Results 1 - 5 of 5
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How can we influence who is saved? | 1 Pet 2:9 | Dud M3 | 1270 | ||
I'm having difficulty understanding both this verse and the purpose of evangelism from a Calvinistic interpretation (do I understand that correctly?) If God in his wisdom has already chosen those whom will be saved, then, what is the point of sharing the Gospel with others? I understand that Jesus commands us to do so, and that is reason enough for me. But intellectually, I must admit to asking, "Why bother? Some will be saved, some won't, I can't change what God has preordained." What a depressing thought! Or, ought I find inspiration in that thought? | ||||||
2 | How can we influence who is saved? | 1 Pet 2:9 | Robert Nicholson | 27474 | ||
I do not think the scripture teaches that we are put in this world as a robot. On the other hand, I also believe in the divine foreknowledge of God. If we take a conservative Calvinistic view would we not say "the deck" is stacked. If there is no opportunity for humankind to respond to the saviour if they are "not choosen" how then can we say that God is righteous? However, knowing that God is righteous, longsuffering not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" 2Peter3:9 should we not take another look. We know God cannot lie and the Bible cannot contradict itself. 1. It is God's desire for all to be saved. 1 Tim. 2:5 "God who will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. 2. Provision is made for all. 1 Tim. 2:6 "Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" 3. All will not be saved: "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: there is no difference. Who then does God Call? The Lord Jesus said "I am come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:32 The son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. It would appear that God calls a certain KIND of people from the human race. Those who are acknowledged lost sinners. By his Holy Spirit he speaks to individuals, he brings circumstances into their lives, he strives with them with the purpose of bringing them to a place were they will feel their need, their burden of sin and he will open their eyes to the finished work of Christ. Those who will not acknowledge their need, who feel they are too righteous, too intelligent, or enjoy the pleasures of sin too much, eventually God will cease his calling as he did in the days of Noah he said "My Spirit shall not always strive with man" Gen. 6:3. The Lord Jesus was continually giving invitations "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. In Rev.3:20 at the end of the church age he calls "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and openeth the door, I will come into him and sup with him and he with me. Finally, Jesus valued evangelical work "Go you into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 16:16 Paul writes "...It pleased God that by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe 1 Cor. 1:21 In Christ Robert |
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3 | How can we influence who is saved? | 1 Pet 2:9 | Lionstrong | 27512 | ||
Hi Robert, You write as if it would be unrighteous of God not to give an "opportunity for humankind to respond to the savior," as if his righteousness obligates him to give all men such an opportunity. I submit that if God chose not to save a single soul, he would be no less righteous. God is just and, "will render to every man according to his deeds." Rom. 2:6 And, "Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death..." This is what God "owes" man. God is merciful. He chooses to be glorified in the demonstration of his great mercy, but he is not obligated to show mercy to anyone. He is totally free to save or not save anyone. "For He says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.'" Rom. 9:15 So in his great mercy, he sends his Son into the world to save "his" people (Mat 1:21). But the Son himself has the prerogative of whom he saves, for he says, "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." Matt. 11:27 I submit that one thing that makes God's mercy so great is that is totally without any obligation on God's part to extend it. It is totally free, unmerited, grace. Grace alone. Peace, Lionstrong |
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4 | How can we influence who is saved? | 1 Pet 2:9 | Robert Nicholson | 27550 | ||
Bro. Lionstrong Thank you for your response. I agree that God is not obligated to show mercy to anyone. What I am trying to express is that there will not be one lost soul at the Great white Throne who will be able to cite unfairness on God's part. The books will be open, the works reviewed and the Book of Life will show that their name is not there. They will bow their head in silent agreement with God that they indeed deserve judgement forever. Do you not think that there are those who have been drawn to the saviour by the Holy Spirit and yet have refused Christ? Although God is not obligated to call anyone to salvation, does he not call the whosoever? Robert |
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5 | How can we influence who is saved? | 1 Pet 2:9 | Lionstrong | 27557 | ||
Do you not think that there are those who have been drawn to the saviour by the Holy Spirit and yet have refused Christ? John 6:44 "No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:37 "All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. Hi Robert! I believe that none that the Almighty God draws to Christ in his absolutely free and abundant mercy, will refuse his salvation. Joe, the Reformer, has given a most gracious response to your post than I could ever think or imagine. And like he said, some might get upset if we start yet another thread on this subject. Peace, Lionstrong, a.k.a LooseCannon:) |
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