliever is either free or has any determining factor in their salvation. Could you perhaps explain why you would insist on the unbeliever "causing" God to elect him on the basis of his willful decision? Thanks, Sam Hughey |
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7 | Salvation for children | Bible general Archive 1 | reformedreader | 7688 | ||
Nehemiah, There is no such biblical doctrine as people becoming of age in order to be saved. All of us are conceived in the image of Adam and from birth we are sinners and in need of the mercy of God for salvation if we are to receive eternal life. Sam Hughey |
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8 | Election, Summary. | 1 Pet 1:2 | reformedreader | 7667 | ||
Nolan Keck, I must respectfully disagree with your statement, "God's prior knowledge of all things, based on His relation to them, is the basis of our election." 1 Peter 1:20 refers to the foreknowledge of Jesus Christ, not our election to salvation. Romans 8:29 does not say anything about election being based on foreknowledge. It only says that those whom God foreknew were predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son. It does not say on what basis God foreknew anyone or the relationship between foreknowing and electing. Romans 11:2 also does not say on what basis God foreknew anyone, only that He foreknew His people. The idea of electing to salvation those whom God foresaw would accept Him is not in Scripture. Actually, the basis for God electing anyone to salvation is clear from the following verses: Ephesians 1:5 "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will" 1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" Scripture clearly states that God elected to salvation, His people, whom He would call, based solely and entirely on God's own will and mercy that pleases Himself. It pleases God (or God pleases Himself) to elect a people He would call to receive salvation. If God elects on the basis of foreknowing who would accept Him, then election is based on man’s choosing and not foreknowledge. It would be man’s choosing that caused God to foreknow. Election would be a senseless act on the part of God since one’s salvation will be determined (not predetermined) on the basis of a willful action of the unbeliever at some time in the future. This view would place man’s choosing as the cause and basis for election to salvation and not what God says in both Eph. 1:5 and 1 Peter 1:3. God would only predestine (elect) as an after thought as a result of a human's choosing. The word predetermine must refer to an act prior to any action on the part of any other or it is not “pre”determined. Predestination refers to one's destiny (destination) and is foreknown by God simply because God is the one who predetermines one's destination. Sam Hughey |
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9 | Salvation for children | Bible general Archive 1 | reformedreader | 7569 | ||
Nehemiah, A covenant between you and God is something that must never be entered into lightly. It is a serious matter to make a vow to God. It is also highly commendable. The covenantal agreement you make with God is simply to raise your children in a Christian home where the atmosphere is always as Godly centered as possible. However, it doesn't stop at home, it only begins there. You are to be the priest of your family and take a position of personally instructing your children in Biblical theology and doctrine. You must take the lead in teaching them about God, His law and His love. You are also responsible for providing them with an academic education that is founded upon and immersed in Biblical theology and doctrine as well as academics. A proper Christian/Biblical worldview that brings honor to God that expands His kingdom is paramount for both home, culture and society. You are to be the Biblical example your children must see and hear every day of their lives. So, as you can see, there is a tremendous responsibility on the part of parents if they are to raise their children Biblically. Sam Hughey |
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10 | Vilest of character? | 2 Tim 2:23 | reformedreader | 7508 | ||
charis, I don't think it is overstating at all. Ephesians 4:25 commands us to speak the truth with one another. Whenever a brother is criticized for his view and the one criticizing has not taken the time to truthfully know the facts, then vile is an appropriate term. Since God hates a lying tongue, should we not also find our Lord's truth to be objective enough to be our own? Should our objective standard for Christian character be any less than God's? Sam Hughey |
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11 | Can I express my opinion? | Bible general Archive 1 | reformedreader | 7457 | ||
JVH0212, An excellent opinion. Sam Hughey |
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12 | Does Rev. 1:6 refer to the Millenial age | Rev 1:6 | reformedreader | 7451 | ||
Hiram Abiff, This is mainly a matter of perspective. A dispensationalist might view this from a different perspective than those who are a-mil or post-mil. Actually, 1 Peter 2:9 says; "But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." So, with respect to this verse, we are already a kingdom of priests and have been since God called His elect to salvation. Rev. 1:6 in no way whatsoever makes reference to the dispensational view of the millennial kingdom. The fact that we are and have been made to be a kingdom of priests to God is the essence of Rev. 1:6, not the millennial kingdom. Sam Hughey |
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13 | Salvation for children | Bible general Archive 1 | reformedreader | 7449 | ||
Nehemiah, What do you mean by "cover our children"? Sam Hughey |
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14 | Believer's authority and the devil. | Jude 1:9 | reformedreader | 7447 | ||
JVH0212, When considering that Michael did not dare to bring a railing judgement against Satan, then it should move us to at least consider if we should. Actually, one may even consider it to be of no purpose if we did. After all, what could we possibly say to or against Satan that would change anything? Do we need to tell him that he is eternally damned when he already knows that? Do we need to say he is a liar when our Lord has already made that perfectly clear? What would we say that Satan doesn't already know or that would make any difference? I believe it to be highly unwise to attempt to combat Satan without the power of God (as well as a command from God) and I have never seen anywhere in scripture where we should be inclined to do so. We should resist him and even flee from him at appropriate times but we are nowhere commanded to fight this enemy without first calculating the risks involved. Sam Hughey |
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15 | Criticize what no one understands? | 2 Tim 2:23 | reformedreader | 7442 | ||
JVH0212, I believe it to be the vilest of character for any child of God to criticize an opposing view when there is either a lack or absence of a proper understanding. I just visited a website that was antagonistically adamant about their opposition to Calvinism, yet at the same this site promoted Charles H. Spurgeon, who was a 5 point Calvinisit, and confused Calvinism with hyper-Calvinism without any knowledge the two are antithetical to each other. I do not mind someone wanting me to show sound biblical proof for what I believe. But I do mind critical comments about what I believe from a person who really does not understand what I believe. Sam Hughey |
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16 | Will all of Israel be saved? | Rom 11:26 | reformedreader | 7405 | ||
Steve, This obviously does not refer to each and every individual Jew simply because many are already dead who died in unbelief. It also cannot be refering to Israel as a nation since that nation is also comprised of those same individuals already dead in unbelief. In the Old Testament, Israel is referred to as God's elect. But do not forget what Paul stated in Rom. 9:6; "But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel". Not all Jews are Israelites simply because they physically descended from Jacob (Israel). Paul states precisely who true Israelites are in verse 8; "That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants". So, when salvation is used in conjunction with Israel, God is referring to any individual who is a child of God according to the spirit (not the flesh). Paul states in Galatians 6:15,16 that neither circumcision (physical Israelites) nor uncircumcision (physical Gentiles) is anything. It is the new creation that refers to salvation and Paul relates the new creation with being the Israel of God in verse 16. It is the elect Israel of God who will be saved because God has chosen them to be in Christ since before the creation of the world (Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12;2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 2:10) Sam Hughey |
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17 | Did Christ die for the world? | 1 John 2:2 | reformedreader | 6569 | ||
Morant61, First of all, I really appreciate anyone truly desiring to discuss this issue with an honest and open attitude. However, if you wish to entertain this discussion with only a limited use of scripture, I would say this can prove to be a fruitless effort when you want to limit it to the verses only "you" want us to use. That's like stacking the deck in your favor. Secondly, did Christ die for the sins of all humans or for all humans who sin? There is a big difference. 1 John 2:2 does not say Christ died for all humans, it says He died for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 4:10 also does not say Christ died for all humans, it says He died for "our" sins. If you force the term "whole world" to refer to "all humans", then that reasoning and 1 John 2:2 demands a strict and literal agreement with John 10:11 where John said Christ died for His "sheep". That would imply that all humans are Christ's sheep. The same writer would not contradict himself at 1 John 2:2 with what he said at John 10:11. John again states that Christ laid down His life for His sheep in verse 15. It is not a matter of what "seems" to be clear, it is a very distinct fact that for whomever Christ died, they are referred to as His sheep. John also makes it crystal clear that those who do not believe are so because they are not Christ's sheep. Now, since Christ laid down His life for His sheep, what does that say about those who are "not" His sheep? Romans 3:25 does not say anything whatsoever about for whom Christ died but, rather, for what He died and that would be sins. If we are going to be restricted to what verses we can observe, then the verses we observe must be viewed correctly in light of what they actually say. Sam Hughey |
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18 | God's gospel or Man's gospel? | Rom 5:6 | reformedreader | 6537 | ||
melchizedekau, What scripture do you use to support the view that all humans were written into the Lamb's book of life before creation? Where does scripture say we are predestined to be conformed to His image only if we surrender? Why do you say "no matter what happens you will end up at your fate" and also say we choose our destiny? If nothing we say or do matters (as you stated) then why would any choice or decison matter since fate controls our destiny? And most importantly, where did you find the following quote from scripture; "You have been Predestined to live with me for eternity as the Bride of my Son which makes you and my Son one. It is your choice, i have chosen the path for you, although you some times seem afar off. Your decisions for me and your choice to change ,will bring you to my arms. In which i have predestined you to be. SAYS THE LORD"? Sam Hughey |
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19 | Christ dying only for elect? | Rom 5:6 | reformedreader | 6362 | ||
Nolan, I'm sorry to see you no longer desire to defend your beliefs or to refute Calvinism. I realize you won't respond to this but I would be less than honorable if I fail to respond to more of your false claims. Perhaps you did not understand anything I wrote or you just simply chose to ignore everything I wrote, but nowhere did I ever misquote you and after having believed what you believe for 9 years prior to my conversion to Reformed theology, I know quite well both how and why you view salvation as you do. I advise you to look again at both the 9th commandment (Ex. 20:16) and Eph. 4:25,29. Making light of your accusations and God's holy word will have consequences that will follow you in all that you say and do on this forum and elsewhere. It is a sin to falsley accuse someone and dishonorable to ridicule someone's biblical belief while refusing to acknowledge the plain and simple truth in God's holy word. I pray you at least reconsider your actions even if you no longer desire to discuss this issue. Sam Hughey |
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20 | Christ dying only for elect? | Rom 5:6 | reformedreader | 6346 | ||
Part 2 to Nolan, To your statements; “Grace refers to salvation, kindness is a different thing” and “…you have to maintain that grace is universally available”, well, it is but that does not mean that all grace is universally salvific in nature. God’s grace bestows mercy on the godless as well as the godly just as He bestows wrath on the godly just as He does on the godless. You have erred in forcing the word “grace” to have reference only to salvation. John 1:14 states that Jesus was full of grace but that hardly refers to Jesus needing salvation, does it Nolan? Don’t force words to have only the meaning you want them to have. This is wrongly dividing the Word of God. Nolan, perhaps you need to heed your own adivce by your following statements to Reformer Joe; “Another missed point, you really must get back to context on Romans! Paul wrote Romans to those that were already saved. His references to 'elect' are to those who have FOLLOWED the 'Roman's road' to salvation”. Actually Nolan, what you call “Romans road” did not exist when Paul wrote this epistle. Don’t you think both God and Paul knew what they were writing? Since when do you think God needs 20th century slogans to save those whom He calls? In fact, the actual contextual recipients of Romans are those to whom God has called to receive salvation (v. 6,7). And, if Isa. 55:11 can escape your inclusionary opinions, then God means what He says and not what you want Him to be saying. If God calls an individual to receive salvation (which, by the way, no person can come to Christ unless they are called by the Father, John 6:44), then according to Isa. 55:11 God’s intent to save that person by calling him to receive salvation will be successfully accomplished. So, your statement, “God intends to save everyone but the failure is not His but belongs to the individual” is also false. If God’s intention is to save everyone, then everyone must be called by the Father for the purpose of receiving salvation according to Isa. 55:11 and John 6:44. John also states that whomever the Fathers calls, the Son will raise him up on the last day which refers to the eternal resurrection of those who are found in the Lamb’s book of life. There is absolutey nothing at all in either Isaiah or John that says anything at all about man choosing or the fault is man’s for not being saved. This is clearly an Arminian inclusion or insertion onto the text in order to self-justify a man-centered doctrine of a false gospel. If anyone preaches a gospel other than what John clearly and unambiguously states in verses 44, then one is preaching a false gospel. To your statement to Reformer Joe; “I hope that you can answer some of these flaws that I have shown about your Calvinistic beliefs”, perhaps Nolan, you would spend your time gaining a more correct understanding of Holy Scripture and Calvinistic theology. Reformer Joe has not consulted with me and he doesn’t need to. He merely relies on what God states without embellishing God’s word. Sam Hughey |
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