Storico
November 26th 2006, 12:38 AM
Hi there. :smile:
I realize that this answer will vary slightly (or vastly) from denomination to denomination, and whether or not you follow the OSAS or the NOSAS views on salvation in particular.. so I'll try to be as specific as possible:
In the gospels, particularly Mark 1:4, Luke 5:32, Luke 15:7, Acts 11:15-18 and several other verses REALLY emphasize repentance, that God WILL allow you to come to Him in repentance, and that God GIVES it as a gift, and that the conviction and gift of repentance is for Jews AND non-Jews (Gentiles). But as far as I can tell, all of that speaks to those who had never before previously had faith and had fallen away. It all seems to speak to people hearing the gospel after being "lost in sin" up to that point.
Does the New Testament talk directly about people who once had faith, rejected it or fell away from it, and are interested in returning to it? I've tried looking through it (the NT) myself, but I'm not having much luck. My thought on the matter was that perhaps due to the New Testament being the chronical of Jesus' ministry as well as it being an account of people coming to faith for the first time, perhaps it had no direction for anyone who once believed it and then rejected it, only to miss it.
My concern is over the whole OSAS/NOSAS debate, I suppose, albeit indirectly -- the OSAS people believe that no matter what, God calls his people back even if they fall away for a time. I'm more inclined to see that as making more sense (seeing as Christianity's view of God is that he's all-powerful as WELL as loving and just), but there ARE those who declare that if you fall away, that's it, you aren't saved any more. I'm debating in my mind which is most sound but more importantly, which the Bible tends towards, and I'd love your input.
(Anyone's input here is welcome who'd like to take me up on my questions, although if you do, I'd really appreciate it if you were reasonably confident in your understanding of the Bible as opposed to, say, a new Christian who tends to be extraordinarily well-meaning and kind but lacks the understanding which they usually gain later. I suspect, though, that anyone on the mod team here has more of that Biblical background than not.)
I know I've asked more than a couple questions, and I'm willing to wait as long as neccesary for any and all responses -- heck, until you've got your Christmas shopping all done, even... and for ME, that won't be until a few days before Christmas :hehe:
Have a good one, and thank you!
I realize that this answer will vary slightly (or vastly) from denomination to denomination, and whether or not you follow the OSAS or the NOSAS views on salvation in particular.. so I'll try to be as specific as possible:
In the gospels, particularly Mark 1:4, Luke 5:32, Luke 15:7, Acts 11:15-18 and several other verses REALLY emphasize repentance, that God WILL allow you to come to Him in repentance, and that God GIVES it as a gift, and that the conviction and gift of repentance is for Jews AND non-Jews (Gentiles). But as far as I can tell, all of that speaks to those who had never before previously had faith and had fallen away. It all seems to speak to people hearing the gospel after being "lost in sin" up to that point.
Does the New Testament talk directly about people who once had faith, rejected it or fell away from it, and are interested in returning to it? I've tried looking through it (the NT) myself, but I'm not having much luck. My thought on the matter was that perhaps due to the New Testament being the chronical of Jesus' ministry as well as it being an account of people coming to faith for the first time, perhaps it had no direction for anyone who once believed it and then rejected it, only to miss it.
My concern is over the whole OSAS/NOSAS debate, I suppose, albeit indirectly -- the OSAS people believe that no matter what, God calls his people back even if they fall away for a time. I'm more inclined to see that as making more sense (seeing as Christianity's view of God is that he's all-powerful as WELL as loving and just), but there ARE those who declare that if you fall away, that's it, you aren't saved any more. I'm debating in my mind which is most sound but more importantly, which the Bible tends towards, and I'd love your input.
(Anyone's input here is welcome who'd like to take me up on my questions, although if you do, I'd really appreciate it if you were reasonably confident in your understanding of the Bible as opposed to, say, a new Christian who tends to be extraordinarily well-meaning and kind but lacks the understanding which they usually gain later. I suspect, though, that anyone on the mod team here has more of that Biblical background than not.)
I know I've asked more than a couple questions, and I'm willing to wait as long as neccesary for any and all responses -- heck, until you've got your Christmas shopping all done, even... and for ME, that won't be until a few days before Christmas :hehe:
Have a good one, and thank you!