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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:
Dud M3 asked: 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? To which I answered: Hi Dud M3! Let me add my theological two cents in trying to answer your question. I believe God has chosen His elect in Christ, so I've thought about evangelism in this context. My answer partly echoes yours and that is God commands it and that's enough. But fortunately God does not leave us with His command to evangelize (which again is reason enough), but His given us some reason for the command to evangelise. Twally in the above tree gives a reference, but I think it's helpful to quote it:(especially v. 14) Rom 10:13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." Rom 10:14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? Rom 10:15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" Rom 10:16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?" Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. And also this reference: Rom 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Rom 8:29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; Rom 8:30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. OK, my point and my answer, as I understand and believe God's word: Q. 1 If God in his wisdom has already chosen those whom will be saved, then, what is the point of sharing the Gospel with others? A.1 God has not only ordained the end (in this case the salvation of the elect), but He has also ordained the means to that end (the call, the preaching, i.e. evangelizing in which that call is given, the hearing, the justifying, the glorification). This makes our evangelism necessary, and we should be happy that God has ordained to use us, even though we're weak jars of clay. Q.2. "Why bother? Some will be saved, some won't, I can't change what God has preordained." A.2 Same as A.1, but let me add a negative. Not only will we miss an opportunity to be an instrument in someone's salvation, but as we do not warn others of the wrath to come, we will be held accoutable. No you can't change what God has ordained, but you can be a wonderful part of it! Q.3 ought I find inspiration in that thought? A.3 Yes! As God has ordained the elect to salvation, then He has ordained success in evangelism! So you can get out there and share the gospel with confidence in an almighty and loving God. Thanks for the question, Dud M3. In Christ, Lionstrong. |
Bible Answer: Lionstrong, Thank you for such a sound and biblical apology for both God's election and our responsibilty to obey God. I pray that those who are anti-Calvinistic will at least attempt to honestly see what Biblical Calvinism truly teaches instead of the old worn out stories that never prove to be true. (Isaiah 55:11) So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Man's will cannot thwart, deny, deprive, correct or change the pre-determined will (word) of God that goes out to accomplish "SUCCESSFULLY" whatever it was sent out to do. Sam Hughey |
Up | Down View Branch | ID# 4133 | ||
Questions and/or Subjects for 1 Pet 2:9 | Author | ||
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Dud M3 | ||
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Lionstrong | ||
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reformedreader | ||
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Mercy | ||
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Lionstrong | ||
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chellehtx | ||
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coltonjunior | ||
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regguh | ||
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mark d seyler | ||
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MarissaA | ||
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catarm63 |