I have been having a recurring discussion on this topic... Predestination.I believe Mark Driscoll says it best;
Will everyone be saved?
Simply, no. Hell does exist and sin against an eternal God is an eternal offense requiring an eternal payment to be made by God’s enemies (Dan. 12:1–2; Isa.66:22–24; Matt. 5:22–30; 10:28; 25:46; John 3:36; Rom. 1:18–32; 2 Peter 2:4–22). When the Bible says that God wills that all would be saved (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) and that Jesus Christ died for all (1 Tim. 2:6; Heb. 2:9; 1 John 2:2) and that all are invited to salvation (Matt. 28:18–20; John 3:16; Acts 16:31) it cannot mean that all will be saved because the Scriptures are clear regarding the eternal state of punishment for unbelievers.
The Scriptures also teach that Jesus’ death is sufficient for only particular persons and not everyone in general as indicated by such statements as He died for man and not all (Matt. 20:28, 26:28; Rom. 5:17–19). The particulars include:
• His people (Matt.1:21; Heb. 13:12)
• Friends (John 15:13)
• Sheep (John 10:15)
• Those the Father appointed (John 17:1–11)
• The church (Eph. 5:23–26; Acts 20:28)
• Us (Titus 2:14)
• Me (Gal. 2:20)
Also, Jesus’ death and resurrection actually does redeem (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Heb. 9:12), reconcile (Rom. 5:10–11; 2 Cor. 5:18–20; Col. 1:22); and propitiate (Rom. 3:25; 1 John 2:2). Therefore, if Jesus truly died for everyone, then everyone would be saved. Therefore Jesus’ work was particular, or definite, for the elect (John 6:38–39, 11:52; Rom. 8:32–33).
Some, however, will argue that God should save all people. But God has the right to give grace as He determines (Matt. 20:12–15; Rom. 9:20–21), and has done so throughout history (John 15:16; Acts 9:9, 9:15; Rom. 3:1–2). Some will accuse God of being unfair, but if God were completely fair and just rather than merciful then all would go to hell and none would go to heaven. Also, God has the right to create people for His purposes (Rom. 9:22–25).
Therefore, the Scriptures are clear that only some are chosen for salvation (Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:3–11; 2 Thess. 2:13), and salvation is solely a work of God (John 1:13, 6:44, 10:26; 1 Cor. 1:30, 10:30; James 1:18).
This is from the Gospel Class taught at Mars Hill Church.
3 comments:
I'm concerned about your salvation and stuff..
That last one was from Chandler. She should have left her name.
I love your passion and I love a good debate, and so that I don't disappoint, I will state my objections. I'm with you (and Mark Driscoll) all the way up to the "Therefore". So I won't argue Scripture, because I agree with the Scriptures. I argue the "therefore". I think it is a leap and not a straightforward conclusion.
I see no contradiction between something being offered to "all" but only "many" taking up the offer. Since God is outside of time and sees everything that has or ever will occur, He refers to all and many, I believe in a "before and after" sense. So, not "all" will share in the benefits of Jesus death, only the "many" who accept it. Yet Scripture (even many of the ones referenced) make clear it is offered to all.
Romans 5:18-19 - (18Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.) shows exactly what I mean - 18 says it brings life for all men, and 19 says the many will be made righteous. It is available to "all", but only "many" will be made righteous.
That's all I have to say, I'm already typing with just one eye open...
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Hey Rick...I think you totally need to get this shirt:
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