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NASB | 1 Timothy 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a faithful and trustworthy saying: if any man [eagerly] seeks the office of overseer (bishop, superintendent), he desires an excellent task. |
Subject: Did Jesus die _only_ for the elect |
Bible Note: Greeting Bjanko! I understand your position and why you believe the way you do. However, I do not agree. In my opinion, Calvin forced Scripture to fit the mold of his conception of what sovereignty meant. Calvin could not conceive of any kind of freedom on the part of human beings, because he felt that limited freedom would mean that God is not sovereign. So, he completely twists the clear message of Scripture that Christ died for all. Consider the following verses of Scripture: 1) Concerning the extent of the atonement: a) 2 Cor. 5:19 - "that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. " b) John 3:16-17 - "‘‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." c) John 12:32 - "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” d) John 6:33 and 51 - "For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” ..."I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” e) Titus 2:11 - "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men." f) 1 John 4:14 - "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world." g) 1 Timothy 2:6 - "who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time." 2) Concerning the will of Christ to save all: a) 1 Timothy 2:4 - "who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." b) 2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." c) Romans 11:32 - " For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all." I believe that all of these verses demonstrate the love of God, in that He died for all and desires all to be reconciled to Him. The tragedy is that so many fail to respond to the grace of God. I know that from your perspective, you will say that in each of these verses all only means some. However, I am not convinced. I'll take Scripture for what it says and believe that Christ so loved the world, that He gave His life, that whosoever will....can believe and receive eternal life. That is Good News! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |