[kosta50]

What, content is irrelevant and what feels good in the heart is all that matters? Paul spends most of the NT dealing directly with content, not mysticism and feel-good vague notions. Of course God wants us to understand. Why else would He bother to communicate with us (if you believe that He does)? I want my dog to understand content to the best of his capability. Why would God want less for us?

As I said, He didn't have Bible study sessions. He came to Peter and said "Follow Me!" End of discussion. There was nothing to understand.

Paul is trying to "explain" this mysterious faith to Greeks and Romans, accustomed to philosophy and reason, and he is using the approach they can grasp. But what is he "explaining," FK? That Christ rose from the dead? Is that an "explanation?" Or is it a profound mystery that requires blind belief? Or hat with His Blood He paid for our sins? Or that by being dunked into the water we are mysteriously "born-again" and the "elect" of God?

And don't tell me that being told that all your past, present and future sins have been forgiven because you call on the name of the Lord, and that your salvation is assured no matter what you do for the rest of your life is not a "feel-good" notion that appeals to our human nature!

[Forest Keeper]

Paul is trying to "explain" this mysterious faith to Greeks and Romans, accustomed to philosophy and reason, and he is using the approach they can grasp. But what is he "explaining," FK? That Christ rose from the dead? Is that an "explanation?" Or is it a profound mystery that requires blind belief?

It certainly didn't require blind belief since there were hundreds of witnesses to the FACT of the resurrection. Eyewitness testimony counted back then, just as it does today. They were telling TRUE stories BACKED with facts.

Is that an "explanation?" Or is it a profound mystery that requires blind belief? Or that with His Blood He paid for our sins? Or that by being dunked into the water we are mysteriously "born-again" and the "elect" of God?

The Apostles never taught that dunking had anything to do with salvation or being of the elect. That was added later by the men of your Church. More power for them, etc.. :)

And don't tell me that being told that all your past, present and future sins have been forgiven because you call on the name of the Lord, and that your salvation is assured no matter what you do for the rest of your life is not a "feel-good" notion that appeals to our human nature!

I think it IS, but we do not believe what you have said above, so it doesn't apply to us. Somehow, I do not see your future holding a bare bones basic understanding of Reformed theology. :)