It's not an unconditional right, no. I can't use my things to hurt others (without good reason, such as self-defense).
And so, we agree, there are reasons and circumstances that justify harming others.
Quote:
You are trying to use the illustration to show why it is perfectly fine, in your view, for God to select a few humans to spare them the punishment they (in your view) deserve,
Are they not His to do with as He chooses?
Quote:
...but go ahead and punish most of us.
Are we not guilty and deserving of said punishment?
Quote:
If you are trying to show that we "belong" to God and therefor he can do whatever he wants with us, well, yeah, I suppose he could.
And does.
Quote:
But it would be beyond bizarre for anyone to expect that capricious and evil being to be worthy of our love and admiration.
Why would He be unworthy of love for choosing to save a remnant of His creation? Would He be more worthy of love if He did nothing and allowed the entire human race to perish?
you remind me of Hitchens with this, T, who demonstrated that he was obviously just mad at God also; a figurative 12 year old screaming 'i hate you' at their parents. Really?
Ideally, God would want all men to repent of sin and be saved. However, being hopelessly lost and in bondage to sin, God knows that none would turn to Him if He didn't first draw them. And so, God chose to draw an elect remnant to Himself. A people wherein He can demonstrate His love, grace, and mercy.
The many are called... but only the few are chosen.
The more important question is... Do you feel the Father drawing you at this time?
Ideally, God would want all men to repent of sin and be saved. However, being hopelessly lost and in bondage to sin, God knows that none would turn to Him if He didn't first draw them. And so, God chose to draw an elect remnant to Himself. A people wherein He can demonstrate His love, grace, and mercy.
The many are called... but only the few are chosen.
The more important question is... Do you feel the Father drawing you at this time?
No.
Can you answer the question? Does God want me to be saved?
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Can you answer the question? Does God want me to be saved?
I don't know Timmy. That's deep in the sovereign mind and heart of God.
However, I can tell you what I feel in the Spirit. I think God has drawn you to Christ. Yet you've been hurt. You've been abused. You've been discouraged. You have unanswered questions. You've allowed these things to cause you to step back and even doubt the God who has called you. Yet, He hasn't let go of you. In fact, while your "kicking against the pricks" (as Paul did), God is still steering you like a farmer steers a stubborn oxen.
Why do I think this?
Because you are here. You still enjoy, on some level, conversation and fellowship with the saints of God. This is because in the core of your being... you are one of us. It may take some time for God to heal your hurt. It might take some surrendering to God to silence your questions. And, even if it's on your death bed, He'll bring you to the end of yourself and close the gap that separates you. All of this is part of God's plan for you. Don't despair. He is faithful and will complete the work He started in you.
I don't know Timmy. That's deep in the sovereign mind and heart of God.
And here I thought it was an easy question, answered in the Bible.
Quote:
However, I can tell you what I feel in the Spirit. I think God has drawn you to Christ. Yet you've been hurt. You've been abused. You've been discouraged. You have unanswered questions. You've allowed these things to cause you to step back and even doubt the God who has called you. Yet, He hasn't let go of you. In fact, while your "kicking against the pricks" (as Paul did), God is still steering you like a farmer steers a stubborn oxen.
Why do I think this?
Because you are here. You still enjoy, on some level, conversation and fellowship with the saints of God. This is because in the core of your being... you are one of us. It may take some time for God to heal your hurt. It might take some surrendering to God to silence your questions. And, even if it's on your death bed, He'll bring you to the end of yourself and close the gap that separates you. All of this is part of God's plan for you. Don't despair. He is faithful and will complete the work He started in you.
In other words, resistance is futile!
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Linear Mode
