Subject: Hebrews 6:6 explained |
Bible Note: Hi Tim, You said: The only way I would ever convert to Calvin's way of thinking is if someone can produce verses which plainly (not based upon one's inference) that: 1) God does not desire to save all. 2) Christ did not die for all. 3) That not everyone can respond. Let's look at your first requirement. I do not offer one verse but an entire chapter; Romans 9. Now, I know you discard the calvinist's position on 9 based on the idea that Paul, in refering to Jacob and Esau, is speaking of nations and not indivduals. I disagree because Rom 9:6-8 clearly states: "But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; nor are they all children because they are Abraham's descendants, but: "THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED." That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants." The "children of the promise" are God's elect! The problem for the arminian is that the literal rendering of the text refutes his cherished theology. Egads! Face it brother Tim, there is no reason to "read" nations into this chapter. 9:3-6 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, MY KINSMAN ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. BUT it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are NOT all Israel who are descended from Israel;" I (John Adams) am not an Israelite, but I am a son of Abraham. I am mentione in Romans 9 (children of the promise). Gal 3:7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. Gal 3:8-9 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU. So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. Once "nations" are properly rejected as an interpretation, the plain meaning of Ro 9 leaps from the page. He Reigns, John |