Subject: Is Limited Atonement Bibical? |
Bible Note: Dear Charis, I appreciate all that you are saying so much more than I can convey with this keyboard. Regarding my comments about “limited atonement” as a stumbling block you said: "ANY excuse to deny Christ is welcome. But if the Holy Spirit is working in their spirit, …is effective to save any lost soul." I agree. To fault Calvinistic thought with the ability to keep away those who might pursue Salvation (and effectively stop the consequent ensuing pursuit of God) is to say that Calvinistic doctrine can undo God and His Will. So, apologies all around if I implied such a fallacy. This point reminds me of an incident some years ago when the movie, “The Last Temptation of Christ” was in the movie theaters in this country. Many churches of many different denominations protested verbally and physically. I, tend, not to get too involved in militant efforts however benign; although I do feel that God would have me know what I believe regarding these kind of issues, so that if He provides an opportunity to share that belief, then I am ready for His service. But to get to the point, my husband said, “that the protests to the movie were unnecessary, because God needs no defense.” My mind went immediately to this scripture, “When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, "Permit even this." And He touched his ear and healed him. “ (Luke 22: 49-51). The principle is the same, in that, if a person used that movie to reject Christ, then he would use anything. To credit the movie with the power to cause someone to reject Christ or to be fearful of the same is ludicrous if we understand who God is. And we/I should “permit even this”. My discomfort with “it” (like denominational differences that I, in my stupidity, think could undermine His purposes) is irrelevant if I know that God is in charge absolutely. But having said that I am commanded to “permit even this”, I would still like to express my thoughts/convictions on some matters; hopefully, without offending or causing division in the elect body of Christ. Regarding your statement: “(Please don't liken Jesus to a judge in a beauty pageant. Actually, the idea that our choice or our works will sway Him to save us is much more like this worldly method!) “ In my defense, we agree, as my quote was "In actuality they will KNOW that it is/was NOT a beauty pageant" the key word being "not." I have more, but have passed the character limits. If you are wish you can read the rest on the next entry under this one. Sincerely by His Grace, Charlene |