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KickingBird -> RE: romans 1 and the knowledge of GOd (6/8/2008 9:13:58 PM)
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I believe since the fall, fallen man has always sought out something to worship, whether that is self, sun, moon, stars, Buddha, Allah or another God of their own choosing. I feel it is innate in man to know of God, within our consciences’, and to know the difference b/w good and evil. After all this is what Adam and Eve discovered b/c of the fall, (difference b/w good and evil). They ate of that tree, right? Now, if our consciences’ (or more appropriately unregenerate man’s conscience) were darkened, this would suggest it was darkened to the revelation of our triune God. Remember what many of the parables were about, they were written to be understood by those who had ears to hear and the rest were blinded. So, a revelation of a God is very plausible, but the true triune God was not preferred, so God gave them over to a reprobate mind to worship idols made of gold and whatnot. Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. There is a tension here I realize that b/c we are also told that: Hbr 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]; Hbr 2:4 God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? And again we are told where God blinds those who do not have ears to hear, and sends them a lie: 2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2Th 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, the age old question rears its ugly head. How can unregenerate man be held responsible for not believing in the one true God, even though they are given ample proof, and are eternally responsible for this knowledge, when God is the one who sends the delusions and blinds certain people? He also hardens whom He will. This is the tension that exists. Man is responsible yet God clearly does as He so chooses. Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth. Any thoughts??? This topic is fascinating. WOW! KB
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