Mark,
I know this is an emotional subject. Can you still respect others who differ with you on this subject and not assign motives to them for their conviction to not go beyond what Scripture reveals?
I have a hard time respecting the over all gist of the thread in question. I also don't believe my opinion is any further beyond what Scripture reveals about this than yours. Could you please not assign motives to me (emotions) while passively aggressively insinuating that I have no convictions about going beyond what Scripture reveals.
As far as letting it go. By all means. Michele tried to do just that very early on but so many, seemed to be so determined to flex their "Theological muscles" that the thing just went on and on. Did anyone stop to consider that she is a Sister in Christ who has only recently learned of, and began to fall in love with the doctrines of grace? She managed to keep her chin up amazingly well through an 11 page barrage of opposition but I can't help but believe that she wasn't wounded on at least some level.
If the hyperbole I used to express my disdain for those who so adamantly argue against any hope for the infants of un believers struck a sour note, then so be it. The pov Michele expressed was not un-Biblical nor un-reformed. It was a valid opinion based on hope. Those who truly believe God is sovereign in all things should, of all people hold onto such hope as being something positive. What I saw instead, was 'hope' being sneered down upon by those who had climbed up on their little psuedo academic high-horses. Sad thread really, and one that should certainly be dropped.
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)
Stucco
