Wow. Talk about twisting the word.
In the gree, John literally said, But as many as have recieved him. nOTHING IN THE TEXT SAYS THAT gOD GAVE ANYTHING TO ANYONE..
It says he gave the right to those who recieve him, to become children. Through faith.
Your view of Gods love us tainted my friend. Not mine
Gods justice demand a payment for sin.
Gods love made that payment, Its called the cross.. If yuo only died for son. That not love in any sense of the word
I have dealt with this subject on a few occasions but I will give answer to it again. I hope you will not reject it out of hand but give it due Biblical consideration.
We know in John chapter 10, the Lord states three times, that he will lay down His life for the Sheep. This clearly indicates a particular group as opposed to "all". This is a jumping off point for the Doctrine of Particular Redemption or as some would call it: Limited Atonement.
Since Election, clearly appears in Scripture numerous times. We know that the subject of Election, already implies a "limited" number because Election would not be Election if it meant "all". All is not Election, it is "all". Most hate the idea of Particular Redemption and choose to hide behind the verses that state "all" or "world", thus, pretending that verses about limited numbers do not exist. However, this is improper hermeneutics. Indeed it is no attempt at all to harmonize Scripture with Scripture. Additionally you have verses such as:
Rev_13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Rev_21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
The Lamb's Book of Life - is the Book of Election because the numbers of those placed in it are in agreement. In Hebrews we see:
Heb_13:20 Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus,
Again herein, we have mention of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd and His Sheep.
Once we run into verses that "limit" the scope of Christ's death and Redemptive work, proper hermeneutics REQUIRES that we make this work in our understanding of ALL Scripture. These verses cannot be simply ignored. It is impossible to make "limited" verses mean "all". Even if there was just
one verse of Scripture that indicated a "Limit", we must rethink everything we think we know about the concept or our understanding of "all or "world", as it might apply to this subject. Since a verse that mentions "Sheep" cannot be "all", then "all" must somehow or in some way be limited. This is only logical. Through in-depth study and with the aid of the Holy Spirit, I have found over my thirty+ years as a believer, that the verses that imply "all" are indeed explainable. Putting Scripture alongside Scripture to get the answer.
If one denies that Election is mentioned and taught in Scripture or somehow sees the Sheep as everyone, then there is no hope for that one coming to the Truth of God's Holy Word. There are other examples I could give but I am trying to keep the conversation more focused. For as I said before, if even
one verse indicates a "Limit" upon Atonement, it must be incorporated into our eventual Doctrine.
If we believe that Jesus Christ's Atonement work on the Cross is not limited, then we would have to agree with this statement:
Jesus Christ died for ALL but was NOT ABLE or FAILED to deliver ALL to safety. This "limits" the EFFICACY of Christ's death. The thought of limiting the "Efficacy" of Christ's death should be anathema to all believers. This goes against the entire teaching of Scripture about God and Jesus Christ.
Isa 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
Job_42:2 I know that thou can do all things, And that no purpose of thine can be restrained.
If one believes in Particular Redemption or Limited Atonement, then they must agree with this statement:
Jesus Christ died for SOME and WILL deliver everyone of THEM to safety. This limits the number to be saved but magnifies the "Efficacy" of Jesus Christ.
Additionally, If one believes that Election is in Scripture and that carried out before the foundation of the world, (Eph. 1:4), then that one must believe in Particular Redemption because it would be
ludicrous to think that God the Father would send His Beloved Son to die for those He already knows are condemned. Surly, even the Arminian must have problems with this concept. God knows all things but go ahead and die for them my Son. How foolish would this be.
Finally, Particular Redemption and Election do not harm God's Love or the outpouring of it. As God, He chose to save some out of Love. The Father's Love for the Son - first of all - then the Elect. God out of Love took pity on fallen mankind and demonstrated His Love upon the Elect.
He did NOT have to do that. He could have let all of Creation go down the tubes. But then, who would be left to praise and give Glory to His Son?
Many, say this is not fair - to have chosen some and pass by others. It is Fair and Just, so Paul argues throughout Romans. If God determined to pass by those whom He did not choose for His Son to Redeem, how does this make Him unfair?
He was under no obligation to save any! Their own sins did them in. As the Supreme Judge - He can determine to carryout a lawful punishment on
one or commute a sentence for
another. However, to commute a sentence required by Law and do it Justly, He must have evidence, that another has provided, for the one being commuted, legal Atonement. This atonement, is then legally credited or imputed to the accused account. The Judge does not then see the person before Him but rather the one who carried out the Atonement. The charges against the accused are dismissed.
A Judge is not unfair if He determined to acquit some but not all. All are guilty. So such a decision demonstrates Love, Compassion and Mercy to some and the ones He passed by shall be an example of unrighteousness for those He acquitted and those He saved shall have greater love for the Redeemer.
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