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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: Greetings again John. You wrote, "My initial question is meant to prompt us to consider the step that pre-ceeds conversion which in my opinion is regeneration." Does your definition of regeneration differ from mine? Psalm 49:20 What sets apart men from the beasts of the earth? Understanding. ("The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."Proverbs 9:10) Where do we get this knowledge? God gives us this knowledge.("He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." Ecc 9:11 AMP) God's Word reminds us that none of us (on our own)would seek God(Rom 3:11). Yet, in His awesome love, He pursues our hearts by enabling us to know Him. HE gives us not only an awareness eternity, but also an awareness of Himself. ("because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them." Romans 1:19) So although we are spiritually dead in our sinfulness, we do posess a GOD-GIVEN understanding of Him. Recall the interchange between Jesus and Peter in Matt 16:13-17. Peter confessed Christ as the Son of God as he enabled by God. Could have Peter responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit another way? I suggest that the answer is yes. Peter could have denied the Truth, even though God placed it in his heart. Did this knowledge regenerate Peter? (Later he denied Christ) As God reveals Himself, each one MUST choose to respond. No one can claim ignorance (Romans 1:20) Does God not require a CHOICE (response) from us? If we are made righteous, or justified or regenerated BEFORE we are converted, WHERE is man's freedom of choice? God's DESIRE is, "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 God allows us to choose; He doesn't force His desire upon us, but rather holds salvation out to us as a free gift. I believe we are indeed the master of our own destiny. God doesn't send anyone to Hell, we CHOOSE to go there. Also, since God is described as "patient," what is He waiting for if we are regenerated BEFORE we respond to His offer of Grace? We are powerless - yet He is all powerful. (Roamsn 5:8) We see through a glass dimly, yet He knows all things. I'll trust Him with the order of of my regeneration and transformation. Thanks! This has been a good spiritual adventure for me. Blessings in Him! Mommapbs PS: check out Smith's book - I'd be interested in your response. |