Posted on 12/04/2006 7:52:47 PM PST by Pyro7480
Fair, loving, merciful compassionate and just!
So much so that only God could do it.
How so?
So many ways. How would you like me to begin?
So you are saying that a Holy God who has never done any evil at all, stepping out of His glories in heaven where everyone worshipped Him and adored Him, coming down to earth, becoming a human being (while still maintaining divinity for those who want to accuse me of something - Kosta), living a 100% SINLESS life with no evil at all, being put to death by having his hands and feet nailed to a wood post and suffocating to death for sins he never committed for people who hated him - that's fair???????
Now on that one, you have me stymied.
First of all God kept his word. Second, death was required of man. Third the sentence was paid. Fourth, God sacrificed his own Son to pay it..
Just, true, consistent, merciful, and... so much more. It cannot be fully known.. but to know it more is to know God.
By scripture, God cannot show favoritism, nor can He be a respecter of persons. Likewise, all have sinned and all are unrighteous. They are totally sinful. None do good.
Why are some drawn and others not?
By the above, calvinism says it cannot be favoritism and it cannot be something in the person.
Isn't that the question, though, when anyone survives a disaster that kills many others? Why me?
What would you tell that person?
But not fair. If I break the law but you have to go to jail for my crime, is that fair?
In Calvinism I see so little of value in the Cross. It means so little. When it is a huge climax of salvation history.
Law says a man must go. I volunteered in your stead. Law is satisfied.
I would tell that person to be more careful.
The cross says it all. It is the grace of God towards mankind- completely irrespective to whether or not man "DESERVES" it, for he doesn't. It is mercy displayed on a pole. It is God's plan for all the ages come to fruition. It is the CULMINATION of Calvinism. God's salvific plan manifested and accomplished, once for all.
But justice is not.
Justice is not satisfied in this equation because unlike Christ, you do not have the clout to satisfy justice. You have broken the very same law, so by that law deserve to die as well. Justice demands that BOTH of us are punished for our sins. You can't stand as a substitute for me, for you too are guilty.
Sure justice is. We have to break a tad above to see the analogy. "Man" broke the law, "Man" paid the fine.
"More careful" is not a real answer.
But, it's late for both of us, and I'm tired, too, and gotta get up early and lead worship.
I'll try to pick this up again sometime tomorrow or Monday.
Night all.
Only God could and serve in stead.
And only God did.
But every man is responsible for his own fine, and you don't have enough cash to pay for both.
This is basic Christianity.
Sorry, what you are saying tonight is not. Best think it over more carefully. I too have to go to bed tonight because I have to teach Sunday School in the AM. Have a good evening.
Only a perfect penitent could pay the fine.
This is not all new to you, is it?
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