Perhaps the hardest of scripture to understand. Does it make one a little less condemning of the evil government leaders? (Stumbling blocks, one might call them.) Teachings God has given me are in-depth studies of the fall, the fact that He set it up and for His greater purpose for it is written that He created evil (I always quickly follow that with the clarification that He did NOT create sin), and interesting studies on the fullness of the redemption planned for us (as you indicate, an absolutely free gift), and arguably the most profound statement made by Jesus from the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” speaking of His very slayers (which, of course, HAD to be). THANK YOU for this.
Really a searcher; ha, a scripture detective. I long to understand - study the word meanings (did you know this Gk word THĒSAUROS θησαυρός mn Mt 2:11, Lu 12:34 +++ a deposit, wealth: - TREASURES)? When I found it, I rejoiced, loving Words/The Word!
Several years ago, I wrote A Christian Study of Evil after an education on it for many years (in the name of Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead, doing deliverance, etc) and it is due for an overhaul. I’ll have to see if/how I handled the potter/clay info. Oh this world is quite a romp? So grateful we got in touch. Thank You, LORD.
I am the same way. Reading, studying, digging into the languages and history...
I try to not let preconceptions cloud my understanding of Scripture. Having not been raised in a Christian home, I think I sometimes find it easier than others, though some concepts (like election) can still be a struggle, since we tend to approach things from a human perspective rather than God's.
I too am thankful God saw fit to have our paths cross.
Ok, having read and somewhat digested the entire set of articles, I'd have to say I agree with you in general. However, I'll also say that the articles scope was far wider than "free will". You touched on predestination, foreknowledge, election, and to an extent the sovereignty of God as well. there may have been more, but those I recall for sure. I laud you for trying to tackle a topic in a comprehensive manner. The articles are very well written. I'll not write my own article in your comment section, so I'll leave it there and perhaps we will exchange longer opinions/correspondence on this topic.
I have another thought pressing my heart. So many scriptures indicate His great love, mercy, and grace representing our redemption. I wish to cite some of the myriads of examples: Matthew 1:21: and specifically the fullness of the Greek meanings of the name ‘Jesus’ and ‘save’; John 3:16 & 17; the fullness of the redemption through His blood by the sacrifice of Jesus, and His statement from the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” concerning those ‘used’ including, possibly, Judas; and the enormity and comprehensiveness of the plan since BEFORE the foundation of the world, even for mankind. Where am I going? Is it possible that many considered ‘vessels of wrath’ were/are the hybrids reported throughout the OT, and are appearing on earth today? I have this notion that mankind is an extraordinarily special race with a unique purpose, once born again (ie-of God); and that, given the example of the thief on the cross, it really takes no effort for us to be so (or it would be of our ‘work’ and not of Grace). Oh there is so much more to it than that, not the least of which is Rom 8:11 and Col 1:13++. But I must begin my prayers, so thank you for suffering through this ‘preamble!’
God chose you to write this article which is one of your best to date.
Love the turn of phrase there. Thank you Michael.
Perhaps the hardest of scripture to understand. Does it make one a little less condemning of the evil government leaders? (Stumbling blocks, one might call them.) Teachings God has given me are in-depth studies of the fall, the fact that He set it up and for His greater purpose for it is written that He created evil (I always quickly follow that with the clarification that He did NOT create sin), and interesting studies on the fullness of the redemption planned for us (as you indicate, an absolutely free gift), and arguably the most profound statement made by Jesus from the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” speaking of His very slayers (which, of course, HAD to be). THANK YOU for this.
Such a wonderful comment and compliment. Thank you Marylynn!
So very welcome.
Really a searcher; ha, a scripture detective. I long to understand - study the word meanings (did you know this Gk word THĒSAUROS θησαυρός mn Mt 2:11, Lu 12:34 +++ a deposit, wealth: - TREASURES)? When I found it, I rejoiced, loving Words/The Word!
Several years ago, I wrote A Christian Study of Evil after an education on it for many years (in the name of Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead, doing deliverance, etc) and it is due for an overhaul. I’ll have to see if/how I handled the potter/clay info. Oh this world is quite a romp? So grateful we got in touch. Thank You, LORD.
I am the same way. Reading, studying, digging into the languages and history...
I try to not let preconceptions cloud my understanding of Scripture. Having not been raised in a Christian home, I think I sometimes find it easier than others, though some concepts (like election) can still be a struggle, since we tend to approach things from a human perspective rather than God's.
I too am thankful God saw fit to have our paths cross.
Ok, having read and somewhat digested the entire set of articles, I'd have to say I agree with you in general. However, I'll also say that the articles scope was far wider than "free will". You touched on predestination, foreknowledge, election, and to an extent the sovereignty of God as well. there may have been more, but those I recall for sure. I laud you for trying to tackle a topic in a comprehensive manner. The articles are very well written. I'll not write my own article in your comment section, so I'll leave it there and perhaps we will exchange longer opinions/correspondence on this topic.
I have another thought pressing my heart. So many scriptures indicate His great love, mercy, and grace representing our redemption. I wish to cite some of the myriads of examples: Matthew 1:21: and specifically the fullness of the Greek meanings of the name ‘Jesus’ and ‘save’; John 3:16 & 17; the fullness of the redemption through His blood by the sacrifice of Jesus, and His statement from the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” concerning those ‘used’ including, possibly, Judas; and the enormity and comprehensiveness of the plan since BEFORE the foundation of the world, even for mankind. Where am I going? Is it possible that many considered ‘vessels of wrath’ were/are the hybrids reported throughout the OT, and are appearing on earth today? I have this notion that mankind is an extraordinarily special race with a unique purpose, once born again (ie-of God); and that, given the example of the thief on the cross, it really takes no effort for us to be so (or it would be of our ‘work’ and not of Grace). Oh there is so much more to it than that, not the least of which is Rom 8:11 and Col 1:13++. But I must begin my prayers, so thank you for suffering through this ‘preamble!’