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 | God Hardens Whom He Desires? | Rom 9:18 | Searcher56 | 11201 | ||
Does that mean that some people do not have a chance to be save? Explain. Does it mean that the mercy of God is less than universal? Explain. |
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2 | God Hardens Whom He Desires? | Rom 9:18 | Makarios | 11239 | ||
Romans 9:18... "9:18 The mighty act of God in freeing Israel from the hand of Pharaoh demonstrated two corollary truths. Both Moses and Pharaoh were wicked sinners, even murderers, and were equally worthy of God's wrath and eternal punishment. But Moses received mercy while Pharaoh received God's judgment, because that was God's sovereign will (cf. 11:7; Josh. 11:18-20; 1 Thess. 5:9; 2 Peter 2:12). hardens. The Greek word literally means to make something hard, but is often used figuratively to refer to making stubborn or obstinate. Ten times Exodus refers to God's hardening Pharaoh's heart (e.g., 4:21; 7:3,13), and other times to Pharaoh's hardening his own heart (e.g., 8:32; 9:34). This does not mean that God actively created unbelief or some other evil in Pharaoh's heart (cf. James 1:13), but rather that He withdrew all the divine influences that ordinarily acted as a restraint to sin and allowed Pharaoh's wicked heart to pursue its sin unabated (cf. 1:24,26,28)." (MacArthur's NKJV Study Bible) "9:18 The first part of this verse again echoes Ex. 33:19 (see v. 15) and the last part such texts as Ex. 7:3; 9:12; 14:4,17, in which God is said to harden the hearts of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. 'on whom he wants to have mercy.' Cannot mean that God is arbitrary in his mercy, because Paul ultimately bases God's rejection of Israel on her unbelief (see vv. 30-32)." (NIV Study Bible) "9:19-21 An opponent might say that Paul’s conclusion in verse 18 leads to fatalism. Paul, however, does not give an analytical answer but rebukes the questioner for such a preposterous conclusion. If a potter can do what he wishes with his vessels, certainly God can with His." (Ryrie Study Bible) "9:17,18 Pharaoh refused to obey the Lord (Ex. 5:2) and hardened his heart (see Ex. 7:13, 14, 22; 8:15, 32; 9:7). God used Pharaoh’s sin to demonstrate His power and magnify His name. hardens: God only gave Pharaoh over to what Pharaoh had already chosen to do. Nevertheless the fact remains that God sovereignly chooses to have mercy on some and to withhold it from others." (Nelson NKJV Study Bible) "9:17 Pharaoh also serves his purpose in the elective program of God for Israel. Pharaoh first determined to oppose God (Ex 5:2). Afterward God hardened (confirmed) Pharaoh’s heart in his disbelief (Ex 7:3)." (Believer's Study Bible) Nolan |
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3 | God Hardens Whom He Desires? | Rom 9:18 | paulta | 70165 | ||
I have always found it useful - on the free will vs predestination issue - to recall Heb 1:3: 'And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power...' If God upholds ALL things by the word of His power, then this must indicate - on a purely logical assessment of Scripture - that He upholds our bodies, souls, and spirits by the word of His power, from moment to moment. That means that a decision to accept or reject Christ - a decision made by our wills, which are usually thought to be a component of our souls - is actually directly caused by the word of God's power, as is everything else. On a purely logical appraisal, based on the acceptance of Heb 1:3 as truth, free will is not free as we would like to think we are free, but has its origin in a sovereign decision made by God. However, Scripture - like God Himself - is not something that can be dissected and logically explained, like the operation of a wristwatch. The numerous scripture references to the choices that men can make - for good, or for evil (eg. Deut 30:19) - certainly point to the existence of human choice. My position is that free will and predestination are simultaneous; that is, mankind has free choice, yet those 'free' choices are also predestined by an omnipotent God. Such a position might be viewed as logically inadequate - which it is - but it has two main advantages. Firstly, it is consistent with Scripture - which makes references both to God's sovereign control of the universe, and to man's capacity to obey or disobey Him. Secondly, it diverts the energies of Christians away from dry theological debate (see 2 Tim 2:23) to prayer, obedience, and kingdom building. |
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4 | God Hardens Whom He Desires? | Rom 9:18 | Makarios | 70188 | ||
Thank you, Paulta, for that excellent exposition! I most certainly agree with your balanced perspective on this issue, and may the Lord continue to bless and direct your paths! Blessings to you, Makarios |
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