Subject: Hebrews 6:6 explained |
Bible Note: Greetings John! Thanks for the response my friend! I find it interesting that in all of Mr. Edward's comments, he doesn't cite a single verse which speaks of God rejecting any of these other nations. God's choice of Israel is explained in Scripture as intended to be a blessing to the whole world. We know from hindsight that it was through Israel that Christ came. Romans 9-11 makes it clear that God's choice to work through individuals and nations was always done with the intention of having mercy on all. While there aren't any verses which rules out the salvation of the other nations, there are plenty which speak of God's mercy being extended to all nations. a) Gen. 22:18 - "and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”" b) Mt. 24:13 - "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." c) Acts 4:16 - "In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”" d) Rom. 16:25 - "Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him—" e) Rev. 15:4 - "Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”" f) Rom. 11:15 - "For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?" And of course, the kicker is John 12:32 - "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” I simply don't see any verse in the Bible which says that God does not intend to save all or that He withold the possibility of salvation from anyone or any nation. Not every nation has a Bible, nor does every nation have a preacher, but the Holy Spirit draws and convicts all. This one of the areas where I respectfully disagree with Calvinism. Calvinists look at Romans 9-11 (and other passages) and see a God who loves only some and rejects most. I look at the same passages and see a God who loves all and desires that all be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). I guess it is a case of irreconcible differences! :-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |