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NASB | 1 Corinthians 2:14 ¶ But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 2:14 ¶ But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters]. |
Subject: How can anyone be saved? |
Bible Note: Dear Sir Pent, The systems of theology that arose from the teachings of men may be helpfulor harmful. Afterall, Arminius and Calvin as well as every other writer after John the Apostle were fallible writers and teachers. Therefore, the conscience of the christian is bound only to the teaching of Scripture alone. Unfortunately, we have a strong propensity to read the Word thru imperfect glasses. Our understanding can be corrupted by the traditions of our denominations and the culture of our times as well as sin. How then can one ever arrive at the truth? Our only hope of attaining a full understanding of any of God's truths (doctrines) is by divine enlightenment. Most of us pray for the Holy Spirit to grant us this gift as we prepare to study and search the Word. I believe that it pleases God to enable us to labor diligently and persistantly as a means of actually attaining that enlightenment. Personaly, I have never had an angel from heaven or a vision of the risen Christ appear before my eyes. Nevertheless, I have found myself fully persuaded (contrary to my natural reason and inclination) to embrace certain doctrines that I have come to believe are Biblical. To me it is as much of a miracle as the parting of the waters or Creation itself. I view my salvation in the same way. It was a miracle wrought by God. I was in darkness and God turned the light on for me. Not only did He turn the light on but He also created in me a new heart so that I could and would believe. And so I return to my original question (for which I have yet to recieve a Scriptualy based answer from the "free willists): In the light of 1 Cor 2:14, How then can any man be saved? I say it requires a miraculous work of God in which He raises spiritualy dead people to life by placing within them new hearts. Hearts of flesh that yearn for Christ. Salvation is of the Lord and He never fails. Matt 1:21 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He WILL save HIS people from THEIR sins." (my caps). Can the will of mere man defeat the will of Almighty God? Are you kidding? Of course not! God Bless, John |