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 | Does God choose us? | Jon 2:9 | DocTrinsograce | 193478 | ||
Dear New Creature, I think you paraphrased Webb correctly. You wrote, "If you are saved, it's entirely God's doing, and not to your credit at all." Yes, as taught by the Scriptures, redemption is entirely a work of God (Psalm 68:20; Ephesians 2:5; Galatians 4:3-7; Hebrews 12:2a; 13:20-25). Redemption is a matter of grace. You wrote, "If you are damned, it's entirely your own fault, and not God's fault at all..." Yes, that's correct. As the Scripture teaches, sin always earns death (Isaiah 3:11; Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; James 1:15). Damnation is a matter of merit. You wrote, "(even though God controls everything)." Yes, the Scriptures teach that God is sovereign (Psalm 115:3; 135:6; Job 23:13; Daniel 4:35; Ephesians 1:11). As Creator, God is free to do as He pleases... and He does... God does as He pleases, exactly as He pleases, and only as He pleases. If you would like to discuss the doctrines of grace in a more particular fashion, I'd urge you to write to my email address. Sometimes the valuable exercise of polemic exchange is better served in a more personal venue. I deem that that is the case here. Thank you for your questions. In Him, Doc |
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2 | Does God choose us? | Jon 2:9 | New Creature | 193530 | ||
If God is truly in control of all things, then he must cause every event, be it human or otherwise. And if He controls every event including the choices people make, then why are humans found at fault for choices which were beyond their contol to begin with? |
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3 | Does God choose us? | Jon 2:9 | DocTrinsograce | 193535 | ||
Dear New Creature, Yes! That is precisely the argument that Paul anticipates as he explains the doctrine of Effectual Calling. He wrote "You will say to me then, 'Why does He still find fault? For who can resist His will?'" (Romans 9:19 ESV) Check it out. A right understanding of the doctrine inevitably leads a person to ask this question. I would even say that if you do NOT find yourself asking that question, then you aren't following Paul's didactic argument. The 1689 LBCF (chapter 3, paragraph 1) summarizes it as follows: "God hath decreed in Himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein; nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established; in which appears His wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing His decree. (Isaiah 46:10; Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 6:17; Romans 9:15, 18; James 1:13; 1 John 1:5; Acts 4:27, 28; John 19:11; Numbers 23:19; Ephesians 1:3-5)" The presupposition that responsibility and control are necessarily contingent is a false dichotomy. (Man rarely finds himself in agreement with God regarding what we think of as fairness. I have never really understood that. Seems to me the last thing we'd want is fairness! What we really want is mercy!) But we'd have to dig into all kinds of discussions on causality to properly deal with all of that. Nevertheless, brother, I'd really urge you to contact me directly via email. That way we can honor our host's wishes to maintain an amicable spirit on the forum, as we agreed to do when we joined. Thank you! In Him, Doc |
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4 | Does God choose us? | Jon 2:9 | New Creature | 193550 | ||
My posted notes have raised theological questions, but I don't see how they could be said to be unamicable. I haven't called anyone names or labeled anyone who disagrees as teaching that which is false. I believe my questions have been respectful and honest. I don't personally know in what manner I have not kept up my end of the agreement to remain peaceable in discussing a few of the more difficult theological question that often arise. Isn't that why this forum is titled STUDYBIBLE forum. Isn't that what we are currently doing? | ||||||
5 | Does God choose us? | Jon 2:9 | DocTrinsograce | 193565 | ||
Dear New Creature, No implication was intended. The issue isn't connected with our individual ability to maintain an amicable discussion. Nor does it have to do with the emotional tone of the current thread -- indeed, I think we are doing splendidly! However, forum history has revealed that discussions centered on this topic often grow heated. That, in turn, detracts from the objective of the forum and the express wishes of our host. You see, we may be able to exercise appropriate restraint, but with each post, the possibility increases that someone may jump in with a more divisive spirit or a strong emotional connection to one side or the other of the issue. I was attempting to preempt that possibility by offering a private exchange. In Him, Doc |
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