Subject: Is there middle ground? |
Bible Note: Greetings Ray! I was afraid there for a minute that someone might think I was referring to Harry Potter! :-) Maybe I am misunderstanding some of these posts, but I get the impression that because I have taken a position on this issue that some (of the middlegrounders) think that I am putting words into God's mouth. My outrageous position is: 1) That God desires all to be saved: 1 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2) That Christ atoned for everyone's sins on the cross: 1 John 2:2 - "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 3) That Salvation is a gift offered to all: Rom. 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." 4) That everyone who calls on God will be saved: Rom. 10:13 - "for, ‘‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”" 5) That salvation is entirely based upon faith and grace, not upon works: Eph. 2:8 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast." This is just a short summary of my beliefs, but would someone among the (middlegrounders) please tell me exactly where I am putting words into God's mouth? In all of my debate with Calvinists on this forum, I have been treated with the utmost respect. We have discussed and disagreed over various verses, but no one ever accused me of putting words into God's mouth or being arrogant because I took a position. Ironically, I have felt the most "offense" from those in the middle who claim that the reason they are in the middle is because of division! So, if someone wants to debate or discuss what Scripture says, I am more than willing. But, please don't accuse me of trying to put words into God's mouth or of being arrogant beause I have taken what I believe to be a Biblical position on salvation. This isn't just in response to your post Ray! I have been feeling this from most of the responses I have received on this thread. I just don't feel that I have to be apologetic over what I feel is a Biblical position. Now, if you can show me that I am wrong, I will be more than happy to change my view. Until then, I will continue to believe that Christ died for all and desires all to be saved! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |