What is God's will for all men?

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oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
113
#1
What is God's will for all men?

Acts
17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Who does God now command to repent?

Who is this addressed to?

What should we do with any man made 'doctrine' that says this is not possible for all men or that this does not pertain to all men?
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,429
6,707
113
#2
What is God's will for all men?

Acts
17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Who does God now command to repent?

Who is this addressed to?

What should we do with any man made 'doctrine' that says this is not possible for all men or that this does not pertain to all men?
Perhaps it deals directly with one of the days of creation when our Maker said to come and let us make man in Our Image.

Because of the event in the Garden, it does not happen immediately. We, being His offspring seek our Father, Him, an d once we do find Him, we know Jesus-Yeshua immediately and God, Himself, begins that work in us making us in His image.

We will al be just like He, but we will not be He for that would be impossible.

At this moment of fulfillment two things win particular will be done. We will be made perfect for our Father is perfect. We will be holy for our Father is holy.

We are all on the way with God doing that work within us, not we.

It will only be completed for each of us on His glorious Day. Praise our Maker in Jesus, amen.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
113
#3
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
 
Sep 3, 2016
6,344
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#4
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The scripture teaches us that God the Father will only grant repentance only if you come to acknowledge the truth. Which is Faith in Christ and Him Crucified. 2 Timothy 2:24-26, 1 Corinthians 1:23, Hebrews 11:5-6

If you reject the Cross He will reject you. Phil. 3:18-19
 
Sep 3, 2016
6,344
530
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#5
To my Brother in Christ Oyster67....We March on - Matthew 7:21-23
1603206704155.png
 
Jun 11, 2020
1,370
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#6
What is God's will for all men?

Acts
17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Who does God now command to repent?

Who is this addressed to?

What should we do with any man made 'doctrine' that says this is not possible for all men or that this does not pertain to all men?
God commands ALL MEN to repent in this text. In Romans 1:18-20 it does not say that men are deceived concerning God. It says that they "hold the truth in unrighteousness". That means that in their intellect, they know that this vast, intricate, beautiful and ordered universe did not happen out of nothing. But they, "HOLDING the truth", hold it in unrighteousness. There are no atheists. There are just men who know there is a God but refuse to acknowledge Him as Creator. These Greeks were these men. But they were uneasy. Their gods were all limited, so they made an altar for that God that they denied. "Repent" means "make an about turn". It means, your direction will lead to tragedy and loss - reverse!

It was addressed to Greek idol worshipers in Athens

If somebody comes with a doctrine that not ALL MEN are called to repent, we can discard it. But there is a huge difference between "calling" and the results of that "call". Acts 17:27 shows this fact. It says that if you seek God you MIGHT find Him. It is not guaranteed. Also, Acts 17:31; "Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead", disproves that all men will be saved. For what is a judgment if no crime was committed? And why a "righteous judge" if the judges of this world were not corrupt. The judges of this world will be displaced - showing that they would not reform.
 
Oct 16, 2020
58
23
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#7
Post 1

The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Prov 16:4

...who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began... 2 Tim 1:9

And He answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. Matt 13:11

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes… Matt 11:25-26

...for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. Matt 16:17

37All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out. John 6

...for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are My people.” Acts 18:10

The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. Acts 16:14

5So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. Rom 11

44No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me— John 6

10And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of Him who calls12she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Rom 9

...many are called but few are chosen... Matt 22:14

...and those with Him are called and chosen and faithful.” Rev 17:14

The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened... Rom 11:7

28As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.

...for the sake of the elect... Mark 13:20
...even the elect... Mark 13:22
...gather His elect... Mark 13:27
...to deceive, if possible, even the elect... Matt 24:24
...they will gather His elect... Matt 24:31
...the faith of God's elect.... Titus 1:1
...for the sake of the elect... 2Tim 2:10
...give justice to His elect... Luke 18:7

11In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, Eph 1

28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 29For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified he also glorified. Rom 8

4even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5He predestined us, for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, 6to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. Eph 1

Post 2 forthcoming
 
Oct 16, 2020
58
23
8
#8
Post 2


28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 29For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified he also glorified. Rom 8

And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matt 7:23

But He replied, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Matt 25:12

4even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5He predestined us, for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, 6to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. Eph 1

15For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18So then He has mercy on whomever He wills, and he hardens whomever He wills. Rom 9

64But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray Him.) 65And He said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” John 6

25Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about Me, 26but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. John 10

37I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill Me because My word finds no place in you. 38I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” John 8

42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of My own accord, but He sent Me. 43Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear My Word. 44You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 8

22What if God, desiring to show His wrath and to make known His power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23in order to make known the riches of His glory for vessels of mercy, which He has prepared beforehand for glory— Rom 9

...all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb... Rev 13:8

And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast... Rev 17:8

And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. Ex 33:19

The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Prov 16:4


Praise God! That was so much fun! Renew my mind living and active Word of God! HalleluYah! HalleluYah! HalleluYah!
Thanks for the challenge; there are likely many I've missed but this should lay a very clear foundation.
To God alone be glory!
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#9
What is God's will for all men?

Acts
17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Who does God now command to repent?

Who is this addressed to?

What should we do with any man made 'doctrine' that says this is not possible for all men or that this does not pertain to all men?
I am a firm believer that all of the scriptures must harmonize in order to understand the truths that are contained in the doctrine that Jesus taught.

The phrase "All men'" is found in 81 scriptures in the bible. To do justice to the scriptures, we must apply the "all men" to all men that are under consideration. For example, In 2 Tim 4:16, Paul said that all men forsook him, actually it was pertaining to all men under his consideration, and not all mankind.

James 1:5, The "all men" is limited to those "that ask of God".

3 John 1:11 & 12, Demetrius had good report of "all men". He that doeth good is of God, but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Do you think that Demetrius had a good report of those that hath not seen God.

Acts 17:30, God commandeth "all men" every where to repent. If the scriptures are to harmonize, in my understanding, Acts 17:30 does not harmonize with 1 Cor 2:14, because the natural man will not repent of breaking a spiritual law that he does not understand, and thinks it to be foolishness, would not be included in the "all men" in Acts 17:30.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#10
I am a firm believer that all of the scriptures must harmonize in order to understand the truths that are contained in the doctrine that Jesus taught.

The phrase "All men'" is found in 81 scriptures in the bible. To do justice to the scriptures, we must apply the "all men" to all men that are under consideration. For example, In 2 Tim 4:16, Paul said that all men forsook him, actually it was pertaining to all men under his consideration, and not all mankind.

James 1:5, The "all men" is limited to those "that ask of God".

3 John 1:11 & 12, Demetrius had good report of "all men". He that doeth good is of God, but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Do you think that Demetrius had a good report of those that hath not seen God.

Acts 17:30, God commandeth "all men" every where to repent. If the scriptures are to harmonize, in my understanding, Acts 17:30 does not harmonize with 1 Cor 2:14, because the natural man will not repent of breaking a spiritual law that he does not understand, and thinks it to be foolishness, would not be included in the "all men" in Acts 17:30.
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
#11
Post 1

The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Prov 16:4

...who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began... 2 Tim 1:9

And He answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. Matt 13:11

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes… Matt 11:25-26

...for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. Matt 16:17

37All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out. John 6

...for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are My people.” Acts 18:10

The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. Acts 16:14

5So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. Rom 11

44No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me— John 6

10And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of Him who calls12she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Rom 9

...many are called but few are chosen... Matt 22:14

...and those with Him are called and chosen and faithful.” Rev 17:14

The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened... Rom 11:7

28As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.

...for the sake of the elect... Mark 13:20
...even the elect... Mark 13:22
...gather His elect... Mark 13:27
...to deceive, if possible, even the elect... Matt 24:24
...they will gather His elect... Matt 24:31
...the faith of God's elect.... Titus 1:1
...for the sake of the elect... 2Tim 2:10
...give justice to His elect... Luke 18:7

11In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, Eph 1

28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 29For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified he also glorified. Rom 8

4even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5He predestined us, for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, 6to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. Eph 1

Post 2 forthcoming
This is straight out the calvinist handbook . Proof text bingo . Full House!!!!
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,175
29,478
113
#12
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.


2 Peter 3:9 :)
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
#13
I am a firm believer that all of the scriptures must harmonize in order to understand the truths that are contained in the doctrine that Jesus taught.

The phrase "All men'" is found in 81 scriptures in the bible. To do justice to the scriptures, we must apply the "all men" to all men that are under consideration. For example, In 2 Tim 4:16, Paul said that all men forsook him, actually it was pertaining to all men under his consideration, and not all mankind.

James 1:5, The "all men" is limited to those "that ask of God".

3 John 1:11 & 12, Demetrius had good report of "all men". He that doeth good is of God, but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Do you think that Demetrius had a good report of those that hath not seen God.

Acts 17:30, God commandeth "all men" every where to repent. If the scriptures are to harmonize, in my understanding, Acts 17:30 does not harmonize with 1 Cor 2:14, because the natural man will not repent of breaking a spiritual law that he does not understand, and thinks it to be foolishness, would not be included in the "all men" in Acts 17:30.
" see if I take this verse from over here and i add it over there, pull that verse out from there , switch that verse stuck it with that one , and if you squint your eyes just right ,you ,ll see they harmonise perfectly with ..Calvinism. "
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#14
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Who is the "any" and "us" that are under consideration?

One person that Peter is considering is himself, by using the word "us-ward". We see in 2 Pet 1:1 who the others are that peter is considering, and they are those who have obtained like precious faith. Peter is reminding himself and the others that when they commit a sin that they should repent, because when a regenerated child of God commits a sin, he separates himself, (Perish=death=a separation) temporary, from his fellowship with God, because God does not fellowship with sin, until he repents. When God forgives him, he has just been saved (delivered from the results of that sin).
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#15
" see if I take this verse from over here and i add it over there, pull that verse out from there , switch that verse stuck it with that one , and if you squint your eyes just right ,you ,ll see they harmonise perfectly with ..Calvinism. "
Do you not believe in harmonizing the scriptures? You should try it sometime, instead of ignoring scriptures.
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
#16
Do you not believe in harmonizing the scriptures? You should try it sometime, instead of ignoring scriptures.
What does that even mean ? We are told to rightly divide the word and study to show thy self approved .
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
#17
Do you not believe in harmonizing the scriptures? You should try it sometime, instead of ignoring scriptures.[/QUOTE The problem is you work with syllogism and deductive reasoning . Thats the reformed answer to ' were they born again in the OT ' . It doesn't matter which calvinist you ask the answer is from deductive reasoning and not the biblical inductive method. Here's an example .
 

throughfaith

Well-known member
Aug 4, 2020
10,467
1,593
113
#18
An example of calvinists deductive reasoning rather than scripture to answer the question ' were they born again in the Old testament ' ?
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,776
113
#19
Who does God now command to repent?
ALL MEN EVERYWHERE
Who is this addressed to?
ALL MEN EVERYWHERE
What should we do with any man made 'doctrine' that says this is not possible for all men or that this does not pertain to all men?
WE SHOULD RESPOND WITH "BAH! HUMBUG! NONSENSE!
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,776
113
#20
Thanks for the challenge; there are likely many I've missed but this should lay a very clear foundation.
Mary, I could post at least two dozen verses in response, which clearly reveal that God offers salvation to ALL MANKIND. So your Calvinistic slant does not answer the OP at all. It simply reveals your indoctrinated bias. And each of those verses can be interpreted PROPERLY in the context of the whole Gospel.

Why does God offer eternal life to all mankind?

1. God planned to give mankind eternal life from the very beginning (a) by making man in His own image and likeness, and (b) by placing the tree of Life in the middle of the Garden of Eden.

2. Because of Adam's disobedience, all mankind was made subject to sin and death.

3. Therefore Christ as the Lamb of God took away the sin of the world.

4. And because Christ finished His work of redemption for all mankind, all may partake freely of the Water of Life.

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)

What does "whosoever will" mean? Anyone and everyone, regardlesss. Which translates into ALL MEN EVERYWHERE.