Results 61 - 80 of 150
|
||||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: jg8ball Ordered by Verse |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
61 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 1288 | ||
I'm sorry but I don't see how you equate "God chose some to salvation and not others" to "not by works, lest anyone should boast" The "Not by works..." is simply saying that there is no good deed that we could do to get to Heaven, it is by faith alone. There is absolutely no way you could take this statement and come up with the idea that God has selected people that will not be saved. I agree that God must do the first act in our salvation. He did that when he sent Jesus to die for EVERYONE's sins - past, present, and future. That's very clear. If Jesus would not have died for our sins, then we would have no chance of getting in Heaven. God offered us the chance for salvation as a gift to us - a gift we don't deserve. Because God offered us this gift, it is then up to us to decide to accept it. Those that choose to accept it will be saved and are called the believers, born-again, Christians (although this term is now used usely), followers of Christ, elect, the chosen ones, etc... It just doesn't make any sense why God would only select certain individuals to be saved. Not because I don't think it's fair (for who am I to say what God should do), but more because I just can't see it that way in the bible. There are just too many examples of it being our choice. God opened the offer of salvation up to ANYONE that would believe. |
||||||
62 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 1501 | ||
Not only did you not answer my question, you took a small portion of what I said, twisted it around and used it to start another topic. (I've been finding this very typical of people that believe that the doctrine of election refers to God choosing some to be saved and others not to be.) Since you asked about the reason for sharing Christ to others, I feel you've got the order wrong. We share Christ in hopes of bringing others to Him which will result in more people worshiping God. I back this up with the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20) which tells us to go out and make disciples of all nations, teaching them everything about Jesus. |
||||||
63 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 1532 | ||
I'd love to respond with love and compassion but when the people that respond don't answer the questions or take parts of it and twist it around, it really gets frustrating. Sorry if that offends you but your response to my initital posting to you was just as offensive (if not more) to me. In retrospect, I probably should have been a little nicer when I pointed out that you did not answer my question but instead chose to pull a piece of it out and twist it around. It's just that it happens so often when talking about election. | ||||||
64 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 1533 | ||
Bottom line. Our views differ on what the term election means and who God chose. If I understand you correctly, you believe that God chose certain people that could be saved (and therefore chose certain people that could not be saved). The people that God chose to be saved are the Elect. I'm not sure if you believe all the Elect will be saved or if only some of the Elect will be saved though. I believe that God offered EVERYONE the opportunity to be saved. Jesus died for the sins of everyone - past, present, and future. I also believe that God wants us to accept His gift by choosing for ourselves to believe in His son. Those that choose to believe are the elect talked about in the Bible. God predestined his plan of salvation and this plan was that EVERYONE could be saved if they believed. Will everyone be saved? NO. Can people do good deeds to get into Heaven? NO. It is only through faith that a person can be saved - ANY person. We all start out the same. It's not until we choose to believe in the Lord that we are separated from this world and united through Christ. How can you read the Bible and interpret that God would choose to save only some people and not others and do this by making us puppets? What sense does it make to beleive that God wants us to worship and love Him and also believe that He choses who will do that? I'm sorry, but God chooses that we ALL worship and love Him, but because He loves us so much, does not want to force us, but rather choose for ourselves. I'm not sure if you have children, but would you rather force them to love you or would you rather have them want to love you for themselves? |
||||||
65 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 1577 | ||
You actually believe (as an analogy) that God wrote this big book and we are the characters in that book unable to express our own thoughts and wills but rather follow the script that God wrote? I'm sorry, but I just can't agree with that analogy. You mentioned the people in Noah's day. How does this hold up with your beliefs? Did God only "choose" Noah and his family as elect and realized that he didn't choose enough "good" people so he wiped out everyone else and started over or did He wipe out other Elect people? You also mentioned other people in the OT that God directly influenced. I do believe that God will "override" our will when necessary to see that his plan comes to pass. God predestined his plan of salvation for us. He wants us all to be saved and has made a provision for that through Jesus Christ. He wants us to love Him, not by His will, but by our own will. If you want to relate it to something, then a play would be a better example than a book. In this play, God created the opening characters and the setting for these characters to live. He also created a rough story line to follow but then gave these characters the abilty to "ad-lib" so that He could sit back and watch. Every once in a while, He'll throw in a plot twist or two or may guide a character a certain way to see that His ending is met. He's also there to help any character that asks for it. I admit it's not the best analogy, but It's not easy to incorporate God into something as simple as an author of a literary piece (other than the Bible). Finally, yes, I'd like to be a puppet (in the good sense), but I'd also like world peace, no hunger, no disease, etc... but that's just not the way I see that God works. I doubt that I'll ever be able to change your mind, and admit that you probably won't change my mind but I have been tring to see how you can interpret the way you do but just can't seem to agree with it. All I see is that you have taken a few verses out of the bible and interpreted the whole bible based on those verses, very similar to how the Jehovah Witnesses developed their understanding of the bible. When I interpret the bible, I try to use the whole bible and determine how it fits. If it seems contradictory, then I look at who the author was writing to, other things the writer had written, reference to OT that writer may have used and how that relates. When Paul is talking about the "Elect" and "God chose us" and "God foreknew us", he's talking to believers. These people can be called that because they have already chosen to follow Jesus. Paul was "building" these people up, encouraging them, reminding them what it means to be a follower of Christ. He was letting them know that God knew of his plan of salvation through Jesus from the beginning of time and that since they chose to accept Jesus into their hearts, they too are part of His plan. To imply that God's plan was to only select certain people to be saved and the others not to be saved is ridiculous. God may have hardened Pharoahs heart (or anyone elses) but did not prevent them from being repentent in the end. And finally, if you still believe that God chose only His "Elect" to be saved and that all the "Elect" will be saved because they cannot refuse the will of God, then how do you explain Jesus' words that it's harder for a rich man to go to heaven? |
||||||
66 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 1594 | ||
First of all there is no biblical evidence of what happend to Pharoah. You cannot assume one way or the other. Yes, there is a posibiity that Pharoah's realized the power of God and repented. The opposite is also possible. There is no sin to great for God to forgive. Just because God hardened his heart does not mean he was damned. It just means that he had to use Pharoah to demonstrate the great power of God to both the Egyptians and the Isrealites. What happened after the Sea of Reeds is not stated in the Bible (that I'm aware of). Egyptian history may offer some clue but that really doesn't matter. |
||||||
67 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 1596 | ||
I wish I had the time to show you verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book why I believe God's plan of salvation is for EVERYONE that chooses to believe in Jesus and that EVERYONE is capable of making that choice if they honestly believe. Unfortunately not everyone will make that choice. I believe those people are too caught up in the world or may have known some "Christians" and decided that if that's how they act I'd rather not join or several other excuses. I leave you with this to ponder (please read it carefully): Luke 14:16-24: Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.' "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'" |
||||||
68 | Why won't Calvinists answer directly??? | Job 38:1 | jg8ball | 1689 | ||
We can end this conversation now. In your small mind (compared to God's of course) you seem to know exactly how God works. I sometimes wish I could be so blind and assume that there is only one possible interpretation of the Bible. Have a good day and try to enjoy God's gift. |
||||||
69 | Prisoners doomed to die? Who are they? | Ps 79:11 | jg8ball | 344 | ||
From the Matthew Henry Commentary: They pray that God would find out a way for the rescue of his poor prisoners, especially the condemned prisoners, v. 11. The case of their brethren who had fallen into the hands of the enemy was very sad; they were kept close prisoners, and, because they durst not be heard to bemoan themselves, they vented their griefs in deep and silent sighs. All their breathing was sighing, and so was their praying. They were appointed to die, as sheep for the slaughter, and had received the sentence of death within themselves. This deplorable case the psalmist recommends, 1. To the divine pity: "Let their sighs come up before thee, and be thou pleased to take cognizance of their moans.’’ 2. To the divine power: "According to the greatness of thy arm, which no creature can contest with, preserve thou those that are appointed to die from the death to which they are appointed.’’ Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity to appear for his people. |
||||||
70 | Isn't adultrey grounds for divorce? | Hosea | jg8ball | 455 | ||
Yes, adultry is grounds for a divorce but does not necessarily require a divorce. God was telling Hosea to marry the prostitute to reflect what was happening between Isreal and God. By telling Hosea to get back with the Prostitute, God was showing Isreal the they too could be reconciled with God. |
||||||
71 | 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? | ||||||
72 | 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. |
||||||
73 | Is the word 'twilight' confusing? | Matt 26:17 | jg8ball | 32202 | ||
Twilight is defined as the point in time when the sun drops below the horizon (sunset) which generally occurs much before midnight. I don't see any way this passage could be confused as to the day. To estimate the hour though, that would depende where in the world you were at. Twilight arrives on the east coast of the US approx 3 hours before the west coast (although it's still the same time relative to the people living on each coast) | ||||||
74 | Passover the first of Unleavened Bread? | Matt 26:17 | jg8ball | 32205 | ||
To confuse things a little more, I've been told (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) that to be considered a day back then it had to be during sunlight. If something happend in the evening (after dark) that it would have been considered to have happened the next day. In other words, the Passover ocurred after dusk and the next day started the feast but it's still only one day. | ||||||
75 | How should I interpret this passage? | Mark 10:14 | jg8ball | 38363 | ||
Doesn't the next verse answer it? Mark 10:15 "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." |
||||||
76 | 'Separation' and 'Experience?' | Mark 15:34 | jg8ball | 1644 | ||
The way I've heard the separation explained is the Mark 15:34 passage: And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? The term forsaken could imply different meanings but one interpretation is that God "severed the link" for moment so that Jesus would be fully able to die for our sins. As far as the "experiencing Hell" part, I think you might be refering to Eph 4:8-10 - This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions ? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) I've heard this verse used to describe that Jesus went to "an area of Hell" that was more of a waiting place for those God favored (Moses, Abe, Josh, Noah, etc...) Jesus freed them from this area and opened the door to Heaven for them and those that believe. As far as if this would be the way I would interpret them, I can't say. I'd have to do a whole lot more studying before I could say one way or the other. There may be other verses that are used to support these ideas but these are the ones that came to mind. |
||||||
77 | 'Separation' and 'Experience?' | Mark 15:34 | jg8ball | 1649 | ||
Sorry, I thought this was a top level question and didn't scroll down to see that it was part of several postings. I also see that part of my answer included the verse that started this thread so I assume you don't believe that it refers to the separation (if there was one). I guess it's time for bed or a big cup of coffee :) Oh well, I hope the experience part of my answer helps you - it doesn't me. |
||||||
78 | Question not answered..... any help? | Mark 16:16 | jg8ball | 39966 | ||
Luke, Forget the Bible for now. You can't use the bible to prove itself. Look more to the people that have truely accepted Christ as their savior and see the changes in their lives. Look at the joy and the peace they have. This is not to say that everything will be happy in your life or that you will get whatever you desire. In the hard times - you will have the peace of knowing that you're not alone. Jesus will be there with you. In the good times, Jesus will still be there with you and you'll want to tell everyone you know what He has done for you. One (of many) examples of what God has done for me in my life is: Several years ago now, I was depressed (thinking about suicide). I had accepted Christ several years prior to that but fell away and put Him to that back of my mind. Granted, He was there, but I didn't let Him out much. One evening on my way home to my empty apartment, I was feeling depressed again and just began praying to God to send someone into my life. Tears became streaming down my face (which is not like me at all). I literally cried out for His help. I didn't tell anyone about this or what was going on in my life. Very soon afterwards, a friend from work asked me if I'd be interested in going on a blind date with his wife's friend from church. I said sure and 11 months later we were married. It's now been 8 years and we have a son. Not only did God bring someone to me, He brought Himself. My life has been getting better everyday. And even though we're currently having financial problems due to the poor economy, I trust that God will help us through it. It's hard to put into words and it is a leap of faith but for me - it was (and is) well worth it. And back to the bible. It may only seem like a another book to you, but to me it makes more and more sense everytime I read from it. The Bible is a tool to help you on your journey with Christ. |
||||||
79 | Question not answered..... any help? | Mark 16:16 | jg8ball | 40147 | ||
From a Christian (and believer) standpoint, I completely agree. From a non-believer standpoint, I'd have to disagree. I could always say that the NT writers new the OT prophecies and fabricated a story to fit. NOTE: I don't believe this to be the case but would have a hard time convincing someone that did. While it's ok to study the Bible, I think God would like us to spend at least as much (if not much more) time getting His message to those that need it. Luke, I believe, is a person that needs to know the message. The message isn't trying to prove one interpretation over another, it's that God loves him and wants him. Once he's a believer (if that's the path he chooses) and he then decides to debate the various parts of the Bible, then so be it. That's just my thought. Others will probably disagree and that's ok too. |
||||||
80 | The greatest in the kingdom? | Luke 7:28 | jg8ball | 38371 | ||
I would interpret it as people that would later be in the Kingdom of God. The least would be greater than John because they would have the opportunity to receive God's grace through Jesus. Unfortunately, John (the baptist) died before the death and ressurection of Jesus. | ||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ] Next > Last [8] >> |