Page 248 - Bible Writers Theology Original

232 ♦ Bible Writers' Theology Chapter Eight
neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the
Gentiles" (Iseiiah 66:18-19).
The love of God for man is not partieil. He sent messengers as cunbassa- dors for Christ as though God was entreating through them. They beg on behalf of Christ that all may be reconciled to God (II Corinthians 5:14,18- 20). The election theory portrays God as partial and arbitrary. This concept indirectly accuses God of not being wise, free, and loving. The grace of God is magnified not only in the provision of salvation but also in the offer of sal-,
vation to the undeserving. The script\ire indicates that salvation is offered to alL It is offered to predestined mankind (Romans 8:30), to all who are weary and heavy laden (Matthew 11:28), to whoever believeth in Him (John 3:15-16; 4:14; 11:26; Revelation 22:17), and to all the ends of the earth, (Isaiah 45:22; Ezekiel 33:11; Matthew. 28:19; Mark 16:15; John 12:32; I Timothy 2:4; n Peter 3:9). Jesus Christ said, "Go ye therefore into the highways, and as
many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage" (Matthew 22:9).
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The Means of Call
God has a variety of means by which He calls men to His Kingdom:
• • •
He calls men through the Word of God,John 17:20 (Romans 10:15-18; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Thessalonians 2:14; Acts 17:11).
He calls men by His Spirit (John 16:8; Hebrews 3:7; Genesis 6:3). The Holy Spirit urges sinners to come to Christ.
God uses His servants to call men (II Chronicles 36:15; Jeremiah 25:4; Matthew. 22:2-9; Luke 14:21-23; Romans 10:14; Acts 16:14-15). Jonah is
a good example of God's use of human messengers to bring a city to repentance. The Word of God must be brought to the unsaved by the
saints (I Thessalonians 1:5; Isaiah 66:19; John 4:28-30, 40-42; Acts 2:14- 41).
• God calls by His providential dealings with men. His goodness is intended to bring men to repentance Qeremiah 31:3; Romans 2:4; Matthew 5:45, 46). If that does not succeed. His judgment will do it
(Jeremiah 6:17-21; Proverbs 1:24-32; Psalm 107:6-7). It is written, "...when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness Let favor be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjust
ly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD" (Isaiah 26:9-10).
Salvation in Action - Conversion
Conversion is turning to God. It represents the human response to the
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call of God unto salvation. It involves the following: