Subject: God is in control of every single atom? |
Bible Note: John Reformed, Quoting complimentary scriptures is the way I was always taught to study scripture in Sunday School. We learned that Satan knows scripture better than we do. But we need to respond like Jesus did by saying "It is written..." when He was tempted as the devil used scriptures also by saying "It is written..." Mat 4:1-11. But I am not saying that you are the devil. Remember that Satan used God's word and twisted it to deceive Eve. He tries to use scripture to deceive us in our minds also. Using related scriptures gives us a much better picture of what God is saying. You quoted, “1. INABILITY DOES NOT RULE OUT RESPONSIBILITY ……"No man can come unto me except the Father who sent me draw him," says the Lord Christ (John 6:44).” But Jesus also said, John 12: 32And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." It is not God’s plan or will that any should perish. John 6:44 means that God has to touch a person's heart to draw them to Jesus. However, that does not mean that they must respond to God's drawing. Also they may be drawn to Jesus, but later they turn away. (See the parable of the sower Mat 13:18-23) John 12:32 means that Jesus must be lifted up on the cross to be crucified. It means a lot more also. If the full story is told boldly by all Christians in a truly uplifting manner in the power of the Holy Ghost, then He will draw ALL men unto him! Just as Moses lifted up the serpent, so must we lift up Jesus: John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. God’s foreknowledge means that some are indeed predestinated, in that God already KNOWS their destination. God knows our hearts before we are born with freewill. It was God’s plan for them to obey “…with all your heart and with all your soul.”, but they always sinned again. The main point is that God Gives repeated opportunity for all men to be saved. He also warns us to watch our heart, to obey Him, and to walk in the spirit as opposed to the flesh. He never told us to teach predestination, even though I believe in it to the extent of God’s foreknowledge. However, He did tell us to preach “REPENTANCE FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS”: Luke 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. God bless, Pastor Glenn |