- Jun 9, 2017
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"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time " (1 Timothy 2:1-6)
Paul here very clearly says that Jesus Christ's Death, is "a Ransom for ALL".
I am well aware of the use of "all" and "world", etc, where there are cases the words do not mean "every", and must be taken it its context. As it does in John 12:19, where we read that "the world" had gone after Jesus, which cannot be understood as the "whole human race", but a "large number".
However, in the passage from First Timothy, it is very clear who the "all" for whom Jesus is a "Ransom". Paul urges us to pray for "ALL our leaders", and "ALL in authority", which can only mean "every single person", as rulers of countries, and governments, and those in any authority. Paul then says, "it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires ALL people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth", which must include the ALL "rulers" and "those in authority", everywhere in the world. It is these same "ALL" that he goes on to say, that Jesus was a "Ransom" for their sins. There is no way, without twisting what is said, that anyone can conclude from the us of ALL here, that Paul was only speaking of "elect" leaders. He does not use this word here. The ALL can only refer to the "entire human" race, which includes those as leaders and in authority, throughout the entire world.
The only people who will argue against this, are the sad Calvinists, who, rather than admit that their "theology" is flawed, and not in the Bible, will try to twist the plain meaning of what this passage teaches.
There is another similar passage with Paul, which will further show his desire for the salvation for "everyone without exception".
"King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also ALL who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” (Acts 26:27-29)
Paul is here witnessing to king Agrippa, who said that Paul was trying to "make him a Christian". Paul replies, that it was his desire (and not doubt, God's), that not only the king became a believer in Jesus Christ, but ALL who where in the king's palace that day! except his chains. It is very clear to anyone who is of an honest mind, and with no preconceived doctrines, that Paul meant just that. EVERY single person who was there that day, and heard his preaching, he wanted to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ! It would be forcing the meaning of the passage, to assume that only those who were "elect" were present at this time! No doubt some would be deluded to think so!!!
Paul here very clearly says that Jesus Christ's Death, is "a Ransom for ALL".
I am well aware of the use of "all" and "world", etc, where there are cases the words do not mean "every", and must be taken it its context. As it does in John 12:19, where we read that "the world" had gone after Jesus, which cannot be understood as the "whole human race", but a "large number".
However, in the passage from First Timothy, it is very clear who the "all" for whom Jesus is a "Ransom". Paul urges us to pray for "ALL our leaders", and "ALL in authority", which can only mean "every single person", as rulers of countries, and governments, and those in any authority. Paul then says, "it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires ALL people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth", which must include the ALL "rulers" and "those in authority", everywhere in the world. It is these same "ALL" that he goes on to say, that Jesus was a "Ransom" for their sins. There is no way, without twisting what is said, that anyone can conclude from the us of ALL here, that Paul was only speaking of "elect" leaders. He does not use this word here. The ALL can only refer to the "entire human" race, which includes those as leaders and in authority, throughout the entire world.
The only people who will argue against this, are the sad Calvinists, who, rather than admit that their "theology" is flawed, and not in the Bible, will try to twist the plain meaning of what this passage teaches.
There is another similar passage with Paul, which will further show his desire for the salvation for "everyone without exception".
"King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also ALL who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” (Acts 26:27-29)
Paul is here witnessing to king Agrippa, who said that Paul was trying to "make him a Christian". Paul replies, that it was his desire (and not doubt, God's), that not only the king became a believer in Jesus Christ, but ALL who where in the king's palace that day! except his chains. It is very clear to anyone who is of an honest mind, and with no preconceived doctrines, that Paul meant just that. EVERY single person who was there that day, and heard his preaching, he wanted to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ! It would be forcing the meaning of the passage, to assume that only those who were "elect" were present at this time! No doubt some would be deluded to think so!!!