Subject: Then it's all settled? |
Bible Note: I see that it is hard for you to stop doing something you enjoy. I want to encourage you by saying, "You can do it". You're almost there. Because I have no presupposition, refusing to be indoctrinated, refraining from reading all those extra-Biblical books, I understand that Acts 11:18 says the privilege of repentance has been granted to the Gentiles, period, just like it says. I assume, while reading there, that privilege had been given to the Jews before that, and indeed I find that the history of their relationship with God is replete with his pleas to them to turn, and his offer that he would help them to turn, and that he would receive them. Now that the Gentiles are included, everyone's included? “Why does (his opening up the opportunity) not lead them to the truth?”, you ask. I reply that it has. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. They are without excuse. They knew God, (but) they glorified him not as God. They are without excuse. Not all Gentiles are repentant. Not all Jews are repentant. That’s where their responsibility comes in. I think it was John Reformed who recently said, ‘The two lines are 'The soveriegty of God" and "The responsibility of man". Both exist simultaneously.’ The possibility and the privilege of repentance has been opened to Jews and Gentiles. Now they should act responsibly and take advantage of it. Let us encourage them to do that. I think we can leave it there. You have confessed to finding enjoyment in debating. If I may, I’d like to suggest that you repent of it. There is pleasure in sin, but sin can be forsaken anyway. (Take Moses as an example. See Hebrews 11:25). If you have doubts as to whether debating is a sin, then see Paul’s instruction to Timothy (2:24) “The servant of the Lord must not strive”. You know that. You recently quoted the verse that follows. Though I have undertaken to answer your question, let this not be taken as part of the great debate. I think there is nothing to defend here, except it be something that a sect has said. Sectarianism, as you know, is wrong (1 Corinthians 1:10). Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. |