"...if anyone makes the assistance of grace depend on the humility or obedience of man and does not agree that it is a gift of grace itself that we are obedient and humble, he contradicts the Apostle who says, "What have you that you did not receive?" (1 Cor. 4:7), and, "But by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10). (Council of Orange: Canon 6)
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What about those difficult texts where God commands the literal extermination of an entire tribe, or city, or even nation? Dr. James White answers in this youtube video of a sermon preached on April 26, 2009.
Comments
After careful reading of the Holy Scriptures many times during my life, in relation to God and His actions and purposes, I am convinced mankind in general and even a large segment of the organized visible church doesn't really know God at all. Of course, if they read the Bible very much they would at least have some realization of His character by His actions revealed in Holy writ. I am reminded over and over again I am only a created being, made by the hand of God and He can do with any of His creatures whatever He so chooses. Thankfully He has poured upon me His mercy and grace for reasons beyond my comprehension and He has not done so with many others for His own purposes and plans! All honor and praise to Him who judges and does all things right!
Posted by: L Carnes | May 19, 2009 03:46 PM
This video was only somewhat convincing in my mind. The disease argument and the "God's perspective as a creator" argument were the most convincing, but the rest I thought was marginal. I would have personally used the possiblity of "age of accounability" as well (not sure if you guys believe that though).
Though it may have applied to the Amorites to a degree, the argument about God's characteristics being visable in the world so we are without excuse I try to stay away from because it simplifies unbelief in a way that would sound insane to most unbelievers and even many Christians. If belief in Jesus is truly the only thing that saves us from God's wrath, I think most people can think of a few good excuses for some people in certain cultures and circumstances, but the apologetics of their fate is another issue all together.
I'm not sure if this video was applying this, but I also have trouble believing that we should never question anything the bible says when it seems logically flawed at first glance since God's judgment is superior to ours. Aside from historical reliability issues, how are we suppose to expect to convince a person of another religion of logical flaws in that religion if we can't even question our own? Hopefully the issues all have a good resolve theologically and we don't have to worry about it.
All in all, decent video, but I'm still debating the theology of some of the issues in my own mind.
Posted by: JRH | May 22, 2009 06:35 PM