Results 161 - 180 of 244
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Results from: Notes Author: Robert Nicholson Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
161 | When and how EVIL came about? | Rom 5:12 | Robert Nicholson | 65538 | ||
Zerotheory: The verse Romans 5:13 I believe is telling us that sin was in the world before the law was given. In v. 14 " ...death reigned from Adam to Moses..." That time between Adam and Moses they did not have the law, "for by the law comes the knowledge of sin" (Romans 3:20) It was at the giving of the law that the trangressors were able to seen what God demands and realized the sinfulness of sin. Thus, as far as the human world is concerned, sin entered the world by the disobedience of the first man Adam. Robert |
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162 | When and how EVIL came about? | Rom 5:12 | Robert Nicholson | 65545 | ||
Zerotheory: What is your definition of "evil"? If you look up the word in Strong's Concordance you will find that the word evil encompasses every negative act and word we could think of and in my humble opinion is a synomym to "sin". Take a look at this verse: "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."( Gen. 6:5) This is how God saw evil in the days of Noah. Humankind had become obsessed with sin in their thoughts and actions continually. Where does evil come from? a) The world system b) Our own sinful nature c) The enemy of souls, satan or the devil Good comes from God alone. "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man" James 1:13 In verse 17 he continues "Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" The reason I keep focussing on evil since sin entered the world and tried not to speculate of a source beyond this world, is that it is here and now that we need to be concerned about, our relationship to God and not to be distracted by things which have no effect on our life. We know that the serpent of Genesis was involved in deceiving Eve into disobedience. He first of all questioned God's word, "hath God said?" He appeals to her pride telling her "your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods knowing good and evil" Gen.3:5 He is telling her a part truth and an outright lie "thou shalt not surely die"(v. 4) We see the process of James 1:14-15 take place with dire consequences "Every man when he is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished brings forth death" (James 1: 14-15) It was satan who through the serpent planted the thought resulting in disobedience on the part of Eve followed by Adam and God was true to his word sin brought about death to the human race. I believe that Isaiah 14: 12-15 is referring to Satan or Lucifer an angel, created by God to a high place over creation. However, he had a desire which was against God "I will be like the most High". In Ezekial 28: 13-15 we have a description which describes the beauty of the cherub and the freedom he once had "until iniquity was found in thee" Ezekial 28:15 In other words satan made a choice to oppose himself against God and sealed his doom forever. Adam made a choice to disobey God and plunged the human race into sin. We rejoice however, that God by his grace has made a way whereby lost sinners can be redeemed and that is through the obedience of his Son upon the cross. Robert |
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163 | When and how EVIL came about? | Rom 5:12 | Robert Nicholson | 65756 | ||
Zerotheoryz: Have you considered the post from brother Tim Moran last Friday? Quote ""This is a tough question. My short answer would be this: Evil is not a thing that can be created. Rather, evil is the choice to disobey God's law. Evil is a natural possibility where choices are really available." So, evil did not have to be created, nor did it have to exist prior to creation. It simply was a natural result of the creation of beings with a will. Once the possiblity existed for Adam and Eve to disobey God, evil resulted. " (End of quote thanks to Tim Moran) Zero, re- "the knowledge of good and evil" Knowledge refers to the ability of a person to know the difference. Adam and Eve after receiving the knowledge of good and evil due to their act of disobedience experienced the feeling shame for the first time. I cannot except the idea of evil before creation. We are not given very much information about before creation, except that God had looked down through the ages and had purposed to redeem lost sinners through Christ "before the world began" Eph. 1:4 In Strong's concordance "evil" Strong's #07451 transliterated "Ra" is an adjective which would support the idea that we have evil actions as seen in disobedience and good actions as seen in obedience to God. Since God is the standard, everything else is measured relative to him. "In the beginning God (Elohim) Gen. 1:1 If try to look into the dateless past we find "Elohim" who was, who is and who will be, forever, for he is eternal. Peace in his name Robert |
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164 | Difference between sin and sins? | Rom 5:12 | Robert Nicholson | 74691 | ||
Greetings CDBJ: Thanks for the response. When I posed the question I was not playing on words. I believe that "sin" refers to our condition before God in contrast to our actions or "sins" resulting from that condition. "Wherefore as by one man sin entered the world and death by sin so that death was passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" Romans 5:6 What is our condition before God? In Romans 3 it is clear that in our natural condition we are against God and our walk is away from him. In Romans 6:17 we are reminded that before we were saved "you were the (bond)servants of sin" in this state we had no freedom in fact we were dead to God Eph. 2:1 In Romans 5 we are reminded that by Adam's disobedience to God, "sin entered the world and death by sin..." As noted by innmyheart, physical death was passed upon the human race. However, I believe that spiritual death was passed upon all men. In Romans 5:6 in our sinful state we are described as "without strength". Which would high light the truth which has been mentioned many times that there is absolutely no way whereby we can please God in our natural condition as far as our salvation is concerned. In Eph. 2:1 we read "you hath he quickened (made alive) who were dead in tresspasses and in sin" Just a few thoughts Robert |
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165 | Is the Work of Christ Sufficient? | Rom 6:23 | Robert Nicholson | 68332 | ||
New Creature: Amen! I agree that good works is evidence that we are saved. If we do not show any fruit in our christian life, then one would question if we are alive in Christ at all. I do appreciate your note. We both rest in the same Savior and one day we share in his presence. May God bless you. Robert |
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166 | Is the Work of Christ Sufficient? | Rom 6:23 | Robert Nicholson | 68333 | ||
Brother Tim: As I read your post the words of Peter came to me "to you who believe he is precious" (1 Peter 2:7a) Praise his worthy Name. Robert |
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167 | Is God's will prosperity/healing always? | Rom 8:28 | Robert Nicholson | 68007 | ||
Graceful: This post is not intended to be argumentive In Isaiah 53:5 and in 1 Peter 2:24 "with his stripes (wounds) we are healed" speaks of spiritual healing and forgiveness. Our bodies will not be changed until Christ comes 1 Thess. 4:13-18 and as such physically we are not immune to the human condition. I believe God does heal according to his will. When we are saved we are not promised a "rose garden", but rather "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim.3:12) However, God has promised us "There hath no temptation (trial) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation (trial) also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." ( 1 Cor. 10:13) I believe that God allows suffering in our lives to deepen our love to him and to be a help to others going through similar circumstances. Paul and Timothy suffered health problems in their lives and millions of Christians today suffer problems, not because of some sin, but because they are human. It is within these trials that we see the grace of God shine through. God heals, he is in control of all life, whether the person is saved or a non-believer, God is in total control. God always answers prayer in one of three ways: Yes, No and wait. You mentioned 1 Cor. 11: 28-30 regarding those who were weak and sickly and some had died. It is here we see that "whom he loveth he chasteneth" In the case of the people at Corinth they were bringing dishonour upon the Lord's name and were not well to judge their own sinfulness. If we are born again and purposely walk in disobedience and bring dishonor upon the testimony of Christ, God will deal with us. We will reap what we sow. Peace in his name Robert |
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168 | don't let nothing turn you aroung | Rom 8:35 | Robert Nicholson | 81630 | ||
Fran1947: Thank you for these wonderful thoughts based on Romans 8:35- I take heart in that there is absoluetely nothing that can separate us from his love. Indeed our unfaithfulness at times cannot separate us from his love because he is faithful and he cannot deny himself. I love the words of Paul in his prayer for the Ephesians: "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you might be filled with the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Eph. 3:17-21 Thank you for your expression oflove and care for for we your brothers and sisters in Christ. I do reciprocate to you in the Lord and wish his every blessing upon you. O that we might know him and in knowing him appreciate him for who he is, our redeemer, Saviour, Lord and God. Peace in his name. Robert |
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169 | is there security of the believer | Rom 8:39 | Robert Nicholson | 68184 | ||
Greetings New Creature: Your statement: " Security for branches depends entirely upon their remaining connected to the vine. (John 15:2,6) My statement "Our security is anchored in the worth and work of our Lord Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price for our redemption. The eternal life which is ours when we trust him is a gift which is given to us the moment we rest in the finished work of Christ. (Romans 6:23) I agree that we must be connected to the vine which is Christ in order to have eternal life. The analogy of the grape vine is used by Jesus in John 15 to describe the union between Christ and the believer. First, we are grafted into him the moment we are born again. He is the main vine and the believers are the branches. The branches cannot be independent of the vine (Christ) who is the source of life and sustenance for the branch. In fact we are totally dependent upon him for he said "without me you can do nothing". The topic in John 15 is dealing with fruit bearing in the life of a believer. To abide in him is to be a disciple of his, submitting to his will and as such we will bring forth fruit (Gal. 5: 22-26.) If we abide in him we will a) abide in his love, b) have full joy v.11, c)have love for one another, d) be friends, not servants, e) our fruit remains f) answered prayer. If we are not willing to abide in him by being submissive to his will, we will wither and at the judgment seat of Christ our work will be tried by fire, only the work which honors Christ will remain. Discipleship is an important excercise for a believer and is the out-working of what Christ has done within. However, our security is not based on our work, but on the work of Christ on the cross. I believe that is why we are given such powerful portions of scripture such as Romans 8:34-39 Peace in our Saviour's name Robert |
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170 | Romans 10:9: is it too simple? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 36452 | ||
Jenny: Thank you for a great answer. I think that at times many want to have Jesus as Saviour, but do not want him as Lord. Your words "completely abandon yourself to him" makes it clear that if we want him as our Saviour, then he must be our Lord also. Thank you in his precious name Robert |
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171 | Romans 10:9: is it too simple? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 36455 | ||
Dear Don: The simplicity which is in Christ transcends human understanding and reasoning. What do I mean by falling in line. If I believe that he is raised from the dead, then my other thoughts about him will fall in to line. If "If I believe in my heart that God hath raised him from the dead" If I except this as a heart truth I will then accept my need before him, his sacrifical death for my sin upon the cross. "If Christ be not raised your faith is in vain, and you are yet in your sins" (1 Cor.15:17) God has shown us his acceptance of Christ as the sin bearer in that he raised him from the dead. Because he lives, we live in him and will be with him forever. I believe that the resurrection of Christ is the foundation to all gospel truths. If we do not accept this, than we will have nothing. In our risen Lord Robert |
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172 | Romans 10:9: is it too simple? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 47292 | ||
Greetings in our Saviour's name. Thank you for your thoughful response. I agree that we often frustrate the simplicity of the word of God. The Lord Jesus set the example by being clear and true in whatever he said. In Isaiah 35: 8 we read of the way of holiness and the statement is made "...the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." May God bless you Robert |
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173 | Romans 10:9: is it too simple? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 47376 | ||
Dear brother John: Paul could say "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Gal.6:14 I think that when many seriously consider what has happened in our lives when we were saved, we would agree that the work was all of God. When we heard the gospel as lost sinners it was God by his spirit that brought the word to us and convicted us of our need of Christ and our sinful and lost condition. It is by his spirit that we were made to realize the exceeding sinfulness of sin and it was by his Spirit and in his time that the truth of the substitutionay work of Christ was revealed to us. It was God by his spirit who gave us confidence that we were born again and changed our lives from within. Even after we are saved by his grace, we are still without strength within ourselves, and it is God who empowers us to live for him. Robert |
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174 | Is hearing necessary for salvation? | Rom 10:17 | Robert Nicholson | 76457 | ||
Greetings Sniper: I made the following statement "Only the Spirit of God can give understanding of spiritual things" I believe that as humans we can read the scriptures and understand many things at an intellectual level, however, it is the Spirit of God who makes them real to our souls. In John 16:8 we read Jesus words about the work of the Holy Spirit in the world: "And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" It is the Holy Spirit which reveals to us the sinfulness of sin and our need as a guilty sinner. He also reveals to us the possibility of redemption through Christ. He reveals that satan has been judged and that Christ can free us from his power. We could theorize the above trues by reading the scripture, but the Holy Spirit is the one who makes it apply to our soul personally. In the case of Simon Peter we see that the truth of who Christ is, can only be revealled by God. " And Peter answered and said "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God' And Jesus answered and said unto him "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 16:16-17) Paul writes: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:12-14) Robert |
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175 | Is hearing necessary for salvation? | Rom 10:17 | Robert Nicholson | 76544 | ||
Dear Disciplerami: Thank you for reminding me of this wonderful verse: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart"(Heb. 4:12) It was not my intention to diminish the the power of the word of God. I agree that the word of God is effectual and demands a response from all who honestly read it. I believe that the Spirit of God works with and through the word of God to speak to the hearts of men. Peace in his name Robert |
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176 | Do all those in Romans 1:18-20 hear? | Rom 10:17 | Robert Nicholson | 76547 | ||
Disciplerami: Thanks It appears to me that Rom. 12:3 is primarily written to those who are in the church which is his body v.4. Would you think that the measure of faith refers to the diversities of gift which are interdependent on each other v.5 ? |
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177 | Do all those in Romans 1:18-20 hear? | Rom 10:17 | Robert Nicholson | 76650 | ||
Disciplerami: I enjoyed your thought on "measure of faith". I would agree that it refers to the "sound judgment" or wisdom given to each in order that they would keep in perspective what God has entrusted to them. Thanks for the thoughts Robert |
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178 | cut off | Rom 11:22 | Robert Nicholson | 33390 | ||
Brother Curt: Thank you for your response. The forum would be very boring if we simply agreed on everything. I think that it is God’s will that we follow the example of the Bereans’ “ They searched the scriptures daily, whether these things be so” (Acts 17:11) I am sending this in two parts, since I am having trouble losing my posts when I go to preview. Your struggle regarding God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility is common to most Christians. We know that God will bring about his plans and purposes as he will. As our creator we have no right to accuse him (Rom.9:20). When humankind fell into sin, God could have wiped them from the scene. However, this was not his will. His will was that he might bring sinful humans back into fellowship with himself through Christ. I think the example of Adam is helpful in understanding God’s workings with us. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and brought sin into the world. There sin broke the communion which they once had with God and they hid in the garden from him. God knew this! Yet in his grace he calls Adam “Where art thou?” and asks “what hast thou done?” It seemed that before God would do anything regarding his sin he wanted an honest confession first. We find that after this that God clothed them with the skins of animals which is the first instance of atonement by blood. As I am sure you know that from that time onward, in order to cover their sin, humans were instructed to offer an innocent, living sacrifice unto God. In Hebrews 10 we read that those sacrifices of old were only types and shadows of Christ. “But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God. Ephesians is a book which was written to those “in Christ” to tell them of what they had come into in Christ. That all believers are part of the church which is his body Eph. 1:23 (there are no counterfeits here) This positional truth makes it clear that all we have in Christ is due to God’s grace alone. In v3. we find that “he hath blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ” In v.5 amazingly we find that his eye was on us before the world was made “chosen in him before the foundation of the world” to what purpose? “that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” In addition, he has “predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ...”V.5 This family relationship places us as sons in the family of God. Paul expands on this in Romans 8:17 “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together”. In Eph. 1:6 we find that our acceptance to God is based on his acceptance of his own son, “wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” This positional truth is not dealing so much with our failures within ourselves, but would raise us up and make us appreciate in a measure what we have in Christ. This position which is assured by his acceptance is unalterable. I will send part 2 in a few minutes Robert |
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179 | cut off | Rom 11:22 | Robert Nicholson | 33392 | ||
Brother Curt: Who does God Choose? Why did he Choose me, you, other? Jesus said “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32) Jesus said “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37) Who did Jesus die for? Paul writes “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15) John writes “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins ofthe whole world”.( 1 John 2:2) What is God’s will for all people? Paul writes about God “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”( 1 Tim: 2:4) Why then are all not saved? In fact as you have pointed “many are called, but few are chosen” Paul writes to the Romans in chp. 3 “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe” V.22 There are two groups in this verse: the righteousness of God is offered to all. Yet it is only upon all them that believe. As you have pointed out from Romans 3:11 “There is none that seeketh after God” and in the following verses 12-19 God shows us the sinfulness of our human heart. There is no difference,we are all the same, there is nothing in us that would attract God to us. At the end of this summary God concludes: “Therefore by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight” Rom. 3:20 How then does one get saved if we are so hopelessly lost and dead in sin? We must remember that the good shepherd will always go after the sheep which is lost and bring him to safety in the fold. John 10 Jesus taught his disciples of the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world after his death and “when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. (John 14:7) When God looked on the human race in Noah’s day he said “My Spirit shall not always strive with man” Gen. 6:3 God by his spirit speaks to lost sinners in this world through those who know Christ, through his word and through the circumstances in life. He speaks to us of our sin through our conscience, he speaks concerning the righteousness of God through Christ and he speaks of judgment to come. Humans are not robots, like Adam of old they are capable of hearing the voice of God by his Spirit. I do not believe that faith is a work. God calls lost sinners to himself by his spirit. When we here his call we must respond. It is true that he called us often before we knew that it was he that was speaking. Nevertheless, when God call us he will bring us to a point in which he will open our understanding regarding the work of Christ. However, if we refuse to accept our lost sinful condition and rest upon Christ for salvation we will not be saved. There are many examples in scripture of people who were spoken to time and time again, but there came a point when it was too late. Faith is a conviction within which gives us assurance that Christ is sufficient for our salvation. It is a truth that is revealed to us by the Spirit of God, it is not a true which we can conjure up on our own. If we were to look at the many people who came to Christ when he walked on this earth we find that he usually waited for a response before he blessed them. Think of the cripple man who was carried to the roof by his friends because of the crowds surrounding the savior. They tore up the tiles and let the man down at Jesus feet. The Bible says “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” (Mark 2:5) It seems to me that our repentance is acknowledging that God is right about our sin and to turn to him in all our need, at this point by his spirit he will reveal Christ to us. We do nothing except rest in him. You were correct, A lot to ponder! In Christ Robert |
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180 | cut off | Rom 11:22 | Robert Nicholson | 33401 | ||
Brother Curt: I am not surprised that you are Presbyterian. I have considered Calvinism and Arminism against the scriptures and find myself somewhat in the middle. In reponse to your questions: "Outside of God's grace, is there anyone worthy of salvation? (I assume you agree the answer is "no") " (I agree) "So God, in His infinite justice could opt to save no one and still be just. (agree or disagree?)" In his eternal purposes I agree. However, he will not go back on his word now. It is only out of God's love and mercy that He saves anyone. (agree/disagree?) ( Amen!) "He could choose to save some and not others? (yes/no?) This would be just?" (yes he is sovereign) "Does the parable in Matthew 20:1-15 address this?" ( certainly in the sense that the householder was sovereign in dispensing of his own wealth." "What are the implications of this Scripture in terms of the "doctrine of election"? " We could certainly apply this scripture to election in the sense that we cannot question the grace of God. Are all elect or just some... are all chosen or just some? Are all predestined... etc? ( I believe that all who are in Christ are elect of God and are predestined to the adoption of children) The question here is "Are there some people who are not choosen because they choose not to listen to the Spirit of God? "Does God choose, then we choose? Or does God just choose?" I believe that God speaks to us by his spirit and reveals to us our need of Christ. Our choice is to simply rest upon what the Holy Spirit reveals to us about the sacrifice of Christ. In 1 Cor. 1 Paul speaks the method God has chosen to reach lost sinners "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." In other words we preach the gospel to all and allow the Spirit of God to work with individuals. In the same chapter Paul speaks of election and who is chosen "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence." 1 Cor. 1:26-29 I think that based upon the sciptures above that Christ came to call lost sinners. Proud, self-righeous need not apply. Curt: I understand the theory of 5 point Calvinism. I have difficulty reconciling this theory with free choice. Your second last paragraph I would agree with to a degree. However, I also believe that sinners can reject Christ. If we believe that it is God who gives us our response, than we would be considered robots. Even sinners who in their life God used to bring about his purposes made a choice to harden their hearts against him before he finally hardened their hearts forever. Examples: Esau and Pharaoh. God is not unrighteous. The commission of our saviour in Mark 16:15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." is still valid today. Even a Calvinist cannot pick out those who are chosen and those who are not. I have a question: If each person who is and will be saved is absolutely chosen by name, why did the apostles in their time and people in these times,go to such lengths to spread the gospel to the "whosoever will"? Why is the last invitation in the Bible in Rev. to the whosoever? Another thing I noticed. Is that God tends to save people who are related to people who know Christ. Yet I believe that our salvation is very personal and is not part of family relationships. "I wonder what he saw in me to suffer such deep agony?" I will stop for now God bless you Robert |
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