October 24
I really do hate beating dead horses, but this one is essential to kill. I hear so many saying things in behalf of God that are simply not true. I was actually told by a pastor that I would likely be happier in some church rather than “his” church if I believed God does not love everyone. I asked him what he thought Romans 9:13-18 means where we are told God loved Jacob but hated Esau even while they were still in the womb. Then we’re told God actually raised up Pharaoh for the specific purpose of killing first his first born and then him to show the nations the power of God. His response was that we cannot take one verse and build a theological truth from it. I agreed with him wholeheartedly, but then asked him to tell me what Romans 9 means. He had no idea. And in Psalm 5:5; 11:5; and 58:3 we read that God hates those who practice evil. Contrary to the psycho-babblers of our day who would like us to believe we can't hate the deeds one does and still love the person doing those deeds. Thats tantamount to suggesting I can tell a rapist I love him when shooting him dead while he's trying to rape my wife.
To suggest we should view a person apart from his deeds is in itself a contradiction of scripture. We are told one can indeed be identified by his deeds (Matt. 7:17, 18). I sometimes think I’m going burst out laughing uncontrollably at some of the utter foolishness I hear people speak on this topic. Bill Bright’s gospel tract, “The Four Spiritual Laws,” proclaims “God Loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!” That phrase is both presumptuous and bad theology. I have no idea whom God loves and whom He doesn’t love, so I’m not suggesting we pick and choose to whom we will preach the gospel, but it’s the gospel we should be preaching, not some lame man made theological thought that isn’t supported by God’s word.
What I can say with absolute confidence is that Jesus will never turn away one who comes to Him with a contrite heart in repentance. What I do know and can proclaim with confidence is that both those who are called and those who are chosen must hear the gospel. What I do know and can proclaim with confidence is that many will hear the gospel who will not respond to it, some will respond and soon turn back to their old lifestyle, some will respond and spend a while in the congregation and then turn back to their old ways, and some will respond and bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Matt.13:3-9).
What I can say with absolute confidence is that God does not love everyone. John 3:16 is not a declaration that God loves everyone. It is a declaration that no man woman or child will be denied entrance into the kingdom of God because of his race, birthplace, age, sex, or national allegiance. John 3:16 tells us that God demonstrated His love for the world by sending His only begotten Son into it to live a sinless life, die in our place, and resurrect from the dead, demonstrating His victory over death. And yes, whosoever believes will be saved. However, Romans 3 tells us there will be none who will ever believe unless God intervenes and regenerates one’s deal spirit, so that regenerated spirit can then respond to the gospel and believe. It’s called reformed theology; and that’s our word from God for today.
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