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NASB | 1 Peter 2:9 ¶ But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 2:9 ¶ But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A CONSECRATED NATION, A [special] PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. [Ex 19:5, 6] |
Bible Question: I'm having difficulty understanding both this verse and the purpose of evangelism from a Calvinistic interpretation (do I understand that correctly?) If God in his wisdom has already chosen those whom will be saved, then, what is the point of sharing the Gospel with others? I understand that Jesus commands us to do so, and that is reason enough for me. But intellectually, I must admit to asking, "Why bother? Some will be saved, some won't, I can't change what God has preordained." What a depressing thought! Or, ought I find inspiration in that thought? |
Bible Answer: I do not think the scripture teaches that we are put in this world as a robot. On the other hand, I also believe in the divine foreknowledge of God. If we take a conservative Calvinistic view would we not say "the deck" is stacked. If there is no opportunity for humankind to respond to the saviour if they are "not choosen" how then can we say that God is righteous? However, knowing that God is righteous, longsuffering not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" 2Peter3:9 should we not take another look. We know God cannot lie and the Bible cannot contradict itself. 1. It is God's desire for all to be saved. 1 Tim. 2:5 "God who will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. 2. Provision is made for all. 1 Tim. 2:6 "Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" 3. All will not be saved: "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: there is no difference. Who then does God Call? The Lord Jesus said "I am come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:32 The son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. It would appear that God calls a certain KIND of people from the human race. Those who are acknowledged lost sinners. By his Holy Spirit he speaks to individuals, he brings circumstances into their lives, he strives with them with the purpose of bringing them to a place were they will feel their need, their burden of sin and he will open their eyes to the finished work of Christ. Those who will not acknowledge their need, who feel they are too righteous, too intelligent, or enjoy the pleasures of sin too much, eventually God will cease his calling as he did in the days of Noah he said "My Spirit shall not always strive with man" Gen. 6:3. The Lord Jesus was continually giving invitations "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. In Rev.3:20 at the end of the church age he calls "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and openeth the door, I will come into him and sup with him and he with me. Finally, Jesus valued evangelical work "Go you into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 16:16 Paul writes "...It pleased God that by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe 1 Cor. 1:21 In Christ Robert |