8/11/21

The Universe Just Got Much Bigger—On Paper by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=1016

The Universe Just Got Much Bigger—On Paper

by  Kyle Butt, M.Div.

Every now and then I come across an article on modern “scientific” findings that absolutely stuns me, not necessarily because of the newest “findings,” but because of how casually information that was declared to be so scientifically accurate can be disregarded with a few computer keystrokes. Last week research was discussed that will forever change the way we look at the Universe (if you read the right article), and the irony is that you probably are not even aware of it.

For many years, cosmologists (scientists who study the Universe and its supposed origins) have explained to us that our Universe appears to be approximately 28 billion light years across. A light year is the distance light travels in one year. Since light travels at about 186,000 miles per second, the distance it covers in one year is about 5.9 trillion miles. That means if light were to start at one end of our Universe, travelling 186,000 miles per second, it would take 28 billion years to get to the other side. At least that is what we have been told for about a decade.

New studies, however, indicate that cosmologists have been wrong, on a grand scale, about the size of our Universe. Last week, Ed Oswald wrote an article for Yahoo! Tech titled, “How Big is the Universe? Attempting to Answer One of Astronomy’s Most Complex Questions.” In the article, he explained the complicated processes of how cosmologists attempt to measure the size of the Universe. Using the latest information, he wrote, “Physicists…now believe the radius of the observable universe is now roughly 46.5 billion light years away.”1 That is much bigger than we were told it appeared in years past. But Oswald does not stop there. He goes on to make clear that the galaxies that we see at the edge of our Universe are too “well-formed” to have appeared immediately following the Big Bang. (He incorrectly assumes the reality of the Big Bang.)2 That being the case, he mentions researchers at Oxford who believe that our Universe could be “as big as 250 times the size of our observable universe. Try to wrap your mind around that.”3

So what does all this mean? First, it shows us the serious limitations of science. We are often told to bow to the modern dating methods of the Universe, conform to the “real science” that proves the Bible false, and admit the validity of “current scientific findings.” Yet, we learn every day how limited and incorrect these often are. We are told that such is the nature of science; that it is a “self-correcting” endeavor, so that the most current material must be accurate. That simply is not the case. Many times, what passes for science in cosmology is not self-correcting, it is self-refuting. What we learn from situations in which the size of the Universe can greatly expand on paper is that those researchers who purported to present scientific facts about the Universe’s age, size, or composition were giving us nothing of the sort. They were wrong, the whole time. What happens, then, to the person who demanded that we shove the “modern scientific findings” into the biblical account and make it fit? He is left holding a battered Bible in one hand, and useless, “outdated” (read that as false) cosmology in the other.

Furthermore, the better we understand the Universe, the more we realize that atheistic, Big Bang explanations are not scientifically adequate to explain its origin. Before this latest “discovery,” the atheistic understanding of the origin of the Universe already had a real problem explaining how a tiny “singularity” could explode and bring into existence a 28-billion-light-year Universe. Now the problem has been further compounded, since the Universe appears to be much larger, maybe even 250 times bigger for all we know. Atheism’s conundrum is that to get a 93-billion-light-year Universe from a tiny singularity violates the Law of Cause and Effect that says for every material effect there must be a cause that was greater than it. What in the world is big enough to give us a 93-billion-light-year Universe? A tiny singularity smaller than the period at the end of this sentence is not a legitimate, scientific answer.

The apostle Paul wrote, “For since the creation of the world His [God’s] invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.” The only plausible explanation for a Universe that is 93 billion light years across is an eternal, all-powerful Creator.

Endnotes

1 Ed Oswald (2016), “How Big is the Universe? Attempting to Answer One of Astronomy’s Most Complex Questions,” Yahoo! Tech, https://www.yahoo.com/tech/big-universe-attempting-answer-one-230016820.html.

2 Branyon May, et al. (2003), “The Big Bang—A Scientific Critique,” Apologetics Press, http://www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=9&article=1453&topic=57.

3 Ibid.

The Universe and Its Laws by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=2206


The Universe and Its Laws

by  Eric Lyons, M.Min.

In a recent issue of New Scientist titled “How the Universe Got Its Laws and Our Surprising Role in Shaping Them,” Paul Davies of Arizona State University made some observations that creationists find noteworthy, given his prominence as an evolutionist. He described the alleged 13.7 billion-year-old Universe (2007, 194[2610]:30), which supposedly is the result of mindless, naturalistic, random processes, as “uniquely hospitable” (p. 30), “remarkable” (p. 34), and “ordered in an intelligible way” (p. 30). He admitted to the many examples of “uncanny bio-friendly ‘coincidences’” and “fine-tuned properties” of the Universe (p. 30). He then wrote: “Like Baby Bear’s porridge in the story of Goldilocks, our universe seems ‘just right’ for life. It looks, to use astronomer Fred Hoyle’s dramatic description, as if ‘a super-intellect has been monkeying with physics’” (p. 30).

Still, although Davies admitted that it appears a being of “super-intellect” lies behind the law-driven Universe, he pressed on to find a natural phenomenon to explain “why the universe is as it is” (p. 31). To Paul Davies and other evolutionary scientists, any explanation outside of nature itself is a cop-out. The laws of physics that govern the Universe, and that “are strangely independent of the universe,” must have a naturalistic explanation. So how did the Universe get its laws?

Davies conveniently suggested that we must abandon the orthodox view that the laws of physics are immutable and universal. “Laws” of physics must be considered “flexi-laws.” If you concede this possibility, then the “laws of physics are inherent in the physical universe, and emerge with it” (p. 33, emp. added). The laws “start out unfocused, but rapidly sharpen and zero in on the form we observe today as the universe grows” (p. 33). “[W]ith flexi-laws,” Davies suggested, “the way lies open for a self-consistent explanation” (p. 34).

The fuzzy primordial laws focus in on precisely the form needed to give rise to the living organisms that eventually observe them. Cosmic bio-friendliness is therefore the result of a sort of quantum post-selection effect extended to the very laws of physics themselves (p. 34).

In other words, the laws of physics just evolved to their current status like everything else in the Universe.

While several evolutionary scientists around the world continue to spend countless hours and untold amounts of money “attempting to place the concept of flexi-laws and quantum post-selection on sound mathematical footing” (p. 34), the fact remains that laws of science are called “laws” for a reason: there is no known exception to them. In truth, Davies’ thoughts are no more rational than those of biologists who testify to the law of biogenesis, but then conclude that millions of years ago life must have spontaneously generated.

Davies and others apparently cannot tolerate the thought of the absence of a naturalistic explanation for the origin of our law-driven Universe. When all naturalistic explanations fail to clarify what exists, instead of rationally concluding what such results imply (i.e., that their must be a Supernatural explanation separate and apart from the physical Universe), men like Davies simply come up with another new complicated theory that defies both natural law and common sense.

Naturalistic explanations for the Universe and its laws leave an explanatory void that only a Supernatural Being (i.e., God) can fill. Indeed, laws demand a lawgiver. “The things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Hebrews 11:3). “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1, emp. added).

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, emp. added).

REFERENCES

Davies, Paul (2007), “Laying Down the Laws,” New Scientist, 194[2610]:30-34, June.

"THE GOSPEL OF JOHN" The Truth Shall Make You Free (8:31-36) by Mark Copeland


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"THE GOSPEL OF JOHN"

The Truth Shall Make You Free (8:31-36)

INTRODUCTION
  1. One of the better known statements of Jesus is this: "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (Jn 8:32)
  2. Today this popular statement is often used in a political context...
    1. Referring to freedom from political oppression
    2. Extolling the value of the free press, and freedom of expression
  3. While such are notable virtues, Jesus had something else in mind...
    1. Freedom from something more serious than political oppression
    2. Truth that comes from only one source

[Let's examine the context in which Jesus' statement is found (i.e., Jn 8:31-36). From a careful reading of it we first note...]

  1. THE FREEDOM OF WHICH JESUS SPEAKS
    1. FREEDOM FROM SIN...
      1. The Jews misconstrued Jesus - Jn 8:33
        1. They claimed to have never been in bondage (i.e., political oppression)
        2. An odd claim in view of the present Roman occupation, and past Egyptian, Assyrian and Babylonian captivities!
      2. Jesus explains the context of His statement - Jn 8:34-36
        1. He is talking about the slavery of sin
        2. He offers freedom from the bondage of sin
    2. THE BONDAGE OF SIN...
      1. There is the guilt of sin
        1. A guilt shared by everyone - Ro 3:23; 1Jn 1:8
        2. Even if one has committed only one sin (if such were possible!) - Jm 2:10-11
      2. There is the power of sin
        1. Jesus describes how committing sin makes one a slave to sin - Jn 8:34
        2. Paul illustrated the dilemma of one in bondage to the power of sin - Ro 7:14-24

        [More oppressive than any kind physical slavery is the spiritual slavery that comes from being a sinner! While man may legislate political freedom, only Jesus provides freedom from the bondage of sin. How He does this can be seen as we now examine...]

  2. THE TRUTH OF WHICH JESUS SPEAKS
    1. HIS DOCTRINE...
      1. The truth of which Jesus speaks is His own word or doctrine - Jn 8:31-32
      2. Which offers freedom from the bondage of sin
        1. From the guilt of sin through the blood of Christ - cf. Mt 26:28; Ep 1:7
        2. From the power of sin through the Spirit of God - cf. Ro 8:1-2,12-13
    2. WHICH WE MUST OBEY...
      1. To be His disciples indeed - Jn 8:31; cf. Lk 6:46
      2. To be set free from sin - Ro 6:17-18; cf. He 5:9
    3. BEGINNING WITH BAPTISM INTO CHRIST...
      1. In which we are crucified with Christ - Ro 6:3-4a,6a
      2. In which we die to sin, thus freed from sin - Ro 6:6b,7,11a
        1. Its guilt removed by the blood of Jesus - Ac 2:38; 22:16
        2. Its power weakened by the gift of the Holy Spirit - Ac 2:38; Ep 3:16
      3. In which we rise to newness of life, free now to serve God - Ro 6:4c,11b-14,17-18
        1. With the aid of the continual cleansing of Jesus' blood - 1Jn 1:9
        2. With the aid of the Spirit in putting to death the deeds of the body - Ro 8:12-13
    4. CONTINUING WITH ABIDING IN HIS WORD...
      1. As stated by Jesus - Jn 8:31
      2. As reiterated by John - 2Jn 9
CONCLUSION
  1. Perhaps we can now better appreciate the significance of the Great Commission...
    1. To make disciples by baptizing them - Mt 28:19
    2. To make disciples by teaching them to observe all that Christ commanded them - Mt 28:20
  2. For in carrying out the Great Commission into all the world...
    1. We offer the truth that really makes one free!
    2. Freedom from sin, the burden which truly oppresses mankind!

Are you under the heavy burden of sin, both it's guilt and it's power? Then respond to the Savior's tender invitation:

"Come to Me, all [you] who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Mt 11:28-30)
Accept His call to discipleship ("take My yoke...learn from Me"), remembering His promise in our text:
"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (Jn 8:36)
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Can’t We All Just Get Along? by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman


 https://thepreachersword.com/2018/06/26/cant-we-all-just-get-along/#more-12549

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Since crossing the border into Canada 10 days ago, I haven’t been watching much news. But I noticed an article on my Yahoo news feed this morning bemoaning (again) a lack of civility that continues to plague our country.

I gather there is a war of words regarding Sarah Sanders being asked to leave a  restaurant called the Red Hen. A provocative speech by Rep. Maxine Waters. Some cryptic comments by Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi being heckled as she bought tickets to see a showing of Mister Rogers, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor. And the President tweeting about something needing a paint job and someone with a low I.Q. That’s about it. Eh?

So, as a result, everyone is weighing in on social media and all kinds of vitriolic language is being hurled by one side against another. It seems that everyone feels obligated to make a statement or extend a gesture regarding their political and social views on almost every topic. ThePreachersWord has largely refrained from engaging in such debate except to weigh in on some spiritual and moral issues. Neither have we personally tweeted or posted on facebook our opinions.

Of course, we have opinions. As the old adage goes, “Opinions are like noses. Everybody has one.” Of course, someone may retort, “In your case have you considered plastic surgery?”

However, there is sometimes a virtue in silence. Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying, “Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself.” Then he added, “Avoid trifling Conversation.” May we add to that to avoid bombastic outbursts. Avoid vulgar insults. Avoid crude and crass speech.

It’s bad enough when have to hear it from our politicians, political pundits, star athletes and talk show hosts, but unfortunately, sometimes it is observed among Christians. Especially on social media.

Coarse language, insulting retorts, abrasive attitudes have no place among the people of God. As we model the character of Christ, we ought to exemplify civility, common courtesy, and good manners.

The Bible is plain regarding the impropriety of rude and crude talk among God’s people.

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out-of-place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Eph. 5:4)

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice (Eph 4:31).

In contrast, 1 Corinthians reminds us that “love is kind.” And “love has good manners.” It is not rude or crude. Love issues itself in speech that is ennobling, uplifting and edifying.

The wise man reminds us of the value of a good word spoken to others, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Prov 16:24)

He further advises, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble” (Prov.. 21:23).

He opines that “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent” (Prov 17:28).

Indeed “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov 15:1).

In a time of fierce partisan divide, let us as God’s set apart people rise above the fray. In our tweets. Our facebook posts. And our individual conversations.

May we constantly engage in gracious speech, “seasoned with salt” to kindly, considerately and with civility respond to others. Even with those whom we may seriously disagree.

The prayer of the Psalmist might benefit us all. “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Ps.141:3).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

 

THE QUESTION OF INFANT BAPTISM BY STEVE FINNELL


 http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-question-of-infant-baptism-by-steve.html

 THE QUESTION OF INFANT BAPTISM BY STEVE FINNELL


Does infant baptism find support in the Scriptures? No, baptizing babies is a man-made doctrine.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and and been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Belief precedes baptism in water. Infants cannot believe nor can they disbelieve. Baptism is for those who have already believed.

John 6:24 'Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

Jesus said unless you believe you will die in your sins. Infants cannot believe. Will they die in their sins? Of course not, babies are not guilty of any sins.  In any event, water baptism does not wash away sins of non-believers. If it did, why did Jesus not instruct us to baptized believers and non-believers alike? THERE IS NOT ONE CASE IN SCRIPTURE, WERE A NON-BELIEVER WAS IMMERSED IN WATER.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;.....

How would it be possible to teach infants all that Jesus commanded?

Acts 2:22-41.........41 So then, those who received his word were baptized.... 
On the Day of Pentecost the apostle Peter preached Jesus. The three thousand repented  and were baptized in water. They were not baptized before they received the word of Peter. Infants cannot believe nor do they have anything of which to repent. There is no Biblical doctrine that teaches that adults or infants should be baptized before they believe.

Faith (John 3:16) precedes water baptism. Babies have no faith.
Repentance (Acts 2:38) precede water baptism. Infant have not sinned; therefore, they do not need to repent. Babies cannot turn from sin and turn toward God. They are not sinners.
Confession  (Acts 8:35-37) precedes water baptism.

INFANTS ARE NOT GUILTY OF SIN

James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when he is carried way and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

Do infants lust for fornication, are they thieves, do they get drunk, do they lie, are they swindlers? Babies are not guilty of sin.

Ezekiel 18:20 The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment of the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.

Infants are not guilty of their fathers sins nor are they guilty of the, first man, Adam's sin.

Cain was not guilty of Adam's sin; he was guilty of  his own sin because he murdered his brother Abel.(Genesis 4:1-8)

All men die physically because Adam sinned. Men die spiritually because of the unforgiven sins they, themselves, commit.

INFANT BAPTISM?

1. Infants are not candidates for baptism because they are not guilty of sin.(Ezekiel 18:20)
2. Infants cannot be baptized because they are not capable of believing the gospel.(Mark 16:16, John 3:16)
3. Infants are not subjects for baptism because they cannot confess Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:35-37)
4. Infants are not candidates for baptism because they cannot repent nor do they have anything of which to repent. (Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19)

INFANT BAPTISM IS THE PRODUCT OF MAN-MADE CREED BOOKS. 

Chapter 5 LIMITED ATONEMENT Man's words Canons of Dordt - Second Head of Doctrine Article 8 commented on by C.A. Feenstra

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Feenstra/C/A/1931/ch05.html

Chapter 5

LIMITED ATONEMENT

Man's words

Canons of Dordt - Second Head of Doctrine

Article 8


For this was the sovereign counsel and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of His Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation; that is, it was the will of God that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby He confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation and given to Him by the Father; that He should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, He purchased for them by His death; should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing; and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them, free from every spot and blemish, to the enjoyment of glory in His own presence forever.

* * *

"The Biblical or Calvinistic position is that Christ intended that his death should atone only for the elect and not for others. According to this position, man is totally depraved, and God, loving some with a great love, elected them, or in other words, determined that they should be saved. He sent Christ to die for them and them alone, thereby saving them. Thus the atonement of Christ is limited to some and is not intended for all. Hence, the name 'limited atonement'. That is all there is to the doctrine. It is very simple." The Five Points of Calvinism, Edwin H. Palmer, Th.D., page 35

"Historical or mainline Calvinism has consistently maintained that Christ's redeeming work was definite in design and accomplishment -- that it was intended to render complete satisfaction for certain specified sinners and that it actually secured salvation for these individuals and for no one else. The salvation which Christ earned for His people includes everything involved in bringing them into a right relationship with God, including the gifts of faith and repentance. Christ did not die simply to make it possible for God to pardon sinners. Neither does God leave it up to sinners as to whether or not Christ's work will be effective. On the contrary, all for whom Christ sacrificed Himself will be saved infallibly. Redemption, therefore, was designed to bring to pass God's purpose of election.

All Calvinists agree that Christ's obedience and suffering were of infinite value, and that if God had so willed, the satisfaction rendered by Christ would have saved every member of the human race. It would have required no more obedience nor any greater suffering for Christ to have secured salvation for every man, woman, and child who ever lived than it did for Him to secure salvation for the elect only. But He came into the world to represent and save only those given to Him by the Father. Thus Christ's saving work was limited in that it was designed to save some and not others, but it was not limited in value for it was of infinite worth and would have secured salvation for everyone if this had been God's intention." The Five Points of Calvinism, Steele and Thomas, page 39

Q. Is Calvinism's "Limited Atonement" true, OR does GOD'S WORD teach that God loves all men?

"For Jehovah your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the terrible, who regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward. He doth execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loveth the sojourner, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the sojourner; for ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt." Deut. 10:17-19

"Jehovah is gracious, and merciful;
Slow to anger, and of great lovingkindness.
Jehovah is good to all;
And his tender mercies are over all his works." Ps. 145:8-9

"Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else." Isa. 45:22

"Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" Ezek. 33:11

"But I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?... Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matt. 5:44-46, 48

"But love your enemies, and do them good, and lend, never despairing; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be sons of the Most High: for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:35-36

Q. Is Calvinism's "Limited Atonement" true, OR does GOD'S WORD teach that God loves all men and that He desires the salvation of all men?

"Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? saith the Lord Jehovah; and not rather that he should return from his way, and live?...For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord Jehovah: wherefore turn yourselves, and live." Ezek. 18:23, 32

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

"And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world." I John 4:14

"For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men" Titus 2:11

"This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth." I Tim. 2:3-4

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:6

"And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people." Luke 2:10

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." II Pet. 3:9

Q. Is Calvinism's "Limited Atonement" true, OR does GOD'S WORD teach that Jesus died for all men?

"Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all." I Tim. 2:5-6

"And he (Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world." I John 2:2

"But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man." Heb. 2:9

"And he (Jesus) died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again." II Cor. 5:15

"Who needeth not daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people: for this he (Jesus) did once for all, when he offered up himself." Heb. 7:27

"By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Heb. 10:10

* * *

Q. Is Calvinism's "Limited Atonement" true, OR does GOD'S WORD teach that God earnestly calls all men to hear and obey the gospel of His Son that they may be saved?

"...Jesus answered and said...Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; ...and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matt. 11:25, 28-29

"And he (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned." Mark 16:15-16

"And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:" Matt. 28:18-19

"And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem." Luke 24:47

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22:17 AV

* * *

Q. If God loves all men and Jesus died for all men, does this mean that all men will be saved?

"Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it." Matt. 7:13-14

"For many are called, but few chosen." Matt. 22:14

Q. Is Calvinism's "Limited Atonement" true, OR does GOD'S WORD teach that Jesus died for some men who will be lost?

"For through thy knowledge he that is weak perisheth, the brother for whose sake Christ died." I Cor. 8:11

"Destroy not with thy meat him for whom Christ died." Rom. 14:15

"Overthrow not for meat's sake the work of God.... It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby thy brother stumbleth." Rom. 14:20-21

"But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them" II Pet. 2:1

* * *

Q. If God loves all men and Jesus died for all men and yet only few are saved, who are these few?

"And he (Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his (Jesus') commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoso keepeth his (Jesus') word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected." I John 2:2-5

"...The living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe." I Tim. 4:10

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matt. 7:21

"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." Matt. 17:5

"He (Jesus) became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation." Heb. 5:9

"He that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36b

* * *

Q. Is Calvinism's "Limited Atonement" true, OR is there a great amount of teaching in GOD'S WORD which shows us that God loves all men and that He desires their salvation, and that Jesus' death made salvation possible for whosoever will obey him?

"On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!" John 1:29

"And they (the Samaritans) said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world." John 4:42

"For the bread of God is that which cometh down out of heaven, and giveth life unto the world." John 6:33

"I am the living bread which came down out of heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world." John 6:51

"Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12

"I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture." John 10:9

"And I (Jesus), if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself." John 12:32

"And if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." John 12:47

"For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fulness dwell; and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross..." Col. 1:19-20

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Rev. 3:20

"...God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses..." II Cor. 5:18-19

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?" Rom. 8:32

"For whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother." Matt. 12:50

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:4

"Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life." John 4:13-14

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die." John 11:25-26

"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness." John 12:46

"And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21

"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Rom. 10:12-13

"...Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's shall save it." Mark 8:35

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine (Jesus), and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:" Matt. 7:24 AV

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." Matt. 10:32 AV

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43 AV

"Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my (Jesus') sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house..." Luke 6:47-48 AV

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life." John 3:14-15

"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame." Rom. 10:10-11

"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God: and whosoever loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him." I John 5:1

"As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Rom. 9:33 AV

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

* * *

Q. How are we to harmonize the few scriptures which teach that Christ died for "the sheep" and "the church", with the many, many scriptures which teach that he died for all men?

"And he (Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him (Jesus), and keepeth not his (Jesus') commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoso keepeth his (Jesus') word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected." I John 2:2-5

"...The living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe." I Tim. 4:10

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

The good side of forgetfulness by Gary Rose

 

One day you wake up and realize that you sometimes forget things. I guess you can call it the day you realize you are becoming old. If and when you reach Larry’s state of forgetfulness- well, you ARE IN TROUBLE. But forgetfulness can be a good thing. Consider this passage from the book of Philippians…



Philippians 3 ( World English Bible )

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.

3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;

4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:

5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ

9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death;

11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.



Christianity is all about a new way of living. Leaving the old ways of doing things and starting afresh. Forgetting the things you held dear as an unrepentant sinner is paramount to a happy Christian life. Money, power, prestige, and the like become unimportant. Christ and rejoicing in the knowledge that you are headed towards heaven is simply e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.


With all this, a passage from the book of Jeremiah comes to mind…


Jeremiah 31 ( WEB )

31 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them, says Yahweh.

33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahweh: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:

34 and they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yahweh; for they shall all know me, from their least to their greatest, says Yahweh: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more.


Now, aren’t you glad that God will not remember some things ( on purpose )?


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