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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 Hank, How can a person choose anything other than what he desires the most? If my text proofs have not convinced you of fallen man's inability to choose spiritual good, then my reasoning certainly won't. But to prove it is not flawed let me try once more to explain it. Man is dead to spiritual truth and his darkened heart can neither accept it or understand it. Therefore the desires of his heart are toward earthly things. His nature is to hate and rebel against Christ. He would do anything rather than surreder to God. God will not force him against his will to believe. God then sends a messenger of the gospel to this man. His reaction is that the gospel is foolishness and he can't figure out what these screwball christians are talking about anyway! He has been presented with a choice and being what he is...he says "GET LOST"! God will not force him against his will to believe. Should we just give up hope for this man? No! Not so long as he has breath in his body. Who knows but that God may grant him repentance. Let's now suppose that say... one year later another messenger arrives with the gospel. The look of sceptisism disappears and one of interest begins to appear upon his face. Before the evangelist even finishes the man is asking "what must I do to be saved". Outwardly our friend has not changed one bit over the past year, but inwardly a miraculous work of God has occured. God has given him a new heart with new desires. Now the man freely and joyfully uses his will to embrace Christ. We are not given to know the identities of God's elect. That is why none should be considered beyond hope and destined to damnation. That is also why calvinism does not quench evangelism. If salvation is of God, there is always hope even for the chief of sinners. Your Brother, John |