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God's Boundless Love for Sinners
long time ago | Jonathan Edwards

Posted on 02/01/2004 3:39:44 PM PST by AZhardliner

God's Boundless Love for Sinners: True grace and spiritual light open up a person’s view of God. The greater the view and sense that one has of the infinite excellence and glory of God in Christ, and of how boundless is the length and breadth, depth and height of the love of Christ to sinners, the greater will be the astonishment one feels as he realizes how little he knows of such love to such a God, and to such a glorious Redeemer. The more he sees this the more his own grace and love will diminish. It will amaze him to think that other saints would ever have as little grace as he has for the unspeakable love of Christ, who deserves so much more. He will be apt to see this as something peculiar to himself, for he can only see the outside of other Christians, but he sees only too well his own heart. ------------ Jonathan Edwards in Religious Affections


TOPICS: Moral Issues; Religion & Culture; Theology
KEYWORDS: grace; loveofgod

1 posted on 02/01/2004 3:39:46 PM PST by AZhardliner
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To: wiclif
is it efficacious to each person of the entire human race without exception?

Yes.

John.3
[16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

3 posted on 02/03/2004 2:08:13 AM PST by PFKEY
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To: wiclif
Wiclif:
It is the latter. The former is a teaching known as Universalism, something Scriputre does not teach.
4 posted on 02/03/2004 8:31:32 AM PST by AZhardliner (PCA Pastor)
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To: wiclif
You got a copy of the talking points memo.

But because innumerable people perish by dying not saved from their sins, are you implying that God isn’t All-powerful?

Not at all. God is omnipotent.

If God were All-Powerful, surely he would be infinitely capable of fulfilling what you see to be his universal love for all sinners without exception with a universal eternal salvation for the entire human race without exception?

If God is all powerful; do you not believe He is? He is capable of doing whatever He chooses to do.

You do not believe God's love is universal?

Salvation is offered to the entire human race but it is conditional on faith (i.e. whosoever believeth).

And if God was All-Powerful, surely God would be always infinitely capable of over-riding the will of rebellious created beings for the purpose of achieving all of his eternal purposes?

He is all powerful.

He does what He pleases.

You really do need to explain your position a bit better. It is infinately more efficacious than putting words in someones mouth.

Your arguement is stale and reads like a tract.

Please, let us discuss these matters openly, based on our own reasoning.

6 posted on 02/03/2004 9:52:52 PM PST by PFKEY
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To: wiclif
wiclif, I see you are new to the forum.

May I say...Welcome.

I am glad you have joined us.

You will find many great discussions regarding all matters of faith.

I strive to not assume I have all the answers and only seek to understand God's will so that I might be pleasing to Him.

Let us be open and honest in all our discussions for we all have much to learn.

May God bless and keep you!
7 posted on 02/03/2004 10:19:05 PM PST by PFKEY
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Comment #9 Removed by Moderator

To: wiclif
greetings wiclif. Are you a calvinist? If so, we have a reformed ping list (aka the GRPL) for FR Calvinists. Freep me if interested.

- drstevej
10 posted on 02/05/2004 2:52:56 PM PST by drstevej
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To: wiclif
Thanks for the reasoned reply.

So, the idea that God’s love is universal” is very much in doubt.

I notice all the examples you cite are from the OT and deal specifically with the nation of Israel. Do you think circumstances are different now than during OT times? The blessings we have through Christ were not available to anyone during the OT.

We probably need to establish some meanings before we get to far along.

When we speak of God's love what are we talking about? I mean it to be salvation.

“Salvation is offered to the entire human race but it is conditional on faith (i.e. whosoever believeth).”

I also have serious reservations over the idea that the Gospel is “offered.” Nor can I see any evidence in the Bible that the Gospel is “offered to the entire human race.” However, let’s leave that issue until after we’ve explored your idea that God’s love is universal.

I'd be happy to discuss this matter whenever you like.

I’m sorry that my style of messaging seems to be “tract-like” – it’s how I think and naturally express I. As you se, I’ve tried to alter my writing style somewhat; I hope this is OK.

This is great, thanks. If the other was your style then by all means don't alter it for my sake.

11 posted on 02/06/2004 6:44:11 PM PST by PFKEY
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Comment #12 Removed by Moderator

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