Subject: Two "wills" of God? |
Bible Note: Greetings John! I understood your point my friend - I just disagree with it! :-) I believe that all have enough witness to accept or reject God. Eph. 2:11-18 discribes the fact that the Gentiles were not part of Israel's covenant relationship with God. It does not say that they were without witness nor choice. To me, the whole issue of whether or not every individual who has ever lived on earth has had exactly the same degree of revelation is a red herring. Why? Simply this, each idividuals opportunity to respond to God's grace is different depending upon many factors. A 100 year old man has a much longer time to respond than does a 10 year old boy. A well read man has a fuller knowledge than does an illiterate farmer in some third world country. But, they all have enough witness to seek out God. I did discover something new to me though when I was reading Rom. 1:18 last night. I always went along with the standard thought that Rom. 1:18ff speaks of the situation of all Gentiles. But, I noticed last that v. 18 says that God's wrath is being revealed against "those are are surpressing". It does not say that all men surpress the truth, but those who do are experiencing a revelation of God's wrath. So, everyone has enough witness to be saved, if they respond in faith to God. Does everyone have exactly the same amount of opportunity? Of course not! p.s. - Depending on how you use the word 'save', the answer is both! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |