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 | Is God somehow responsible? | Rom 1:20 | John Reformed | 70094 | ||
Dear Aznsmartyic, You began by saying: "I begin with a fact, that God loves us". By "us" I presume you mean "us meaning "christians". If so, I agree with your statement. If you had meant all people universaly, I would have disagreed. I hold the historic protestant view which is that God has ordained all things that occur. I also believe that the only proper way look at this subject is to recognize that all of God's works are holy, just and perfect. To do othewise is to elevate ourselves to the position of judges, with God in the dock being made to defend Himself against His accusers. Another problem to avoid is our propensity towards the false perception that God created this universe for oursakes. He did not! He created it for His pupose of displaying His glory before all to behold. The reason we were created was to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. The dilema you face is faced by all christians who subscribe to the doctrine of God's absolute soveriegnty. Men such as R.C. Sproul confess to having their theology turned upside down and inside out when faced with the clear teaching of Scripture. It can be difficult, especially after being fed a man-centered theology for any length of time. May God bless you as you search His truth for answers that satisfy the soul and mind. John Reformed PS: You may find it profitable to visit http://www.reformed.org/ It represents the teaching of the Reformers who were the fathers of the protestant faith. |
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2 | Is God somehow responsible? | Rom 1:20 | romans | 70163 | ||
Dear John Reformed, I was following the discussion on the question "Is God somehow repsonsible" until I read your reply. If I may say "I was so stunned" by your statement that God loves only the Christians. All along I thought God loves all as in ALL (all people universaly as you put it). In a layman's point of view, I strongly disagree with that view in regards to the following verses that I believe prove otherwise. 1) John 3:16 say "For God so love the world ...whoever believes in HIM..." The question here is who is the "WORLD?" I believe the world refers to the righteous and unrighteous; believers and unbelievers; Christians and Gentiles. Furthermore, it says 'WHOEVER' that I am quite sure means "anyone whether Christians or Gentiles." 2) If God only loves the Christians, what is His feeling towards the unbelievers, moreso to the soul who are already in hell? I can't say HE neither love nor hate them because there ie no neutral ground when it comes to God (you are either hot or cold; Rev.3:15). Then, God must hate the unbelievers. But with this view, the following verses will prove otherwise. The following verses will prove that God loves the unbelievers too. 2Pt. 3:9 says "...not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Ezekiel. 18:23 says " Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD . Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? Ezekiel 18:32 says "For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD . Repent and live!" In fact, the preceeding verses tell us that God is wanting the unbelievers to repent and be save. Would God takes time and effort, not mentioning giving His Son to die on the cross, to the unbelievers if He does not love them? Just look at the story of Nineveh in the of Jonah. Though the people of Nineveh were wicked but because God loves them, He sent Jonah that they may repent and so they did. You might want to read Jonah 4:10-11. Later in history, we learned that Nineveh was still detroyed because they went back to their wickedness. But God loved them. Jesus died for all sins (sins of the Christians and unbelievers) that is why everyone is invinted to come and have feast with the Lord (Jn. 3:16 - 'whoever believes shall not perish but have everlasting life.'). Since He died for all sins, He must have loved/loves all people. Though Jesus died for all and loves all people, it does not mean all/everyone will be saved. It is up to individual if he/she will accept the gift of eternal life from God. The gift of God to all is eternal life BUT THAT GIFT WILL NEVER BE YOURS OR MINE UNLESS WE TAKE THAT GIFT FROM HIM. MEANING THE GIFT, THOUGH IT IS FREE AND FOR US, WILL REMAIN IN GOD'S POSSESSION UNLESS WE ACCEPT AND TAKE IT. In Christ, Romans |
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3 | Is God somehow responsible? | Rom 1:20 | Morant61 | 70164 | ||
Greetings Romans! Well said! Of course, I am biased in my view! :-) I do think that you are right on though when it comes to all of the 'all' passages. They are very clear! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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