Posted on 04/21/2014 2:32:58 PM PDT by wmfights
Any thoughts?
Always wondered why Satan is released after the 1000 years?
It didn't last only 1656 years...it's still in effect. The serpent is cursed, women have pain in childbearing, nature is cursed, we work for food, and the Promise is in effect. Because sin is in the world (although not dominant over those who believe in Christ's atonement), this condition of the world will last until the end of time.
Because that is the Day of the end of the world and he and his followers will then suffer final defeat (Rev 20:10).
Satan will be taken out of prison and thrown into the lake of fire.
Predestination is a different topic.
In all of the dispensations, some degree of predestination occurred. Volition(free will) is an institution established by God for all humans, believers and unbelievers alike. Both can enjoy the fruits of that institution, provided they respect legitimate authority. Along with volition, comes volitional responsibility.
That’s why we are held accountable at the Great White Throne Judgment and the bema seat judgment. It’s also why we aren’t condemned for sin at those judgments. Christ has already been judged for human sin. Good and evil have not been so resolved.
It’s all part of the angelic conflict and His Provision for all His Creation.
Free will rules. Apparently, even the angels had free will.
I’ve always found it interesting that the angels are described as “fallen” and “elect”.
I believe God gives people free will during the Millenial Reign and when Satan is released shows how undeserving of His Grace and Mercy we are. Yet He is so great and merciful He saves some of us. So Satan being released results in God's Glory.
I don't include Angels because they are entirely different than us.
I do believe Adam and Eve operated freely. However in a different dispensation the Pharaoh's heart was hardened by God so that the plagues would continue. In that case the Pharaoh couldn't have stopped the enslavement of the Jews even if he wanted to.
No, I'm thinking in terms of different dispensations. We know God's Grace is the same throughout all dispensations, but that doesn't mean God only interacts with his creation in one way all the time.
I am not omniscient, but I could predict that my preschoolers would get into the cookies when they were left out.
How much more would an omniscient Creator be able to know what will happen before it does.
The Lord created time, stands outside time, and sees all things throughout time.
That is not “predestination”. That is just seeing what will happen, not making it take place.
Man always has free-will. God knows what we will do, but loves us enough to let us have our way, and hopefully the lessons we learn will not be lost.
I think it’ll show man capable of rebellion and disobedience without temptation from Satan.
I don't believe this is always true.
One example I gave already was the Pharoah's heart being hardened. Another example would be in our current era, The Age of Grace.
Rom. 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His son,... (30)Moreover who He predestined these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
A different example would be the Millennial Reign where I believe man is given free will and the result was rebellion.
But it does show how great God's mercy is for an undeserving people who left to their own devices rebel.
Amazing...here you are with proof of God...but yet you still think your better.
That was also true of Eve and then Adam.
There is a further explanation in Rom. 9:13-23, especially v. 18 and 19.
"So then he has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. You will say to me then, 'Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?'"
It did not work when Adam pointed the blame back to God for his sin, "the woman whom Thou gavest me...".
It will not work for us to say "Lord, you made me this way."
No biggie either way. I think it comes down to the Lord being the Lord of time and seeing the end from the beginning and the beginning from the end.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.