Originally Posted by Tom
Pilgrim

I have to admit I am a bit shocked at your response. Not because you disagree so much.
Rather, that some of what you said I have never heard before coming from any sermons or Commentaries I have heard/read before.

For example:
Context (1 Corinthians 10:31)

It is my understanding that saying: “whether you eat or drink… do all to the glory of God” applies only to believers and therefore cannot be extended to the world.
Problem:
• While the immediate audience is the church, the principle expresses a universal purpose for creation (cf. Ps. 19:1; Isa. 43:7; Rom. 11:36; Col. 1:16).
• God’s glory is the chief end of all things, not merely the duty of believers. The verse reveals the believer’s conscious aim but does not limit God’s design to them alone.

Saying that, because I have a lot of respect for you, I think I need to review some commentaries.
I think I know how I would respond as far as who can do things that are pleasing to God and how He is glorified…. Nevertheless… ????

I will add that I think the amount of light and truth influences how outwardly depraved a nation may be, but I don’t think paying lip service to the True Lord & True Religion registers with God (Matthew 7:23). It’s like an empty Bible Belt - some cultural good may come along with very depraved and hypocritical behavior and atrocity (typically in secret but eventually revealed).

Last edited by Anthony C.; Mon Oct 20, 2025 12:51 PM.