David Miller wrote: >> I have argued against universalism (the idea that all will >> be saved) in the past, not against the idea that Christ has >> died for the sins of the whole world.
John wrote: > Is this the same as saying that God in Christ has reconciled > all of humanity to Himself in a single and sovereign Christ > Event apart from any effort of man? Yes, but it does not say that the infidel will never experience this reconciliation. John wrote: > Please establish, exegetically, your "realization of .....reconciliation" > with the Colossian text. Where, specifically, is this in the text? We have already been over this. Col. 1:23 says, "If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled..." You have agreed that the product of reconciliation, holiness, is not separate from reconciliation. Therefore, our experience of this reconciliation, is manifested in our lives as we cooperate with believing God. Paul even goes further along these lines, explaining his role as an apostle to bring others into this reconciled relationship with God. Paul speaks of preaching, warning every man, and teaching every man, that they might present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. He even speaks about him laboring, and striving according to his working. This is the effort which we do, not struggling to achieve righeousness, but struggling to help others believe God and experience the gift of God too. John wrote: > Why does Paul tells us to "renew our minds" > should he have addressed that to the Spirit > since we are just along for the ride after the > Spirit indwells and takes over? We are not just along for the ride. We cooperate with God, which is why we receive instruction. False teaching can turn us away from Christ, and so it is countermanded by sound doctrine and instruction. John wrote: > Want me to look up and list scripture that teaches > that we expend effort? Yes. I think the more a person tries to be righteous, the more he experiences the frustrating life of Romans 7, never able to be holy, and living a life of condemnation. John wrote: > God does, in fact, accomplish righteousness for us > -- accepting the exchange of "faith" for "righteousness.' > We are, indeed, "righteous" apart from our own effort > -- apart from effort of ANY KIND. But sense [sic] you agree > with me 90% of the time, you probably are nobbing [sic] your > head and saying "Amen" in your usual high pitched voice. I don't have a high pitched voice, but yes, I am nodding my head and saying Amen. 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.
