Subject: Thoughts on Romans 9 |
Bible Note: Ben: Thanks for contributing. I am sure that you have examined the Reformed view of passages which say that Christ came to save "the world." What is your assessment of them? Regarding Hebrews 2:9, I hold that the following verse is not a contrast to this one, but rather a qualifier to it. I do not see the author claiming that Jesus died for everyone who has ever existed in one verse and then saying that God through Christ brings salvation to many sons. They are not two separate thoughts, but an elaboration. The Reformed view of 1 Timothy 2 understands "all men" to mean "all kinds of men," which fits well with verses 1-2. Should we pray for all men AND kings and those in authority? Aren't kings and those in authority part of the category of "all men"? Again, many see the appositive phrase "for kings and those in authority" to be a qualifying statement. The one that really interests me is 1 Timothy 4:10. John Piper suggests that the common grace that both the believer and the unbeliever receives is a result of the cross as well. In other words, the reason that God didn't utterly and IMMEDIATELY destroy Adam and Eve as well as everyone else who has committed sin against Him is because the mercy he shows them was bought at the cross. That is how, according to Piper, that Christ can be the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Whatever one's interpretation, it is pretty clear that there is a different degree of salvation between these two groups signified by the word "especially." Let me know what you think! --Joe! |