Results 1 - 7 of 7
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Why can we not just be Christians? | 1 Pet 1:2 | Not yet | 151555 | ||
Original Question: Why can we not just be Christians; All members of one body; the body of Jesus Christ, our savior? Kalos responded: Answer: Foreknowledge 'Occasionally someone will suggest that God's election is based on His foreknowledge of certain events. This argument suggests that God simply looks into the future to see who will believe, and He chooses those whom He sees choosing Him. Notice that 1 Peter 1:2 says the elect are chosen "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father," and Romans 8:29 says, "whom He foreknew, He also predestined." And if divine foreknowledge simply means God's knowledge of what will happen in advance, then these arguments may appear to have some weight behind them. '....But that is not the biblical meaning of "foreknowledge." When the Bible speaks of God's foreknowledge, it refers to God's establishment of a love relationship with that person. The word "know," in both the Old and New Testament, refers to much more than mere cognitive knowledge of a person. Such passages as Hosea 13:4-5; Amos 3:2 (KJV); and Romans 11:2 clearly indicate this. For example, 1 Peter 1:20 says Christ was "foreknown before the foundation of the world." Surely this means more than that God the Father looked into the future to behold Christ! It means He had an eternal, loving relationship with Him. The same is true of the elect, whom we are told God "foreknew" (Romans 8:29). That means He knew them--he loved them--before the foundation of the world.' (www.gty.org/IssuesandAnswers/archive/election.htm) Grace to you, Kalos * * * * * * * * * * * * * Not Yet responded: Thank you Kalos. Though it appears there is room for doubt, I feel strongly that you have proven my position. There are many "positions" in scripture, which cannot be proven absolutely. I feel personally that these passages are of little consequence to those of us who are firmly rooted in Christ. However a doctrine such as this, can easily dishearten the sinner who feels unworthy, or even a week child of God. Still, dear brother, you did not answer my question. “Why can we not just be Christians; All members of one body; the body of Jesus Christ, our savior? “ I prefer an answer as biblically founded as possible. |
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2 | Why can we not just be Christians? | 1 Pet 1:2 | Aixen7z4 | 151668 | ||
What does it mean to “just be Christian”? This may be only wishful thinking. They say a man often hears what he wants to hear. But think I hear you saying that you wish we could all be simply Christians, saying the same thing, instead of a number of camps within the church, each claiming to have found the truth. I would fight with you for unity, to find a way for us to say the same thing. I do believe there is a command to that effect in 1 Corinthians 1 and elsewhere: I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. But I fear I may be wrong, and more, that I will be disappointed. You have chosen the topic of Election, one that is noted for the disagreements that it engenders. Besides, you have illustrated the disagreement. One says, “Election is the act of God whereby in eternity past He chose those who will be saved”. You say, “I simply do not read the words of scripture as making such a statement as is noted above.” This starts another round of the endless debate that leaves us with, “I am right” and “No, I am right”. How then can we “just be Christians”? I do believe there is a way for us as followers of Christ to all say the same thing, as in 1 Corinthians 1:10, and I‘d be glad to explore it with you from the Scriptures. Is that what you are seeking at this time? Is that what you mean by “just be Christian”? If not, I will leave this discussion at this point and plan to start another at some point. I guess I am looking for some genuine interest in the topic, but I would like to know from you personally. if your post is a call for oneness of mind among Christians. |
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3 | Why can we not just be Christians? | 1 Pet 1:2 | Not yet | 151795 | ||
To fight with you for unity would not be to fight with you, but to fight the evil within the both of us, both our flesh. Dear soul, you have hit the nail on the head. Though I have read this passage time and again, I had only underlined the words "that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you." Normally I highlight something which strikes me. I did not know how deeply that passage had struck me. It has been as a prick in my heart for many years. My heart bleeds when I see two brothers arguing, or I cannot get my point across in a manner a brother can understand. Often we are saying the same exact thing, only in a different manner, yet it seems that we simply cannot come to a mutual understanding. Can you see the irony? I do not wish to state that I know everything when it comes to the Word of God, but what I do know, I know it to be the truth of God. If what I know to be truth, another disagrees with, I feel it is my duty to at least make an attempt to come to a mutual understanding. Who knows? I might learn something. If we cannot, so be it. It is no reason for division. Who cares if what some believe concerning once saved, always saved, is true or false. If one is walking in the will of God, it is of no concern to him, unless perhaps it pertains to a loved one. Then all parties involved would be of more use to the loved one by prayer, than debate. So what if predestination is, as some believe. Scripture states that, ”he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13 And “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18. So as long as one knows he/she knows and calls on Him in truth, what difference does what someone else believes make? Proverbs 3:5-6 were included in scripture for a reason, and I personally lean on them heavily. Thank you dear brother. In His Loving Name. |
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4 | Why can we not just be Christians? | 1 Pet 1:2 | Aixen7z4 | 151799 | ||
Are we not obligated to obey God? Does he not command (1 Corinthians 1:10) that we speak the same thing? Should we not then seek to do that? We do a grave wrong, and harm, by disregarding that command. I have come to see that. And I stand ready to fight, with (not against, but together, on the same side) to work on it, with anyone who wants to right that wrong. I would have hoped that someone would be interested in finding ways for us to do it, to speak the same thing. But strangely, we seem to take delight, and pride, in saying, “I disagree”. One of these days, I hope that we will stop that, and decide to do what God says. He says we should speak the same thing. And may I say, the context indicates he does mean that we should all say, “I disagree”. O that we would focus on the nugget of truth in what our brother or sister is saying, and magnify that! We could contend for the faith (Jude). We could stand in defense of the Gospel (Philippians 1). We could fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6), together (2 Timothy 4:14). Our house will stand (Matthew 16) because God is able to make it stand. But it is yet his will that we stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith. Anyone can disagree with that, and they can attach scripture to support their disagreement. Someone will say we cannot let false doctrine go unchallenged. But the challenge before us is to find the part that we agree on, and focus on that. Finally, my brother, whatsoever things are true, think on these things. |
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5 | Why can we not just be Christians? | 1 Pet 1:2 | kalos | 151809 | ||
Doctrine Divides '"Doctrine divides" has been the hue and cry. Yes, doctrine does divide - that’s its very purpose. It divides us from the Jehovah’s Witnesses and from those . . . who promote a distorted view of Christ and His atonement.' -- Paul R. Belli and G. Richard Fisher |
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6 | Why can we not just be Christians? | 1 Pet 1:2 | DocTrinsograce | 151830 | ||
Good Quote, Kalos! I wrote in another post that doctrine will divide for all eternity, since it will divide the goats from the sheep. In Him, Doc |
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7 | Why can we not just be Christians? | 1 Pet 1:2 | Not yet | 152021 | ||
One might ask, will it be doctrine, or the Word of God that divides the goats from the sheep. If it is "scriptural" doctrine, your statement is correct, but there are many doctrines, many which are founded on scripture, but are no more than incorrect interpretation. It appears that it is better left as scripture states in Matthew 25:32, "... and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats." And I might say, Who is He? He is the WORD. In Him NYP |
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