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NASB | Psalm 115:3 But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Psalm 115:3 But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. |
Subject: Decretive Will vs. Perceptive Will? |
Bible Note: Dear Lookn, Private opinion is typically worth slightly less than what you pay for it. That's pretty much the content of popular theology, too -- that is, of course, if it even warrants the term theology, since that presumes some degree of actual study. Speaking of presuming: We need to be pretty careful about that particular error ourselves. Even when we qualify our statements with an attestation of deference, the words we choose nevertheless faithfully carry their connotations. If we don't properly understand those connotations, then perhaps we ought to hone our communication skills. If we do understand them, then attestations to the contrary make us look disingenuous and confused. I can assure you, son, that I've studied the various confessions of the church at the feet of well qualified university and seminary professors. My understanding isn't simply a matter of subjective opinion. It was proven through a variety of academic venues formally validating my comprehension. My response was carefully chosen, answering your every question with the best precision I could muster. I apologize for lacking the ability to formulate or paraphrase a superior expression of the orthodox Christian doctrine of God's sovereignty than that rendered by the godly and scholarly divines of the past. I am what I am by the grace of God. Indeed, I'd commend you to the works that Phil Johnson collectively calls "theology from a bunch of dead guys." Again, I apologize for my inability to distill all that they had to say into a nutshell suitable for your consumption. Sometimes understanding only comes with a lot of diligent study. I was made mindful of king Ahab. Do you recall how he gathered to himself four hundred men to confirm his own opinion? Yet it was the solitary voice of Micaiah, that greatly discomfited the king despite the comfort he garnered from the many sycophants. Nowadays we can garner to ourselves all kinds of teachers who will support our preconceptions, scratching our itching ears. They've been so successful, most folks don't even know that the church has dealt with all these issues centuries ago. Neglecting the very tools gifted us by Christ (Ephesians 4:11-14), it isn't surprising the progress won at such great cost by the church has returned to just so much fallow ground. I've done what I can... let's move on. We can discuss it again after you do some reading. In Him, Doc |