(February 17, 2018 at 3:55 pm)KevinM1 Wrote: Also, yes, I have seen the "If god were to actually appear and prove his existence, then people would be compelled to believe in him, thus eliminating free will" 'argument' several times on this very forum by other Christians. It's always a response to the question why god would rather have his creations exhibit faith rather than having knowledge. So, please don't act like it's some crazy idea I pulled out of my ass. If you have a problem with it, take it up with your contemporaries.
And some folks (according to Scripture) do have direct knowledge. The Virgin Mary gestating the Holy Ghost's only begotten son springs to mind.
Lazarus would have been aware of his life functions being restored! And all those folks who drink deadly poison and live, handle dangerous venomous snakes with out harm, and those that lay their hands upon the sick and lame and heal them transcend belief.
They KNOW.
Now of we could just get one of them to post here . . . .
Recall the scene in Fright Night when the Roddy McDowell character whips out a crucifix on the Chris Sarandon vampire character and the vampire explains "For that to work on ME, YOU have to believe !!!"
And then Roddy McDowell grins, believes and thrusts the cross at the vampire who then withers in response !!!
Sorry, I digress . . .
The granting of a pardon is an imputation of guilt, and the acceptance a confession of it.
