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   DIR Return to: Biblical Pre-Conception Existence Theology (PCE)
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       #Post#: 7952--------------------------------------------------
       Misfits the Second:
       By: guest58 Date: September 16, 2019, 3:02 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Misfits, the second
       
       John 3:4 Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb?
       I would not stand on this one very long. In fact, I would not
       stand on it at all, but it is kind of amusing. If Nicodemus
       entered into his mother's womb the first time, he must have
       existed before that time. He certainly would have existed prior
       to his second entry right?
       
       Now I do not believe for one moment that Nicodemus had any
       knowledge of the pre-conception state, nor do I believe that he
       meant to imply what the words do, but at the same time I think I
       know what John was implying by putting in these words in this
       particular way.[30] (You must remember that John often writes
       with his tongue in his pre-existent cheek!)
       
       Romans 5:8 While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
       At the time Christ died for you, were you yet a sinner?
       According to pre-conception theology you were, without any
       twisting, reinterpretations or theological wonders. Seems that
       Paul might have thought so too. Of course, there is the
       traditional interpretation, for the young at heart!
       
       Romans 8:29 For whom HE did foreknow, HE also did predestinate
       to be conformed to the image of HIS Son. From this verse we can
       see that the predestination of the elect is based on the
       foreknowledge of GOD. Now everyone admits that in this verse,
       the word “fore” means before life. Therefore, they think that it
       also means before creation. I wonder if this is a valid and
       reasonable link to make?
       
       GOD obviously does not before life know everybody since not
       everyone will become like Jesus, as per Revelation 20:15 ...And
       whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast
       into the lake of fire.
       
       This means that foreknow must carry the idea of approval. As one
       commentator (#28) stated it, “Whom HE foreknew” is virtually
       equivalent to “whom HE foreloved”.
       
       Now this question comes to mind: if it is true that no one had
       been created at the time of this foreknowledge, on what basis
       does GOD before life love some and not the rest?
       
       The basis can not be, as some have suggested, some merit in the
       creatures, first because no one exists yet; second, because the
       ones HE foreloves will be just as defiled in life as any other;
       and third, because the Scriptures say election is not on the
       basis of the creature's works or choices in life, but rather on
       HIS unmerited favour: Romans 9:11 For the children being not yet
       born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of
       GOD according to election might stand, not of works, but of HIM
       that calleth...
       
       Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him
       that runneth, but of GOD that sheweth mercy. Therefore, we can
       surmise that GOD does not before life love some because HE has
       divined that they will have some merit in their life.
       
       Others have suggested that GOD before life loved only some
       because this is more beneficial for HIS purposes than if HE
       before life loved everyone. The explanation goes something like
       this:
       
       The loved ones' eternal joy is directly proportional to their
       knowledge - appreciation of GOD and the wonderfulness of their
       salvation. Therefore an increase of good comes forth from the
       eternal damnation of some persons for by their damnation, that
       is, the outcome of Adam's decision to sin[31] and HIS before
       life decision not to love these persons, two types of eternal
       blessings occur for the rest.
       
       First, a fuller appreciation of several of God's attributes is
       made possible, which opportunity wouldn't be possible if all
       lived forever, that is, if HE before life loved them all. These
       attributes are usually said to be HIS justness (retribution -
       wrath) holiness and omnipotence.
       
       Secondly, the truth regarding the elects' end apart from
       Christ's salvation is made fully known, which full knowledge
       makes possible the fuller appreciation of HIS salvation, for
       this salvation (hence, HIS mercy too) would not be so fully
       appreciated without the graphic depiction of both ends.
       
       Others even go so far as to say that their damnation is
       absolutely necessary in order that the purpose of GOD be able to
       be fulfilled by HIS elect, and they offer this explanation:
       
       In order to live in eternity with GOD, we must live fully in the
       truth, which necessity necessitates having a perfect
       appreciation of GOD's attributes and HIS salvation, and that
       this perfect appreciation by HIS elect creatures is made
       possible first, only through witnessing HIS triumph over and
       judgement upon HIS enemies, and second, only when HIS perfection
       and our life in Christ are contrasted with the complete
       imperfections of the damned and the end we would have had, had
       HE not saved us.
       
       
       Now, these are very hard positions to hold, for they fail on
       many accounts.
       
       First, they both fail to answer or give a reasonable basis for
       why HE chose the particular ones HE did and why HE did not
       choose the rest. In other words, they both deny the faithful and
       unselfish character of GOD's love, in that they limit it without
       just cause and look on it as somewhat capricious.
       
       Secondly, they both necessitate the unproven presupposition that
       it is impossible for GOD to perfect HIS creatures HIMSELF, that
       HE needs the presence of evil in order to bring HIS creation to
       its highest potential.
       
       In other words we must accept, for example, that in GOD’S world
       one has to first be sick in order to be healthy, or sinful in
       order to be faultless [and the more sinful (or sick) the
       better].
       
       Third, they both fail to satisfactorily answer the question of
       how the damnation of millions makes us more appreciative /
       perfect than would be the damnation of but one, since it is the
       moral depravity of those in hell that is supposed to make for
       the increased appreciation - perfection and not the quantity of
       persons therein.
       
       Fourthly, they both put a very small value on the worth of the
       individual creature in the eyes of GOD.
       
       Well, since the reason for GOD's foreknowledge being particular
       can not be found in HIS divination of merit in some creatures
       and since a reasonable answer has not been put forward for why
       GOD does it particularly, we are left with but two conclusions:
       we must either look for the answer elsewhere, in some area we
       have not looked before, or we must put the basis of HIS
       foreknowledge down to unreasonable chance.
       
       This would mean that there is no reason for HIS particular
       before life love. Whom GOD elects / foreknows is based on eenie,
       meenie, minie, mo, but how can you put your faith in a GOD like
       that? How much better to admit that we should start looking in
       some area we have not looked yet, and since we can not find any
       of those, why not finally admit that we need a revelation from
       GOD to give us an infinitely loving answer to this problem?
       
       Now, according to pre-conception theology, the before life love
       (foreknowledge) of GOD, that is, HIS pre-life approval of some
       and rejection of the rest is based on the prior uncoerced choice
       of the creature (for or against  HIM) and on HIS infinite love,
       which means that HE will never stop loving anyone who can
       possibly ever come to glorify HIM.
       
       Herein is the reason why HE loved some before this life and why
       HE did not love the rest. Some had chosen to eternally defile
       themselves and some had not. Some had decided to never ever
       fulfil HIS purpose and some were still able to fulfil HIS
       purpose, some willingly,[32] and others only if HE was
       infallibly[33] gracious to them. Yes, and He predestined these
       who put their faith, their unproven hope in HIM to be conformed
       to the image of HIS Son if they should ever sin, and HE
       predestined the other evil ones who rejected HIM as a false god
       and a liar for the Day of Judgement and established them for the
       correction of the fallen elect.
       
       Now, I ask you, which doctrine is the more scriptural and
       reasonable and compatible with the attributes of GOD?[34]
       
       2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy
       calling, not according to our works, but according to HIS own
       purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the
       world began. This Scripture does not prove that we existed
       before our conception. The reason I am including it is that I
       believe that it does not invalidate preconception theology, and
       I am sure a lot of people will think that it and others like it
       do.[35]
       
       May I submit that when the Scriptures speak of works in relation
       to our election, they are referring to only our works after
       we're born, ie, no one was elected on account of any works they
       would do in this life.
       
       Now, if there is anyone who would like to disagree with me on
       this and would like to debate whether Paul intended that our
       pre-life works were also to be included in the works that were
       excluded as part of the basis of GOD's election, I would be very
       interested in seeing your argument. I suppose that this isn't
       necessary, but I would like to (first) point out that any such
       argument must admit to our pre-existence.
       
       The second thing I would like to point out is that we were
       called according to HIS purpose. This must mean so that we could
       fulfil HIS purpose for us. But if this is so, then there must be
       an uncoerced choice on our part if we are ever to have the
       possibility of glorifying GOD. Therefore I say that being called
       according to HIS purpose and grace is almost exactly the same as
       saying, being called in accord with our uncoerced choice and HIS
       covenant, and if making that choice is a work, since earthly
       works are out, then it is the same as saying, Being called in
       accord with a preconception work and HIS gracious covenant to
       those who performed that work.
       
       The third thing I would like to point out is that the angels are
       elected too. 1 Timothy 5:21 I charge thee before GOD and the
       Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels. Angels are a lot
       different than men (at least, that is what many believe), ie,
       they do not have what is usually called “racial solidarity”.
       This means that they have to make all their own choices.[36]No
       one else can make them for them and they can not be held
       accountable for someone else's evil choices.
       
       In other words, Adam's choices do not affect them at all
       (supposedly). Perhaps you would like to tell me on what basis
       GOD elected only some of them? If it was not on the basis of
       their individual choices, then they had to be elected before the
       satanic rebellion, at least. But if GOD's election took place
       before the satanic rebellion,[37] would this not lead us into
       the pretty incredulous situation of some unblemished creatures
       being unjustly un-predestined to remain in heaven?[38]
       
       And what reasonable basis can we put forward for this situation
       other than HE simply did not want them to be with HIM
       forever?[39] This situation does not look too good, does it?
       
       Well then, what if no one was elected before the rebellion, that
       is, what if GOD's election took place after the rebellion? Then
       GOD's election took place after they all had made an eternal
       choice, and presumably that choice would be taken into account
       when GOD was doing HIS electing. It would have to be if HE was
       holy and just.
       Now, the main thing I am trying to bring out with all of this is
       that when we just begin to consider the election of angels, we
       run into some pretty unreasonable implications if we leave out
       their choice as being a part of the basis of their election, and
       the only other real alternative necessitates that we accept that
       their eternal choice was at least a part of the basis of their
       election.
       
       Well, if you are willing to accept the possibility of their
       choice / works being a part of the basis of their election, why
       can that not be a part of the basis of ours too?
       
       May I submit that the only thing going against that possibility
       is the presupposition that Paul, in 2 Timothy 1:9 is excluding
       all our works, and I have to admit, that is what it seems to
       say, that is, what it seems to say until we look at Paul's
       definition of elective works in
       
       Romans 9:11 For the children being not yet born, neither having
       done any good or evil, that the purpose of GOD according to
       election might stand, not of works, but of HIM that calleth.
       Now, I do not think that I will get much argument when I say
       that the works of2 Timothy 1:9 are the same works as are
       mentioned in this verse in Romans. In other words, Paul defines
       works the same in both verses. And just how does he define
       works? Well, in Romans, Paul is referring to Genesis 25:22 And
       the children struggled together within her. The children are
       Jacob and Esau, and Paul says that at the time of GOD's
       statement to Rebecca, to the effect that the elder shall serve
       the younger, that neither of them had done any good or evil
       (works).
       
       But the reason Rebecca had prayed to GOD was that she was having
       such a hard time of it because Jacob and Esau were fighting so
       much in the womb. Now, if they were fighting, at least one, if
       not both, had to be being evil, that is, doing evil works.[40]
       
       Well now, we either have a blatant contradiction and must
       dismiss Paul's works theology as being somewhat amiss, or we
       have to admit that the Pauline definition[41] of works does not
       exclude pre-birth works from being a part of the basis of our
       election.
       
       In fact, by his omission of their pre-birth works in those works
       that are excluded as being a part of the basis of our election,
       he must be inferring that some pre-birth works have something to
       do with it. To say this all another way, what we have here in
       Romans is a classic example of a Scripture with some missing
       words, that is, what Paul is really saying is, neither having
       done any good or evil (works on the post-birth side of the womb)
       that the purpose of GOD according to election might stand, not
       of works (done on the post-birth side of the womb) but of HIM
       that calleth (when one is on the post-birth side of the womb).
       Thus we can see that Paul did not exclude our pre-birth works
       from being a part of the basis of our election.[42]
       
       Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then, as the children are partakers of
       flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same.
       What does the word “likewise” mean in this verse? To my way of
       seeing things, it is a very important addition.
       
       For instance, the verse could just have easily read, as the
       children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself took
       part of the same. When it reads so well without the word
       “likewise”, one can not help but wonder why the word was
       included?
       
       Well, once again preconception theology has a sensible answer.
       It was put in because Jesus pre-existed His incarnation, and His
       taking of flesh is likewise to ours because our taking of flesh
       is also an incarnation rather than a creation.
       
       Furthermore, any description to the effect that we are made at
       or after our conception must be interpreted in light of Hebrews
       2:6,7,9,17 What is man, that THOU are mindful of him? Or the son
       of man, that THOU visitest him? THOU madest him a little lower
       than the angels;... But we see Jesus, who was (also) made a
       little lower than the angels for the suffering of death...
       Wherefore, in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His
       brethren...
       
       Thus Scripture testifies that pre-existent PERsons are made when
       they begin life. Actually, it is not the person who is made, it
       is their earthly life. It is created then.
       
       Hebrews 11:13 These (the children of Abraham) all died in faith,
       not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off,
       and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed
       that they were strangers and pilgrims (NIV - aliens and
       strangers) (everywhere) on the earth. 14 For they that say such
       things declare plainly that they seek a country (home planet).
       15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country (place)
       from whence they came out (ie, if it was their home planet) they
       might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they
       desire a better country, that is, an heavenly (home): wherefore
       GOD is not ashamed to be called their GOD: for HE hath prepared
       for them a city(eternal home planet). So, all of Abraham's
       children were strangers and pilgrims on planet Earth, and they
       were all seeking a country, an home country.
       
       Furthermore, this home country was not that country (place) from
       which they had come, for if it was, they could have simply
       returned there to be at home. No, their home country was much
       more heavenly.
       
       Well, pre-existence theology says that GOD's elect are aliens
       and pilgrims (just passing through) on planet Earth. It also
       says that GOD's fallen elect all came here from another place,
       but not a place to which they would like to return, not a place
       which they would call home. No indeed, for the home country that
       the elect originally left was Paradise, and that's the place
       that they're trying to get back to.
       
       Conclusion:
       Well, there is really not too much more that I can show you[43]
       to help you see the truthfulness of this doctrine.[44] To my
       mind, it has a great deal of scriptural support.[45] Moreover,
       it is much more reasonable than any other.[46] And, it is really
       not new, for some people have believed in it in all ages of
       history.
       
       
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Notes for Misfits, second part
       
       30 - John always was good at getting the most out of his words,
       as any commentator will tell you, and here we see him doing the
       same with Nicodemus' words too. If you ever find yourself in the
       presence of this heavenly reporter, it might be wise to not run
       off at the mouth, but if you don't believe me, just ask
       Nicodemus or Caiaphas.
       
       Remember John 11:50-51 Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that
       it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people,
       and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of
       himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that
       Jesus should die for that nation.
       
       Of course John quoted him word for word, and was even willing to
       allow that Caiaphas' words were “inspired by GOD,” as a high
       priest's counsel and prophetic warnings should be and as he no
       doubt claimed, yet I do not think that what they each meant by
       “die for the people” could have been further apart. I am sure
       that Caiaphas would accuse John of twisting his words and taking
       him completely out of context or even worse, whereas John was
       merely exercising his sense of humour.
       
       31 - That is, his decision to follow (stay spiritually married
       to or in unity with) GOD's help meet for him.
       
       32 - We must remember the angels. Not every foreknown creature
       needs HIS saving grace.
       
       33 - Infallible only because they are the elect.
       34 - In other words, give up your flat Earth theology already!
       
       35 - Hence, the need to shoot their interpretation to ribbons.
       
       36 - In reality, so does everybody else.
       
       37 - Hey, maybe that is the reason for it. Some found out that
       they were not elect. No wonder they decided to oppose GOD. They
       certainly had nothing to lose except their everlasting torments.
       
       38 - Or predestined for Hell.
       
       39 - If you put forth that they were not elected on the basis of
       their foreseen rebellion, then isn't that the same as election
       on the basis of works?
       
       40 - It is impossible that both were following the Holy Spirit
       in their struggles with each other. So, although it is possible
       that neither was being good, it is impossible that neither was
       being evil.
       
       41 - This is a good example of one of those Scriptures that Paul
       put in his writings (to bear witness to the secret theology he
       knew, but was forbidden to speak about), knowing that it would
       not be understood correctly until the time of the general
       revelation.
       
       42 - Who let that elephant in here anyway?
       
       43 - That is, other than all the chapters I cut out of this
       manuscript because I didn't want to make it too long. If you add
       them to all the pages I cut out of New Revelation, this book is
       only about half as long as it used to be. (Nobody wants to work
       hard anymore!) I have more proof to look at than you probably
       have time to look.
       
       44 - Like if you can't see it yet, about the only thing left to
       do is anoint your eyes with some dirty old spittle! Now, don't
       jump on me too fast. It's standard procedure for curing those
       who are born blind. (See John 9:1-7.)
       
       Did you know that it was extremely repulsive to any Jew for a
       person to spit on the ground? (Just about as repulsive as eating
       blood!) But even though it (He) was so repulsive to them, it
       sure did work miracles of sight when He did it and His
       instructions were followed in faith for a miracle.
       
       So here's to some mud and spit from GOD in your eyes! And if
       you would like to have the whole cure, all you have to do is go
       wash the mud and spit off in the pool named “Sent” (Siloam in
       the Hebrew.) And of course #1, there is no cure for those who
       prefer the blindness that they were born with. And of course #2,
       to be sent like Jesus or John the Baptist, one must also
       pre-exist one's conception.
       
       “Ah, religion can sure be a drag sometimes. Always trying to get
       you to change. Always trying to get you to stand up against evil
       that you can't even see! And this ‘sent’ business! Who ever
       heard of that being a cure for blindness?”
       
       45 - Like, there is no better (more believable) witness than the
       GOD of the Bible, and there isn't much doubt as to where the GOD
       of the Bible stands on this one!
       
       46 - Especially so if you disregard my notes!!
       
       
       
       #Post#: 7955--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Misfits the Second:
       By: guest8 Date: September 16, 2019, 9:43 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [quote author=Ted T. link=topic=622.msg7952#msg7952
       date=1568664148]
       Misfits, the second
       
       John 3:4 Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb?
       I would not stand on this one very long. In fact, I would not
       stand on it at all, but it is kind of amusing. If Nicodemus
       entered into his mother's womb the first time, he must have
       existed before that time. He certainly would have existed prior
       to his second entry right?
       
       Now I do not believe for one moment that Nicodemus had any
       knowledge of the pre-conception state, nor do I believe that he
       meant to imply what the words do, but at the same time I think I
       know what John was implying by putting in these words in this
       particular way.[30] (You must remember that John often writes
       with his tongue in his pre-existent cheek!)
       
       Romans 5:8 While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
       At the time Christ died for you, were you yet a sinner?
       According to pre-conception theology you were, without any
       twisting, reinterpretations or theological wonders. Seems that
       Paul might have thought so too. Of course, there is the
       traditional interpretation, for the young at heart!
       
       Romans 8:29 For whom HE did foreknow, HE also did predestinate
       to be conformed to the image of HIS Son. From this verse we can
       see that the predestination of the elect is based on the
       foreknowledge of GOD. Now everyone admits that in this verse,
       the word “fore” means before life. Therefore, they think that it
       also means before creation. I wonder if this is a valid and
       reasonable link to make?
       
       GOD obviously does not before life know everybody since not
       everyone will become like Jesus, as per Revelation 20:15 ...And
       whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast
       into the lake of fire.
       
       This means that foreknow must carry the idea of approval. As one
       commentator (#28) stated it, “Whom HE foreknew” is virtually
       equivalent to “whom HE foreloved”.
       
       Now this question comes to mind: if it is true that no one had
       been created at the time of this foreknowledge, on what basis
       does GOD before life love some and not the rest?
       
       The basis can not be, as some have suggested, some merit in the
       creatures, first because no one exists yet; second, because the
       ones HE foreloves will be just as defiled in life as any other;
       and third, because the Scriptures say election is not on the
       basis of the creature's works or choices in life, but rather on
       HIS unmerited favour: Romans 9:11 For the children being not yet
       born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of
       GOD according to election might stand, not of works, but of HIM
       that calleth...
       
       Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him
       that runneth, but of GOD that sheweth mercy. Therefore, we can
       surmise that GOD does not before life love some because HE has
       divined that they will have some merit in their life.
       
       Others have suggested that GOD before life loved only some
       because this is more beneficial for HIS purposes than if HE
       before life loved everyone. The explanation goes something like
       this:
       
       The loved ones' eternal joy is directly proportional to their
       knowledge - appreciation of GOD and the wonderfulness of their
       salvation. Therefore an increase of good comes forth from the
       eternal damnation of some persons for by their damnation, that
       is, the outcome of Adam's decision to sin[31] and HIS before
       life decision not to love these persons, two types of eternal
       blessings occur for the rest.
       
       First, a fuller appreciation of several of God's attributes is
       made possible, which opportunity wouldn't be possible if all
       lived forever, that is, if HE before life loved them all. These
       attributes are usually said to be HIS justness (retribution -
       wrath) holiness and omnipotence.
       
       Secondly, the truth regarding the elects' end apart from
       Christ's salvation is made fully known, which full knowledge
       makes possible the fuller appreciation of HIS salvation, for
       this salvation (hence, HIS mercy too) would not be so fully
       appreciated without the graphic depiction of both ends.
       
       Others even go so far as to say that their damnation is
       absolutely necessary in order that the purpose of GOD be able to
       be fulfilled by HIS elect, and they offer this explanation:
       
       In order to live in eternity with GOD, we must live fully in the
       truth, which necessity necessitates having a perfect
       appreciation of GOD's attributes and HIS salvation, and that
       this perfect appreciation by HIS elect creatures is made
       possible first, only through witnessing HIS triumph over and
       judgement upon HIS enemies, and second, only when HIS perfection
       and our life in Christ are contrasted with the complete
       imperfections of the damned and the end we would have had, had
       HE not saved us.
       
       
       Now, these are very hard positions to hold, for they fail on
       many accounts.
       
       First, they both fail to answer or give a reasonable basis for
       why HE chose the particular ones HE did and why HE did not
       choose the rest. In other words, they both deny the faithful and
       unselfish character of GOD's love, in that they limit it without
       just cause and look on it as somewhat capricious.
       
       Secondly, they both necessitate the unproven presupposition that
       it is impossible for GOD to perfect HIS creatures HIMSELF, that
       HE needs the presence of evil in order to bring HIS creation to
       its highest potential.
       
       In other words we must accept, for example, that in GOD’S world
       one has to first be sick in order to be healthy, or sinful in
       order to be faultless [and the more sinful (or sick) the
       better].
       
       Third, they both fail to satisfactorily answer the question of
       how the damnation of millions makes us more appreciative /
       perfect than would be the damnation of but one, since it is the
       moral depravity of those in hell that is supposed to make for
       the increased appreciation - perfection and not the quantity of
       persons therein.
       
       Fourthly, they both put a very small value on the worth of the
       individual creature in the eyes of GOD.
       
       Well, since the reason for GOD's foreknowledge being particular
       can not be found in HIS divination of merit in some creatures
       and since a reasonable answer has not been put forward for why
       GOD does it particularly, we are left with but two conclusions:
       we must either look for the answer elsewhere, in some area we
       have not looked before, or we must put the basis of HIS
       foreknowledge down to unreasonable chance.
       
       This would mean that there is no reason for HIS particular
       before life love. Whom GOD elects / foreknows is based on eenie,
       meenie, minie, mo, but how can you put your faith in a GOD like
       that? How much better to admit that we should start looking in
       some area we have not looked yet, and since we can not find any
       of those, why not finally admit that we need a revelation from
       GOD to give us an infinitely loving answer to this problem?
       
       Now, according to pre-conception theology, the before life love
       (foreknowledge) of GOD, that is, HIS pre-life approval of some
       and rejection of the rest is based on the prior uncoerced choice
       of the creature (for or against  HIM) and on HIS infinite love,
       which means that HE will never stop loving anyone who can
       possibly ever come to glorify HIM.
       
       Herein is the reason why HE loved some before this life and why
       HE did not love the rest. Some had chosen to eternally defile
       themselves and some had not. Some had decided to never ever
       fulfil HIS purpose and some were still able to fulfil HIS
       purpose, some willingly,[32] and others only if HE was
       infallibly[33] gracious to them. Yes, and He predestined these
       who put their faith, their unproven hope in HIM to be conformed
       to the image of HIS Son if they should ever sin, and HE
       predestined the other evil ones who rejected HIM as a false god
       and a liar for the Day of Judgement and established them for the
       correction of the fallen elect.
       
       Now, I ask you, which doctrine is the more scriptural and
       reasonable and compatible with the attributes of GOD?[34]
       
       2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy
       calling, not according to our works, but according to HIS own
       purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the
       world began. This Scripture does not prove that we existed
       before our conception. The reason I am including it is that I
       believe that it does not invalidate preconception theology, and
       I am sure a lot of people will think that it and others like it
       do.[35]
       
       May I submit that when the Scriptures speak of works in relation
       to our election, they are referring to only our works after
       we're born, ie, no one was elected on account of any works they
       would do in this life.
       
       Now, if there is anyone who would like to disagree with me on
       this and would like to debate whether Paul intended that our
       pre-life works were also to be included in the works that were
       excluded as part of the basis of GOD's election, I would be very
       interested in seeing your argument. I suppose that this isn't
       necessary, but I would like to (first) point out that any such
       argument must admit to our pre-existence.
       
       The second thing I would like to point out is that we were
       called according to HIS purpose. This must mean so that we could
       fulfil HIS purpose for us. But if this is so, then there must be
       an uncoerced choice on our part if we are ever to have the
       possibility of glorifying GOD. Therefore I say that being called
       according to HIS purpose and grace is almost exactly the same as
       saying, being called in accord with our uncoerced choice and HIS
       covenant, and if making that choice is a work, since earthly
       works are out, then it is the same as saying, Being called in
       accord with a preconception work and HIS gracious covenant to
       those who performed that work.
       
       The third thing I would like to point out is that the angels are
       elected too. 1 Timothy 5:21 I charge thee before GOD and the
       Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels. Angels are a lot
       different than men (at least, that is what many believe), ie,
       they do not have what is usually called “racial solidarity”.
       This means that they have to make all their own choices.[36]No
       one else can make them for them and they can not be held
       accountable for someone else's evil choices.
       
       In other words, Adam's choices do not affect them at all
       (supposedly). Perhaps you would like to tell me on what basis
       GOD elected only some of them? If it was not on the basis of
       their individual choices, then they had to be elected before the
       satanic rebellion, at least. But if GOD's election took place
       before the satanic rebellion,[37] would this not lead us into
       the pretty incredulous situation of some unblemished creatures
       being unjustly un-predestined to remain in heaven?[38]
       
       And what reasonable basis can we put forward for this situation
       other than HE simply did not want them to be with HIM
       forever?[39] This situation does not look too good, does it?
       
       Well then, what if no one was elected before the rebellion, that
       is, what if GOD's election took place after the rebellion? Then
       GOD's election took place after they all had made an eternal
       choice, and presumably that choice would be taken into account
       when GOD was doing HIS electing. It would have to be if HE was
       holy and just.
       Now, the main thing I am trying to bring out with all of this is
       that when we just begin to consider the election of angels, we
       run into some pretty unreasonable implications if we leave out
       their choice as being a part of the basis of their election, and
       the only other real alternative necessitates that we accept that
       their eternal choice was at least a part of the basis of their
       election.
       
       Well, if you are willing to accept the possibility of their
       choice / works being a part of the basis of their election, why
       can that not be a part of the basis of ours too?
       
       May I submit that the only thing going against that possibility
       is the presupposition that Paul, in 2 Timothy 1:9 is excluding
       all our works, and I have to admit, that is what it seems to
       say, that is, what it seems to say until we look at Paul's
       definition of elective works in
       
       Romans 9:11 For the children being not yet born, neither having
       done any good or evil, that the purpose of GOD according to
       election might stand, not of works, but of HIM that calleth.
       Now, I do not think that I will get much argument when I say
       that the works of2 Timothy 1:9 are the same works as are
       mentioned in this verse in Romans. In other words, Paul defines
       works the same in both verses. And just how does he define
       works? Well, in Romans, Paul is referring to Genesis 25:22 And
       the children struggled together within her. The children are
       Jacob and Esau, and Paul says that at the time of GOD's
       statement to Rebecca, to the effect that the elder shall serve
       the younger, that neither of them had done any good or evil
       (works).
       
       But the reason Rebecca had prayed to GOD was that she was having
       such a hard time of it because Jacob and Esau were fighting so
       much in the womb. Now, if they were fighting, at least one, if
       not both, had to be being evil, that is, doing evil works.[40]
       
       Well now, we either have a blatant contradiction and must
       dismiss Paul's works theology as being somewhat amiss, or we
       have to admit that the Pauline definition[41] of works does not
       exclude pre-birth works from being a part of the basis of our
       election.
       
       In fact, by his omission of their pre-birth works in those works
       that are excluded as being a part of the basis of our election,
       he must be inferring that some pre-birth works have something to
       do with it. To say this all another way, what we have here in
       Romans is a classic example of a Scripture with some missing
       words, that is, what Paul is really saying is, neither having
       done any good or evil (works on the post-birth side of the womb)
       that the purpose of GOD according to election might stand, not
       of works (done on the post-birth side of the womb) but of HIM
       that calleth (when one is on the post-birth side of the womb).
       Thus we can see that Paul did not exclude our pre-birth works
       from being a part of the basis of our election.[42]
       
       Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then, as the children are partakers of
       flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same.
       What does the word “likewise” mean in this verse? To my way of
       seeing things, it is a very important addition.
       
       For instance, the verse could just have easily read, as the
       children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself took
       part of the same. When it reads so well without the word
       “likewise”, one can not help but wonder why the word was
       included?
       
       Well, once again preconception theology has a sensible answer.
       It was put in because Jesus pre-existed His incarnation, and His
       taking of flesh is likewise to ours because our taking of flesh
       is also an incarnation rather than a creation.
       
       Furthermore, any description to the effect that we are made at
       or after our conception must be interpreted in light of Hebrews
       2:6,7,9,17 What is man, that THOU are mindful of him? Or the son
       of man, that THOU visitest him? THOU madest him a little lower
       than the angels;... But we see Jesus, who was (also) made a
       little lower than the angels for the suffering of death...
       Wherefore, in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His
       brethren...
       
       Thus Scripture testifies that pre-existent PERsons are made when
       they begin life. Actually, it is not the person who is made, it
       is their earthly life. It is created then.
       
       Hebrews 11:13 These (the children of Abraham) all died in faith,
       not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off,
       and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed
       that they were strangers and pilgrims (NIV - aliens and
       strangers) (everywhere) on the earth. 14 For they that say such
       things declare plainly that they seek a country (home planet).
       15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country (place)
       from whence they came out (ie, if it was their home planet) they
       might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they
       desire a better country, that is, an heavenly (home): wherefore
       GOD is not ashamed to be called their GOD: for HE hath prepared
       for them a city(eternal home planet). So, all of Abraham's
       children were strangers and pilgrims on planet Earth, and they
       were all seeking a country, an home country.
       
       Furthermore, this home country was not that country (place) from
       which they had come, for if it was, they could have simply
       returned there to be at home. No, their home country was much
       more heavenly.
       
       Well, pre-existence theology says that GOD's elect are aliens
       and pilgrims (just passing through) on planet Earth. It also
       says that GOD's fallen elect all came here from another place,
       but not a place to which they would like to return, not a place
       which they would call home. No indeed, for the home country that
       the elect originally left was Paradise, and that's the place
       that they're trying to get back to.
       
       Conclusion:
       Well, there is really not too much more that I can show you[43]
       to help you see the truthfulness of this doctrine.[44] To my
       mind, it has a great deal of scriptural support.[45] Moreover,
       it is much more reasonable than any other.[46] And, it is really
       not new, for some people have believed in it in all ages of
       history.
       
       
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Notes for Misfits, second part
       
       30 - John always was good at getting the most out of his words,
       as any commentator will tell you, and here we see him doing the
       same with Nicodemus' words too. If you ever find yourself in the
       presence of this heavenly reporter, it might be wise to not run
       off at the mouth, but if you don't believe me, just ask
       Nicodemus or Caiaphas.
       
       Remember John 11:50-51 Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that
       it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people,
       and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of
       himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that
       Jesus should die for that nation.
       
       Of course John quoted him word for word, and was even willing to
       allow that Caiaphas' words were “inspired by GOD,” as a high
       priest's counsel and prophetic warnings should be and as he no
       doubt claimed, yet I do not think that what they each meant by
       “die for the people” could have been further apart. I am sure
       that Caiaphas would accuse John of twisting his words and taking
       him completely out of context or even worse, whereas John was
       merely exercising his sense of humour.
       
       31 - That is, his decision to follow (stay spiritually married
       to or in unity with) GOD's help meet for him.
       
       32 - We must remember the angels. Not every foreknown creature
       needs HIS saving grace.
       
       33 - Infallible only because they are the elect.
       34 - In other words, give up your flat Earth theology already!
       
       35 - Hence, the need to shoot their interpretation to ribbons.
       
       36 - In reality, so does everybody else.
       
       37 - Hey, maybe that is the reason for it. Some found out that
       they were not elect. No wonder they decided to oppose GOD. They
       certainly had nothing to lose except their everlasting torments.
       
       38 - Or predestined for Hell.
       
       39 - If you put forth that they were not elected on the basis of
       their foreseen rebellion, then isn't that the same as election
       on the basis of works?
       
       40 - It is impossible that both were following the Holy Spirit
       in their struggles with each other. So, although it is possible
       that neither was being good, it is impossible that neither was
       being evil.
       
       41 - This is a good example of one of those Scriptures that Paul
       put in his writings (to bear witness to the secret theology he
       knew, but was forbidden to speak about), knowing that it would
       not be understood correctly until the time of the general
       revelation.
       
       42 - Who let that elephant in here anyway?
       
       43 - That is, other than all the chapters I cut out of this
       manuscript because I didn't want to make it too long. If you add
       them to all the pages I cut out of New Revelation, this book is
       only about half as long as it used to be. (Nobody wants to work
       hard anymore!) I have more proof to look at than you probably
       have time to look.
       
       44 - Like if you can't see it yet, about the only thing left to
       do is anoint your eyes with some dirty old spittle! Now, don't
       jump on me too fast. It's standard procedure for curing those
       who are born blind. (See John 9:1-7.)
       
       Did you know that it was extremely repulsive to any Jew for a
       person to spit on the ground? (Just about as repulsive as eating
       blood!) But even though it (He) was so repulsive to them, it
       sure did work miracles of sight when He did it and His
       instructions were followed in faith for a miracle.
       
       So here's to some mud and spit from GOD in your eyes! And if
       you would like to have the whole cure, all you have to do is go
       wash the mud and spit off in the pool named “Sent” (Siloam in
       the Hebrew.) And of course #1, there is no cure for those who
       prefer the blindness that they were born with. And of course #2,
       to be sent like Jesus or John the Baptist, one must also
       pre-exist one's conception.
       
       “Ah, religion can sure be a drag sometimes. Always trying to get
       you to change. Always trying to get you to stand up against evil
       that you can't even see! And this ‘sent’ business! Who ever
       heard of that being a cure for blindness?”
       
       45 - Like, there is no better (more believable) witness than the
       GOD of the Bible, and there isn't much doubt as to where the GOD
       of the Bible stands on this one!
       
       46 - Especially so if you disregard my notes!!
       [/quote]
       [shadow=blue,left]Well TEd, you certainly like to write or maybe
       copy and paste.
       Romans 8:29, "For whom he did foreknow," ,,,, You do a lot of
       assuming so let me relieve you so of that assumptions.
       To read it literally, GOD says  "For whom he did foreknow," ,
       He did not stutter.
       Somewhere in the eons of time prior to creation, God made a
       decision to predestinate something. We find out that decision
       was to predestinate (elect) some men. By logic, in order to
       Predestinate many of  multitude(S), God would know all people
       the He would create on earth. Through His sovereignty He decided
       He would elect some and others He would not.
       You say he does not know those who he does not elect. I differ
       with you here. HE knows you, HE made you. He gave you you first
       Breath.
       He also knew that Man (Adam) would fall and forever be in sin.
       Under no circumstances would/could any man remove himself from
       sin unless His heart was reborn through the actions of GOD
       himself.
       I heard an analogy the other day and it goes like this....
       A man falls in the water and He is going down for the last time.
       His head is under the water, Only the fingers on one hand are
       above the water.
       A lifejacket would save his life but it would have to land at
       his fingertips in order for him to grab ahold of it, thus saving
       His life. God throws him this lifejacket and it indeed does land
       right at his fingertips. Now it is up to this drowning man to
       grab that lifejacket saving his live.
       Thus it is  man through his own free will that decides to
       receive the salvation offered by God's Grace.
       The opposite post, The man has drowned and is dead. God reaches
       down and drags him out of the water and regenerates this man
       heart and brings him out of the sinful nature to a path that
       leads to righteousness.
       I will say this,,,, For those that believe that Man has the
       ability to grab that lifejacket and save themselves from their
       sins, They are destined for HELL!
       Romans 8:30..(KJV).."Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he
       also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and
       whom he justified, them he also glorified."
       I might add: those whom God elects receive His Mercy. For those
       that do not receive His Mercy, receive Justice.
       NO MAN receives in-justice.
       Bladerunner[/shadow]
       #Post#: 7959--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Misfits the Second:
       By: guest58 Date: September 17, 2019, 1:42 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg7955#msg7955
       date=1568688228]
       [shadow=blue,left]Well TEd, you certainly like to write or maybe
       copy and paste.   [/shadow][/quote] [font=verdana]I write and I
       often cut and paste[/font] from previous p[font=verdana]ostings
       to be efficient.[/font]
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg7955#msg7955
       date=1568688228][shadow=blue,left]Romans 8:29, "For whom he did
       foreknow," ,,,, You do a lot of assuming so let me relieve you
       so of that assumptions.
       To read it literally, GOD says  "For whom he did foreknow," ,
       He did not stutter.
       Somewhere in the eons of time prior to creation, God made a
       decision to predestinate something. We find out that decision
       was to predestinate (elect) some men. By logic, in order to
       Predestinate many of  multitude(S), God would know all people
       the He would create on earth. Through His sovereignty He decided
       He would elect some and others He would not.
       You say he does not know those who he does not elect. I differ
       with you here. HE knows you, HE made you. He gave you you first
       Breath.
       [/shadow][/quote]
       You misread:
       Romans 8:29 claims that those HE foreknew were predestined to be
       conformed to Chirst. Since some are damned instead of being
       conformed to Chirst, logic says they must not have been
       foreknown. This interpretation rests quite clearly on Christ's
       own words referring to HIS relationship with the false miracle
       workers and foolish virgins:
       Matt 7:22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we
       not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and
       perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I
       never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’…
       Never: 3763. oudepote:
       Definition: never
       Usage: never.
       Matthew 25:12 But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know
       you.'
       I did not include these references because I took it for granted
       they were well known as having important theological
       implications.
       Jesus claims there are people He NEVER knew even though He
       created them and their lives so there must be a difference
       between those He never knew or does not not know and the others
       whom HE foreknows… as I already explained.
       I merely contend that those He foreknew for predestination are
       the elect and those whom He does not know, actually those He
       never knew, are the damned, condemned already for their
       (already) unbelief in the name of HIS Son: Jn 3:18 Whoever
       believes in him (His foreknown elect) is not condemned, but
       whoever does not believe (those not known non-elect) stands
       condemned already because they have not believed in the name of
       God's one and only Son.
       Perhaps you will share with me your interpretation of what I
       NEVER KNEW THEE! and I do not know thee! might mean and how do
       they not contradict the idea that He must know everyone from
       their creation?
       #Post#: 7961--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Misfits the Second:
       By: guest8 Date: September 17, 2019, 10:58 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [quote author=Ted T. link=topic=622.msg7959#msg7959
       date=1568745760]
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg7955#msg7955
       date=1568688228]
       [shadow=blue,left]Well TEd, you certainly like to write or maybe
       copy and paste.   [/shadow][/quote] [font=verdana]I write and I
       often cut and paste[/font] from previous p[font=verdana]ostings
       to be efficient.[/font]
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg7955#msg7955
       date=1568688228][shadow=blue,left]Romans 8:29, "For whom he did
       foreknow," ,,,, You do a lot of assuming so let me relieve you
       so of that assumptions.
       To read it literally, GOD says  "For whom he did foreknow," ,
       He did not stutter.
       Somewhere in the eons of time prior to creation, God made a
       decision to predestinate something. We find out that decision
       was to predestinate (elect) some men. By logic, in order to
       Predestinate many of  multitude(S), God would know all people
       the He would create on earth. Through His sovereignty He decided
       He would elect some and others He would not.
       You say he does not know those who he does not elect. I differ
       with you here. HE knows you, HE made you. He gave you you first
       Breath.
       [/shadow][/quote]
       You misread:
       Romans 8:29 claims that those HE foreknew were predestined to be
       conformed to Chirst. Since some are damned instead of being
       conformed to Chirst, logic says they must not have been
       foreknown. This interpretation rests quite clearly on Christ's
       own words referring to HIS relationship with the false miracle
       workers and foolish virgins:
       Matt 7:22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we
       not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and
       perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I
       never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’…
       Never: 3763. oudepote:
       Definition: never
       Usage: never.
       Matthew 25:12 But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know
       you.'
       I did not include these references because I took it for granted
       they were well known as having important theological
       implications.
       Jesus claims there are people He NEVER knew even though He
       created them and their lives so there must be a difference
       between those He never knew or does not not know and the others
       whom HE foreknows… as I already explained.
       I merely contend that those He foreknew for predestination are
       the elect and those whom He does not know, actually those He
       never knew, are the damned, condemned already for their
       (already) unbelief in the name of HIS Son: Jn 3:18 Whoever
       believes in him (His foreknown elect) is not condemned, but
       whoever does not believe (those not known non-elect) stands
       condemned already because they have not believed in the name of
       God's one and only Son.
       Perhaps you will share with me your interpretation of what I
       NEVER KNEW THEE! and I do not know thee! might mean and how do
       they not contradict the idea that He must know everyone from
       their creation?
       [/quote]
       [shadow=blue,left]
       Sooooo, he does not know everybody? WHo made you...your cells...
       Blade[/shadow]
       #Post#: 7981--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Misfits the Second:
       By: guest58 Date: September 18, 2019, 12:41 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg7961#msg7961
       date=1568779129][shadow=blue,left]Sooooo, he does not know
       everybody? WHo made you...your cells...
       Blade[/shadow][/quote]
       Ok, so you are not ready to express your own understanding of
       how He must know everyone yet He claims He does NOT know
       everyone... I assume we are in agreement that He is not a liar
       so I suggest that He must be using a metaphor somewhere in this
       topic of knowing.
       KNOWING in Genesis 4:1  ESV  Now Adam KNEW Eve his wife, [NLT
       Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife...]   is obviously a
       metaphor, introducing the idea of intimate relations, the idea
       of a loving relationship, into the meaning of the word, to know.
       In Genesis 3:22  And the LORD God said, "The man has now become
       like one of us, KNOWING good and evil. which uses the same word,
       3045. yada: to know, the word is used to describe what is known
       without any hint of a loving intimate relationship...two uses
       for one word.
       It is the difference of knowing as intimate loving a approval
       and a mere knowing about that is highlighted in my topic.
       I suggest that when GOD is speaking of HIS foreknowledge of us
       HE is referring to an intimate and loving approval of us but
       when He claims to not know someone, He is claiming that there
       has never been an  intimate loving relationship between them,
       ie, He only knows about them with no love for them.
       So whether HE created me, my spirit, and my body (which is not
       me)  is not the issue; it is whether we have a loving and
       intimate relationship with HIM.
       I contend that this relationship started BEFORE we are born on
       earth because of some verses and things Peter told us...
       Return means to go back to where you once were…
       1 Peter 2:25  For ye were as sheep going astray: but are now
       RETURNED unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.  Well, to
       return, one must have been there before, at least, according to
       the normal use of the word. Therefore, in this verse, it would
       be normal to infer that the sheep that had gone astray, were, at
       one time part of the Shepherd's flock but had strayed away from
       HIS care. Since I am sure that the Shepherd was not negligent,
       the straying away from HIS care must involve some rebellion.
       Therefore, it is normally obvious that Peter is writing to some
       apostatized (gone astray) Christians (people of the flock). It
       is also normally apparent that what he was writing is intended
       for every new convert in every age since we went astray.
       Therefore, it seems normal that the Holy Spirit would have us
       believe that all of the Church has personally apostatized from
       Christ, from their intimate relationship with Him, prior to
       their conversion back to Him in this life. Since we are
       conceived as sinners, it is easy to see that we must have
       apostatized from Christ before our conception and that is why we
       are sinners at our birth.
       I think that Peter bore added witness to this fact in 1 Peter
       1:3  Blessed be the GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
       ...which ...hath begotten us again unto a lively hope...  Just
       when was the first time you were begotten by GOD? And when did
       you get unbegotten? Well, unless you are one of those earthly
       backslidden types, the only time such an un-begetting or
       rebellion could have taken place is prior to your conception
       since by that time you were already on the outs with Him. And
       since Peter is writing to the whole Church rather than to just
       the backslidden types, he must be referring to a pre-conception
       rebellion and the straying of HIS elect since the time of their
       election, which straying or rebellion ends only upon conversion
       to obedience unto holiness to that Shepherd, that is, upon being
       born in Christ (begotten) again on earth.
       #Post#: 7982--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Misfits the Second:
       By: guest8 Date: September 18, 2019, 7:11 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [quote author=Ted T. link=topic=622.msg7981#msg7981
       date=1568828475]
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg7961#msg7961
       date=1568779129][shadow=blue,left]Sooooo, he does not know
       everybody? WHo made you...your cells...
       Blade[/shadow][/quote]
       Ok, so you are not ready to express your own understanding of
       how He must know everyone yet He claims He does NOT know
       everyone... I assume we are in agreement that He is not a liar
       so I suggest that He must be using a metaphor somewhere in this
       topic of knowing.
       KNOWING in Genesis 4:1  ESV  Now Adam KNEW Eve his wife, [NLT
       Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife...]   is obviously a
       metaphor, introducing the idea of intimate relations, the idea
       of a loving relationship, into the meaning of the word, to know.
       In Genesis 3:22  And the LORD God said, "The man has now become
       like one of us, KNOWING good and evil. which uses the same word,
       3045. yada: to know, the word is used to describe what is known
       without any hint of a loving intimate relationship...two uses
       for one word.
       It is the difference of knowing as intimate loving a approval
       and a mere knowing about that is highlighted in my topic.
       I suggest that when GOD is speaking of HIS foreknowledge of us
       HE is referring to an intimate and loving approval of us but
       when He claims to not know someone, He is claiming that there
       has never been an  intimate loving relationship between them,
       ie, He only knows about them with no love for them.
       So whether HE created me, my spirit, and my body (which is not
       me)  is not the issue; it is whether we have a loving and
       intimate relationship with HIM.
       I contend that this relationship started BEFORE we are born on
       earth because of some verses and things Peter told us...
       Return means to go back to where you once were…
       1 Peter 2:25  For ye were as sheep going astray: but are now
       RETURNED unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.  Well, to
       return, one must have been there before, at least, according to
       the normal use of the word. Therefore, in this verse, it would
       be normal to infer that the sheep that had gone astray, were, at
       one time part of the Shepherd's flock but had strayed away from
       HIS care. Since I am sure that the Shepherd was not negligent,
       the straying away from HIS care must involve some rebellion.
       Therefore, it is normally obvious that Peter is writing to some
       apostatized (gone astray) Christians (people of the flock). It
       is also normally apparent that what he was writing is intended
       for every new convert in every age since we went astray.
       Therefore, it seems normal that the Holy Spirit would have us
       believe that all of the Church has personally apostatized from
       Christ, from their intimate relationship with Him, prior to
       their conversion back to Him in this life. Since we are
       conceived as sinners, it is easy to see that we must have
       apostatized from Christ before our conception and that is why we
       are sinners at our birth.
       I think that Peter bore added witness to this fact in 1 Peter
       1:3  Blessed be the GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
       ...which ...hath begotten us again unto a lively hope...  Just
       when was the first time you were begotten by GOD? And when did
       you get unbegotten? Well, unless you are one of those earthly
       backslidden types, the only time such an un-begetting or
       rebellion could have taken place is prior to your conception
       since by that time you were already on the outs with Him. And
       since Peter is writing to the whole Church rather than to just
       the backslidden types, he must be referring to a pre-conception
       rebellion and the straying of HIS elect since the time of their
       election, which straying or rebellion ends only upon conversion
       to obedience unto holiness to that Shepherd, that is, upon being
       born in Christ (begotten) again on earth.
       [/quote]
       [shadow=blue,left]Yes, GOD knows us all, He gives us our first
       breath for only His breath is the breath of life.   In Rome
       9:11-12..(KJV)..Jesus elects whom He wants not according to
       their works but according to His glory and sovereignty.
       Notice He told the mother the elder (Esau) should serve the
       younger. How does Jesus know this.
       Because He knows everyone.
       There are many verses showing that GOD knows everyone that He
       has intereacted with. Were all of them GOOD? NO, Abraham was
       into pagan rituals,
       I could go on...Your going down the wrong path. GOD has the
       power to know everybody. Knowing them does not necessarily mean
       an "intimate " knowledge as your are trying to allude to thereby
       eliminating GOD from one side of the equation.
       Your assumption are false and have no basis with which to rely
       on.
       Blade[/shadow]
       #Post#: 7999--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Misfits the Second:
       By: guest58 Date: September 19, 2019, 12:16 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg7982#msg7982
       date=1568851910]
       Your assumption are false and have no basis with which to rely
       on.
       Blade
       [/quote]
       Rejecting the obvious difference between foreknowing and to know
       about just so you can reject the implications of PCE would seem
       to be cutting off your nose to spite your face...a leap too far.
       #Post#: 8004--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Misfits the Second:
       By: guest8 Date: September 19, 2019, 7:06 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [quote author=Ted T. link=topic=622.msg7999#msg7999
       date=1568913368]
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg7982#msg7982
       date=1568851910]
       Your assumption are false and have no basis with which to rely
       on.
       Blade
       [/quote]
       Rejecting the obvious difference between foreknowing and to know
       about just so you can reject the implications of PCE would seem
       to be cutting off your nose to spite your face...a leap too far.
       [/quote]
       [shadow=blue,left]
       ok, Ted,,,you seem to think that GOD had intimate knowledge of
       only those that HE elected and NO knowledge about those that
       were not elected...
       NOW who is rejecting information I have given you (i.e. Jacob
       and Esau)....
       One was elected and one was not. Yet, GOD knew all about Esau
       and what His life would be... Why do you think God hated Him.
       The problem with PCE is it is a fathom theology. One might look
       at it through Star Trek eyes.
       One final word.... The Bible is true all the way through it...
       If one discrepancy.. the rest of the Bible is suspect and cannot
       be held to any higher level.  As to your arguments about what
       God's foreknowledge means, we should look at it in the same way.
       Jacob and Esau is just that discrepancy.
       Blade[/shadow]
       #Post#: 8025--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Misfits the Second:
       By: guest58 Date: September 20, 2019, 12:47 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg8004#msg8004
       date=1568937968]
       [quote author=Ted T. link=topic=622.msg7999#msg7999
       date=1568913368]
       Rejecting the obvious difference between foreknowing and to know
       about just so you can reject the implications of PCE would seem
       to be cutting off your nose to spite your face...a leap too far.
       [/quote]
       
       ok, Ted,,,you seem to think that GOD had intimate knowledge of
       only those that HE elected and NO knowledge about those that
       were not elected...[/quote][font=verdana] Your continued
       misrepresentation of my[/font] beliefs [font=verdana]when I've
       corrected you so many times is edging into defamation.[/font]
       [font=verdana]I contend HE has total and perfect knowledge about
       the non-elect! I contend that HE does NOT have and never did
       have a loving relationship with them! Intimate does not mean
       full or complete so a lack [/font]of intimacy does NOT demand a
       lack of full knowledge of someone. Emotional intimacy involves
       feelings of liking or loving one or more people NOT a full and
       complete knowledge which can be had without intimacy!!! Of
       course HE had a full and complete knowledge of the non-elect -
       HE JUST DOES NOT LOVE THEM!
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg8004#msg8004
       date=1568937968]NOW who is rejecting information I have given
       you (i.e. Jacob and Esau)....
       One was elected and one was not. Yet, GOD knew all about Esau
       and what His life would be... Why do you think God hated Him.
       [/quote]  You waste our time supposedly trying to teach me what
       I have told you is my position since this started!  Of course HE
       knew Jacob; he was elect! And GOD's prior knowing of HIM is
       called foreknowledge because it includes that GOD had a fondness
       and intimacy with him.
       Of course HE knew Esau ! but HIS prior full knowledge of Esau is
       NOT called foreknowledge because there was no fondness nor
       intimacy between them, only hate as Esau was non-elect for
       rejecting HIM.
       #Post#: 8031--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Misfits the Second:
       By: guest8 Date: September 20, 2019, 6:15 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [quote author=Ted T. link=topic=622.msg8025#msg8025
       date=1569001644]
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg8004#msg8004
       date=1568937968]
       [quote author=Ted T. link=topic=622.msg7999#msg7999
       date=1568913368]
       Rejecting the obvious difference between foreknowing and to know
       about just so you can reject the implications of PCE would seem
       to be cutting off your nose to spite your face...a leap too far.
       [/quote]
       
       ok, Ted,,,you seem to think that GOD had intimate knowledge of
       only those that HE elected and NO knowledge about those that
       were not elected...[/quote][font=verdana] Your continued
       misrepresentation of my[/font] beliefs [font=verdana]when I've
       corrected you so many times is edging into defamation.[/font]
       [font=verdana]I contend HE has total and perfect knowledge about
       the non-elect! I contend that HE does NOT have and never did
       have a loving relationship with them! Intimate does not mean
       full or complete so a lack [/font]of intimacy does NOT demand a
       lack of full knowledge of someone. Emotional intimacy involves
       feelings of liking or loving one or more people NOT a full and
       complete knowledge which can be had without intimacy!!! Of
       course HE had a full and complete knowledge of the non-elect -
       HE JUST DOES NOT LOVE THEM!
       [quote author=Bladerunner link=topic=622.msg8004#msg8004
       date=1568937968]NOW who is rejecting information I have given
       you (i.e. Jacob and Esau)....
       One was elected and one was not. Yet, GOD knew all about Esau
       and what His life would be... Why do you think God hated Him.
       [/quote]  You waste our time supposedly trying to teach me what
       I have told you is my position since this started!  Of course HE
       knew Jacob; he was elect! And GOD's prior knowing of HIM is
       called foreknowledge because it includes that GOD had a fondness
       and intimacy with him.
       Of course HE knew Esau ! but HIS prior full knowledge of Esau is
       NOT called foreknowledge because there was no fondness nor
       intimacy between them, only hate as Esau was non-elect for
       rejecting HIM.
       [/quote]
       The Bible does not say that so how can you know how GOD thinks.
       You seemed to know that the elect were with his love and the
       non-elect were without his love.
       Here, is what we know from the Bible:
       In the far reaches of time Before, God made a decision; A
       decision to predestinate something.  We now know that something
       was man.
       How Jesus determined who to predestinate and who NOT to
       predestinate is unknown by all except HIM.
       We do not KNOW!, We do not KNOW! the HOW and WHYs. We just know
       there are those that are elected (predestined) and there are
       those that are now.
       Those who are Elected (predestined) received His Mercy.
       Those who are NOT Elected (predestined) receive Justice!
       Blade
       *****************************************************
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