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The present tense was meant for the present day of scripture, as I was speaking about the context of the scripture. Sorry for the confusion. There is much controversy and very little agreement on the issue of how long the Jews were judicially hardened. I agree with those scholars who believe...

Which is worse: Criminal 1: Commits a crime and is rightfully convicted to the death penalty. The Governor hates him, doesn't choose to pardon him, and doesn't provide any measure of mercy. The criminal likewise despises the Governor. Criminal 2: Commits a crime and is rightfully...

Enough for what? Enough to live, die and go to hell? Calvinism doesn't believe God has given the non-elect anything except DAMNATION due to the Fall. You can't get around that no matter how you sugar coat it. Those are the facts of the matter. They are born dead and without hope and will...

No. They were bound over to blindness for two reasons. To accomplish redemption on the cross (it was the Jews who crucified Christ in their rebellion) and to make room for the Gentiles in the church (as they Jews wouldn't have readily accepted the dirty Gentiles into the church without making...

Thus, you provide the PERFECT EXCUSE. "I couldn't receive it because I wasn't born of God...it wasn't granted by revelation." You give unbelievers the perfect excuse for unbelief. I believe unbelievers are much worse than you do. I believe they were given all they needed to receive and...

No, I'm saying man is just as without excuse for rejecting God's revelation through the gospel as he is in rejecting His revelation through creation. Why? Because he clearly sees and understands the revelation. Calvinism's Total Depravity teaches man DOESN'T understand UNLESS the Holy Spirit...

How? What have I said that is factually incorrect about your position? Is it not true that those who don't have faith weren't granted faith by God? Is not not true that those who don't accept the gospel didn't have it spiritually discerned for them, so that they could understand it? (ref. 1...

Allan, Thanks for posting that. I especially liked this part: As I have had Calvinists here rail on me for saying virtually the exact same thing.

Tom, I quote John 12:37-40 all the time to prove that Calvinists view of Total Depravity is incomplete. Why? Because scripture is uniquely showing why Israel, who has grown calloused to God's revelation over the years, cannot believe and come to Christ. God has sent them a 'spirit of stupor'...

As I said, I know you don't believe that, but nevertheless, my argument is that your position just does that. What better excuse is there than, "God didn't choose me?" You know as well as I do that the only difference between someone who goes to heaven and someone who goes to hell in your...

I matters because if someone is never granted the ability to understand that which they are being expected to accept as truth, then they have the perfect excuse for their not accepting it. Ever had a kid tell you, "But, I didn't know." or "But, I didn't understand." or "No one told me." ...

Further, I believe it is that full understanding that makes them truly without any excuses for rejecting and deserving of the punishment they receive. How are they supposed to accept what they can't even understand? It gives unbelievers the perfect excuse to suggest they are born unable to...

All good points. I agree.:thumbsup: I'd love to have that actual quote if you know where it is. That would come in handy.

Yes, and THAT is the reason the Jews of His day weren't able to come to Christ while he was here on earth. They were being temporarily blinded in their rebellion, but "the Gentiles will listen." (Acts 28:28) Its not because its a fallen condition from birth for every person, as Calvinism...

Thanks Tom, as you post gets to the question of the OP. It appears many don't seem to acknowledge that one can have genuine, full understanding yet choose to reject it...choose NOT to obey and follow Christ. Doesn't Jesus say, "consider the cost of being my disciple..." and compare that to a...

One could argue that guilt is imputed through the ACT of sinning, but when does that happen? Can anyone really know when someone has their first sinful intent? That is why I mentioned before that this seems to be a difference without a distinction. Ultimately, we all believe we are all guilty...

Webdog, I believe the confusion on this point may have to do with the distinction between the nature of man versus the act of sinning. The NATURE of man from birth is not holy. Men aren't born believing in God, and everything not done in faith is sin. Man is born selfish, prideful, and at...

I thought it might be helpful to provide some references to start us off: Mental Assent: The scriptures have been shared with so many people and yet so often the same response is repeated on the part of the listener. They acknowledge what has been said but the response is just passive. They...

In several discussions regarding man's ability to 'understand' spiritual things these three concepts are thrown around almost interchangeably. I'd like to know what you all believe is the difference, if any, in these three terms: Mental Assent Understanding Acceptance Also, is it...

Your editing skills are getting better and better. You will be a political speech writer in no time! :thumbs: