Subject: Is Limited Atonement Bibical? |
Bible Note: Dear brother John; This argument we are discussing goes back hundreds of years, and believers on either side of this topic can find scripture to support their postion concerning it. I doubt that we are going to settle this debate. I know for me personally the topic has been settled, and I'm sure you also believe it is a settled issue in your mind. We both read the same Bible and come away with different thoughts on the same topic which is basically a non-essential topic. However if you want scripture from the New Testament to let you know why I believe as such, then here is a basic list of scripture you can look over. John 15:1-6 Romans 11:21-22 2 Thess. 2:1-3 1 Tim. 4:1 5;12 Heb. 6:4-7 Heb. 10:26-31 2 Pet. 2:20-22 Rev. 2:4 Rev. 3:1-5 Just to name a few Seeing how both sides find scripture to support what they believe, and scripture isn't in error, then our understanding of scripture is what has to be faulty. I try to find balance in all scripture, because if one verse seems to contradict another verse, I have to believe thats not possble. So I have to take all of scripture, ESPECIALLY those verses that seem to contradict each other, and find how to reconcile the two together, and that I believe I have done. Let me give you a seeming contadiction from scripture as an EXAMPLE of how I reconcile the seeming differences. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast. and James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD? Now, do James and Paul disagree on "works?" I don't think they do. If you continue reading Eph. 2:10 Paul says: Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, CREATED in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Paul also said: Tit 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that THEY WHICH HAVE BELIEVED IN GOD MIGHT BE CAREFUL TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS. So I conclude from both Paul and James that once I become a believer, I should maintain good works. I don't work to BECOME saved, I work BECAUSE I have been saved. Works in the life a believer is the evidence of salvation. Well enough of my rambling on God Bless you as you daily submit yourself to Him zach† |