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NASB | Romans 9:16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 9:16 So then God's choice is not dependent on human will, nor on human effort [the totality of human striving], but on God who shows mercy [to whomever He chooses--it is His sovereign gift]. |
Bible Question:
Calvinists have used Romans 9 as one of several proof texts. Some who are not as dogmatic use Romans 10 as a reason to say that this chapter is where free will enters into the debate. I am my self wondering just how deeply this really matters. I have tried to side step the debate on being called, which to me means after a person makes the choice to become a loyal follower of Christ Jesus. It seems to me the strong Calvinist is too strong. Can someone help me understand why free will is not free will as it seems to me Calvinists are saying? justme |
Bible Answer: Justme I think it shows wisdom to sidestep debates such as these. God bestows Grace as God chooses. However John 3:16 places a requirement for that to happen. Man must have the faith, to believe and to receive. That said salvation today in ALL camps is severely lacking being the "light to world". That is far more important than how one got saved. While many sit around arguing theology thousands are going to eternal damnation. Critical thinkers of the world laugh at Christianity, saying, "you can't agree on how you got saved, but you want to tell me I need it." Wisdom dictates we stop debating our faith and to start living our faith. Living it in such a way we don't blend in but we are in fact the fact the "LIGHT" we are called to be. |