Originally Posted by patricius79
The verses you bring up are talking about God's sovereignty, which is something which passes our comprehension. But his sovereignty gives us freedom. Cf. Gen 1:27, Gal 5:1.
1. God's sovereignty is REVEALED in Scripture so that we may comprehend Who He is, what He has done and what He will do to the extent which is written. We do not know all of what God's sovereignty entails and never will since we are finite and He is infinite. But again, God has revealed much about His sovereignty in Scripture.

2. In regard to the two verses referenced:

Genesis 1:27 (ASV) "And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."

Galatians 5:1 (ASV) "For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage."

Neither of these passages speak of God's sovereignty, thus they are totally irrelevant and I am perplexed why you included them. The Genesis text simply refers to the unique nature of man vs animals in that God created man "in His image" (imago dei) and that both male and female possess the image of God.

The Galatian text is speaking of believers who have been set free from the curse and dominion of the law. Believers are united to Christ Who fulfilled all the requirements of the law and suffered in their room and stead being punished for them for the transgressions of that law. There is no reference whatsoever to God's sovereignty there.

Originally Posted by patricius79
1 John 2:2, 'He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.'"

God is infinitely good. He would never cause someone to do evil. "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!"
Once again, you have thrown out some Bible verse which appears to have absolutely no relevancy to the topic at hand nor even to any point you are trying to make.

Originally Posted by patricius79
We can help to save others through Christ because he said:

1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men;

2 for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity.

3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1 Tim 2:1etc).
Are you trying to say that you believe that men are saved by a combination of God's grace AND the prayers of believers? And to carry this further by way of implication if this is the case, Without the prayers of the saints (living individuals on earth) sinners could not be saved?

Again, thanks in advance for your further clarification. grin

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simul iustus et peccator

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