Results 1 - 3 of 3
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How deep can the Gospel go | Acts 17:30 | jlhetrick | 180907 | ||
Hello Finder, Allow me to add something to the conversation please. I believe that when we consider the passage in Romans in the wider context of what the Scriptures teach (to include immediate context) I think it begins to make more sense. The passage in Romans isn't speaking to salvation but rather damnation, at least the utter fallen state of mankind. I'm not seeing it taught here at all that God's revelation in nature is what saves. Salvation comes by God's grace, through faith in Christ and by no other means as the Scriptures plainly teach. Later in the book (ch. 5) we see that the wrath spoken of in chapter 1 is something man can be saved from, being "justified by His blood (Romans 5:9). The next two verses make it very clear. "Rom 5:10-11 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (ESV) "..for while we were enemies..."(v. 10). When were we enemies? It's spelled out very clearly in Romans 1:18-32. The problem isn't in that some may never have the opportunity to here the gospel of Jesus Christ. The problem is that all, ALL, have had the truth of God revealed to them and all, including you and me, have rejected that. So, verse 20, we are all without excuse (Romans 3:23) So reconciliation is necessary! And how is that? Clearly presented as quoted above in Romans 5:10-11. It is by His death that we are reconciled and His resurrection that we have eternal life. God uses people to preach the Gospel. As a result, we might tend to give ourselves too much credit. God's saving a soul is not, and has never been dependent on someone hacking through just the right jungle trail to happenstance uppon the poor waiting lost soul there behind the tree. The effectual calling that results in reconciliation and eternal life is that calling of God alone. He may use a man to initiate it, but that poor creature does not effect it. Salvation belongs to the Lord, and to those He justly chooses in grace. If it were anything else, the cross would be of no use. Ours is to be obedient, trusting that He will complete His plan justly. And He is faithful. Hope this helps some, Jeff |
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2 | When is the revelation clear | Acts 17:30 | Finder | 180971 | ||
Hello Jeff, When you mentioned that ALL have had the revelation of God presented to us but we rejected that I can not remember when I rejected that. The only opportunity I am conscious of coming to know the revelation of God was after investing LOTS of time searching on the Internet since 2002 until now, and I still think I don't know everything. Otherwise I wouldn't be asking these questions. But I have not rejected it. And I know that there are multitudes of pagans that don't have the same access to the revelation that I have. I accept this revelation. But many, even if they hear about it quickly, won't really understand what it really means. Thank you, Finder |
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3 | When is the revelation clear | Acts 17:30 | jlhetrick | 180983 | ||
Hello Finder, I believe my response should start with asking the question to you, are you saved. If you are not, then the Scriptures teach that not only have you rejected God, but you are continuing in that rejection. It's not my word that declares that ALL have rejected or sinned against God. It was and is plain in the Scriptures I posted in my previous response. Furthermore, anytime we sin, we reject God. If you can not remember sinning, take the word of God at face value and know that you have and so have I. 1John 1:10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (NIV) You see friend, in the passage of Romans 1:18-32 it's not teaching that the truth of God was not recognized or that the truth of God was not understood and believed, quite the opposite. Instead, it is teaching that when the truth was known, man chose his own course, rejecting God's plan. Knowing something of God and then choosing to do what is contrary to His design and plan is the rejection. Romans 1:21-23 (NIV) 21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles." Again, you may not accept the truth that you, like every other human person besides Christ, has sinned by putting self before God; but again, the Scirptures should settle that issue as quoted above. Finder, in anticipation of your response and answer to your salvation let me say this. In saving you, God will require that you ackowledge that you are a sinner in need of salvation. As the Scripture says, if you are unable or unwilling to do this, "His word has no place in your life". I assure you that my response is sincere and I am not attempting to read into your statements. Please let me address something else you said. You wrote: "The only opportunity I am conscious of coming to know the revelation of God was after investing LOTS of time searching on the Internet since 2002 until now, and I still think I don't know everything" While there are many internet sights that I would recommend to include this one, they are no substitute for the bible itself. If you have a bible please spend more time in it with prayerful consideration vs. searching the net. If you do not have a bible email me, I will send you one. Finally, we don't need to worry ourselves with the access or ability to understand of others beyond our being obedient in "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2Tim 2:15) while proclaiming the gospel. Remember what I said in the previous post. If God intends to save the guy behind the tree at the end of that long-lost path deep in the darkest depths of the most dense jungle, He will save that one. As for the understanding; not a one of us has had the understanding until the almighty, sovereign God gave it. Hope my responses continue to be helpful. God bless, Jeff PS. my email address is shown in my user profile. |
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