Results 81 - 100 of 150
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: atdcross Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
81 | explain the doctrine of predistination | Rom 9:13 | atdcross | 164950 | ||
Regarding Romans 9:13, some observations for consideration in understanding the intended meaning of the text: 1. The context refers to nations, not individuals (cf. Gen 25:22-23). Cf. Calvin's "Institutes," 3:21.7: "The words, 'Jacob have I loved,' refer to the whole progeny of the patriarch, which the prophet there opposes to the posterity of Esau"; also, BNN. 2. In Mal 1:1-3, quoted in the Romans passage in question, the reference is not to the individuals but to the respective nations, Israel and Edom. 3. Esau himself is seen in a positive light with the impression that he was a worshipper of God (Genesis 33; 35:29). 4. The references to "love" and "hate" can be interpreted in the same sense as in Matt 10:37 and Luke 14:26 and not as a literal summation of God's feelings for Esau or his posterity before they were born. |
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82 | Paul had problems? No one acts good? | Matt 11:28 | atdcross | 164730 | ||
Romans 7 is, I believe, not descriptive of any personal experience before or after conversion. 1 John 1:8-10 is not intended as descriptive of anyone's personal problems in relation to sin. These verses seem to combat some heretical teachings at the time related to claims of being sinless or absolute perfection. Regarding your surprise at my suggestion, after stating there are no inherent contradictions in the Bible, you claim, “the verses you quote refer to man's idea of what is good.” The verses I quoted were the words of Jesus (Matt 7:11; Luke 11:13), therefore, making the implication that Jesus statements here are merely “man’s idea.” I assumed you did not realize it and I only sought clarity in your position. Luke 11:13 stress the point of my argument. Jesus is affirming that even evil people can do a good deed. In general we may not disagree, however, specifically I disagree that the interpretation of Romans 7 is descriptive of the apostle’s personal experience. (1) To the question, “No one acts good”? the answer is that evil people to commit acts that are in and of themselves morally good. (2) To the question, “Paul had problems?” (in relation to Romans 7), the answer is that the apostle claimed to have led a blameless life before and after conversion (Phil 3:4-6; Acts 24:16). The apostle had no such struggle with sin as described in Romans 7:14 or 8:8. "Paul's experience as a Christian is the last thing that could be considered as the topic here. 'I am carnal, sold under sin'...To refer these words to Paul's status as a Christian, or to the status of any other Christian, is to torture the word of God...Paul had just finished saying that Christians are 'dead to sin' and 'alive unto God' in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11); and to apply these words to Christians is to contradict what had just been stated" (Coffman). |
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83 | Paul had problems? No one acts good? | Matt 11:28 | atdcross | 164694 | ||
Hie Ebrain, I did not mean the apostle is describing his experience before his conversion. I said, “I do not think Romans 7 is reflective of his personal experience,” which includes both before and after conversion. My apologies if I did not make that clear. When you say, “the verses you quote refer to man's idea of what is good,” are you suggesting that Jesus has a wrong idea of what is good or that what he said is not divinely inspired? Mark 10:17-18 – Jesus is affirming God’s character as good in opposition to sinful man. Romans 3:10-12; Psalm 14:1-3 – These verses affirm all men are sinful. Psalm 53:1-3 – Again, man’s sinfulness is affirmed. However, although acknowledging man’s sinfulness, none of the verses above (except for Ps 53:3 as I read it from the NIV) deny that man can commit a morally good act. It is seen in experience that a sinner can perform a morally good act. The problem is that however morally good the act is, God does not accept it as good and, therefore, the good act is a bad act (Isa 64:6; Jer 2:22). Ps 53:3 must also affirm this since it cannot be denied that men can and do perform mrally good acts. The main point of all the verses cited show that man is sinful; that although he may do what is good and right, they are acts unacceptable before God because they are performed apart from faith and life in God. I am not denying man is sinful. I am saying that man as a siner is able to perform good acts, although they are unacceptable to God. |
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84 | Paul had problems? No one acts good? | Matt 11:28 | atdcross | 164593 | ||
Hi Ebrain, 1. I would think whether being unable to do good is your problem or mine is not the issue. What is at issue is the question of whether or not the apostle Paul was describing his experience as a believer in Christ. With reference to vs.6, which shows the contrast Paul is making, that is, between the "newness of the Spirit" and the "oldness of the letter," I do not think Romans 7 is reflective of his personal experience. 2. Even sinners can act morally virtuous. I do not think that Jesus meant literally that one cannot do any good act apart from Him (Matt 7:11; Luke 11:13). What he does mean is that we cannot perform any act that is acceptable before God apart from Him, irrespective of how good, sincere, or loving the motive may be. I do not think there is any real difference between us on this issue, only a different perspective or way to look at it. |
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85 | Please read 1 Sam 15:1-4. | Bible general Archive 3 | atdcross | 164587 | ||
Hi Ebrain, Briefly, God's ban against the Amalekites was a judgment against the nation (and the gods of that nation, which inspired the Amalekites to attack Israel). Studylight.org has a good comment on it under Coffman's Commentary. It seems this is not murder on God's part but judgment. In Adam Clark's words, "Nothing could justify such an exterminating decree but the absolute authority of God." |
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86 | Paul had problems? No one acts good? | Matt 11:28 | atdcross | 164516 | ||
Ebrain, Literally, it is addressed to the Jews; by extension, it applies to all who realize their need and inability. 1. What do you mean by "Paul himself had problems"? 2. By quoting John 15:5, do you mean that no one can do a morally virtuous act without the power that comes from Christ? |
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87 | Is this invitation open to everyone? | Matt 11:28 | atdcross | 164515 | ||
Yes. Each and every person aware of their need is invited. The only ones to whom it does not apply are to those who do not feel their need. However, their exclusion is conditioned by their refusal to admit their need; it is not because Christ excludes them but because, having no feeling of need, they have excluded themselves. Wre one - anyone - to feel their need and have a desire for a stronger one than they are to releive them, Christ invites them to his side. My reasons for this interpretation are: (1) Unless "all" means something other than "all" (and, I by no means am a Greek scholar; I only go by the reference works) the meaning is clear. (2) There seems to be no warrant in the context to limit the meaning of "all." (3) The context clearly implies that no one is excluded on a basis other than their refusal to admit their need. |
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88 | Life Difficulties | Bible general Archive 3 | atdcross | 164222 | ||
Well, God's original intention was that we be happy. Unfortunately, since sin came along, happiness, as God intended, has been elusive. Yes, as believers in Jesus, we will face troubles but that is because the "world" - powers that are against God; and somewhere Jesus said, "If they persecute me, they will persecute you." Peter says, "Arm yourselves for suffering," that is, persecution. However, in the midst of these troubles, we can still experience happiness or, rather, joy by directing our faith in Christ and our eyes towards the resurrection. That is not to deny the pains of reality but to overcome them. Jesus, again, says, "In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John, the apostle, declared that, "He who believes that Jesus is the Christ overcomes the world." As far as dealing with feeling that we don't want to have, the first way to tackle that is to read, meditate, memorize, and obey, as best you know, God's Word, the Bible. The second way is to pray - with the Bible open and in hand - seeking and believeing in the promises of God. A third way I have personally found useful in dealing with sinful feelings, e.g. anger, is to deny the feelings are in in way a part of your new nature (2 Cor 5:17) and to believe that you have been enabled to overcome temptations to sin in all its forms. Fourth, seek a mature believer to share your struggles with (and, allow him to share his struggles with you) and pray for each other. I have found it especially helpful that when I feel depressed, instead of praying for myself, I pray for others whom I know are in depression. Somewhere the Bible says, "Do not look out just for yourself but be interested in others" (or something like that). Of course, after having said all this, each of us must find his own way through the Bible in dealing with his/her particular situation and overcoming those things that deteriorate faith, whether it be sadness, disappointment, persecution, and even demonic attackes. What I have suggested has been helpful for me, however, it cannot be ever be overemphasized to say that faith in God's grace (divine enabling) through Christ is the basis for overcoming. Without faith (Heb 11:6), do whatever you want to do to succeed and you will, nevertheless, fail (Rom 10:31-32). Please note, I am not a professional counselor nor do I know you personally, therefore, it would be better for you to either seek professional or pastoral care depending on your needs. In my personal opinion, the Internet Forums are probably the worst place to seek advice. |
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89 | A Thought-provoking question | Bible general Archive 3 | atdcross | 164221 | ||
I do not know of anywhere in the Bible God murdered "many people". There are many places in the Bible where God judges "many people". If you have a particular place in the Bible, please cite it and state why you believe God is committing murder. |
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90 | did Jesus die for our sins or sickness | 1 Pet 2:24 | atdcross | 164084 | ||
I'm laughing, Mark, because of my typograhical error. I should have typed, "I apologize, Mark, that YOUR view of MY position as being erroneous is Biblically untenable to my mind." Good night, buddy... |
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91 | did Jesus die for our sins or sickness | 1 Pet 2:24 | atdcross | 164083 | ||
Mark...this is Mark, right? No BradK...right? Oh, yeah...the bottom is signed Mark...so I am responding to Mark...anyway... Regarding my statement in John 11:3-4, you failed to mention that I stated I interpreted the text in relation to other verses and the revelation of God’s character therein. In any case, I am not on this board to prove my point but merely to share the things Father has spoken to me about (Rom 14:22). I apologize, Mark, that my view of your position is Biblically untenable to my mind. |
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92 | did Jesus die for our sins or sickness | 1 Pet 2:24 | atdcross | 164081 | ||
Oops #2, aagh! my posting (#164077) should have been directed to BradK and not Mark, sorry (my left eye got crossed with my right eye)...sorry, Mark... | ||||||
93 | did Jesus die for our sins or sickness | 1 Pet 2:24 | atdcross | 164077 | ||
Mark, If I have given you the impression that I am arguing with you, that was not my intention and I apologize for the anything I have stated that may have sounded argumentative. My goal on these boards is not to try a prove that my views are correct and others are wrong but just to share how I believe God has spoken to me and be encouraged with how god has spoken to others. |
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94 | did Jesus die for our sins or sickness | 1 Pet 2:24 | atdcross | 164075 | ||
I appreciate your concern in your attempts to correct what you believe is erroneous doctrine. However, with all due respect and as much as I would like to agree in order to preserve a common viewpoint, I am unable to on the basis of your judgment regarding what does or does not agree with scripture. Advocates of the Watchtower would advise me the same way upon the basis of what they judge to be divine revelation. However, I am responsible to hear God and act according to the dictates of my conscience before him. If I have erred, I trust his voice will tell me where I have gone wrong (it would not be the first time). In the meantime, we (Father and I) discuss the issue from time to time and seem to be basically on the same page for now. As such, it seems my view does not so much conflict with the Bible as it seems to do with your judgment of what is a correct understanding of it. In any case, thank you for the advice. |
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95 | did Jesus die for our sins or sickness | 1 Pet 2:24 | atdcross | 164063 | ||
Hello Mark, John 11:3-4: I understand what is stated but it is the intended meaning that is important and, on the basis of other verses and God’s revealed character (at least, to me), what is for the glory of God is not the sickness but the healing. The emphasis is on the healing/resurrection of Lazarus, not his sickness/death (cf. v.40-42). One comments that Jesus “does not connect his ministry to the sickness by affirming ‘that the Son of God may be glorified by it’…Jesus will be glorified when he raises Lazarus from the grave because of the manifestation of His omnipotent power as deity.” Another says, the “...the glory of God is...his activity.” In John 9, Jesus dismisses the question as irrelevant. The “works of God” are not revealed in the man’s malady but in Jesus’ power to heal. Eph 2:5 – That the work of the Cross for salvation is complete and final does not necessarily mean that our experience is also. Although we have the fullness of Christ in us, there are moments where we are apt(not necessarily) to stumble. Also, “bad things” do occur against God’s will (Luke 13:34). Whether or not there is purpose in suffering is not the focus my point. My point is that suffering is not Father’s will or intention for his children (Jer 29:11). Sickness, in particular, has no purpose at all except to disrupt God’s will for us. My general reading of the Bible does not see suffering or sickness itself as good, especially good for God’s children (or anyone else). Suffering and sickness are enemies of God and must be defeated and overcome. Suffering does not necessarily result in blessing; therefore, the blessing is not in the suffering/sickness but in overcoming it. And although suffering is bad and not God’s intention, suffering for the sake of Christ is a reality not to be denied and something to embrace for the purpose of overcoming the evil world and exhibiting Jesus Lordship over all. Sometimes the falsity of a doctrine is not so much in the teaching itself as in the spirit one approaches and presents it to others. |
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96 | God being lonely? | Mal 4:2 | atdcross | 164041 | ||
My apologies. I had absentmindedly responded under your post. I meant to answer Greekbabe and was just adding a different perspective (not intended as a disagreement from what you stated) for Greek's consideration. Regarding the "verses", it was just my own spin on the poem being discussed. |
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97 | did Jesus die for our sins or sickness | 1 Pet 2:24 | atdcross | 164029 | ||
CDBJ, I apologize that this subject has caused you to be sick and will refrain from discussing it with you so as not to aggravate your illness. With your permission, I will pray that God heals you from getting sick any further and delivers you from hypertension. Your friend... |
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98 | Define "Sun of Righteousness"? | Mal 4:2 | atdcross | 164028 | ||
Hi Helen, It's just a metaphor, a picture in words. It's not intended to be taken literally but it does reflect the Jesus' ministry. It's like someone saying to another, "You are my sunshine and you give wings to my joy." I'm sure someone else can answer better but I think that's the jist of it. |
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99 | God being lonely? | Mal 4:2 | atdcross | 164027 | ||
The last book in the Hebrew canon is 2 Chronicles wherein some glimmer of hope is given after seventy years of prophesied Israel's deportation and desolation in the land. But with that hope came 400 years of silence; no prophets arose, no judges arose. The poem is sad and although I cannot approve of its theological implications, that it portrays, however faulty, a feeling of divine loneliness for man's fellowship that is real cannot be altogether ignored; not that God needs us but he does desire us. So strong is that desire that it verges, from a human perspective, on need; such a divine longing that he sacrificed his most valued intimate in order to gain sinful men and women. Although, I'm not sure I understand the question, I would venture to say that the God characterized in this poem is foreign to Biblical revelation. If anything, it reflects the poets assumption that God is as lonely as he is and characterizes, not God, but the poets own loneliness. Allow me to switch the poem around: I am Man - "Without one friend, Alone in my impurity Until I'm dead. Above me divine love Like eagles freely soar - But I am only Man - Nailed to the floor. Spring! Life is love! (Although this love is phoney!) Better is Human love Than God's who left me lonely." |
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100 | did Jesus die for our sins or sickness | 1 Pet 2:24 | atdcross | 164024 | ||
Hi Brad, Thanks for discussing the issue with the goal of enhancing understanding rather than prove a point. I hope my way of addressing the issue has exhibited the same temper as you have. |
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