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NASB | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [Prov 25:21, 22] |
Bible Question (short): The meaning of being Elect? |
Question (full): Doc (any anyone else), I check in on this forum about once a month or so now, and it just so happenes that this discussion is very much in line with some reconsiderations I have been having about heaven/hell and election, etc... Have you heard of the idea that just as Israel was elected by God, not because of their own works, but by the grace of God (called out of Egypt) to be a light to the world of the One True God and to be a blessing to the nations. That similarly, God has elected some to be a blessing to the world by bringing His Good News and bringing his redemption and his Kingdom to the lives of those in the world. In this light, those who are elect, are not elect only to salvation from hell (or to Heaven), but elect for an ordained purpose. And likewise, those who are NOT elect are not necessarily sent to hell (I mean on a whole). After all, many joined Israel who were not Israel in the Old Testament. They were not elect, but they received all the benefits of God's mercy just the same. (Ruth the Moabite, Rehab of the destroyed Jericho, etc...) I have not really explored this idea, but I heard it in passing and it has been running through my mind during those times in the day that allow for thinking. Any thoughts from anyone? MJH |