Today at 12:30 AM Andrew said this in Post #30
Salvation is simply offered to all.
I here this, probably, more than any other statement on this MB. Please share with me where it says that "salvation is simply offered" and please explain how a spiritually dead person, who is unrighteous, can make the most righteous, spiritually significant decision in their life. Additionally, please explain how "deciding to be saved" doesn't make your salvation come by your works since "deciding to be saved" is a work that you would do.
One must still believe and receive.
So simply "believe and receive" to be saved, huh? What does that mean, "believe and receive?"
that's why its called the free gift.
You should look up what the word "free" means. If you have to do something to get the gift, then it's not free. It's contingent on you doing something. If you want to find out if something is "free" ask yourself if you would get the gift without doing the action. If not, then the payment for the gift is your action and therefore the "gift" is not free.
If you believe all men are sinners as the Bible says, then if the Bible says Jesus came to save sinners, then it wld mean that he died for all. It doesnt get any simpler than that and if you cant eve see this, then there is no point going on. And I've already given you clear-cut scriptures.
I see that you skirted my question so I'll ask it again. If you believe that Scripture says that the purpose for which Christ was sent was to save "sinners" and you interpret this as "all people" then please explain how this doesn't mean Christ did not accomplish the purpose for which He was sent.
that's the problem with hyper-cal.
Please stop referring to me as "hyper-cal." You show your ignorance of the meaning of the term.
He died for all, that all might be saved.
So you think Jesus' death provided a possible salvation but not actual salvation for any person. Sounds like you're saying that Jesus is the "potential" Savior of all, but the "actual" Savior of none?
that's why its called a free-gift -- implying that one must still receive it by faith.
Andrew, if you
have to do something to receive a gift then it isn't free. Why do you keep disregarding that fact?
so we believe that Jesus accomplished what he set out to do ie. die on the cross as perfect man for the sins of the world. and we know he succeeded becos God raised him from the dead.
So
your specific salvation was not Christ's goal? Do you understand that means that you're saying God's greatest desire was just for you to have the "opportunity" to be saved but not your actual salvation?
and here's one more thing you might one to consider:
18 So, then, as through one offence to all men it is to condemnation, so also through one declaration of ÔRighteousÕ it is to all men to justification of life;
the phrase "so also" means "in the same way". So how can the 2nd clause be "in the same way" as the first if one means "all" while the other means "some".
"In the same way"
does not mean with the same result. Deny grammer if you wish Andrew but you cannot deny these simple facts:
Adam's transgression
did result in the Fall of
all mankind. Christ's sacrifice
did not result in the salvation of all mankind. If "in the same way" means the same thing then they would have the same result. "In the same way" means that both the Fall of mankind and the restoration of those who are restored was accomplished in the same manner, i.e., through the disobedience/obedience (works) of
one man.
Again, it shows the lack of consistency in your interpretation.
this will be my final post here.
What this does is show your prideful unwillingness to consider Scripture because you feel you must maintain your interpretation at all costs. I don't expect you to agree with my beliefs. But, if you wish to understand Scripture you are going to have to get out of the mode that whatever you believe now
has to be the Truth. I believe what I believe, just like you. But if I don't take the time to, at least, consider other points of view then all I am doing is placing my faith in my Pastor's, or my own, interpretation of Scripture as the final authority. Have you ever considered the possibility that you may be wrong? I know that I have.
I hope that you will reconsider continuing. I think that we can have a meaningful discussion if we each consider the other's points.
God bless,
Don