Subject: Show in the Bible once saved always |
Bible Note: Dear Newcreature, Do you really believe that God Almighty is dependent on people? Please show me a plain statement from scripture to verify your claim. Does God stand helpless before His creatures, hoping they will "do the right thing"? As far as our being puppets (a schoolboy's arguement against God's absolute soverignty), I do not hold to that idea nor do I need to in order to defend my doctrine. If you would like to post it as a question on the forum, I would be glad to answer it in full. It is plain to me that your conclusions are based upon a misunderstanding of the God's intent in exhortation. Throughout His word He commands us to carry out certain actions or to adopt particular attitudes toward others, ourselves, sin, sanctification, satan, and God Himself. These are the means He has chosen to accomplish His will. He has not left us in the dark and He does not force anyone against their will to comply. Consider Acts 4:26-28 "THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST." "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur." Here we are told that evil men committed evil deeds and that it was Gods plan from the beginning. How can this be? My theology provides a reason that is consistant throughout scripture. It is this: Those who sought the death of Christ did so out of an evil desire. God had planned it and He brought good out of evil without violating or forcing the evil men. I will continue later, God willing. John Reformed |