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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Unanswered Bible Questions Author: jg8ball Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What is the best version of the Bible? | Bible general Archive 1 | jg8ball | 602 | ||
What do you think is the best version of the Bible? (the one that best captures the intent of the original authors) | ||||||
2 | Saved by belief or belief and baptism? | NT general Archive 1 | jg8ball | 511 | ||
Is belief in Jesus the only requirement to be saved or is (water) baptism also required? I've always believed it was belief alone, but a friend of mine says it's both. We've found verses that support both theories. | ||||||
3 | What I am asking is baptism a requiement | NT general Archive 1 | jg8ball | 534 | ||
I think you misinterpreted what I asked (or maybe I didn't pose my question clearly enough). What I am asking is baptism a requiement for salvation? I realize that you should be baptized after believing but I feel believing is the only requirement for salvation while my friend believes that both believing and baptism are a requirement for salvation. This then could lead to other thoughts about infants that are baptized and whether or not full immersion is necessary. PS. We both are baptized. |
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4 | Explanations of difficult verses | NT general Archive 1 | jg8ball | 540 | ||
How about "Explanations of difficult verses?" Thanks. | ||||||
5 | God, Satan, and Job's sons discuss dad? | Gen 6:4 | jg8ball | 324 | ||
I admit I'm not a Hebrew scholar but in verse 4 (not 5) when it mentions Job's sons, it uses the word "ben" by itself. (translates to sons, children, descendents...") In verse 6 it uses the words ben-elohiym which translate to Sons of God. Putting this in context then tells us the Sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came with them. The Hebrew word for present themselves is "yasab" which translates "to stand before". This implies that the sons of God as well as satan were literally standing in God's presense. How could you interpret this as being Job's sons? Do you really think that God, satan, and Job's sons were standing around talking about Job's faith? Gen 6:4 does use the same "ben-elohiym" when talking about the Sons of God. Whether or not the Nephilim are the offspring of the Sons of God and the daughters of man, I haven't investigated thoroughly enough to make a definite conclusion. Keep in mind that the ASV and KJVs are a word for word translation while the NIV is a thought for thought translation. When doing a word for word translation you run the risk of loosing the original meaning because some words could have more than one meaining and also the the way the words were used together could have different meanings. A thought for thought translation tries to take this into account. Granted, you rely upon how the interpreter translates but same goes for what words the word for word translators choose. |
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6 | TV Show "Crossing Over" - Dead Speaks? | Deut 18:11 | jg8ball | 712 | ||
There is a relatively new show on the Sci-Fi channel called "Crossing Over" in which the host, John Edward, claims to be able to communicate with the dead. I've watched several of the shows and the information he relays is pretty exact and would seem almost impossible for him (or his staff) to research the people to gather the info. He seems to bring a lot of "mental" healing to the people he talks with. Could it be possible that God allows this to take place, or could it be the devil tricking the people, or is there some other explanation? | ||||||
7 | Questions for my Calvinists friends. | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 960 | ||
I'm having problems seeing the Calvinist viewpoint on Election. I've read the verses and studied documents and have found too many problems with the interpretations. I'll discuss these verses again if requested but a couple things that I don't see how they fit are: 1) If God pre-chose only some individuals that were to be saved, why did he destroy them in the flood? I guess you could always say the Noah and family were the only ones he chose but why then go to all the trouble of populating the world and wipe it out with a flood? 2) If God had his "Elect" already in mind and knew they were going to be saved because the could not resist God, why then did Jesus have to die? 3) Why would it be harder for a rich man to enter the Kindgom of Heaven? My view on this is that God wants us all to be saved and has provided (initiated, given us, predestined, etc...) the way to salvation through his son. 1) In the time of Noah, the people "went away" from God and the only way at that time to get them back on track was to "start over". 2) In Jesus' time, the people were getting too lost in all their laws and was losing the true meaning of God (Love) and sent Jesus, as a final statement, to show us the path. 3) Because God wants us to chose to worship him and believe in his son and to not follow the "ways of the world", then it would be harder for a rich man because there is greater temptations to sway him away. Although I do believe we have "Free Will" to choose, I also believe that our Will can be overriden by God, if necessary, for his plan to be fulfilled. I also believe that there could not have been anything we could have done to enter Heaven, but fortunately, he invited everyone free of charge with only one string attached -- you must believe. |
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8 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 970 | ||
If you are new to this thread, please read the prior two postings before this one to understand where I am coming from. Thank you. Why is it that when something in the Bible doesn't fit with your interpretation, you feel you must either horribly twist it out of context or in this case give the simple answer that since it doesn't make sense then it must just be because we don't know everyting God does? Couldn't this mean that your interpretation doesn't hold up and that Calvinism is no better than the other religions or cults that base their entire belief structure on a few verses taken out of context so that the can separate themselves and "Feel" superior to others? Why can't you see that the whole bible fits in with the "Free Will" theory while only a small portion can be used to justify "Election". Is there anyone out there can interpret this without the standard "It's just one of those mysteries"? I'm sorry if I come off as being harsh, but it's just that I'm getting frustrated trying to understand how someone can honestly read and interpret the whole bible and come away thinking that God chose some people to be saved and chose others that would not. I am willing to admit that I could be interpreting this incorrectly, but as of yet, have not been able to see where my interpretations err (on major subjects) when taking the whole bible into context. |
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9 | Problems with Election Theory - Part One | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 975 | ||
Thank you for the rather long reply (although you still refuse to interpret how the 3 questions I asked in the original posting relate to the idea of Election.) In Part 1, you accuse me of not having any knowledge of Election. You are greatly mistaken. I may not have as many years mainly because I can't as easily believe in something that I don't feel is biblically sound. You also asked why I "branded" this as Calvinism. Mainly because this is one of the points that Calvinist believe. Assuming that there are Non-Calvinists that believe in Election then I will use the term Election believers rather than Calvinists. You also stated that because the word "Free Will" is only used two times and only then in reference to offerings that it must mean the the doctrine of election is true. I assume then that you don't believe in the Trinity because that word is never used. You have mistakenly assumed that since the term we call "free will" is not mentioned that it must not exists. What you fail to see is all the examples of "free will" that do exists. The same is true for the Trinity. Although the word we use to describe it doesn't exist, examples that show it does. As far as the count of the words elect, election, chose, and chosen you include many accounts that talk more of free will than election. James 4:4 Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. John 7:17 If anyone chooses to do God's will... and many more. In fact, of the 66 times you say "choose" is mentioned, There are only three that when taken out of context could be used to relate to election. Please don't overinflate your numbers to make your point hoping that people will just take for granted what you say. Then then said that there was not one word that contradicts the teaching of election. You were right. There are many, many words. Examples were the three questions that you nor anyone else I've asked seem to be able to explain. If you'd like more examples, let me know. In your last paragraph in part one, I think you are really referring to the way people that believe in Election are. I have explained what I'm opposed to and defined it. I've shown (in other postings) how the typical election verses are taken out of context. I've tried to see the Election viewpoint but have had all my questions go unanswered. You also seem to imply that the only people that will understand Election are the people that accept it. I assume that I misinterpreted what you wrote because that statement would be absurd in trying to prove your point. (Continued in Part Two) |
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10 | Who has the opportunity to be saved? | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 1019 | ||
Thank you for your answers. I do appreciate them. You said that "I also agree with your statement that ANYONE who ... believes in God's Son and turns to him for salvation SHALL BE SAVED" Do you believe that EVERYONE has the opportunity to believe or are you agreeing because ONLY THE ELECT have the opportunity to believe? I was told by an elder that only the only the elect have the opportunity to believe and the un-elect have no chance for salavation. This is my biggest problem with election. Not because I don't think it's fair but because I don't think that is what the bible teaches. |
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11 | Rapture - Bodies or souls disappear? | Matt 24:27 | jg8ball | 604 | ||
Do you believe that when the rapture takes place, our bodies will disappear (as depicted in the "Left Behind" series and similar books and movies) or could it be just our souls leave our bodies? | ||||||
12 | rapture question | Matt 24:27 | jg8ball | 631 | ||
I don't understand your response. Who said anything about a "secret rapture"? As far as where the rapture theory is substantiated - look at the verses you referenced. In verse 17, "...we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." How then do you interpret this if not the rapture? Assuming there is a rapture then, I'm not sure where it mentions that our bodies will disappear (or be taken up) as is commonly portrayed versus our souls will be taken up - leaving our empty vessels here on earth. |
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13 | Predetermined or Free Will | Luke 8:13 | jg8ball | 309 | ||
I have a couple questions with what you stated. 1: Where does it say that Jesus is omnipotent? Jesus says in Mat 24:36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father." If Jesus were omnipotent as you say, He would have known the day and hour. 2: God has predetermined that his plan of salvation will be carried out. This does not mean that he has predetermined who will and will not be saved. God wants everyone to be saved (If you need several versus to back this up, let me know). He provided the means for that to happen through the death and ressurection of Jesus. It is our choice whether to accept his Gift or not. From the very beginning, Adam and Eve made the choice to eat from the tree of knowledge even after God told them not to. In Josh 24:15, "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... In 1 Kings 18:21, the worshippers at Mt. Carmel were invited to choose that day whom they would serve, either Baal or God. In Isaiah 5:20, the people were certainly capable of choosing between good and evil. Why are we given the warning in Matt 7:15 ("Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.") if we were predestined to be saved or not? Matt 7:21 says that only the people that choose to do the will of God will enter Heaven. Luke 13:3 tells us that unless we repent (our choice), we will perish. Matt 19:23-24 says that it is harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. If we were predetermined, then wouldn't it be just as easy (or hard)? John 3:16 ...whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. In John 7: 17-18, If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself... In Romans 1:17-32 is clear that man has chosen evil and is not predetermined to do so. Heb 9:27-28 tells us that we are to face judgment when we die. What would be the need of a judgment if we were predetermined. There are many more versus that talk about our choice which I will post if needed. 3: To renounce your salvation would be to turn your back on God, to no longer believe or accept his Gift. To no longer follow the teachings of Christ. Granted, you could always say that person wasn't really saved then. But then what would you say would have happened to that person if they died prior to that drastic change? And if you say that the person must not have been chosen by God to be saved and was only fooling themselves when they truely believed in Christ and thought they were saved then can you say for sure that anyone is saved? Did Jesus die for everyone or just for a select few? I can show you several versus that show that He died for all, can you show one that says otherwise? Then if Jesus did die for all, how could there be some that God predetermined not to be save? |
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14 | How do you then interpret the verses... | Luke 8:13 | jg8ball | 321 | ||
How do you then interpret the verses I listed (and the many others) that talk about "our choice"? I've talked to other Calvinists and they all ignore the verses about our choice in the Bible and quote out a few verses that can be interpreted to fit their needs. The "Free Will" theory holds up throughout the Bible while the "Predestined" theory holds up only in a few parts of the Bible and each of these parts can also be interpreted using the "Free Will" theory. ---------------------------------- You mentioned John 6:44. I agree that no sinner can make the first move in the salvation process. Fortunately, God has already made the first move through Jesus. It's now up to us to accept this. Also, if you put John 6:44 in context and read the entire section, you'll see a whole different meaning. John 6:38-40 - tells us that Jesus is sent to do the Father's will which is that EVERYONE who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life. John 6:44 in simply saying that no one is going to Heaven unless God Allows it. God wants everyone to be saved (this is backed up by other verses I'll supply if needed). John 6:45 "...EVERYONE who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me." It doesn't say "only those I choose will come to me" John 6:47 "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life." John 6:51 "...This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." He's saying that he will give his life for the world, not a elect group in the world. ------------------------------------- Eph 1:4-5,11. Again, put it in context. God predestined us as a whole not a group to have the opportunity to be saved. When it talks about us being predestined for foreknew, it's talking about God's plan - that through Jesus we can be saved. When it talks about the Elect, that's simply another way to talk about the people that have accepted Jesus. Today, we use the terms Christian, born-again, believers, etc... Back to Ephesians, at the end of chapter 1, Paul tells them that they were included in Christ when they heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation. In other words, when they heard about Jesus, they were included in God's plan. Paul next states that "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,..." Notice the "Having believed" -- this implies that they had a choice to believe or not. ------------------------------------ A couple other question to ponder: If God chooses only some people to be saved and not others and we have no control over that then why did Adam and Eve eat the fruit? Why did God flood the world to remove all the evil people? Why did Jesus have to die for our sins? If God decides alone who will and will not go to Heaven, why did these things (and others) happen? But if God wants everyone to be saved, but through his great love allows us to make the choice, then these things are easily explained. |
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15 | That's an interesting belief. | Luke 23:43 | jg8ball | 407 | ||
That's an interesting belief. Can you tell me what scripture references back this up? | ||||||
16 | Is Jesus God? | John 1:1 | jg8ball | 1311 | ||
Can anyone show me any passages that show that Jesus is God? A friend of mine believes that Jesus is the Son of God but not God (and the Holy Spirit is the action of God but not God). I've shown him many verses but most can also be interpreted as separate individuals (for example: I baptize you in the name of the Father and in the Son, and in the Holy Spirit could be interpreted as baptizing in the name of the three separate entities.) I've also shown him the classic John 1:1 and similar verses but he interprets it at Jesus and God think alike, have the same mission, similar in nature, etc... Is there something in the Bible that very simply and cleary says that the Three are one? To me there are many verses that state this clearly, but to him, they state something completely different. |
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17 | Are you kidding? | 1 Cor 7:15 | jg8ball | 39022 | ||
So are you saying that she should have stayed with her abusive husband and took her punishment? Do you really think Jesus would have told her to shut up and take the abuse because you married him? |
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18 | Do YOU belive in the Bible? | 1 Cor 7:15 | jg8ball | 39030 | ||
Who are you to talk! You are correct that I don't personally know any of these people, but do you? Isn't this whole forum, in a sense, made up of people's opinions? Who are you (or I) to say that the Bible can only be interpreted this way. My "opinions", that you so rudely told me to keep to myself, are based on what I believe the Bible (and God) tells us. Don't get so lost in deciphering specific words or phrases of the bible that you lose the whole meaning of the Bible. We are to love God first and love each other next. How could a person remain in an abusive relationship - after many years at attempting to resolve the conflict - truely let her love shine? |
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19 | What is Escaping Corruption of World? | Hebrews | jg8ball | 1202 | ||
Thank you. At least now I'm beginning to see how you interpret it. What does "Escaping the corruption of the world" mean? |
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20 | Eternal Security and 2 Peter 2:20 ??? | 2 Peter | jg8ball | 1041 | ||
Since you brought up the topic of Eternal Security, could you please interpret how 2 Peter 2:20 suggests Eternal Security? (2 Pet 2:20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.) To me, this is clearly saying that a believer can lose his salvation. Also, I can't speak for everyone, but everyone that I know that believes that it is possible to lose your salvation also believes FIRMLY that you are saved by faith alone and NOT by any works. I'm not sure where you got the idea that you cannot lose your salvation because you are saved by faith alone. Those are two completely different thoughts. Since the above verse says that a believer can fall away and since Jesus says that no one can steal your salvation away from you, then the only way that I can see of losing your salvation would be for a believer to (for some strange reason) renounce Jesus and turn back to the ways of the world. And since a believer can fall away then that kind of blows the election doctrine as you believe it. As far as the 250 times you quote that "elect" type words appear, Are you kidding? Did you actually look them up. (it's really easy to do using this site - try it) I personally think you just read a post from another user and took for granted that it must be gospel - probably the same way you came to believe in the Doctrine of Election. Of those 250 times, you will actually only find a few that can be used to support the doctrine (until you read it in context). As far as "Free Will" goes, this is a term used to describe all the examples throughout the bible just as Trinity is a word you won't find in the bible but is a word we use to describe the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit being separate and the same. Yes, God has his Elect. They are called believers and ANYONE and EVERYONE can become one if they choose to accept Christ. How about Romans 10:9-11? That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Please re-read that last sentence a few times. How can you honestly, (logically and spiritually) not believe that ANYONE and EVERYONE has been given the opportunity to be saved? |
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