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Results from: Notes Author: Lookn4ward2Heavn Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
41 | Decretive Will vs. Perceptive Will? | Ps 115:3 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 195553 | ||
Doc, I don't see how this long response relates to my question. While your comments are off the subject, allow me to respond. My older brother (at the time he wasn't a Christian) gave me good advice many years ago and I have held to it: "If you can't explain it, you don't understand it." I sometimes have the opportunity to tell other believers to not just read the Bible or know it but own it. I tell them, it's not your Bible (with the emphasis on "your") until you, by faith (1) are able to get out of it and understand it for yourself what God is saying to you, and (2) experience the presence of God in the course of living it out." The Bible is not just to be read but also owned. My Bible is my Bible not because I bought it, take time (however short) to read and study it, have an intellectual (however lacking) grasp of it, “a bunch of dead guys” told me what it means, or I memorized and adhere to a particular creed, but because (1) God speaks to me through it and, (2) opportunities are opened to experience God through it. I love books. I love to read. I just finished reading, "Power Through Weakness," by Savage. Now I'm reading, "Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear." At the same time, I'm studying Muller's, "God, Creation, and Providence in the Thought of Jacob Arminius" (that's heavy reading for me!). I'm also studying the "Book of Hebrews" with some commentaries, including Bruce and Lane's (the latter is an awesome read). Sometimes I get into a (bad?) situation where I'm spending more time reading my books rather than the Bible. All that to reiterate, "I love books!" But I'm not going to read my books the way I read the Bible. Creeds may be helpful but it’s not the Bible. "Godly and scholarly divines of the past" may have their value but they are not divinely-inspired instruments of learning in the sense equivalent to those who gave us the Bible. I don't believe what I believe because Calvin or Arminius, the Baptist Creed, Westminster Confession, or the Remonstrant, FF Bruce or William Lane said this or that; I believe what I believe because God speaks to me through the Bible. Other people and books may help clarify certain things in the Bible, creeds may be a useful device to facilitate memory, but they are not determinative of what I believe. JW's often respond to questions by rote as if they have a teleprompter in front of them. As a result, they fail to give answers directly related to the questions. From my point of view, if I just throw up what someone else says, I'm acting no better than those who have joined a cult. You are correct to say, "Nowadays we can garner to ourselves all kinds of teachers who will support our preconceptions, scratching our itching ears" (that you said "we" leaves me to assume you also are susceptible). This may occur when one, rather than giving the Bible its rightful place, lines it up alongside creeds and the teachings of others. You also said, “I've studied the various confessions of the church at the feet of well qualified university and seminary professors. My understanding isn't simply a matter of subjective opinion. It was proven through a variety of academic venues formally validating my comprehension.” Unfortunately: (1) No amount or degree of learning can guarantee freedom from errors; (2) No belief held is absolutely objective; (3) To study the “various confessions” is not the same as studying the Bible. Since you advise, “We can discuss it again after you do some reading,” and my library is filled with books I haven’t yet read, I will refrain from asking you directly any more questions so as not to take up your time. |
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42 | Decretive Will vs. Perceptive Will? | Ps 115:3 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 195422 | ||
Hi Doc, Appreciate your response although, being a parroted response (noted with all due respect), it does fail to answer the specifics of my questions. 1. I assume your answer is essentially, “yes”? 2. I cannot see where your response specifically address the question: If, as you suggest in your answer to #1, God decreed that the man would rob the bank, does that mean God also decreed this man to go against his preceptive (i.e. revealed) will? 3. It seems your answer affirms that a child’s rape is God's "decretive will." However, I don’t see where my further questioning is answered by #1, that is, God having decreed the rape of a child and having laid the command, "thou shalt not rape children," nevertheless, never intended for the man who raped the child to obey it? Or, to put simply, did God also decree that a man disobey the divinely revealed will against rape? 4. I don’t see how I am mistaking “determinism” with “sovereignty.” My question has really no bearing on the divine sovereignty. It does question the compatibility of God being true in his dealings with man in light of Him openly commanding and expecting someone to do one thing while simultaneously secretly decreeing and intending he do the opposite. 5. Your answer seems to be that your view of the divine decree is not supported in any way by Deut 29:29, it showing only that “some information is God’s business alone, not man’s”. |
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43 | Decretive Will vs. Perceptive Will? | Ps 115:3 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 195123 | ||
Azure, Oops! I sometimes wonder why I wear glasses. Doc, please accept my apologies for the mix-up and, Doc, thanks for your reply, anyway. Searcher, let me be clear, however, that I am not presenting my questions on the basis of Arminianism-Calvinism debate. My questions are based on the posts read and reponses I receive for my questions. |
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44 | Decretive Will vs. Perceptive Will? | Ps 115:3 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 195101 | ||
Hi Doc. 1. Would answering #5 be considered off-limits since it does pertain directly to the understanding of a Biblical passage? 2. If the issue regarding the "divine decretive and preceptive will" is a subject that is off-limits, why, may I ask with no intention of disrespect, was the issue brought up by you in the first place? 3. If discussed in this forum, would it be permissible for you to direct me to is so that I may review the discussion (without any intention, on my part, to post responses to it or bring it up again on this forum)? Thanks... |
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45 | Definition of "Perfect Will of God" | Ps 115:3 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 195097 | ||
Hi Lionheart, Your response didn't seem critical to me. Maybe you can read my response to Brad and add some insight... |
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46 | Definition of "Perfect Will of God" | Ps 115:3 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 195096 | ||
BradK, thanks for your answer and the Bible verse. 1. What can one understand to be the apostle Paul's intended meaning by the word "perfect"? For example, is the apostle here affirming that God's will is always accomplished in/through the believer and always exactly in the way God wills it to be accomplished? Is the apostle making a distinction between "good," "acceptable," and "perfect"? Or are these terms merely describing one and the same thing, (i.e. God's will)? 2. Considering the context, is the apostle implying that if one does not follow through with his urging - to (a) "to present your bodies," and (b) "not be conformed to this world" - they may fail to do God's will or do it perfectly? Furthermore, can the apostle's use of the word "perfect" mean or emphasize the quality of the act in relation to God's character as, for example, holy and good, and not necessarily the act as an act? |
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47 | Definition of "Perfect Will of God" | Ps 115:3 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 195093 | ||
Doc and Lionheart, With all due respect: (1) I do not see where either posts provide a direct answer to my question. (2) Going down the thread, I do not find a Biblically supported explanation of just what the phrase in question means. I may have missed it somewhere and if so, please be so kind as to direct me. |
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48 | God grant repentance? | Gal 3:23 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 193388 | ||
Oops! Sorry about the double entry... | ||||||
49 | God grant repentance? | Gal 3:23 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 193387 | ||
Real Quick...took me awhile, Hank, to get to read this. I can agree with you regarding translations and paraphrases, however, I do find Bibles like the TEV helpful in understanding what is meant; and I have no problem attempting to discover the author's intended meaning (although, admittedly, disagreement with you in essence. As far as repentance is concerned, my position is that it is not something God does for sinners or that a sinner must be "born again" before he can repent. Acts 5:31 and 2 Tm 2:25 speaks of opportunity. Rom 2:4 indicates one being led by God's demonstration of kindness to repentance. Repentance, if it is Biblical (as I understand the Bible), also involves more tha just a "change of mind or attitude" as well as more than just sorrow; it also involves the act of turning away from what is being repented of and turning towards God. One can change their mind or attitude about something but not necessarily act according to that change. As such, it is not repentance. Furthermore, God commands men everywhere to repent and all have the ability, as created, to do so. Just my understanding of the Bible. No reponse is necessary. |
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50 | God grant repentance? | Gal 3:23 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 193386 | ||
Real Quick...took me awhile, Hank, to get to read this. I can agree with you regarding translations and paraphrases, however, I do find Bibles like the TEV helpful in understanding what is meant; and I have no problem attempting to discover the author's intended meaning (although, admittedly, disagreement with you in essence. As far as repentance is concerned, my position is that it is not something God does for sinners or that a sinner must be "born again" before he can repent. Acts 5:31 and 2 Tm 2:25 speaks of opportunity. Rom 2:4 indicates one being led by God's demonstration of kindness to repentance. Repentance, if it is Biblical (as I understand the Bible), also involves more tha just a "change of mind or attitude" as well as more than just sorrow; it also involves the act of turning away from what is being repented of and turning towards God. One can change their mind or attitude about something but not necessarily act according to that change. As such, it is not repentance. Furthermore, God commands men everywhere to repent and all have the ability, as created, to do so. Just my understanding of the Bible. No reponse is necessary. |
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51 | "Many are called, but few are chosen." | Matt 22:1 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 193373 | ||
Well, in the first place, no one is chosen because they are "good enough" to be in heaven (cf Rom 3:10). However, no one is chosen by some inscrutable, arbitrary divine decree not taking into consideration the response of the one called. Also, there is no person whom God has not chosen by that same inscrutable, arbitrary divine decree without considering their response to the call. To put it simply, if one is chosen, it is not because they are "good enough" but because they believe in Jesus Christ. |
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52 | Is It Human to Sin? | Gen 1:27 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 188495 | ||
Jeff, 1. Of course that is my assumption. Is sin in the Bible limited to deeds? If not, then my question would regard sin as all inclusive, that is, sin in word, thought, attitude, and/or deed? You responded, "...true Christians do not 'sin all the time, everyday'. Christians do sin (I certainly do) but not 'all the time'. All the time is as good as saying that it is my lifestyle. It is not my lifestyle to sin. Scripture says that it is not the lifestyle of any Christian to 'sin all the time, every day'." Now, if a genuine Christian does not sin - that is sin in all its forms as discussed above - all the time, everyday, it would appear that there is the possibility that a genuine Christian can spend, at the least, a whole day without sinning. If not, then, it seems to me that a genuine Christian is sinning all the time, everyday. Maybe the phrase "all the time" is confusing. I do not mean every single second (that's why I added "everyday"). What I do mean by "all the time" is the committal of sin - any sin - on a daily basis wherein not one day passes without having engaged in some form of sin, whether in in word, thought, attitude, or deed. 2. As far as your "Biblical guidance", you asserted that "Scripture says that it is not the lifestyle of any Christian to 'sin all the time, every day'," and merely cited Heb 10:26 and 10:19-23. You failed to demonstrate how the verses show your position is valid. 3. Now, if it is agreed that it is the lifestyle of a genuine Christian to not sin, then my question, I don't think, is out of place. If the genuine Christian's lifestyle is to not sin but rather be obedient to God, is it possible that a genuine Christian can be obedient for, at least, a whole day? I was not "rewording" the first question but asking another question based on your response. However, I may have missed something. Please clarify for me how my question is "a far cry from where you began". |
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53 | Is It Human to Sin? | Gen 1:27 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 188494 | ||
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54 | Is It Human to Sin? | Gen 1:27 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 188493 | ||
Hank, When I ask for a person's "opinions", "thoughts", or "views", I am asking on the basis of their understanding of the Bible. I have an opinion, that is, thoughts on what I understand to be the teachings of the Bible. I am of the opinion - "a view, judgment, or appraisel formed in the mind about a particular matter" (Webster's) - that the Bible teaches Jesus is God. This is my opinion, view, thoughts on the Bible. I also believe the Bible teaches it to be a non-negotiable teaching of faith. Now, do is there a problem with my "opinion"? With respect, I surmise that everybody has an opinion, view, thought on the Bible...even you. |
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55 | Is It Human to Sin? | Gen 1:27 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 188377 | ||
Steve, The point I am making is not to deny we are human - that's a given - but the assertion that it is only human to sin. God designed us not for the purposes of sinning, although given free will the potential was there, but for the purposes of fulfilling his will, which we have obviously failed to do. As such, we have all acted contrary to God's design, that is, original intent. Therefore, humans only act human - that is, according to God's original intent for the way humans are to behave - when they do what is morally right; they behave less than human (although being human) when they sin; their actions are more in accord with a beast rather than a human. God never intended for sin to be part of the human condition or nature. As a sinner, man cannot "ultimately do [what is] according to God's purposes"; nevertheless, God is able to ultimately fulfill His own purposes since He is sovereign. |
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56 | Is It Human to Sin? | Gen 1:27 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 188376 | ||
Jeff, Your position as stated: "true Christians do not 'sin all the time, everyday'." 1. This assertion, it is assumed, is not limited to deeds. 2. Such a view also assumes the possibility for a Christian to spend (at least) one day without sinning either in word, thought, attitude, or deed. |
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57 | Is It Human to Sin? | Gen 1:27 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 188338 | ||
1. Upon noticing many taking offense at my questions, I have been making attempts to avoid "stirring the pot"; but, also, keep in mind that what you would have me consider (I've said precisely that many times to others) is not true in all cases; sometimes the majority is the problem. 2. Now, considering my initial question regarding if it is human to sin...what are your thoughts? |
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58 | By What Right Does God Rule Man? | Ps 2:11 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 188337 | ||
God was not abusive in giving His Son - something for which he also agreed to do - to pay for our sins in the same way a father is not abusive in letting his son - who volunteered for the armed services - go to war to protect the country. | ||||||
59 | Is It Human to Sin? | Gen 1:27 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 188310 | ||
Searcher, Rom 7:1-25, I believe, reflects the condition of an unbeliever and, therefore, has no bearing on the question as it relates to believers Rom 5:12ff only confirms my statement that "God created humankind without sin". Rom 3:23 refers to man as a sinner, not as created by God. My question was asked because of what I, as noted, hear spoken casually in the pulpit and among believers. |
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60 | By What Right Does God Rule Man? | Ps 2:11 | Lookn4ward2Heavn | 188309 | ||
Sorry for the confusion, John. I meant to say that God, as Creator, in and of itself, does not give God a legitimate right to rule man. I do believe God has a legitimate right to rule based, above all other reasons, upon his character as good. |
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