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NASB | 1 John 2:2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 2:2 And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature--our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world. |
Subject: Receive? |
Bible Note: Greetings Joe! Thnanks for the input! I've been busy too, but I'm just putting a transmission in my car! I would much rather be doing what you are doing! Good luck with the trip. 1) Your first question is an easy one. The word for 'receive' is a present active participle. If Paul meant for us to understand that they only received through an act of God, he would have used a middle or a passive voice to express that idea. An active voice indicates that the subject of the sentence or clause did the action. 2) With all due respect, "whosoever" passages only fit into a Calvanistic understanding by deny that 'all' really means all. Every Calvanistic interpretation I have ever read (and there have been many) of the universal passages has went to extreme lengths to say that 'all' only means all elect, not all individuals. There are a few passages were that case might be made from the context, but most of the time it simply doesn't work. For instance, 1 John 2:2 is such a verse. Your main question is a litte more difficult. It is more difficult simply because of the way it is phrased. If you assume that only those who believe will be saved, but God determines who will believe, then you have eliminated every single verse that says "believe and you will receive" as a proof text. However, even with this limitation, I still think there are many passages that make the case that the Gospel must be responded to or received. Let me deal with one in detail. a) 2 Cor. 5:11-21 is a passage where Paul deals with the ministry of reconciliation. Note that Paul states in this passage that Paul that Christ died for all men - 2 Cor. 5:14. He then describes what this truth means for those who "are in Christ" (i.e. - He is a new creation) - 2 Cor. 5:17. He says that all of this a consequence of the reconciliation that Christ accomplished on the cross - 2 Cor. 5:18-19a. However, Paul then goes on to describe his ministry of reconciliation. He says that he is like an ambassador, through whom God is making His appeal - "Be reconciled to God" - 2 Cor. 5:20. He also describes his ministry as one of persuassion (2 Cor. 5:11) motived by the love of Christ, which compels him - 2 Cor. 5:14. This passage cleary teaches an objective accomplished fact (unlimited atonement) which must be responded to. Compare also Romans 10, where the offer of salation is made to all through preaching. 3) I'm not quite sure how to respond to this point. I know that some Calvanists cannot accept an election of grace because their understanding of the nature of God's will does not allow for something that God's wills to not occur. I'm not if that is what you mean or not. My short answer is this: The offer of salvation is a free gift. It is sovereignly extended to "whosoever will", but man must repent from their sins and choose life. I don't see how God could do anything "more" to ensure our acceptance and still make the choice "free." Not to be mean, but why should the fact that some do not respond to the gospel cause you to think that God has somehow failed? Under Calvanism, God actively prevents people from being saved! 4) Concerning your corollary question: Look at Romans 11. Paul describes two classes of Israelites: those who are included in the election of grace and those who have stumbled and have been broken off of the olive tree (Israel). Note however that the reason for their rejection was their unbelief - Rom. 11:20. Paul also says that they can be grafted in again if they do not continue in their unbelief - Rom. 11:23. Salvation is not easy. It requires a choice between slavery to the flesh and slavery to God. Many people do not want to submit to God. They would rather live in, what they think is freedom, and fulfill the desires of their flesh. Thanks for your response Joe! I'll keep your missions trip in prayer. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |