In reply to:
[color:"blue"]My reflex is to say remember to leave room in our orthodox doctrines for God's sovereignty, . . .

I do appreciate the remark, and I don't think it is being "pious", as it is surely a biblical statement. However, perhaps it would be good to mention as a reminder, that in many instances, God works in ways which are in spite of what men do and not in agreement with or because of what men do! [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/ponder.gif" alt="ponder" title="ponder[/img] As is too often the case, God's sovereignty is either intermixed with or diminished at the expense of emphasizing man's responsibility. That someone is saved at a Billy Graham Crusade, just to use that as an example, isn't a stamp of God's approval upon the heretical "gospel" that is preached. What it does show is God is fortunately not subject to man's foolishness nor unbelief in calling His own to Himself by what means He decides to use. On the other hand, we are wholly responsible to do that which God has revealed in His Word and to teach right doctrine and preach the pure Gospel of Christ. In these things ONLY may we have confidence that men will hear the truth and be saved. It is a serious error to think that because God can save whom He will and by any means He chooses, that we can simply ignore the "narrow way" and fabricate all kinds of "neato" methodologies and "dumb down" the gospel in order to get the best results. Unfortunately, this IS the thinking of most of the "Evan-jelly-cal" churches of today. Let us also remember that you will reap what you sow. Thus, offer another gospel and you will get people with a "faith" which is similar, which is no faith at all. (cf. 2Cor 11:4; Gal 1:7, 9)

Perhaps, if you haven't already done so, you might care to read this article: Do You REALLY Believe that Salvation by Grace Alone?

In His Grace,


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simul iustus et peccator

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