Yes, I’m reading this. I just didn’t want to jump in the theological mine field without the proper equipment, but what the heck that hasn’t stopped me before. First, I understand that the Bible teaches that we were chosen before time began, however, I’m not sure I understand the implications on my faith, or more importantly, about two major issues.
The first is if only some were chosen, does that mean Christ’s sacrifice on the cross wasn’t sufficient to cover the sins of all and don’t the gospels say he came to save the world? Secondly, if the chosen are predestined for salvation, why does one one want to preach? Aren’t you just ‘preaching to the choir’ with little (or no) influence on those who were not chosen?
Bryce, that should give you some of my difficulties in understanding predestination in light of other gospel passages. Be kind!
I hesitated to post my first comment, and now I guess I was right, because basically all I can say right now is…I’ll get there.
I’ll just repsond right now to your comment about ‘preaching to the choir’. To put it bluntly, ummmmm, so what? This is the basic issue I was trying to get to when we went to church together in January (it’s also what I was getting at in this post). ‘The Choir’ needs to hear the gospel as much as anyone. In fact, the gospel exists for ‘The Choir’. Many Christians think, ‘I know what the gospel is, I don’t need to hear it every week.’ Well, if we really know what the gospel is, then why do we do such a horrible job of living it out all week? Why do we continue to sin? Underlying all our particular sins is a fundamental unbelief in the gospel. So I think this whole ‘preaching to the choir’ objection (and I’m not just responding to you here, Tor) is fundamentally flawed. One thing I try to think about when I’m preparing a sermon is making sure that it applies to both Christians and non-Christians. Most people think you need to preach differently to these two groups. I find that if my sermon doesn’t address both groups, it’s not likely to be the gospel at all.
So, I guess that wasn’t so short after all. I’ll get to your questions when I deal with some common errors and objections in a week or so. I guess I’m just wanting to make sure at this point that what I’ve written thus far makes sense, and that you (plural, y’all) agree it is an accurate summry of the Bible’s teaching.
Anyone reading this? I thought I’d get some response…
Comment by Bryce — 8 March 2005 @ 10:54 pm
Yes, I’m reading this. I just didn’t want to jump in the theological mine field without the proper equipment, but what the heck that hasn’t stopped me before. First, I understand that the Bible teaches that we were chosen before time began, however, I’m not sure I understand the implications on my faith, or more importantly, about two major issues.
The first is if only some were chosen, does that mean Christ’s sacrifice on the cross wasn’t sufficient to cover the sins of all and don’t the gospels say he came to save the world? Secondly, if the chosen are predestined for salvation, why does one one want to preach? Aren’t you just ‘preaching to the choir’ with little (or no) influence on those who were not chosen?
Bryce, that should give you some of my difficulties in understanding predestination in light of other gospel passages. Be kind!
Comment by Tor — 8 March 2005 @ 11:10 pm
Thanks Tor.
I hesitated to post my first comment, and now I guess I was right, because basically all I can say right now is…I’ll get there.
I’ll just repsond right now to your comment about ‘preaching to the choir’. To put it bluntly, ummmmm, so what? This is the basic issue I was trying to get to when we went to church together in January (it’s also what I was getting at in this post). ‘The Choir’ needs to hear the gospel as much as anyone. In fact, the gospel exists for ‘The Choir’. Many Christians think, ‘I know what the gospel is, I don’t need to hear it every week.’ Well, if we really know what the gospel is, then why do we do such a horrible job of living it out all week? Why do we continue to sin? Underlying all our particular sins is a fundamental unbelief in the gospel. So I think this whole ‘preaching to the choir’ objection (and I’m not just responding to you here, Tor) is fundamentally flawed. One thing I try to think about when I’m preparing a sermon is making sure that it applies to both Christians and non-Christians. Most people think you need to preach differently to these two groups. I find that if my sermon doesn’t address both groups, it’s not likely to be the gospel at all.
So, I guess that wasn’t so short after all. I’ll get to your questions when I deal with some common errors and objections in a week or so. I guess I’m just wanting to make sure at this point that what I’ve written thus far makes sense, and that you (plural, y’all) agree it is an accurate summry of the Bible’s teaching.
Comment by Bryce — 8 March 2005 @ 11:34 pm
(Hi Bryce. I’m reading too. No questions formulated yet though.)
Comment by Katie — 8 March 2005 @ 11:41 pm
Hehe, thanks. I guess it’s just a bit disconcerting to post something reasonably serious and not get any responses. Anyway, carry on!
Comment by Bryce — 9 March 2005 @ 12:18 am