Subject: How did sin originate |
Bible Note: Dear CDBJ, Here's my response to Dud M3 about the role of evangelism in Calvinism: (ID# 4035) How can we influence who is saved? Answer 1 Pet 2:9 Lionstrong Wed 04/25/01, 11:38pm 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 additional reasons 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-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. |