Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | mark d seyler | 169235 | ||
Hi Jeff, Here may be food for thought for you. Isaiah 42:1 Behold My Servant; I will uphold Him; My Elect in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit on Him; He shall bring forth justice to the nations. Eph 1:3 Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies with Christ, Eph 1:4 even as He elected us in Him before the foundation of the world, for us to be holy and without blemish before Him in love, Isaiah writes that Jesus is God's Elect. Paul writes that we are elect in Jesus. I also have been working towards an understanding of this issue, and have not found an answer that takes into account all relevant Scriptures. Predestination applies to the elect, so it is less relevent towards a conclusion. Once we understand election, predestination is easy. The core issue is Divine Election and Human Choice. As you have written, God has said that He would like all men saved, and all to be in right relationship with Him. I believe that of the God Who declares Himself to BE Love, and Who takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. So then why oh why would He not choose all of those whom He would like to be saved for salvation? The only way this makes sense is if there is another criteria involved in God's election beyond His independant wish for man. There must be another qualifier. Some will raise the cry that this offends His sovereignty, but not if He has decreed it to be that way. He always plays by His own rules. So I quote these passages, and offer them for meditation. Isaiah 42:1 Behold My Servant; I will uphold Him; My Elect in whom My soul delights! Eph 1:4 even as He elected us in Him before the foundation of the world What is it about Divine Election, and what is it about Human Choice, that make them seem incompatible with each other? And what is the significance of "before the foundation of the world"? Love in Christ, Mark |
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2 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169243 | ||
Hello Mark, Thanks brother, for the input. This seems to illustrate my point, or should I say, my struggle in understanding; an apparent contradiction as seen through the eyes of this fallible man. I rest in my confidence in the scriptures, however, that there are no contradictions, only lack of knowledge and understanding on the part of men. You write: “So then why oh why would He not choose all of those whom He would like to be saved for salvation? The only way this makes sense is if there is another criteria involved in God's election beyond His independant wish for man. There must be another qualifier. “ ”Some will raise the cry that this offends His sovereignty, but not if He has decreed it to be that way. He always plays by His own rules.” I would agree with you that there is no imposition on God’s sovereignty if in fact He did decree “another criteria….beyond His independent wish…” But do we find this in scripture? Thanks for your insight and the verses for consideration. Of course, I have considered these verses along with many more. For example, here is another that seems to suggest that there is no other criteria, and that God’s decree was and is consistent with the commonly held understanding of the doctrine of predestination/election. Acts 13:48 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and AS MANY AS WERE APPOINTED to eternal life believed. ESV (emphasis added) Acts 13:48 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and AS MANY AS WERE ORDAINED to eternal life believed. KJV (emphasis added) This one is tough to explain in contradiction with the doctrines of election and predestination. Personally, I haven’t seen anyone try. God bless and continue to work toward deeper understanding as I do also, Jeff |
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3 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | mark d seyler | 169244 | ||
Dear Jeff, I know that better minds than mine have grappled with this for centuries. I think there is a part we are not told, or that we simply are not able to grasp a spiritual truth describing "eternal" events (i.e. outside of space/time). No matter how far I think I may understand this, there is always the other set of verses. Love in Christ, Mark |
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4 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169246 | ||
Your right Mark, Thankfully we can rest in the knowledge that we do have. That God is perfect and His ways are perfect, and He didn't miss any details. I believe that when we are finally with Him in eternity, many of us will likely be surprised at how much of it we actually had wrong. Regardless of this particular issue, I believe that God has called me, and whether my choosing has anything to do with it, I freely choose Him anyway. I'm thankful. I'm grateful. Peace and Love, Jeff |
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