Bacon eaters! Do you see?

HP: This question to me is preposterous if in fact there are no conditions to salvation. If I was required to do something, that would be the fulfilling of a condition, of which you say there are none. Asking the question would appear to me simply more of those "creative semantics."

 

When I inherited a few bucks from my mother I didn't have to "do anything with it" but I could have refused to cash the check - or formally refused the the inheritance by writing the lawyer.

 

HP: We do not inherit salvation as one would inherit a few bucks. We are granted the hope of salvation when, and not before, we fulfill the stated conditions of repentance and faith. We are not given salvation to reject. We are offered the hope of receiving salvation IF we will be obedient to the conditions of repentance and faith.

 

I am not arguing that there is no such thing as being irresponsible when someone gives you something - my argument is that the requirement to BE responsible in the scenario I provided would NOT be translated even in real life as "EARNING" the 2 million dollar home and property. It would still be viewed as a GIFT as long as it was given to you and all future expenses paid.

The idea that a person "mowed the grass this week so I earned this 2million dollar property" would not be a well-reasoned idea that anyone would accept in this life - or in the age to come.

Thus the Eph 2:8-10 text showing that as Christians we have both purpose and responsibility does not turn salvation into something other than a free gift.

in Christ,

Bob

 

HP: I (IMHO) your list of "freewill, choice" etc. I do not consider to be creative semantics, but as I read the scriptures they appear to very clear principles and properties with regard to our relationship with God.

 

HP: I agree whole heartily. :thumbsup: I believe God has laid down crystal clear conditions of salvation, without which we shall not see the Lord.

 

This thread needs to be closed as it has far exceeded its limit.