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NASB | John 3:16 ¶ "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 3:16 ¶ "For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. |
Subject: Which proposition is scriptural? |
Bible Note: Thank You Pastor, I appreciate the fact that you do "really" read my posts and give thoughtful replies. You said "I want to show scripture that proves that it is not God's will that any should perish, but instead of imposing His will on them, He allows them to die in their sins." I'm happy you said that because it gives me a chance to clear up something. I do not believe that God imposes His will on those destined for Hell. Calvinists believe that, if left to follow the desire of their hearts, not one person would desire Christ! You said you believed in the depravity of fallen man. But, you really don't believe man is as hopeless as calvinists do. We believe that Rom 9 teaches that salvation is given according to God's mercy and that all whom he has mercy on are set free to love Him. This freedom always leads to the person freely, falling at the foot of the cross. "You said:"As you know elected means chosen, as in "God's chosen people"." By your reasoning all of God’s chosen people were saved. Why would Paul pray that Israel be saved if he believed in strict election." Paul prayed for Israel the same way we pray for our loved ones. We pray that God will save each one. Does our praying insure their salvation. No, it does'nt. Our prayers, however, may be the means by which God has ordained their calling to be manifested. God has not only ordained the ends but also the means by which the ends are established. He is Lord of all! Ezekiel 18:23 Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord GOD, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live? A judge may take no pleasure in the execution of a sentence upon the guilty one, but if failed to satisfy justice...He would be unjust himself. Ezekial 18 does not address election. God has also given us the Ten Commandments. How many people do you know have been saved by keeping them? No one. Christ alone, has kept the Law to perfection, and He did so on behalf of His people; the ones whom the Father has given Him. God Bless, John |