Replies

Look, for the most part I agree with most of Calvin doctrine. That man is depraved, that God has to call him and enlighten him to be saved, that man doesn’t truly have free will, etc.

The area I differ is that I think that it is God’s will that everyone be saved. God commands all men every where to repent. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just ours (1 John 2:2). After all, God created man for fellowship with Him. He WANTS fellowship with mankind.

So He provided a means and Jesus said, whosoever will may come.

It’s an open invitation to all mankind.

And yes, I do think that God gives everyone the opportunity at least ONCE in their lives to clearly see their need for Jesus and to repent of their sins and turn to Him.

I find the passage in Romans 9 interpreted as it is, to be too much like, *So what if you don’t like it? You don’t have to like it, you just have to shut up and take it. Who are you to talk back to God?*

Nor do I see it as just that God would demand something of someone, render them incapable of doing it, and then punishing them for not doing what they are incapable of doing.

If a human parent did that, it would be considered child abuse and it would damage a child living and growing up under those circumstances.

I KNOW God is a God of justice and that sin MUST be punished, but God’s portrayal of of Himself as a loving heavenly Father does not mesh with that kind of callous disregard for the soul who is going to suffer for eternity for rejecting Him.

He’s the loving Father who RUNS to meet the wayward son who returns, the Jesus who wept over Jerusalem. He’s loving and merciful and full of compassion. long suffering not willing that any perish but ALL come to repentance.

For those reasons, I don’t think the interpretation that God literally chooses to save some and not others but sends them to hell with no opportunity to turn to Him is the correct one.

I think He chose to save those whom He knew before hand would accept His offer of salvation should it be presented to them.

And what sets them apart?

I have no clue.

I am staggered and grateful that for whatever reason I am one of those who turned and repented. Considering Scripture indicates that most will be lost, the thought that I could have easily been one hell-bound almost terrifies me. It puts the fear of God in my heart like nothing else could and I am so grateful that He worked in my life to save me.

And with those thoughts, looks like another beautiful day on tap so another day of cleaning and such. Mr. mm and I have some projects to do around the house.

Later.....