Subject: Eternal Security and 2 Peter 2:20 ??? |
Bible Note: Guffaw! LOL! RoFL! I just looked up Luke 14:2. Howl! Cacchination! (regaining composure) chuckle, chuckle. This discussion reminds me of me. Bless both of you saints. I am not Calvin's disciple, nor am I his 'pendulum swing' opposite number, Arminus' follower. I think both these guys let brains and brawn get out of hand, and denied the Spirit. I read with great interest these comments, and quite a few others in this line. I despise compromise for the sake of 'making everybody happy,' because obviously you cannot. However, I do believe the truth in this matter probably incorporates both arguments, in a much simpler manner than we are accustomed to. If Jesus were asked, He might answer, "Who?" Much in the same way, Paul asked, "Apollos who? Paul who?" (I Corinthians 3:4-9) Perhaps the word 'Election' with a capital "E" is the problem, or at least a great contributor. In a general sense, I must believe that God, without favor, offers the hope of salvation to all, regardless (irregardless? There IS such a word) of gender, race, location or situation. Knowing all things, God knows who will 'be there' at the final trumpet. There are there by His Grace, and by His grace alone. But those there DID respond, hopefully (a disjunct) with alacrity and continued response. We do seem to have an 'unforgivable sin' in Matthew 12 (unless of course believers are not believers without the Holy Spirit, assuming that everyone receives 'automatically'), but this can't be too easy to do, or none of us will qualify for 'election.' This is why, from a layman's point of view, I cannot accept 'once-saved-always-saved.' Surely, from God's divine viewpoint this may be true, but to us here, now, it is ludicrous. It is only to easy to say, "Right. Like Jim Jones." Our 'righteousness' of looking at things from God's eyes (impossible, anyway) alienates us from the down-to earth reality that most people perceive. Of course, I do not promote becoming an 'air-head' or 'loose-minded, loose-moraled(sorry)' emotional nitwit. (i.e. "Of course, a truly nice god would save EVERYBODY!") I do believe there is a balance. In my Bible, and in my heart (through the Spirit), I believe I am 'called.' Not only called to a specific ministry within His church, but generally called to be His. Thank You, Jesus. I know that I am stating both cases, indeed, this is my intent. I see, very clearly, pertinent arguments from both camps. Is it possible that both are valid, with a bit of moderation and the revelation of the Holy Spirit? I believe so! I would not want to 'wake up' in the Holy Presence, and find that one group or another was 'missing.' Please understand that I do not mean the same for all fringe aberrations of faith. Some will be shown to be just plain wrong. But, in this case, and perhaps several others, adjustment is necessary, not a total revamp. "...Let God is true, and all men liars..." Romans 3:4 May the peace AND truth be upon us all, in Christ Jesus. |