J_Edwards said: Ted, I do know the answer, however I am interested in yours? You seem to be avoiding the question/answer?
No avoidance. No games. I merely thought that I had answered Jeff's question adequately. Apparently not to your satisfaction. Please forgive me.
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J_Edwards said: Your "God loves those whom He has called to Himself, my brother," did not answer Jeff's question. He asked you to comment on "and though God always loves us, He hates our sin."
Does God always love us? How does God always love us and hate our sin? How much does God hate us? In what ways does God love us? etc.
Based on what I read and understand of scripture, God does NOT love all people.
First of all, we know from scripture that God hates sinners. "There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers." (Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV)
And we know from scripture that "all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God." (Romans 3:23 ESV)
Therefore, the only way we can become "right" with God (in order to be loved by Him) is through the atonement provided by Christ on the cross. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)
And we know that Christ's atoning work was not done for all, but for His elect. As Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45 ESV)
At this point I could cite many more texts (John 17:9, Matthew 26:28, Ephesians 5:25, etc.) but, I pray, you get the point. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/BigThumbUp.gif" alt="" />
Yours in Christ, Ted
P.S. Joe: Sorry I was a bit of a jerk in my private email to you. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I had a HARD day at the office today. (No excuse, however.) PLEASE forgive me.
