Originally posted by quizzler
I think the people who believe that Jesus died for the elect, and not for all, need to quit discussing that topic.
Okay. Thanks for such a gracious attitude for those who believe differently than you.
1. You make it sound like you don't need to witness.
Well, I believe God died for the elect and I think we still need to witness. I guess your theory isn't true.
2. You make it sound like that witnessing doesn't matter.
Of course it matters. It's one of the ways God brings people to a knowlege of who He is.
3. You make it sound like you don't care for the lost.
Absolutely untrue.
4. You make it sound like people will come to Christ without anyone witnessing to them.
You make it sound like God is limited to your witnessing as the only way God can save someone. Seems like you've got quite an inflated idea of your place in God's sovereign plan.
5. You make it sound like your an elitist and that you are better than the lost people. You aren't.
Those who adhere to the belief in the elect of God acknowledge that the elect are saved solely by the grace of God. You believe you are saved because of a decision you made. We put all our faith in the fact that God changed us from a depraved, unworthy, sinful being who is at war with Him to someone who has been given a new desire to do for His good pleasure. You believe you overcame your depravity and God reward your sincere plea for redemption. If anyone boasts about their position with God it's you.
6. Its not worth discussing it because it causes people to get off the focus of the real reason.
You have free will, right? Just don't engage in those discussions if you can't do so in a godly way.
7. Its not worth discussing it because it causes people who are lost to think they can't change their status.
We can't change our status. That's why we praise God, because He changed it for us. You believe you're the one who changed your status because you "accepted His sacrifice" and that's what made it manifest in your life. Forget about that whole "Fall of man" thing. Forget about that "fallen nature of man" thing. Forget about that whole "wrath of God" thing. You're saved because you decided to be saved.
8. Its not worth discussing it because it causes people who are babies in Christ to think to be confused.
Riiiiight, 'cause no one who thinks the way you do is confused.
9. Its not worth discussing it because it causes confusion.
The idea that man can thwart the Will of God is the most confusing thing I've ever heard. And that's a view that you espouse.
10. The excuse that, "Witnessing is commanded by God is the reason we ought to do this" is not good enough. That shows no care for the lost. It shows you are following rules and don't care for people.
Nice presumption as to other people's motives.
I used to believe that, but i decided it was not worth dwelling on this because this topic will cause you to neglect the lost.
When someone "neglects the lost" it's not because of a doctrine. It's because they love themselves more than they lover their neighbor. I understand if you take issue with the beliefs but to attribute the world's problems to what you perceive as a misunderstanding is going a bit far.
If you want to believe this, that's fine.
Okay. Thank you.
But don't discuss it around people who don't understand the issue.
Do you mean people like yourself? Who put you in a position to decide what we're allowed to discuss?
And if people who don't understand the issue bring it up, then tell them its not a topic for to be discussed without truly studying it and taking time to understand the position.
Okay. Quizzler, this is not a topic you should discuss until you truly study it and take time to understand it. Better?
I've said my piece about this. I haven't talked about it before in here. And i really don't intend to start.
Praise God.
God bless
