I read the article and it does answer a lot of questions.:thumbsup:
Here's more of his writings, he articulates very well:
http://www.sovgrace.net/index.php/theological-essays/39-salvation
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I read the article and it does answer a lot of questions.:thumbsup:
Here's more of his writings, he articulates very well:
http://www.sovgrace.net/index.php/theological-essays/39-salvation
A difficulty held in common within all theologies is where to draw the line, or make a clear distinction, between God's sovereignty and man’s responsibility. At what point does the realm of the eternal where man is totally passive end, and where does the realm of the temporal where man is active and held accountable begin?
The Primitives in general have given it their best shot to do this and rightly divide by making the distinction between eternal salvation (BAFA, regeneration) and gospel salvation (saved, conversion, profession of Christ as LORD). A short easy read on this is Elder Mike Gowens' essay:
Born Again: The Doctrine of Effectual Calling
There also is a distinction to be made between the eternal and the temporal aspects of the kingdom. The term you use above, “inherit the kingdom” seems to imply the eternal aspect (as in final destination) from passages such as Mt 25:34, 1 Cor 15:50, 1 Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:21. The passage of Jn 3:5 reads “enter the kingdom” which implies the temporal aspect of the kingdom which is available to be had now as shown in passages such as Ro 14:17 and 2 Pe 1:11, i.e. to reap the immense benefits of a New Covenant relationship with God.
I waffle with Jn 3:5. It could mean ‘born of water even the Spirit’, to which others have posted good passages that would support that take on it. But v. 3:5 differs from v. 3:3 in that the latter deals with the ability to see and the other with the ability to enter. Water could also signify either water baptism, or, the gospel (word) from the standpoint of a profession of faith in order to become a partaker of the benefits of the New Covenant, NOT to be BAFA, man is passive in regeneration.
To answer your question, yes, it is absolutely necessary for the regenerate to obey the gospel in order to enter into the kingdom of God here on earth in this temporal realm.
[add] I don't think Christ was referring to 'amniotic fluid' when He used the word 'water'.
Does he deny thte absolute necessity to have the sinner receive Chrsit thru faith, as ALL NT verses suoport the notion that IF the sinner has not received chrsit by /thru faith, not saved!
regeneration work of the HS, but MUST also have then received chrsit by faith to be really saved!
Should, 'amniotic fluid' be understood concerning the coming of Jesus in 1 John 5:7?....
By 'amniotic fluid' I was referring to posts # 2 & 3 which I don't agree with.
...To enter the kingdom of God requires both births.
reference to the time when the Holy spirit will come upon Israel, and grant the nation a new heart, when they have learned to say ;blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
Poor ol' Nick. He's been villainized down through the centuries;
OK, now you're preaching to the choir....
JesusFan/Dechaser1/Yeshua1 read him for your own self and make your own discernment.
John 8:24Did, still not sure, do you hold that one can get to heaven even without either knowing of jesus, or not placing faith in him as saviour?
John 8:24
I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins."
Did, still not sure...
Are there seperate views within PB regarding this, as knwo of a pastor whose church would not support missions in it, for God would save his elect regardless!