Subject: Does God hear the prayers of nonbeliever |
Bible Note: Greetings Disciplerami! You wrote: " And John 3:16 says that the person who believe SHOULD not perish; it does not say SHALL not perish (there is a difference). John 3:36 qualifies (as does Heb 3:18,19) the statement to show that an obedient belief is required." I hope you are not trying to say that 'should' indicates that there is some level of uncertainty about whether or not someone who believes will perish or not. The verb 'should not perish' is simply an Aorist, Middle, Subjunctive, 3rd, Person, Singular. The 'should' simply indicates that a subjunctive verb is being used. The subjunctive is the mood of possiblity. In Greek, it is almost used just like a future indicative verb, which is why many translations simply say 'shall' instead of 'should'. My point simply is this: There is no uncertainty about this verb. Those who believe will not perish. Further, there is no other condition attached to this verse other than believing. It doesn't say those who believe and are baptized. It doesn't say those who believe and join a church. It doesn't say those who believe and obey the Law. It simply says that those who believe will not perish. By the way, what qualification are you seeing in John 3:36 my friend? It says that those who believe have eternal life, the same as John 3:16. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |