Can a non-calvinist answer these?

[12strings]

1. If God does not overcome our free will, Can a non-calvinist actually pray for God to save someone, or do we pray that God would simply "try his best."

2. If God does not overcome our sinful free will, does this mean God cares more about respecting our free will than he cares about our eternal souls? If your child is running into the street, despite your pleading for her to repent and turn around, would you just let her go, or go get her? Why wouldn't it be better for God, like a loving father, to overcome our free will for our own good?

 

[Jerry Shugart]

1. If God does not overcome our free will, Can a non-calvinist actually pray for God to save someone, or do we pray that God would simply "try his best."

Since the "gospel" comes in the power of the Holy Spirit all those who do not "resist the Holy Spirit" can be saved.

2. If God does not overcome our sinful free will, does this mean God cares more about respecting our free will than he cares about our eternal souls?

God wants all men to hear the gospel so He cares more about bringhing men to the knowledge of the truth than anything else.

 

[convicted1]

1. If God does not overcome our free will, Can a non-calvinist actually pray for God to save someone, or do we pray that God would simply "try his best."

Well, I can only speak for this "non-cal". I ask Him to send His Spirit to the lost, that they may humble themselves under His mighty hand. God resisteth the proud, and gives grace to the humble.

2. If God does not overcome our sinful free will, does this mean God cares more about respecting our free will than he cares about our eternal souls?

God sets before us a blessing and a curse; therefore choose life. Jesus said that Mary chose the good part, which can not be taken from her. When God reveals Himself, it is they who must choose to hear or forbear.

If your child is running into the street, despite your pleading for her to repent and turn around, would you just let her go, or go get her? Why wouldn't it be better for God, like a loving father, to overcome our free will for our own good?

Well, why does He let some run amuck without any hope whatsoever, according to y'alls system? In y'alls system, some run amuck without any pleading for them to "come unto Me, all ye that are laboured and heavy laden, and I will give you rest".

 

[Rippon]

God wants all men to hear the gospel

Except the ones He hides the Gospel from -- The very ones He has foreordained to perdition.

so He cares more about bringing men to the knowledge of the truth than anything else.

His own glory -- bringing honor to Himself is the highest priority.

 

[quantumfaith]

Except the ones He hides the Gospel from -- The very ones He has foreordained to perdition.



His own glory -- bringing honor to Himself is the highest priority.

Not being disrespectful here, have seen this position expressed many times, how does it "jive" with God possessing the quality of aseity . While I do agree that God desires the praise and Glory of creation, "I" think his motivation is more of pure love. But of course "speculating" as to what "motivates" God is just that, speculation.

 

[Jerry Shugart]

Except the ones He hides the Gospel from -- The very ones He has foreordained to perdition.

Of course God does not hide the gospel from anyone. If that is true then why would the Lord Jesus send His disciples into the world to preach the gospel to every creature?

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim.2:3-4).

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet.3:9).

 

[Rippon]

Not being disrespectful here, have seen this position expressed many times, how does it "jive" with God possessing the quality of aseity . While I do agree that God desires the praise and Glory of creation, "I" think his motivation is more of pure love. But of course "speculating" as to what "motivates" God is just that, speculation.

You should review a thread I started in May of 2007 called The Self-Centered God. It would be an edifying experience.

 

[Tom Butler]

Maybe it's time to exegete Matthew 1:25-26

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

Okay, have at it.

 

[Jerry Shugart]

Maybe it's time to exegete Matthew 1:25-26

Okay, have at it.

There is nothing here that even hints that the "gospel" was being hidden from anyone in those verses. Besides that, why would the Lord Jesus command his disciples to preach the gospel to every creature if He wanted to hide that gospel from some?:

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mk.16:15).

 

[Rippon]

Maybe it's time to exegete Matthew 11:25-26


Okay, have at it.

Happy 74th Tom!

And Luke 10:21 is a parallel passage.

 

[Rippon]

There is nothing here that even hints that the "gospel" was being hidden from anyone in those verses. Besides that, why would the Lord Jesus command his disciples to preach the gospel to every creature if He wanted to hide that gospel from some?:

Maybe you were looking in the wrong place. See the above post. It certainly is speaking of the truth of the gospel being hid. Jesus said :"Yes,Father,for this is what you were pleased to do." Multiplied millions have never heard the gospel. It is the Father's will that some not hear the glorious gospel. That's from the Word of God.

Now we are to go and spread the Gospel to everyone we can. That is our pleasure and duty. I let the Holy Spirit do what He will.