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NASB | Romans 9:18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 9:18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wills (chooses), and He hardens [the heart of] whom He wills. |
Subject: The question exists in Paul's Theology |
Bible Note: Hello Nwells, I wanted to respond to your two questions: 1. “My question is one of our view of how God has mercy and how God hardens people. …Can a fallen man (meaning a sinner, before regeneration) do anything to please God? If he can - what can he do?” There is another question that must be answered first because your question implies that faith comes only AFTER regeneration. Is this what you believe? Heb 11 5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. If we believe as I do that faith comes first, then Heb 11:6 answers your question. If not then we cannot agree on this question. 2. “Second, you said: "God has no need for us to perish (eternal damnation in Hell)" If God did not want people to go to hell, would anyone go to hell?” Another scripture answers this: 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Also: Eze 33 11 Say to them: "As I live,' says the Lord GOD, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?' Matthew 25:41 "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: These scripture clearly answers your second question. God does NOT want people to go to hell, but many will. Remember also that Israel is God’s “Chosen” people, but all of them are not saved. Pastor Glenn |