Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | 1 Timothy 2:4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 2:4 who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth. |
Subject: Predestination question? |
Bible Note: Greetings Joe! It is good to hear from you my friend! Allow me to make two quick points in response to your post. 1) First of all, the parallel is in the text, so it must be seen! ;-) All of our theological conclusions must come from the actual text first and foremost. What does v. 18 say and how is the parallel formed? "As one transgression resulted in condemnation to all men even so one act of righteousness resulted in justification of life to all men." It would make absolutely no sense to say that the first 'all men' means 'each and every individual' but the second 'all men' means only some men. 2) The result of the atonement: Now, does this parallel mean that everyone is saved. According to v. 17, the answer is 'No!'. Only those who receive God's grace reign in life. There are two aspects to this discussion. The first is the objective act of Christ which brought justification whether anyone receives it or not. The second is our response to God's grace. So, here is where I would see your objection differently. The atonement is not just potential. It is an actual, objective fact. Our sins are not atoned for at the moment each of us prays for forgiveness. They were all forgiven on the cross. Even, the sins of the world, as 1 John 2:2 puts it. But, the gift of God must also be received. This is how I distinguish between v. 17 and v. 18, yet keep the parallel which is contained in v. 18. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |