I see your Psalm 5:5 and I raise you
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love
Lamentations 3:22 Because of the LORD's great love we re not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
Here is a great illustration as to why proof texting is not beneficial to the student of the biblical message. Quoting scripture is not "proof texting," by the way. Let's be clear on that point. Rather, proof texting occurs when one scripture is laid open and repeatedly pushed into a discussion to the exclusion of other "conflicting" (read: defining) passages. In the above, Caroline can accept the scriptures on "wrath" because she understands them in the greater context of love and love that is not ultimately defeated in its purposes. Kevin will have no answer for the Lam. passage apart from changing its wording/meaning. Out of necessity, Kevin will argue that we are tougher than our own Great God Almighty -- capable of setting aside His ultimate purposes. No doubt , we can say "no" to God. We can chart our own course, but the ultimate purpose of inclusion through the shed blood has already been accomplished. It is a done deal and, for that reason alone, cannot be changed by our "no." Neither the prodigal nor his selfish brother could change the will of the Father. Inclusion without exception is the theme of that parable. Inclusion without merited works is the reality preached in that word. Look to the scriptures and tell me where "hell" is. Hint: it is never where God's love isn't ! In the prodigal parable, hell was found in the living of life apart from the blessings of the Father but the Father's love extended even to the pig pen. that is, after all, where the prodigal made the encounter !!! "Crisis tehology" Barth would say -- doing it works in rubble of our failure. Hell was self inflicted torment. The son could go nowhere to escape the love of the Father, the greatest blessing of all -- he is the "lost." The "saved?" He is the one who stayed home. And a fine example of holiness perfectionism he is.......selfish to the core (he could have been pictured as addicted, covetous, bigoted -- it would have made no difference) and sectarian in the reception of the blessings. Completely undeserving. I could make an argument that he is less a son than the prodigal -- full of deceit and selfishness, playing the FAther against the blessings. If he had left home, would he have returned? We will never know for he was much to selfish with the blessings of the Father to leave.
Caroline has called Kevin's bluff. The result? A wonderful gospel full of truth and victory for us all. We are all winners -- including those who have no hand to bet on.
Awesome scripture, by the way.
JD
