salvation for the lost

[EricH]

Once discussions like this start centering on our feelings rather than scripture, they really become difficult to have. Feelings, while important, are just that. Scripture, on the other hand, is empirical and absolute.

I will put it this way. I hope that everyone will be saved. I know however that they will not, because scripture says they will not. I wish with all my heart that is not the way it was, but I am not God. My standards of love and justice don't apply to Him. He is God and He is the standard of Love, justice...

I guess my point is that all of us need to decide what will be the method we use to decide what is absolute truth. Ourselves, or God's word. We also need to decide what will govern our behavior on these boards. Our emotions, or God's standards for how we are to treat those who disagree with us:

And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth

2 Timothy 2:24-25

[stevehut]

Once discussions like this start centering on our feelings rather than scripture, they really become difficult to have. Feelings, while important, are just that. Scripture, on the other hand, is empirical and absolute.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yup

[Fiosh]

Once discussions like this start centering on our feelings rather than scripture, they really become difficult to have. Feelings, while important, are just that. Scripture, on the other hand, is empirical and absolute.

I will put it this way. I hope that everyone will be saved. I know however that they will not, because scripture says they will not. I wish with all my heart that is not the way it was, but I am not God. My standards of love and justice don't apply to Him. He is God and He is the standard of Love, justice...

I guess my point is that all of us need to decide what will be the method we use to decide what is absolute truth. Ourselves, or God's word. We also need to decide what will govern our behavior on these boards. Our emotions, or God's standards for how we are to treat those who disagree with us:

And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth

2 Timothy 2:24-25

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We all need to consider that when we say the "method we use is God's word", what we really mean is our own interpretation of God's word.

And, in that, even the greatest, most knowledgeable,holiest, fully sincere seekers of truth disagree.

Humility is a virtue.

In His Love,

Fiosh

I also would ask you to give our non-believing friends some allowance for ignorance of truth. We need to meet them where they are and gently guide them toward Christ; not push them away. I say again, we are blest that they are here. Don't waste this opportunity that the Spirit has given.

"to whom much is given, much is expected"

I don't mean to sound self-righteous, I'm speaking to myself as much as anyone. I'm as prideful as they come.

One last thing..

Re: "Once discussions like this start centering on our feelings rather than scripture, they really become difficult to have."

Spoken like a true man.

[stevehut]

We all need to consider that when we say the "method we use is God's word",  what we really mean is our own interpretation of God's word.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Or the interpretation of our church.

And in my experience, "interpretations" sometimes come about when we form opinions on a subject and then only later consult the Bible to "prove" a pre-existing opinion. I did this myself for many years.

[Gerioke]

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Is it not possible that evil and wickedness is the chaff and what is left belongs to God? Evil is separate from good.

It disturbs me that there are those here that think pets should go to Heaven and yet they are offended by the lost being found through the awesome and perfect power of God. Grace is only for a select few who God favoured enough to predestine their place in Heaven. What was the secret that Jesus told John in Revelation? Is mans prejudice stronger than the will of God that desires salvation for all?

I for one will pray for the lost and rejoice in the "good news" that Jesus died for us all.

[Fiosh]

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Is it not possible that evil and wickedness is the chaff and what is left belongs to God? Evil is separate from good.

It disturbs me that there are those here that think pets should go to Heaven and yet they are offended by the lost being found through the awesome and perfect power of God. Grace is only for a select few who God favoured enough to predestine their place in Heaven. What was the secret that Jesus told John in Revelation? Is mans prejudice stronger than the will of God that desires salvation for all?

I for one will pray for the lost and rejoice in the "good news" that Jesus died for us all.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gerioke, I share your hope that God in His mercy has made a way thru Christ that we cannot totally fathom.

[Gerioke]

Thanx Fiosh

Salvation for the whole world is a recurring theme in the bible. That gives me hope.

[Fiosh]

Thanx Fiosh

Salvation for the whole world is a recurring theme in the bible. That gives me hope.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm thinking....

maybe we could start a thread asking what the Bible says concerning those who are not rebellious, but rather ignorant or blind to the Truth????

[Gerioke]

Thanx Fiosh

Salvation for the whole world is a recurring theme in the bible. That gives me hope.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm thinking....

maybe we could start a thread asking what the Bible says concerning those who are not rebellious, but rather ignorant or blind to the Truth????

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

sounds good

you start it

I've already got all the opposition I can handle

[Fiosh]

I've already got all the opposition I can handle

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You are too cute!

Ok, I'll give it a whirl.

F