@inadazeforever@Rapierian@AstroJoeB -a text that believers can observe. It is the living and active Word of God. It is the reason I and many others are Christian. If you’re speaking strictly of first century idioms, then sure, not all literal. But it’s a mistake to believe Scripture isn’t for us.
@inadazeforever@Rapierian@AstroJoeB I understand what you’re trying to say but I disagree with part of that. Much of the New Testament was written directly to Christians, Jew and Gentile alike. Was Paul, Peter, or John specifically speaking to me, @echo3092? Of course not, but the Bible is not just (1/2)
@Rapierian@AstroJoeB I can see what you mean, but Scripture is inerrant and God-breathed, and I’ve seen false teachers lean way too heavily on the attempt to find alternative readings of passages that are clearly literal. Do you place your full faith in Christ as Lord and Savior?
@Rapierian@AstroJoeB I don’t see any reason to not take the east star literally. Even if your interpretation is correct, the NT has little to pass off as non-literal.
Elon Musk is worth more than every person you’ve known combined, but when this world fades away, as he stands before the Righteous Throne, there is nothing material that will have earned him a spot in God's Kingdom.
@Rapierian@AstroJoeB I’d be careful with that one, the Bible, and especially the New Testament, is mostly literal. There are many figures of speech but they still point toward reality.
@jeru_complete@GFairchildE@DrFrankTurek Scripture says we were dead in our sins, that God grants us repentance, that we are chosen. Judas was destined to betray Jesus and that was part of God’s plan. However we do have free will, we have choice, I agree with you on that. I just ask that we do not allow this to divide.
@jeru_complete@GFairchildE@DrFrankTurek -something we need to fully comprehend. The truth is that both Calvinists and Armianists truly love Jesus, and as long as we spread the gospel (ie don’t be hyper-Calvinists) and have 100% faith in Christ, we should not waste time arguing and should stay united in Christ.
@jeru_complete@GFairchildE@DrFrankTurek I personally lean somewhere in the middle, only because Scripture paints a picture that includes principles from both sides. We know we don’t save ourselves (Eph 2:8-9, 1 Cor 3:5-6), however God also desires all be saved (1 Tim 2:3-4, 2 Pet 3:9). I don’t think it’s (cont.)
@GFairchildE@jeru_complete@DrFrankTurek How do those two ideas go together? I can't give a perfect picture, and I don't think anyone does. I don't believe nature of God, time, and His salvific plan is something we can FULLY conceptualize and understand. What matters is that we have faith in Christ and spread the gospel
@GFairchildE@jeru_complete@DrFrankTurek I don't think free will is something we should let divide us. What do we know for sure? We know A) all glory goes to God and we should not and cannot boast for our salvation, and B) God is not the producer of sin, WE take fault for sin and people send themselves to hell, not God.
@KristanHawkins When He first came to know me. I was raised believing in Jesus, but I only dedicated my life to Him 3 years ago after watching apologists such as Cliffe Knechtle.