Subject: Hebrews 6:6 explained |
Bible Note: Greetings John! Part two: 1) Mt. 23:37: My friend, none of the verses you quoted say anything at all about human ability or inability to choose within God’s sovereign plan. Each of these verses speaks of God’s plan - which is unchangeable. But, Mt. 23:37 specifically addresses the issue of God’s will for Jerusalem and their rejection of it. The word ‘thelo’ is the same word used in Rom. 9:18: "Therefore God has mercy on whom he WANTS to have mercy, and he hardens whom he WANTS to harden." (Caps indicate the word translated from ‘thelo’.) It is the same word used in Rom. 9:22: "What if God, CHOOSING to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction?" In both of these verses, we are told by Calvinists that these are examples of God’s sovereignty. Yet, in Mt. 23:37, God would but Jerusalem would not! How do you explain Mt. 23:37 my friend? 2) Now, let me touch upon your questions. a) Is it fair to save some but not all? I don’t believe that I ever mentioned the issue of fairness, but my short answer would simply be this: God does not owe us anything. But, if He issues a universal call to salvation which is not truly universal in scope, then that would be unfair. Scripture clearly calls all to salvation. If, however, we then turn around and say that only some are given the ability to respond, then that would be unfair. b) What benefit is the new creation? In actual practice, I don’t think that our believes differ that much in terms of security. I reject the view of some Arminians that every act of sin causes us to lose our salvation. I am completely secure in my salvation, because it is based upon Christ’s finished work on the cross. However, just as I had to accept that gift, I also believe I can willfully reject that gift. Would I? No! Could I? Yes! In your tradition, you would simply say (probably) that someone who began the walk and fell away was never saved to begin with, whereas I would say that they had rejected the gift of salvation. Either way, they are lost! In terms of security, I have always wondered about the assurance of salvation that a Calvinist feels. I ask this question in all sincerity, I’m not trying to be a wise guy! How do you know that you are one of the elect? In my tradition, salvation is offered to all. Rom. 10:13 - "Whoever calls upon the Lord will be saved." So, I have complete assurance that I am a Christian because I called upon the Lord. But, in your tradition, how does one know that they are one of the elect? Just curious! Well, I’d better go my friend! I really enjoyed your latest post and I look forward to interacting with you more. Hopefully, we will be able to interact on some other issues in the future. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |