Category Archives: Sacraments

Election The Scriptures also speak of the “elect.” Many of the passages in Isaiah speaking of the “chosen” use the same word translated “elect” in the New Testament. Speaking of the Kingdom, Isaiah says, (Isa 65:9 ESV) I will bring … Continue reading →

Veto F. Roley wrote a lengthy comment that leads into some helpful areas for discussion. Veto’s comments are in italics. Mine are in regular font — As you will notice from my comments, I come from the available light POV … Continue reading →

A chosen people So you’ve persuaded me that Paul doesn’t really teach “available light,” and that “available light” creates insurmountable problems, but that leaves what is — to me — a massive problem. How can God choose to save some people … Continue reading →

Maybe the Jews were subject to a stricter rule because they had God’s word. What about the pagan? Maybe N. T. Wright isn’t right, you know! Let’s turn back to — (Rom 2:6-8 ESV)  6 He will render to each … Continue reading →

Romans 2 But what about Romans 2? Doesn’t Paul say something there about the fate of those who never heard the gospel? He does. The discussion actually begins in chapter 1 —

Available light And so those who’ve never even heard the gospel are punished? Surely not! Jesus certainly seems to say so here, doesn’t he? But we need to look deeper. We begin by noticing that ignorance lessens the punishment. A … Continue reading →

Perpetual conscious torment Wouldn’t you agree that perpetual, conscious torment is a very, very harsh punishment for people who’ve never even heard the gospel? Or good people who just weren’t persuaded by a bad evangelist? I know the theory that … Continue reading →

Justice But what makes that good? How is it good that anyone is damned — for any reason? I agree that what God wants is, by definition, good, but shouldn’t we able to understand it? Why should God’s notion of … Continue reading →

The fate of those who’ve never heard the gospel What happens to those who’ve never heard the gospel? It’s hardly fair that they be damned,  you know. Believe it or not, I disagree. It’s perfectly fair. But before we get … Continue reading →

Thanks for joining me. I’ve read some deeply disturbing articles lately about salvation, and I consider you a clear thinker. We don’t often agree, but I still find our conversations helpful. And (who knows?) maybe one day you’ll actually convince … Continue reading →