Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Matthew 24:14 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 24:14 "This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come. |
Subject: Every NATION or every PERSON? |
Bible Note: Hi Jeff, Here may be food for thought for you. Isaiah 42:1 Behold My Servant; I will uphold Him; My Elect in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit on Him; He shall bring forth justice to the nations. Eph 1:3 Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies with Christ, Eph 1:4 even as He elected us in Him before the foundation of the world, for us to be holy and without blemish before Him in love, Isaiah writes that Jesus is God's Elect. Paul writes that we are elect in Jesus. I also have been working towards an understanding of this issue, and have not found an answer that takes into account all relevant Scriptures. Predestination applies to the elect, so it is less relevent towards a conclusion. Once we understand election, predestination is easy. The core issue is Divine Election and Human Choice. As you have written, God has said that He would like all men saved, and all to be in right relationship with Him. I believe that of the God Who declares Himself to BE Love, and Who takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. So then why oh why would He not choose all of those whom He would like to be saved for salvation? The only way this makes sense is if there is another criteria involved in God's election beyond His independant wish for man. There must be another qualifier. Some will raise the cry that this offends His sovereignty, but not if He has decreed it to be that way. He always plays by His own rules. So I quote these passages, and offer them for meditation. Isaiah 42:1 Behold My Servant; I will uphold Him; My Elect in whom My soul delights! Eph 1:4 even as He elected us in Him before the foundation of the world What is it about Divine Election, and what is it about Human Choice, that make them seem incompatible with each other? And what is the significance of "before the foundation of the world"? Love in Christ, Mark |