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NASB | Ephesians 1:11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:11 In Him also we have received an inheritance [a destiny--we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will, |
Subject: What if willfully return to a sinning li |
Bible Note: Greetings Mark! It is definitely a complex issue! :-) As I said earlier, I have only ever known of one person that I believe would fit the Heb. 6 passage. He has completely turned his back on Christ and has embraced new age teachings now. Allow me to address your references quickly. 1) 1 Peter 1:5 certainly does teach that we are 'kept' by God's power. But, does this mean that we cannot reject God? I would say no in light of the many passage that do speak of falling away. Heb. 6 is just one example of such a passage. I found it interesting that even Spurgeon accepted that Heb. 6 describes a Christian. :-) 2) In your second verse, I would disagree that the Word abides IN US forever. The Word of God is the means, but nothing in the verse says anything about it abiding in US forever. It simply affirms that the Word of God abides forever. 3) 1 John 5:13: This is one of my favorite arguements! :-) It sounds good, but there is a logical fallacy involved in the arguement. The arguement is based on 'eternal' being unending. However, 'eternal' also means without beginning as well. So, if someone enters into 'eternal life', is that life really eternal? ;-) So, I would say that if 'eternal life' can begin, it can certainly end! As far as your last point is concerned, I would say that we definitely have a new nature, but Paul clearly teaches in Rom. 8 and Gal. 5 that we can choose to obey or disobey that new nature. So, I'm not sure that I would say that the new nature 'will not' do that! I appreciate your posts my friend! I also appreciate your gentle spirit! We may not see this issue exactly the same way, but I believe that we are certainly closer than not! :-) We would both agree that a 'Christian' who habitually sins is probably not a Christian to begin with! We would both agree that grace is not an excuse for Christians to sin. It is funny! I am supposed to sing this Sunday during our morning service, and I am planning on singing Ray Boltz' "Feel the Nails". This song asks the question if Christ still feels the nails everytime I sin. How could any Christian want to continue the very same things that led to the death of our Savior? :-( May we all live lifes that will be holy and pleasing to our Lord! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |