Originally Posted by jta
Can I honestly claim to better in any sense than Hitler or Stalin or Pol Pot, other than, perhaps, (a) in degree only, not in kind; and (b) solely and entirely by the unmerited restraining Grace of God?
Sure, why not? In a 'horizontal plane' that is true. But on a 'vertical plane' no. Now, tell me who do you know that is not guilty of the things you mentioned above? scratch1 Do you think that to be a Christian there is a certain goal of holiness or righteousness which must be attained? If so, then pray tell, what would that be? On a related note, just curious if you think that the Reprobate, on the day of judgment, in their defense accuse God of being the proximate cause of their unbelief? I mean, without the grace of God worked in any individual, no one would ever come to Christ, right? Do you see the similarity to this charge against God for one's reprobation to what Adam replied to God in the Garden of Eden:

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Genesis 3:11-12 (ASV) 11 And he [God] said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
Oh yes, in Adam's estimation, the blame for him eating of the forbidden tree was God's fault because He created the woman and gave her to him and she used her beauty and charm to tempt him. [Linked Image]

Genesis 18:25 (KJV) 25 [Abraham said] That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

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simul iustus et peccator

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