Predestination or free will?
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Not so. Name a human characteristic trait of the mind or heart that God does not possess. These are not the product of time or human experience. These are qualities that originate in the nature of God and were placed into the human mind from the very beginning. This does not mean these character traits cannot be corrupted. This is the lesson of the garden. Being born of God means these character traits have been reassigned by the individual to the will and pleasure of God rather than devoted to sin.
Selfishness, lust, and jealousy would come under the heading of covetousness; this is indeed a character trait we share with God. You have to understand that it is not a sin to covet. A man can covet and be selfish over his own wife and that is good and honorable. He is not permitted to share her with another man. However, when he begins to covet his neighbor's wife then covetousness is perverted and becomes sin. It is not a sin to lust but, when a man lusts after another woman he has no right to, then lust becomes sin. We can covet and be jealous over those things we have a right to; we can lust after those things that are rightfully ours and this is good and right. How many times has God told us in scripture "I am a jealous God." Sin is not a character trait. Sin is a perversion of character that affects the entire range of human nature.
I think Judas gets a really bad rap. If it wasn't for his doing what Jesus told him to do and after partaking of what is the first communion, how else would Jesus have fulfilled God's grace filled mission to die on the cross so as to take the sins of the world upon himself there? And as such become the last sacrifice for sins as the perfect unblemished lamb and so as to bring the new covenant to the world?
When Jesus was on that cross he asked that all who were there jeering him and screaming for his suffering be forgiven. Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
Jesus forgave the thief that asked him to remember him when he came into his kingdom. That thief on that day was with Christ in paradise due to his faith. Likely , he had heard Jesus preach during his travels. I think also that that blanket forgiveness Christ beckoned for from the Father also covered Judas. Without him, Jesus would not have otherwise accomplished God's will for the world.
When Jesus was on that cross he asked that all who were there jeering him and screaming for his suffering be forgiven. Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
Jesus forgave the thief that asked him to remember him when he came into his kingdom. That thief on that day was with Christ in paradise due to his faith. Likely , he had heard Jesus preach during his travels. I think also that that blanket forgiveness Christ beckoned for from the Father also covered Judas. Without him, Jesus would not have otherwise accomplished God's will for the world.
My point was that people are born selfish, and not in a godly way. Watch a couple of 2 year olds fighting over a toy. It comes "naturally". That is not godly coveting. They have to be taught and trained to overcome it.
Also, can you show me a scripture where "lust" is ever referred to in a positive way?
Also, can you show me a scripture where "lust" is ever referred to in a positive way?
I apologize for taking so long to respond but I am busy with other things so sometimes it may be a while before I can get back to you.
As to your first statement, it is true that children must be trained to govern shellfish tendencies but, being selfishness is not in itself a sin. God is selfish over his people. He refuses to share his people and their worship with other gods.
As to your question, yes, there are many examples of the word lust being used in a positive way. The word for lust is the word ἐπιθυμία which is translated as desire, passion, lust, longing, etc. For example:
In Philippians 1:23, Paul says, "I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire (ἐπιθυμία) to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better...."
In Luke 22:15, Jesus told his disciples, "I have earnestly desired (ἐπιθυμία) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;"
There are many such examples of this use of ἐπιθυμία in scripture but, I think these will suffice. There are also many examples of the word used in the negative which demonstrates not that lust is in itself evil but, that it is the perversion of lust that is evil. One such example would be 1John 2:16, "For all that is in the world—the desires (ἐπιθυμία) of the flesh and the desires (ἐπιθυμία) of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world."
As to your first statement, it is true that children must be trained to govern shellfish tendencies but, being selfishness is not in itself a sin. God is selfish over his people. He refuses to share his people and their worship with other gods.
As to your question, yes, there are many examples of the word lust being used in a positive way. The word for lust is the word ἐπιθυμία which is translated as desire, passion, lust, longing, etc. For example:
In Philippians 1:23, Paul says, "I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire (ἐπιθυμία) to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better...."
In Luke 22:15, Jesus told his disciples, "I have earnestly desired (ἐπιθυμία) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;"
There are many such examples of this use of ἐπιθυμία in scripture but, I think these will suffice. There are also many examples of the word used in the negative which demonstrates not that lust is in itself evil but, that it is the perversion of lust that is evil. One such example would be 1John 2:16, "For all that is in the world—the desires (ἐπιθυμία) of the flesh and the desires (ἐπιθυμία) of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world."
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I understand your point. My point is that what is inherent in natural man (Adam's progeny) is so far below what God intended.
Example: The happiness we experience is fleeting and is wholly dependent upon temporary circumstances. On the other hand, the fruit of the Spirit joy is constant and can be present in the midst of adversity. Fruit of the Spirit is produced in the born again believer ... not in natural man.
Even the "works" we do as natural men (which appear "good") are not those good works which God hath before ordained we should walk in (Eph 2:10).
Example: The happiness we experience is fleeting and is wholly dependent upon temporary circumstances. On the other hand, the fruit of the Spirit joy is constant and can be present in the midst of adversity. Fruit of the Spirit is produced in the born again believer ... not in natural man.
Even the "works" we do as natural men (which appear "good") are not those good works which God hath before ordained we should walk in (Eph 2:10).
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The issue is not "faith". Rom 12:3 tells us God has given the measure of faith to every man. The issue is "in what" do we place our faith. If our faith is founded upon Truth, then our faith grows strong.
If, on the other hand, we sincerely place our faith in something not True, our faith remains weak and that could cost us our life.
As oldhermit pointed out, there is one faith (Eph 4:5).
If, on the other hand, we sincerely place our faith in something not True, our faith remains weak and that could cost us our life.
As oldhermit pointed out, there is one faith (Eph 4:5).