Prove to me by scripture that there is any instance in it that anyone who agreed (by simply a complete change of mind only) to be saved through totally committing everything he/she is or does or owns for God's disposition, and that because of that attitude God bestows the permanent unmerited gracious gift of life everlating, that this person with this endowment has desired to return into a depraved disobedient existence.
Prove it to me that there is any such person illustrated anywhere in the Bible as an example of it.
Please!
If you can do that, you will have disproved John MacArthur's theme in this meditation upon which our convictions may be deepened.
Here's what MacArthur wants the reader to consider as a result of pondering on the theology involved:
What should churches do to discern and encourage those who are Christians in name only to put their faith in Christ wholeheartedly? Why do we tend to avoid dealing in touchy matters like these? And what is the result of our reticence?Clearly, one must infer that there are levels of a partial "belief", all of which are shy of a "saving confidence" in Jesus as Savior and Master.
Can I start with the low hurdles?
There are an awful lot of conditions that need fulfilled here to make you happy.
Off the top of my head I can think of the Woman at the well, the thief on the cross, the centurion, the woman with the issue of blood, the woman caught in adultery, the guy up in the tree, Thomas who poked around the Truth, and the blessed folks who have not seen.
Good question, but I have another:
How do churches discern those who are Christians in name only ?