The state of the Pharisees

[Gerr]

I find it strange that some argue so vehemently against God's mercy and for keeping others out of the Kingdom ... while others seek to proclaim that mercy and speak words of hope founded upon it for those who have not had the blessings of a revelation of God in Christ that we have had. Now why is that, do you suppose? Why is it so important for some to believe that God's mercy cannot extend outside the rigid confines to which they would see it limited, confines which are themselves very obviously the product not of discernment and wisdom but mere stubborn literalism?

"Do not fret because of evildoers,

Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity,

For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,

And wither as the green herb.

"For evildoers shall be cut off;

But those who wait on the LORD,

For yet a little while and the wicked shall be nor more;

Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,

But it shall be no more." Ps 37:1,2,9,10 NKJ.

"For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,

But the way of the ungodly shall perish." Ps 1:6 NKJ

Gerry

[D. Allan]

Look Alive, I enjoy reading your exccellent posts. I find them expressed very well, and to be interest, not 'blather.' keep up the good work!

D.Allan

[D. Allan]

Quote:

Originally Posted By: D. Allan

Millions have never heard of Jesus, Robert. They never had the opportunity to reject Him.

Robert replys:

Maybe not "the name", but all men are given "a measure of faith" because God's Spirit illuminates the minds of all men!

I think we are on the same wavelength here, Robert.

Quote:

Romans 1:19 ...that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

A wonderful verse. If one's faith does not come from what is "within" them, it mere inauthentic hyprocracy (I'm being redundant for emphasis!)

You gentlemen are pages way ahead of me on this thread. I'll never catch up, so I wish everyone well. Shaloam! I'm off on a date with my wife.:)

[Robert]

Quote:

Originally Posted By: D. Allan

Millions have never heard of Jesus, Robert. They never had the opportunity to reject Him.

Robert replys:

Maybe not "the name", but all men are given "a measure of faith" because God's Spirit illuminates the minds of all men!

I think we are on the same wavelength here, Robert.

Quote:

Romans 1:19 ...that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

A wonderful verse. If one's faith does not come from what is "within" them....

"A measure of faith" is not self-generated from "within". God, who is on the outside, illuminates the heart/mind that is "within" that person or as Paul said: "that which is known about God is evident within them; [how/why?] for God made it evident to them.

[D. Allan]

Quote:

"A measure of faith" is not self-generated from "within". God, who is on the outside, illuminates the heart/mind that is "within" that person or as Paul said: "that which is known about God is evident within them; [how/why?] for God made it evident to them.

True, it is not self-generated.

I say to-may-to

You say to-mah-to

I say He's in-side

You say He's outside,

Oh, lets call the whole thing off.

Tra-la-la-la-la-la!

[Look Alive!]

Look Alive, I enjoy reading your exccellent posts. I find them expressed very well, and to be interest, not 'blather.' keep up the good work!

Why thank you, D.Allan!! That is very kind of you to say. :)

[D. Allan]

That is very kind of you to say.

Not at all, Look Alive! You deserve to be respected for your wit, your words and your insightful and broader outlook, than some have.

[Clio]

Quote:

If the believer is not found faithful

A semantic quibble: 'believer' and 'faithful' seems redundant. Let's say, if the 'person' is not...etc. As Norman said earilier, belief is a mere intellectual, human assent, faith is from the heart, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. We should not want to be 'believers' but rather 'faithers'.

Believer and faithful are NOT a sematic quibble.

Satan is a believer and he is certainly NOT faithful.