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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: why would God withhold the gift of faith |
Bible Note: 1. When I asked "how can we understand that an all-loving, all powerful, all wise God would withhold faith from some, only to result in them being damned?" you said "By trusting His judgement instad of our own." IF this is indeed what God does, i.e. withhold the gift of faith, then I agree with you. Of course, in general I agree that we should trust Him, not ourselves. But that's the very point I wish to explore, that is, whether God withholds the gift of faith from some, knowing they will perish. This understanding seems derived from Augustine, not scripture and is contrary to clear statements that Jesus loved us while we were sinners, that He came to save sinners, so that all who believe in him might not perish. I cannot make any sense of the idea that Jesus would deny anyone the gift of faith. However, it is easy to understand that some people will choose to deny His gift. To confirm, are you saying that God creates unbelievers only to destroy them? 2. When I asked that question previously, you said "He does'nt. Every one the Father draws, He teaches, and gives to His Son, who raises them up on the last day. (John 6)" Do you mean to suggest that all will be saved on the last day? Isn't this universalism? Hasn't this doctrine been shown to be unbiblical? 3. Finally, I look forward to your responses to my first two questions from before, i.e. "Isn't this faith an "assent from it's recipient"? "If not, is faith involuntary?" Peace, Parable |