Subject: eph 1:4-5 what is predestination, chosen |
Bible Note: Hi Apollos. Thank you for your post.. What Paul has to say in Romans Chapter 3, has to be considered within the context of what he had already said in Ch 2, an extract from which is given bellow. Rom 2:6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds":* Rom 2:7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; Rom 2:8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath, Rom 2:9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; Rom 2:10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Rom 2:14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, Rom 2:15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) Please note especially verses 7, and 14-15.. I do not see how it is possible for "eternal life", to be given to anyone described by who Paul at. Rom 3:10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; Rom 3:11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. He cannot possibly with these last verses be referring to all mankind at all times in history, otherwise he would be contradicting himself. I believe that all Paul is doing here in these two Chapters, is contrasting "Gentile", behavior with, "Jewish" behavior. The Jews who had the Oracles of God should have known better. A possible explanation for Ch 2, could be found at. Act 8:30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" Act 8:31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. Act 10:2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. Act 10:3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius!" Act 10:4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, lord?" So he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Act 10:5 "Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. Please compare the following extracts, and tell me if you think there is a connection? Was Cornelius saved because of Merit? "eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;" "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God." Every blessing. Edwin. (ebrain) |