I am not talking of quoting Scripture verses; I am talking about the knowledge of salvation given to one by the Reformed Holy Spirit. If the Reformed Holy Spirit can give one perfect knowledge, then why rely on these multiple versions of Scripture translated, interpreted and printed by men?
I still have no idea why. Even by Catholic theology God already knows who will never accept Him. Among those people do not some lead better and happier lives than others?
Yes. And?
And among the happier ones, are not many of those also more moral than the less better off people (during their times on earth)?
In your previous argument, you stated that temporal happiness was related to knowledge of the Gospel. I still challenge you to provide evidence that Reformed reprobates led happier lives on earth knowing the Gospel. I will further ask whether that is even pertinent. An eternity in the agony of hell dwarfs a lifetime of being a Reformed reprobate, does it not? Does it then matter?
Could you explain where you are coming from?
I'll try. If the Reformed Holy Spirit transfers all required knowledge to the newly transformed believer, then there is no point to any printed matter, since the believe will have all that he requires. Preaching the Gospel to the Reformed reprobate is worse than useless to them, since it might be considered the equivalent of taunting them with something that they cannot attain.
Are there not many meek people without faith? If you say "Yes" then do all of them go to Heaven? If you say "No", then you really mean "all the meek who have faith". In that case we are saying the same thing.
I say yes, but only based upon the Judgement.
What's the difference? God's word is inspired, infallible and perfect for its intended use. We rely on Holy Spirit to help us with correct interpretation of His perfect word. It should be expected that Holy Spirit would use His own words to communicate with us. Scripture interprets Scripture.
In your previous argument, you stated that temporal happiness was related to knowledge of the Gospel. I still challenge you to provide evidence that Reformed reprobates led happier lives on earth knowing the Gospel.
I don't think I said it that strongly. I believe that temporal happiness can certainly be enhanced by living a comparatively moral life. Knowledge of the Gospel and/or its surrounding principles would be a source of such morality. I base this on common sense. Do you disagree with this supposition? For example, do you believe that on average morally depraved individuals are generally happier people than those who lead moral lives? I think common sense would answer in the negative.
I will further ask whether that is even pertinent.
Not terribly. I thought I brought it up in trying to answer a question from you. :)
An eternity in the agony of hell dwarfs a lifetime of being a Reformed reprobate, does it not?
Yes, there is no comparison.
Does it then matter?
Not very much, as I said in the earlier post. I was answering your saying or implying that it made no difference of any kind at all. I disagreed and said it made some difference lasting only during this lifetime, and without comparing it to eternity.
If the Reformed Holy Spirit transfers all required knowledge to the newly transformed believer, then there is no point to any printed matter, since the believer will have all that he requires.
OK, now we have something to work with. :) The grace that the elect receive does not take the form of a "docu-dump" of knowledge. It takes the form of having eyes and ears opened. At that point, the printed matter then, for the first time, becomes believABLE to the person, who may well have read it many times before but not believing. Faith comes by hearing the word, but one must have opened ears for it to work. That is why we still need the Gospel, whether in written form or orally, in the normal course to come to faith after we have been touched by the Spirit.
Preaching the Gospel to the Reformed reprobate is worse than useless to them, since it might be considered the equivalent of taunting them with something that they cannot attain.
It can't be taunting since neither party has any idea if the listener is reprobate or not. Preaching the Gospel to someone who turns out to be reprobate is still done in good faith and in obedience to God. Therefore it is good and not a waste. As to whether it is "worse than useless" to the reprobate I have already made my point that I think it is better than useless temporally, although nothing in comparison to eternity.