Results 1 - 6 of 6
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | RElderCascade | 2052 | ||
When Paul wrote Ephesians (Chapter 1) he was worshiping God in his introduction by stating what is true of God -- we are instructed to worship in Spirit and TRUTH in John 4. The text gives no evidence that his purpose was to encourage the mostly Gentile Believers in Ephesus with Jewish promises..” that all along God knew His plan of salvation which, don’t worry included you outside Israel as well.” What could possibly make us think they were worried about how long God knew His plan of salvation, and how it might relate to gentiles? This is making non-sense out of clear teachings about the Sovereign God of the universe. I hardly fault the desire to learn what was the author’s purpose for writing. But wouldn't it be reasonable to expect to see a different clue in the text of why he launches into such statements about predestination and foreknowledge? Notice how Paul doesn’t give any kind of evidence that he’s answering anybody or that he is in any way exhorting them -- just worshiping God with all the power of understanding he has about God’s inestimable worth! There is no tidy disclaimer that places these statements (Rom 8; Eph. 1; 1 Pet 1, etc.) into a category of mere up building alone. Sure it does that, every time we worship God in Spirit and Truth it greatly upbuilds us. It hardly would make any more sense that Paul would take such a tact to refer to salvation as being pre-planned with Jews either, since this would not have been common ground for most Jews. They didn’t understand the Prophets concerning salvation, and besides Paul is not quoting the Prophets here, what other common ground could he have with the Jews? He does that in other areas for other reasons, but he is not doing that here. As Paul’s introduction to Ephesians continues the text indicates (Eph 1:15-23) that he does want to encourage them with Spiritual wisdom “that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened that you may know what is the hope of His calling...” here is the text giving a clue as to what he wants them to get out of this. To understand who God is and how does knowing Him affect them. The essential points that he makes are God’s greatness ...segway into man’s huge need for just this very God! ...being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will |
||||||
2 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | inHzsvc | 2072 | ||
In Rom 8:29, Paul stated that "whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30) Moreover, WHOM he did predestinate, THEM he also called: and whom he called, THEM he also justified: and whome he justified, THEM he also glorified. (31) What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Personal pronouns are important. You will notice, Paul didn't say "what" He foreknew. Paul said "whom" He forknew. This language is similar to what Christ will say at the Great White Throne judgment. "Depart from me ye workers of iniquity, I never KNEW you." The foreknowledge in this verse is not a mere knowledge God has of future events. It is a loving relationship that He has for His elect. Through the fall, we are unable to come to God (I Cor. 2:14). However, by His grace, He has chosen to save some. Thank the Lord you and I are among that group. God bless. |
||||||
3 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | RElderCascade | 2080 | ||
Yes, praise Him for His mighty works! Amazing that we also partake of His work and are numbered among the Blesse!. When we really think about this lovely, grace-giving, perfect being It is no wonder that Paul would break into such pumped up praise of Him! Your analysis which points out the personal pronouns does a great job of valuing the text for what it really says. Even the opposite position recognizes a large part of the truth that we are unable to come to God because of the fall. Did you ever look at how the finest Arminians or Wesleyans talk about man needing to be wooed, or coaxed? They get this from the Bible's word -- call. They are part of the way there, now if they could only look at what the authors meant with their use of the word. |
||||||
4 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | inHzsvc | 2087 | ||
It is interesting to me that many Arminians believe in a call to the ministry, but, reject an effectual call to salvation. Is not calling one to the ministry and not calling another a form of election and reprobation(though not in the salvation sense)? God bless you and yours. |
||||||
5 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | RElderCascade | 2138 | ||
Yes, it appears to me that there is much surrounding the issues of normal Christianity that requires election in its various forms! I have always studied (and recommend to others to do so as well) the Eternal Decrees of God. Read Charles Hodges or John Calvin on this. I have many of the popular modern theologians as well, but they (like Ryrie, Chafer, etc.) leave the issue quite alone! | ||||||
6 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | inHzsvc | 2140 | ||
I'll add two to your list, if you don't know of them. A.W. Pink and John Gill both have some good to say concerning the Decrees of God. If you don't own a copy of John Gill's "A Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity", you should. God bless. |
||||||