StraightAndNarrow
Active Member
Well, here's where knowing Greek helps a little. I wish the the English versions had done a little better job. The Greek phrase is pas ho pisteuon. "Pas" means "all". ho pisteuon means "the believing ones" or "the ones who believe." Therefore, the meaning of the text is "all the believing ones." Again, it does not support either Calvinism or Arminianism, or any view in between. It merely tells what those who believe (all of them) receive - everlasting life. There is nothing in this whole passage about a universal offer of salvation. There is nothing in this passage about salvation only for the elect either. We have to turn elsewhere to get those doctrines.Originally posted by Calvibaptist:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by StraightAndNarrow:
No. I'm suggesting that "whosoever" in John 3:16 means that all have the opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior not just the elect.
Young's Literal Translation is "that everyone who is believing in him may not perish." This is accurate. "Whosoever" meaning universal offer is not found in this passage. </font>[/QUOTE]With all the sources available on the inter (like my favorite www.blueletterbible.org) you really don't have to take Greek because Lexicons / Concordances are easily accessible. Actually, you make a point that I neglected. The form of the verb for "believeth" in John 3:16 is:
5723 Tense - Present See 5774
Voice - Active See 5784
Mood - Participle See 5796
This means that only "everyone who is believing in him may not perish" as you posted from Young's Literal Translation. This is the same as saying "everyone who continues to believe." This supports my opposition to perseverence of the saints. If you once believed but no longer believe you are no longer saved.