Featured Paul and Festus

"And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 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 26:24-29)

Reading these words, which form part of Paul's defense on his imprisonment, we can see the heart and mind of God working regarding the salvation of the lost, which was the main purpose of Paul's ministry

The last verse interested me, which is Paul's response to Festus. Paul here declares that it was his (and no doubt God's) desire, that ALL who were there present during his conversation with Festus, were saved, like he was, but not bound in chains. To my mind, this is a very clear passage of the desire of God through Paul, to see the salvation of ALL sinners, and not just the "elect", as some contend. Without reading into what Paul says, and talking his words as they are intended, it seems very clear that he could not have believed, that God did not desire ALL without exception be saved.

Lets be civil in our responses

 

Ah, you seem to be arguing from predestination, am I right? This then is a problem, as I see the Bible as saying that God wills that none perish. rejection of Jesus Christ and the Gospel concerning Him is what damns a person, not that God did not "prechose" then

 

No, you are right, the greatest sin is the rejection of Jesus Christ. here are Christ's own words:

"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged" (John 16:7-11)

 

It has been paid for by Jesus Christ dying on the cross for a world of lost sinners, like you and I. It is only after a sinner confesses their sins, and accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord, that they can be forgiven. Jesus Himself says in Luke 13, "But unless you repent, you too will all perish" (verses 3, 5). It is that simple! Yes, "universalism" as in the "extent of the Atonement", which it must be, if as Mark 16:15 says that we must preach the Gospel of salvation to the entire world, or else, it is an insincere offer. But this is not the same as "universal salvation".

 

My friend, it is like a doctor that has the cure for your ailment. Unless you go to him and take it and use it, you will not get better. Jesus has paid the price once for all, for the sins of mankind, which are only "applied" to the repentant sinner

 

I see no problem. You are trying to create one that says something that the Bible does not. God indeed is Sovereign, but has chosen in His Wisdom to use the foolishness of preaching to save those that believe. Man who is created with a free-will by God to either accept or reject the Gospel, must respond as they desire. We are not a bunch of machines that simply do what God has "preordained", as God is not the author of sin.

 

Both. Christ has made the Atonement, and the sinner needs to go to Him in repentance to accept this.

 

You have my response