Results 1 - 5 of 5
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | 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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2 | Two "wills" of God? | Hebrews | Morant61 | 45478 | ||
Greetings John! I understood your point my friend - I just disagree with it! :-) I believe that all have enough witness to accept or reject God. Eph. 2:11-18 discribes the fact that the Gentiles were not part of Israel's covenant relationship with God. It does not say that they were without witness nor choice. To me, the whole issue of whether or not every individual who has ever lived on earth has had exactly the same degree of revelation is a red herring. Why? Simply this, each idividuals opportunity to respond to God's grace is different depending upon many factors. A 100 year old man has a much longer time to respond than does a 10 year old boy. A well read man has a fuller knowledge than does an illiterate farmer in some third world country. But, they all have enough witness to seek out God. I did discover something new to me though when I was reading Rom. 1:18 last night. I always went along with the standard thought that Rom. 1:18ff speaks of the situation of all Gentiles. But, I noticed last that v. 18 says that God's wrath is being revealed against "those are are surpressing". It does not say that all men surpress the truth, but those who do are experiencing a revelation of God's wrath. So, everyone has enough witness to be saved, if they respond in faith to God. Does everyone have exactly the same amount of opportunity? Of course not! p.s. - Depending on how you use the word 'save', the answer is both! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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3 | 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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4 | Two "wills" of God? | Hebrews | Morant61 | 45485 | ||
Greetings John! My evidence is the entire Old Testament and everyone who came to God prior to Christ! Neither the Gospel (Death and resurrection of Christ) nor the Old Testament were known when Abraham was found by God. Nivevah was not a Jewish nation, and did not have the Law, when God sent someone to them to proclaim repentance to them. They responded and were spared. These are both historical and Biblical examples. Don't they count as evidence? My point is simple - God has not left Himself without witness. He Himself draws all men to Him. When people do respond, God will sovereignly make Himself known to them. Obviously, the perfect way is for us to get the Bible to them and preach the Gospel, but God is able to draw people even without our help. Sometimes, He draws people in spite of our help! :-) How about a spontaneous rise of Christianity? There was a case in a missionary book which I read once of missionaries arriving at a jungle location and finding large segments of the New Testament already translated into their language - supposedly through direct revelation. But, I can't recall the name of the book and it would be anecdotal evidence at best! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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5 | 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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