Very well written, but the reason that some people will not/do not want to believe is that for them to do so would mean realizing that there is something great than themselves, however you wish to put it, and that they cannot be a law unto themselves and do whatever they want.
Amen. The truth and reliability of the bible has been proven and each day seems to reveal more evidence from archeology and other sources. Have a great week.
In my case, I am lazy. It’s like ignoring the weeds. It takes effort to thrive in the garden of our Lord. And, secondly I need to touch other’s soul in thoughts and deeds. Their soul - strive to touch. May the Holy Spirit wash over all who read this message!
Had the same issue years ago. Started reading the Bible a few minutes each and it became a habit and the time I spent doing it increased. Might I suggest a Chronological Study Bible (there are several paperback editions under $20). Makes more sense to a lot of people to read it in a time ordered manner. Have a blessed weekend.
Thanks Rod. It is good to read this “Case for Christ” in a geopolitical Substack. Well done.
Curious about your view: Do you believe that God gives everyone the information they need, and some believe and accept Jesus as their savior and some don’t? Or do you believe that God chooses who will accept Him? Or a third explanation?
I believe Scripture is very clear that we must repent and call on the name of the Lord, and also that His calling is all of grace. This is a dance, not a contradiction, and I have no doubt its inner workings will be obvious to the poitn of childlike from the better perspective of Heaven. Here, however, we continue to argue the point throughout the centuries.
I have no animus toward those who disagree with me on what I'm about to say. But I do believe that we are dead in our trespasses: we all choose rebellion, and any rebellion is treason punishable by death and Hell. So His work in salvation is both redemption and regeneration, enabling us to respond to Him. That is all of grace, and certainly not based on any merit of our own.
As to those who have not heard, I do not know what special provision God might make in extreme cases, up to and including the parachuting of a Bible from the sky or a personal appearance by Jesus on the Damascus road. But we do not deserve such. We are all descended from the same father, who told his children the truth. If later fathers lied to their children about the truth they received, it is certainly no fault of the Lord's, and such apostasy might live with "children's children" to the third and fourth generation. We rarely consider the long-running consequences of our sins, especially while we seek ways to make God "obligated" to soften them.
But regardless of miraculous efforts, God has raised up billions of believers and given them all a duty to evangelize, send missionaries, plant churches, and be witnesses for His Son. If we are faithful, no one will ever miss the opportunity to hear. If we are not, like the faithless watchman on the wall, their blood is on our hands.
Spurgeon (who was a five-point Calvinist) said "If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for."
Thank you for the detailed response. I don’t think your response, “So His work in salvation is both redemption and regeneration, enabling us to respond to Him. That is all of grace, and certainly not based on any merit of our own.” really answers my question. However, I appreciate the nuance and the point where you said it will all be clear once in heaven.
I personally believe that we have to give Jesus a Free Will YES! I don’t see that as a work. I don’t see it as diminishing His sovereignty or Grace. Just as my son “accepting” my gift of a college education doesn’t diminish my gift.
All that said, I don’t think of this as a Tier one salvation issue, but more of an interesting theological debate.
As I said, we are required to "confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead" to be saved.
God is active in salvation. So are we. We are commanded to exalt him regardless of whether we do it. There is complexity in this, yes. But there is also enormous simplicity. And our duty is clear.
How about this TBL: 1 John 1:5 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” All are born with a conscience for right and wrong. I think you can call it the Light of Christ. It does not relate to IQ, but is enhanced or debased through education and experiences. This is the way I read it because like any father, God loves all his children. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. John 3:16-17.
Thank you for your logical analysis. I pray your logic and Faith will be with us for many years to come. You are a very important voice in the public square.
HI..
Very well written, but the reason that some people will not/do not want to believe is that for them to do so would mean realizing that there is something great than themselves, however you wish to put it, and that they cannot be a law unto themselves and do whatever they want.
Alas, Romans 1 is very clear on that point.
Amen. The truth and reliability of the bible has been proven and each day seems to reveal more evidence from archeology and other sources. Have a great week.
In my case, I am lazy. It’s like ignoring the weeds. It takes effort to thrive in the garden of our Lord. And, secondly I need to touch other’s soul in thoughts and deeds. Their soul - strive to touch. May the Holy Spirit wash over all who read this message!
HI..
Had the same issue years ago. Started reading the Bible a few minutes each and it became a habit and the time I spent doing it increased. Might I suggest a Chronological Study Bible (there are several paperback editions under $20). Makes more sense to a lot of people to read it in a time ordered manner. Have a blessed weekend.
Thanks Rod. It is good to read this “Case for Christ” in a geopolitical Substack. Well done.
Curious about your view: Do you believe that God gives everyone the information they need, and some believe and accept Jesus as their savior and some don’t? Or do you believe that God chooses who will accept Him? Or a third explanation?
I believe Scripture is very clear that we must repent and call on the name of the Lord, and also that His calling is all of grace. This is a dance, not a contradiction, and I have no doubt its inner workings will be obvious to the poitn of childlike from the better perspective of Heaven. Here, however, we continue to argue the point throughout the centuries.
I have no animus toward those who disagree with me on what I'm about to say. But I do believe that we are dead in our trespasses: we all choose rebellion, and any rebellion is treason punishable by death and Hell. So His work in salvation is both redemption and regeneration, enabling us to respond to Him. That is all of grace, and certainly not based on any merit of our own.
As to those who have not heard, I do not know what special provision God might make in extreme cases, up to and including the parachuting of a Bible from the sky or a personal appearance by Jesus on the Damascus road. But we do not deserve such. We are all descended from the same father, who told his children the truth. If later fathers lied to their children about the truth they received, it is certainly no fault of the Lord's, and such apostasy might live with "children's children" to the third and fourth generation. We rarely consider the long-running consequences of our sins, especially while we seek ways to make God "obligated" to soften them.
But regardless of miraculous efforts, God has raised up billions of believers and given them all a duty to evangelize, send missionaries, plant churches, and be witnesses for His Son. If we are faithful, no one will ever miss the opportunity to hear. If we are not, like the faithless watchman on the wall, their blood is on our hands.
Spurgeon (who was a five-point Calvinist) said "If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for."
Amen and amen. May it ever be thus.
Thank you for the detailed response. I don’t think your response, “So His work in salvation is both redemption and regeneration, enabling us to respond to Him. That is all of grace, and certainly not based on any merit of our own.” really answers my question. However, I appreciate the nuance and the point where you said it will all be clear once in heaven.
I personally believe that we have to give Jesus a Free Will YES! I don’t see that as a work. I don’t see it as diminishing His sovereignty or Grace. Just as my son “accepting” my gift of a college education doesn’t diminish my gift.
All that said, I don’t think of this as a Tier one salvation issue, but more of an interesting theological debate.
As I said, we are required to "confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead" to be saved.
God is active in salvation. So are we. We are commanded to exalt him regardless of whether we do it. There is complexity in this, yes. But there is also enormous simplicity. And our duty is clear.
How about this TBL: 1 John 1:5 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” All are born with a conscience for right and wrong. I think you can call it the Light of Christ. It does not relate to IQ, but is enhanced or debased through education and experiences. This is the way I read it because like any father, God loves all his children. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. John 3:16-17.
Thank you for your logical analysis. I pray your logic and Faith will be with us for many years to come. You are a very important voice in the public square.
Best Regards, Randy Nix
Thank you.
Great testimony, God’s grace is something none of us deserve, thank you Jesus.
I believe. I wish I believed with obedience, patience and conviction.
Amen.
That was a great read Rod, I’m glad you posted that! Here are some verses to consider as well:
Acts 2:38. Matt 28:19-20
John 3:16. Mark 16:16
Romans 6: 1-5