Bill wrote: >> I am talking about the Holy Spirit working in >> unison with the Gospel, even before the Gospel >> is preached. Do you not think that happens?
Judy wrote: > No I don't Bill. That would be magic and God > isn't into those kinds of things. In His economy > faith comes by hearing and hearing - by the Word > of God. Bill wrote: >> ... I believe that not a single person would ever >> come to faith in Jesus Christ were it not for the >> Spirit preparing that person to respond to him >> in faith. Where my teaching diverges from classical >> Calvinism is that where the Calvinists believe that >> only some are wooed by the Spirit. I believe that the >> Spirit woos every single person who will have an >> opportunity to hear the Gospel. Another point of >> divergence is that they believe this wooing is >> irresistible; I do not. Judy wrote: > I'd lay Calvin's ideas aside entirely and trust the > Holy Spirit to reveal God's Word to you. Where > in scripture does this idea of "wooing" originate? > I don't believe I have ever seen it. John 6:44 (44) No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him What Bill is talking about is not "magic." It simply refers to the fact that God's grace is necessary before a person will believe in Christ. The working of God's grace is through the Spirit of God to woo or draw that person to believe the gospel. John 6:44 speaks about a working of the Father upon a person before that person will be in a place where he can respond to the gospel and follow Christ. When Peter professed Jesus to be the Christ, Jesus said, "flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven" (Mat. 16:17). This again speaks of a working of God within the person that goes far beyond any preaching or teaching that turns that person to the Lord. This passage speaks about an inward revelation working within the person. 1 Cor. 12:3 also testifies to this, saying that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
