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NASB | John 6:49 "Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 6:49 "Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. |
Subject: O.T. Israel salvation? |
Bible Note: Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! My friend, I appreciate your thoughts on this important topic. I trust that we are not too far from one another, indeed closer than we may imagine! Let me preface my comments with this: I am no scholar, nor am I a deep thinker. Perhaps there was a time in my past that I sought for such monikers. Personally, I find the Bible, and Jesus Himself(!) a stumbling block to such endeavor. My humble attempt is to see the entire Gospel from a step back. I can never claim to see from God's perspective, but getting too close to either the 'words' of the Bible or to 'personal experience' seems to lead to a 'three-blind-men's-view-of-an-elephant' type of situation. My thoughts are that our salvation from hell and damnation are wholly dependent on God's love. Therefore your Point 1 is how I view my salvation. As to whether this love is to all mankind, or only for the elect, I don't know. The 'words' of the Bible could support either or both, as His grace is truly amazing, and beyond the full comprehension of mortal man. If asked to 'prove' my faith in His grace, I am at a loss. After almost one year participating in this forum, I have not seen either 'side' prove their 'point' either! :-) The sum total of the Word of God seems (to me) to say that God chose His people, Old Testament and New. On that I simply trust Him. Your Point 2 about relationships is not, IMHO, speaking of what we are saved *from,* but what we are saved *into.* Please do not misunderstand me! I am not speaking of a two-tier or multi-tiered salvation. In my thinking, our salvation from hell and damnation IS salvation. But after that entirely God-started-and-finished work is initiated, we are encouraged (NOT obligated) to serve our Savior and His church. The direction that I had hoped to go in my original question above was the situation of Israel after they were saved from Egypt. They (apparently ALL Israel) were chosen and led forth from captivity. But they did not serve God, and all but two died in the wilderness. Their relationship with God was far from good, but His grace and love continued 'for His name's sake.' Even those that wanted to return were not allowed, though rebellion was dealt with severely. In the present age, we are saved (from damnation) by God's love and grace. He desires that we serve Him, and encourages us to do so in His Word and in His church. This would be the New Testament 'Promised Land.' Even if we fall short, he will not send us back to where we came from. Some may try, and (very few) may actually succeed! I think that some may 'appear' to have forsaken God, but He is still gracious. But for all practical purposes, we are saved! The intricacies of how to go back to hell are beyond my comprehension or interest. Brother, I have no 'systematic theology' for this theory, this hope. It is just what I hold in my heart. I believe that the 'sum' of Scripture supports my path, and so far no other 'bent' answers this hope. Blessings and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |