Posted on 03/21/2010 3:03:29 PM PDT by NYer
As God could raise children of Abraham from stones, He could provide for the writing, collation, publication and dissemination of His Word. He used the Catholic Church for that purpose. He could have used any tool. The sad part of this type of argument is that instead of being in humble awe at the privilege of being the Lord’s instrument for this task, some Catholics take the glory of that accomplishment from God and apply it to their organization. The various councils met, they did as they were going to do. It was God’s decision, not the Catholic Church’s. Or did the council’s sovereignty exceed God’s?
I’ve defined free will.
God calls us all. Part of each Judgement is going to be how we handled that call. Remember the glorious thread in which we discussed the idea of robot slaves? Remember that the imposition of robot slavery upon a man eliminates the need for Judgement.
Mark, it’s like this. God knows his children, and he will not let ONE of them perish. If he did, he wouldn’t be much of a God, would he?
Therein lies a big big theological point. God wills that none shall perish but that all shall attain eternal life. God also says that some men will perish. I am not a Universalist (you know that). How does one handle the two concepts and align them?
And yes, it’s nice to hear from you again. I’m glad I picked up the phone... so to speak :>)
We've had our moments, yes, but you and I have exchanged meaningful posts, if I recall correctly. That makes it worthwhile.
I know how Catholics think God works, I answer that later.
Ummm...I don't remember Paul being there at the time.
Make that earlier.
Excellent!
Are you aware of the changes in the NT since the early 200s?
The sad part of this type of argument is that instead of being in humble awe at the privilege of being the Lord’s instrument for this task, some Catholics take the glory of that accomplishment from God and apply it to their organization. The various councils met, they did as they were going to do.
Shall we discuss inspiration versus robot slave?
Or did the council’s sovereignty exceed God’s?
I'm always intrigued when this description is used. What exactly do you mean by this?
Please correct me if I'm wrong. Have you defined it to exclude the choice of whether to accept or reject God?
***God wills that none shall perish but that all shall attain eternal life. God also says that some men will perish. ***
God wills that none of his CHILDREN will persih. Not all men are his children. They are his creation, though, just like rocks and trees and animals and planets and stars. God chooses some, and chooses against others in his infinite wisdom. We do not know why or how he chooses, but we do know THAT he chooses.
***...all shall attain eternal life.***
I like to say that ALL will have eternal life... but not all will enjoy it :>)
That is because Paul was not a Church official at the time. It is quite likely that he hadn't even heard of Jesus at this time, before the Crucifixion. Paul was in Tarsus, and not involved in day to day Jerusalem politics.
Please re-read post 99. I make it oh so clear.
I still don’t know why or how you believe God “certified” the Bible - other than by your view of the criteria of certification.
I did re-read your post and am requesting specific clarification:
Does your definition of free will exclude the choice to accept or reject God?
Shall I bring out the actual verses? It does not say children; it says variously, all men and the world. Plus, all men are children of God, beginning with Adam and Eve. The angels are children of God. Even the Nephilim are children of God.
I like to say that ALL will have eternal life... but not all will enjoy it :>)
Matthew 25 is fairly explicit, agreed.
Let me make it as clear as HUMANLY possible.
No one can thwart God’s will. No one is capable of defeating God, nor can they make God do what he doesn’t want. No one can lead God, confuse God, or do something outside of God’s will. If God chooses someone to be one of his adopted children, then no, they cannot go against God’s will. They cannot deny God. You cannot reject God if he calls you.
Clear enough?
Okay....knew that...but the point, I thought, was that the reason Jesus did not leave us writings of his own teachings was because he would be sending the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and bring to remembrance those things he did teach in order for us all (the church) to know God's word of truth. You do admit that Paul was lead by the Holy Spirit in his epistles to the churches, right?
Many of our friends believe that the insignia KJV supersedes the Chi-Rho no matter its application.
I say all men, and angels, and the heavenly beings, etc are God’s creation. Only men called of God are his CHILDREN.
Yes, if I take your reply to mean that your definition of free will excludes whether to accept or reject God.
That what I wished clarified and it does in clear terms define the difference in our beliefs about God and man and free will.
I believe God is sovereign AND he has endowed man with free will. It is not thwarting God's will for us to exercise our God-given free will. Including the free will decision to accept or reject Him.
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