I have been on this site several years and the discussion on Predestination and other 5 points of Calvinism was discussed; particularly related to the book of John where the scriptural subject related to the Godhead comes up frequently.
It seems the debate on this subject tends to overwhelm and that can at times be an unhealthy obsession that eliminates rational scriptural debates; and worse other subjects pertinent to today that need to be addressed. I'm not proposing to know all the answers here but praying that we won't unnecessarily lose attendees at this site because of the constant back and forth on this and other touchy subjects (such as Eschatology) that can cause so much division.
I will say that it is healthy when a concept is proposed and with rebuttals or comments where scriptures are quoted as that should always remain the primary focus here. Hopefully we can focus on what we have in common which seems to be lacking in such endeavors much of the time. First of all we should focus attention on God's attributes; we all agree He is omnipresent; omnipotent and omniscient and that He is unique compared to anything created. Man according to Psalm 139 was fearfully and wonderfully made; and indeed as Ezekiel points out we are not judged because of the sins of our fathers but our own righteousness or lack thereof. There actions are specified as identifiers of those who are godly; we see this in James as well. Clearly this isn't works righteousness but evidence of bearing spiritual fruit.
We also agree that when this life is ended there isn't any further state where we can change the eternal STATE of our souls; that deal as it were is sealed in this life. God is also fair; which in my mind eliminates children before a certain age of accountability.
Our sin nature guarantees with eternal souls eternal punishment if unsaved; at that point sin is no longer pleasurable.
Whatever our view we should plead others to flee to the cross.
It seems the debate on this subject tends to overwhelm and that can at times be an unhealthy obsession that eliminates rational scriptural debates; and worse other subjects pertinent to today that need to be addressed. I'm not proposing to know all the answers here but praying that we won't unnecessarily lose attendees at this site because of the constant back and forth on this and other touchy subjects (such as Eschatology) that can cause so much division.
I will say that it is healthy when a concept is proposed and with rebuttals or comments where scriptures are quoted as that should always remain the primary focus here. Hopefully we can focus on what we have in common which seems to be lacking in such endeavors much of the time. First of all we should focus attention on God's attributes; we all agree He is omnipresent; omnipotent and omniscient and that He is unique compared to anything created. Man according to Psalm 139 was fearfully and wonderfully made; and indeed as Ezekiel points out we are not judged because of the sins of our fathers but our own righteousness or lack thereof. There actions are specified as identifiers of those who are godly; we see this in James as well. Clearly this isn't works righteousness but evidence of bearing spiritual fruit.
We also agree that when this life is ended there isn't any further state where we can change the eternal STATE of our souls; that deal as it were is sealed in this life. God is also fair; which in my mind eliminates children before a certain age of accountability.
Our sin nature guarantees with eternal souls eternal punishment if unsaved; at that point sin is no longer pleasurable.
Whatever our view we should plead others to flee to the cross.
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