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From: ken@qantel.UUCP (Ken Nichols@ex6193)
Newsgroups: net.religion
Subject: Re: Re: net.religion.christian?
Message-ID: <280@qantel.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 1-Nov-84 12:24:44 EST
Article-I.D.: qantel.280
Posted: Thu Nov  1 12:24:44 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 3-Nov-84 20:29:23 EST
References: <959@phs.UUCP>
Organization: MDS Qantel, Hayward, CA
Lines: 49

Jeff writes,

> In the creeds of the Presbyterian Church (of which I am a member), there
> is a doctrine called "election" - God knows who is going to "make it" and 
> who isn't.  Thus I can feel free to discuss religion on many different
> levels without trying to "convert" everyone to Presbyterianism.

I too believe in the doctrine of election.  However, who is going to tell the
people who are 'elected' about Christ?  God is not going to come down and 
whisper in their ears.  Just because you believe in election doesn't mean
you can ignore the "great commission".  Christians still have an obligation
to tell their fellow man about the plan of salvation.
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Some other comments:

On the net, I am beginning to be referred to as one of those "hell-fire-and-
brimestone.-Go-to-hell,-sinner-evangelists".  I believe in the love of Christ
as much as the next Christian.  But I also believe in God's wrath.

Coming to Chirst has two sides to it.  Salvation from hell and the power of 
sin is one aspect (John 5:24).  And the abundant-overflowing-with-love-life is
another.  Tolerance can be taken to an extreme.  Jesus said that belief in 
Him could tear families apart.  And Paul said the the gospel will offend.

I have been accused of loving the idea of sinners being destined for Hell.
Nothing could be farther from the truth.  The idea sickens me.  This is the
reason why I am so forcefull in my articles.  I don't want to see any perish,
but all to come to repentence.  

I believe that all men can have their eyes opened to the Scriptures (within
the process of divine election), even men such as Tim Marrony or Rich Rosen.
If I didn't believe this, I would not bother replying at all.  When I reply,
I pray that the Holy Spirit will use my words as a means of opening someone
up to the gospel.  

I believe that although men deserve hell for their sin, they can choose life
in Jesus Christ.  If God was as hatefull or immoral as some men have said in
their articles, He would just send us to hell right now.  Why would He give 
His only son to give us a chance to enter into fellowship with Him, for now
and eternity?  Because of His fantastic love.  Love beyond what any human
can ever know.  In fact, His love is the standard for all other loves.

My only desire is that all men come to know their God before it's too late.
--

"...holding forth the                          Ken Nichols
 word of life..." Phil. 2:16                   ...!ucbvax!dual!qantel!ken
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