russell55 said:
The translations use the word foreknew because it's right to translate it as foreknew, because its equivalent English word is foreknew--and no one is arguing with you about that. But used in the NT, as it pertains to God in relation to people, foreknowing a person (or persons) also carries with it the idea of choosing that person (or persons) beforehand. And that's what a lexicon will tell you. People who really read the Greek use lexicons because they know how important they are in helping to understand the nuances of a word's meaning in the Greek, something that a simple translation of a word into the equivalent word in English can't do.
I don't know why I bother explaining, though. No matter what authoritative evidence is given to you, I suspect you'll stick to the same old song and dance, thinking you somehow know better than the experts.
I totally disagree. This verse is clear and can not be forced to say what it does not say.
Be it Calvinism or some other view. The text is completely clear.
Interpretation comes form the meaning of the words and the context of which it is set in, grammar. Not your opinion or mine.
When interpretation leaves the meaning of the context / grammar you then leave reality and move into false teaching.
A normal literal translation has never, will never, can never support the notion that this word in this context means "choose before hand". I will stay with the text not a force view of it.
This discussion is a very clear example of presupposition overriding common sense and normal grammatical understanding.
Let me say this very clearly: If anyone of you Calvinist, Arminians, or other Views make a statement that you believe the Bible in a literal sense and then move form it to your personal convection you have then violated the truth.
Let the text speak for itself. I will deify any author regardless of who they are if they state what is not there. Don't mistake that statement to mean we should not read and study. But as soon as you or I pack our bags and follow a man or men and swear on every word they write we are in serious trouble.
I have completely demonstrated the exact wording, and meaning of the text. You could present me with millions of books on the subject and I will stay with the text within its context.
The Bible is the rule not the Lexicons. They are tools and yes they are imperfect. So are you and I. So lets get off this "they are so holy and lofty and smarter than anyone that has ever lived." They are just as human as you and I. We can honor them and their hard work but not statements they make that are not factual or correct. Just because it is a” Lexicon" does not mean it has no mistakes in it. I have demonstrated it clearly that this assertion is absolutely incorrect. You know it and I know it and I have completely revealed it and you can't prove me wrong because the Bible does not record the works, choose before hand in verse 29.
Glory to God - Let the Bible be true and all men liars. Pleas don't take me as a fool or stupid, I know the words, the grammar, the meanings so don't try to blow smoke at me, it will not work. Real smoke screens are saying the text says what it does not say.
For all out there in forum land that reads this - Please, don't let anyone intimidate you to reject the clear truth of God's word on the basis of intellectualism elitism. It is a smoke screen only used to defend that which can not legitimately supported in the text itself. Folks the words 'Choose before hand are not in verse 29. I tell you here on this forum that anyone asserting that it is a LIAR, not only intellectually dishonest but intentionally miss leading.
If however they will admit it does not say that and that it is their personal theological interpretation then and only then will they be honest with you and I and the Text of God's Word.
http://www.greeknewtestament.com/B45C008.htm#V29
I have no reason of be deceptive. I have studied all my life and I am no different from you or any Tom, Dick or Harry. We need to Let God's work speak.