I dont think anyone is having doubt about that truth Kath. That man has been condemned, or
not capable to save himself or even have a heart for God on his own.. That is just his condition
and standing.
But that isnt the problem here. We talked about that before. All good things come from above
so yes we should consider faith a gift. That still doesnt mean its given after regeneration.
Thats just the contention of some to build limited atonement on.
Its not a matter of what God "can" do. Its a matter of what scripture is saying He "is" doing.
not capable to save himself or even have a heart for God on his own.. That is just his condition
and standing.
But that isnt the problem here. We talked about that before. All good things come from above
so yes we should consider faith a gift. That still doesnt mean its given after regeneration.
Thats just the contention of some to build limited atonement on.
Its not a matter of what God "can" do. Its a matter of what scripture is saying He "is" doing.
and you have really good points.
but here's my issue with this:
ultimately i see two things going on that i really am baffled about why they are even involved.
one is the term limited atonement.
it's no secret this is a hot button issue.
nevertheless, i don't have to adopt calvinism or attend a c-church or even fellowship with calvinists if i don't want to.
the simple thing is, the Atonement is absolutely sufficient to accomplish everything God wills, for all He saves.
it really has to be that simple for me. and i don't have to have anything to do with TULIP.
the second thing is:
faith after regeneration or not, again, in the bigger picture, if faith is a gift, and if saving faith is saving, and those who are saved are regenerated, i don't understand the problem.
i don't.
only the regenerate will be saved. right?
Jesus said so.
so i am not sure about possibly jettisoning a whole bunch of stuff i know just by reading is true, because of concerns over TULIP.
is the problem that we don't like the idea that God will only save some?
because at the end of the day, that's what we are told.
and it is really clear that He said He will accomplish everything He wills to.
so, i guess that's why i'm a Lutheran.
hey....are you still at verk?