Subject: Is Limited Atonement a "scandalous" Doc |
Bible Note: Greetings Zach† Yeah, I think "appropriate" is okay! The Bible uses several different terms: accept, believe, receive, ect.... Any of the terms will work, as long as we always keep the focus on what Christ did and does. I thought it was interesting to note that the command "be reconciled" in 2 Cor. 5:20 is an Aorist, Passive, Imperative, 2nd, Plural verb. What this means is basically this: 1) Aorist tense - The verb refers to a point of action. Reconcilation doesn't take place over time, it occurs in a moment. 2) Passive voice - This voice refers to an action done to or for us. So, reconciliation to God isn't something we do. It is something He accomplished for us on the cross. 3) Imperative mood - This verb is a command. Here is where the acceptance comes into play. 4) 2nd Person, Plural number - Paul is addressing all who need reconciliation. Here is where it gets interesting, how does a passive command work. Suppose I was in a marital arts class. The teacher wants to demonstrate a throw, so he says to me, "Allow yourself to be thrown." The verb is passive, but imperative at the same time. This is the case with the command to "be reconciled". Paul isn't saying that we iniate reconcilation - God did it all through Christ. However, he is saying, "Allow yourselves to be reconciled". The simplest analogy is still the best (and it is used in Scripture as well), salvation is a gift. We can't earn the gift. We can't work for the gift. We can't deserve the gift. All we can, or need to, do is to simply accept the gift that Christ offers to whosoever will. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |