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To: Dr. Eckleburg
I know that none of us knows the names of the elect.

Except for your perfect self-awareness, of course.

I understand your questions. "What good comes from believing this?" The good is simple. Unlike so many, who say that unless the bushman or the imbecile or the week-old baby "is blessed by the Church," or "makes a public statement of faith," or "hears the word and believes," I know that salvation depends on God's mercy alone, and not on ANYTHING anyone might do to achieve it.

Well, if God is directing everything and calling all the shots, why couldn't he make the baptism of the bushman necessary and control events such that it actually happens?

That God is in control of everything, perfectly and without exception, does not mean that the actions that God forces we humans to make are without effect or meaning. Of course we are all saved because of God's decision to save us. But why must you think this means our actions have no effect in making this a reality? Why is God making us run through these motions that ultimately effect nothing? Why not simply entertain the thought in His mind, and be satisfied with it?

SD

2,701 posted on 04/08/2004 12:20:32 PM PDT by SoothingDave
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To: SoothingDave
except for your perfect self-awareness, of course.

Why the sarcasm? You're the one who says a person must EARN his salvation, so that person MUST be smarter, holier, wiser, more aware, than someone who isn't saved.

I say salvation is the Lord's call; always and forever. We are all dead in sin and none of us is deserving of heaven.

You say you earn it by your good efforts; the more perfect your devotion, the more your reward is warranted.

I say human attempts at "perfection" have nothing to do with salvation because we are ALL sinful and rebellious creatures, unless and until God regenerates us through His grace by the umerited gift of faith.

Circles within circles. Outside the circle, encompassing all, is God's will, endless.

2,708 posted on 04/08/2004 12:47:55 PM PDT by Dr. Eckleburg (There are very few shades of gray.)
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To: SoothingDave
Why not simply entertain the thought in His mind, and be satisfied with it?

What is The Matrix? ;o)

2,713 posted on 04/08/2004 12:57:32 PM PDT by malakhi (L'shana haba'ah b'Yerushalayim!)
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