Tim, thanks for joining in here. It is actually God's will for all to be saved, so then whats the problem? Obviously mans will is the problem. That was my only point. You made a good statement, but John 1:12-13 is saying something in addition to what I said, not the opposite, and by the way that's what scripture is always doing.
We need to not only look at some passages, but all of them and to not only look for meaning we may want to see, but what is actually being said by the original author. Sometimes that may be the opposite of what we think. So if the bible can appear at times to contradict certain passages, key word being "appear," then my words could certainly do the same.
John 1:12-13, says to those who have already received Jesus, to them he gave the power, denoting he gave them the power after they received. Of course we know this is speaking of the Holy Spirit which is given after regeneration not before. He draws before, but that is not a drawing that can't be rejected or opposed. John is simply contrasting physical birth with spiritual birth.
He is simply speaking of the Holy Spirit in this passage and the work the Holy Spirit does not only initially, but what he seeks to do continually after initial Salvation. We can also reject that work after initial Salvation and turn back to our old ways.
If you came to the Lord through Paul Washer great. You have made my point even stronger that we come to the Lord through many channels, methods and people. But Paul Washer has no right to attack a method and Channel that many STILL are coming to Christ through. He will have to answer to God himself for this, as he is not immune from God's discipline nor am I.
As far as the church you used to attend. They were preaching holiness and they still are, you just were either not listening or did not care about changing your life then. When you grow up in a certain church it is easy to take it for granted and not listen fully. I too did this for too long. If you came to the Lord later that's great, but don't attack the roots which may have lead you on the path you are now. |
