(January 14, 2014 at 5:29 am)themonkeyman Wrote: To me this verse raised very big problems such as?From a "Calvinistic" Christian perspective – no idea. I do not deserve anything. Much like Kris Kristofferson says in his song “why me Lord”. But similarly we cannot adopt a fatalistic approach and say “It has been predetermined, and I cannot do anything to change God’s mind”.
Why does it appear that God of the entire universe only looks after a select handful of people in each generation?
Each of us has a responsibility – as a Christian to live by his Word, for non- Christians to accept or reject his offer of “Come to me”. Each person will be held accountable. The concept of election is not an easy one, one that usually gets calls as “being unfair” from non-Calvinists.
From me, real gratitude as a person undeserving of his affection, accepting his gracious offer and realizing that but for his grace to work in people’s lives, would have made the wrong choice. It is not a case of being “superior” –
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Quote:Why does it also appear that God would rather harm another of his created beings for the sake of the first one - Can he not 'Forgive Them'?I do not quite know what you mean by “harming”. It seems to me that if you have made a choice, and being warned of the consequences prior to the effects, you are not being “harmed”, but receive that which you have knowingly made a choice for.
Justice requires penalty/retribution. That is also a concept in law “The punishment must fit the crime”, or in Bible language – “an eye for an eye.” You will know that each one of us sin against God’s law (as reflected in the Bible) on a daily basis. Not only by our outward actions, but also by our thoughts. So some form of penalty is due. You can choose to pay the penalty yourself, or accept Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross for your sins.
Quote:Why when Jesus died on the Cross did no one die Immediately by bears etc.. - Surely Gods on son would have constituted Gods Wrath?Please explain. I do not quite get the “drift”. But the way I understand it is that God’s own Son paid the penalty, so why did all the “unbelievers” not die immediately? For the same reason that they do not die now – by God’s grace only.
Quote:What is Gods intrest in the Jews? It also appears that they keep turning their back on him despite existence of his presence?Firstly it seems to me that the Jews are still his "chosen" people. Little Israel is up against amazing forces yet will not be removed from their land - despite for instance threats by Hamas that it will destroy Israel in eight years time. Well, you can "watch this space". Diarise for nine years to be on the safe side.
Yes, they still reject The Christ and will (As I understand it) come back to Him prior to judgement day.
Why do they still turn their backs on Him, despite proof of his presence? Consider the miracles when they crossed the Red Sea, and when a pillar of cloud guided them?
We can ask the same question of our own generation. Despite the amazing universe in which we live, life as a miracle and the complexity of design (even Dawkins readily admits to some form of intelligence as long as it is not God), many (most?) still disbelieve.
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Barnes comments as such:
"Being understood - His perfections may be investigated, and comprehended by means of his works. They are the evidences submitted to our intellects, by which we may arrive at the true knowledge of God."
Real science continuously come to new evidence of a fantastic universe which we cannot fathom even now - consider a "simple" thing like lightening.
Quote:Why even when the Jews turn their back on God he still continues to keep trying with them? Yet he ignores other creatures?The Gospel was brought to the gentiles as well (you are an example) and each individual will be judged separately. God’s offer is open to you today, so he does not “ignore” other creatures but still offers the chance to repent and turn to Him. But just like the Jews, we often prefer to reject God’s authority, and prefer to “do our own thing”. Like a type of “No rules”.
Quote:Why does God have it in for the Gentiles? He created them?!He does not “have it in” for the Gentiles. He died for everyone that believes in Him. Jew, gentile, black, white. coloured, Asian, European, male, female, fat, thin, rich, poor, tall, short….you get the picture.
Eventually all our arguments boil down to a personal decision.
