amity said:Oh, please don't answer me that way. The implications of that statement are very hurtful
You'll have to get used to the way answers are given here at times, Amity.
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amity said:Oh, please don't answer me that way. The implications of that statement are very hurtful
amity said:If I may ask a broader question, does this theology have a name? I just want to do some outside research to learn more.
I don't think it really matters what pigeon hole one puts it. Each statement made must stand the test of Scripture and spiritual common sense.Lately I have been hearing a lot of the idea that we do have the ability to come to Christ and I am not sure what theology it is out of (Pelagianism?), or what the moniker of that doctrine is. It is certainly not Arminian. My question is very serious, I am not being sarcastic.
Well, let's see. It can't mean that everyone hears the gospel. It can't mean that everyone is regenerated. It can't mean that everyone comes to know Christ. So what does it mean?HankD said:I don't think it really matters what pigeon hole one puts it. Each statement made must stand the test of Scripture and spiritual common sense.
The Scripture indicates that everyone has at least a measure of enlightenment
John 1
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
What does "that they are wrought in God" mean?HankD said:What "every man" does with that light is another thing.
John 3
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
HankD
Helen said:What is synergism?
From what you said, that sounds right, but I have really learned to be wary of labels....
Jarthur001 said:Synergism means man works together with God for their salvation...
vs
Monergism meaning salvation is all in Gods hands...
BTW..I'm monergist and this is my weekly column...Mountain Monergism
Tom, this has to do with the way the English language has developed over the years, not with anything to do with the Bible. In English the way it was spoken in 1611, "perfect" meant the same thing that "complete" now means. The original Greek uses the word for "complete." Most more modern translations use the word "complete" in that passage as well. I love the KJV, but it does take a little figuring out sometimes.Tom Butler said:Jesus said in Matt 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect."
I have heard some say "perfect" refers to spiritual maturity. However, I think it means that Jesus is saying that we must be sinlessly perfect, like the Father. I don't think Jesus would go around saying, "I know you can't be perfect, so when you sin, I'll cut you some slack."
When Jesus demanded perfection, did he also imply that perfection was attainable? Don't think so. So Jesus commanded us to do something we can't achieve in this life. In order for us to escape the eternal penalty, Jesus died for us.
Bottom line, God commands us to do something we can't, and holds us responsible for not doing it.
Well, let's see. It can't mean that everyone hears the gospel. It can't mean that everyone is regenerated. It can't mean that everyone comes to know Christ. So what does it mean?
What does "that they are wrought in God" mean?
IOW, that God in reality did those deeds?HankD said:Helen answered this quite well, in addition :
John 16
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Reproval/conviction of sin is a form of enlightment.
The Spirit of God reproves/convicts of sin because, as Jesus, said "they believe not on me" and have no reason for a Savior if they have no knowledge of their sin as sin (an offense to God).
Here is a modernised version, the NKJV:
NKJ John 3:21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.
HankD
All the other sins they have committed, Helen!Helen said:what do you mean 'in part' for their unbelief? What is the other part?
amity said:All the other sins they have committed, Helen!
No, because whatever sins He paid for, those sins are forgiven. If He paid for all the sins of everyone, then everyone would be saved, right?Helen said:You mean Jesus was not the sacrifice for all sin?