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The quote to which you are referring is in Romans 11 where Paul is addressing the ingrafting of the Gentiles and the "cutting off" or "hardening" of Israel. Some took his teaching on this to mean that God's promise or call to Israel was being revoked and thus Jews could no longer be in...

By this logic I suppose you believe that those who are unable to bear children can't be a pastor either? After all, Paul goes on to say, "He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive." If he doesn't have children to keep submissive then I suppose...

I agree with glfredrick on this matter. To presume that Paul's words would disqualify himself, a church starter, and even Christ himself along with other Godly single men, which Paul clearly prefers, is a stretch. With polygamy and divorce (with remarriage) being a moral issue which indeed...

Of course not. I believe that Jesus is speaking of the influence that wealth has on the will of man (because I do believe in free contra-causal free will). Envy may provoke man's will unto salvation according to Paul in Rm 11:14. Why? Because man's will is in play. In the same manner...

So, what you are saying is that a rich man's heart is likely to be more "depraved" or "evil" than a poor man's heart, thus making it more difficult for God's irresistible call to change? I'm not trying to argue against the point yet, just understand it. Why? If its all of God's doing what...

You don't believe that all God redeems by the blood will enter heaven? Does any one besides me find this confusing?

Actually, I've been the one to correct some Calvinists (can't remember if it was you), because they refer to monergistic salvation, when in reality you support monergistic regeneration for the reasons you state above. So, while I do recognize the distinction we all at times "simplify" the...

As if within the Calvinistic system one doesn't irresistibly lead to the other? That is why I asked what I did above. If being reborn WILL certainly and irresistibly lead to enter God's kingdom and thus eternal salvation then what does this distinction matter in regard to the wealth of the...

They might correct you by saying that electing the rich man is not difficult, but irresistibly drawing him to new-birth, faith and repentance is? That is what I'd like them to explain.

I've read Edersheim's quote several times and I'm not seeing how it answers my question. It only seems to show why it would be difficult for a Jew to give up all his riches (a point I confirmed from the beginning), but it doesn't appear to answer the question regarding why Jesus would relate...

No, I've only inquired as to the distinction in one who is wealthy being unconditionally elected, irresistibly regenerated and thus effectually brought to faith and salvation versus any other average poor fellow with regard to why it might be any more difficult? And are you suggesting that...

I never said it was "impossible," in fact my question was in regard to why it would be "more difficult" for those who are wealthy. Please go back and re-read the OP. Thanks

Hardly a distinction worth mentioning when one also holds to the doctrine of "irresistible grace" by which those unconditionally elected are effectually drawn to meet all the conditions of salvation. Are you suggesting that God has made many of the non-elect reprobates he unconditionally...

By this reasoning are you supposing that someone can be saved in one since but not another? If not, what purpose is the distinction? And of course non-Calvinist affirm this truth as well. Surely you are not implying that we believe we can be saved apart from God, are you? "With faith, all...

I just quoted scripture, which says: "But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, " 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!' " Oh, are you sure? Where is the text that says...

Translation: If I can't answer the hard questions I skip them. Translation: Statements that go beyond my Calvinistic pat answers are dismissed as "nebulous and irrelevant." Translation: Instead of allowing your quotes to supply the answer, I'll just pretend that you have said, "I can't say,"...

Sometimes its not just about an effort to get someone to change their perspective. Sometimes its about presenting the other perspective so that those reading through these posts can make informed choices. One more verse to throw in as support for my last post: 1 John 5:19 … "the whole world...

It may be a small god in your finite understanding, but the God of the bible teaches that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places," and those "rulers" have a...

:laugh: My wife thinks I lost it because I almost fell out my chair laughing. Thank you for that laugh! :laugh::laugh:

We both correct what we believe to be the error of others, Luke. It is a debate board after all. And could it be what you refer to as "fainting" generosity and "amiableness" is my genuine attempt to be more loving and kind with those I debate even though I know full well it is not my nature...