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NASB | 1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 1:2 ¶ according to the foreknowledge of God the Father by the sanctifying work of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace [that special sense of spiritual well-being] be yours in increasing abundance [as you walk closely with God]. [John 14:27] |
Subject: Why can we not just be Christians? |
Bible Note: Original Question: Why can we not just be Christians; All members of one body; the body of Jesus Christ, our savior? Kalos responded: Answer: Foreknowledge 'Occasionally someone will suggest that God's election is based on His foreknowledge of certain events. This argument suggests that God simply looks into the future to see who will believe, and He chooses those whom He sees choosing Him. Notice that 1 Peter 1:2 says the elect are chosen "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father," and Romans 8:29 says, "whom He foreknew, He also predestined." And if divine foreknowledge simply means God's knowledge of what will happen in advance, then these arguments may appear to have some weight behind them. '....But that is not the biblical meaning of "foreknowledge." When the Bible speaks of God's foreknowledge, it refers to God's establishment of a love relationship with that person. The word "know," in both the Old and New Testament, refers to much more than mere cognitive knowledge of a person. Such passages as Hosea 13:4-5; Amos 3:2 (KJV); and Romans 11:2 clearly indicate this. For example, 1 Peter 1:20 says Christ was "foreknown before the foundation of the world." Surely this means more than that God the Father looked into the future to behold Christ! It means He had an eternal, loving relationship with Him. The same is true of the elect, whom we are told God "foreknew" (Romans 8:29). That means He knew them--he loved them--before the foundation of the world.' (www.gty.org/IssuesandAnswers/archive/election.htm) Grace to you, Kalos * * * * * * * * * * * * * Not Yet responded: Thank you Kalos. Though it appears there is room for doubt, I feel strongly that you have proven my position. There are many "positions" in scripture, which cannot be proven absolutely. I feel personally that these passages are of little consequence to those of us who are firmly rooted in Christ. However a doctrine such as this, can easily dishearten the sinner who feels unworthy, or even a week child of God. Still, dear brother, you did not answer my question. “Why can we not just be Christians; All members of one body; the body of Jesus Christ, our savior? “ I prefer an answer as biblically founded as possible. |