Well then go for it, MarkBsnr! :^)
My point about angels being "seemingly ... programmed to unfailingly execute God's will" neglected to include the important advectival modifer, "faithful"; as in the 2/3 of angels who did not rebel but chose to be faithful to God instead.
Do you find this in any way inconsistent with the doctrine of free will? In the end, it really does seem to boil down to a choice of master. Satan said, Non serviam. I will not serve God, thinking to become his own "master" thereby.
Is this the example you choose to follow? If so, Satan becomes your "master." You might think that "liberation" from God sets you "free to be you."
But that expectation does not work, even for Satan himself. That Non serviam transformed him from "Prince of Light" into a degraded, hideous, monstrously vengeful and blood-thiirsty beast who declares himself to be the implacable enemy of man. Yet the promise "kill God so you can be free" is what Satan whispers in your ear. Although he is the father of lies, you believe him. Thus, HE becomes your "master." And you will henceforth live in a lie....
I guess I'm not in a very good mood today. I shouldn't have been so rude to MarkBsnr.
It's good to see you!
What IF... what humans "are", ARE (some of the) Angels that rebelled getting a 2nd chance to UN-rebel.. Like the prodigal son metaphor on holy water.. you know born again.. or regenerated.. a 2nd chance.. Would be so loving God-like to qualify and re-qualify spiritual quality.. Classifying spiritual quality for some future tasks not yet enacted..
No telling what went on for eons before humans were invented and this planet was modified for their use(Genesis).. Maybe the Angels tended to this magnificent Universe.. and still do.. And humans are some of the angels spirits housed in a fleshly space suit.. for further processing.. What a plan that would be.. Every human born being an evil angel getting a 2nd chance.. Romantic too..
Go for what?
Do you find this in any way inconsistent with the doctrine of free will?
Yes. Othewise, the Scriptures would indicate that only some of the angels had free will and the rest did not
Is this the example you choose to follow? If so, Satan becomes your "master." You might think that "liberation" from God sets you "free to be you."
It is not the example, and satan is not my master. I have the ability to choose God based upon His Grace to me. I suppose that I could choose atheism or satanism. I could choose rebellion against the Church and set up my own, just as so many have. But that is not my choice and because of Him, I have the strength to continuously choose Him, and when I fall, have the strength to regain my feet and walk the Via of Christ. That Non serviam transformed him from "Prince of Light" into a degraded, hideous, monstrously vengeful and blood-thiirsty beast who declares himself to be the implacable enemy of man.
That's nice.
Yet the promise "kill God so you can be free" is what Satan whispers in your ear.
A lot of people whisper a lot of things. Some speak loudly and plainly.
Although he is the father of lies, you believe him.
Are you telling me what I believe? Even the Reformed have not directly accused me of believing satan's lies. I ask for an apology on that. I believe that I have demonstrated my beliefs and my faith most openly here. This is not called for in this discourse.
Thus, HE becomes your "master."
When you refer to HE, if you are referring to Christ, then you are correct. If you are referring to satan, then I ask for an apology for that as well.
And you will henceforth live in a lie....
Strike three. Please send me those apologies in as public a manner as you have accused me directly of believing satan and having him as my master.