Pilgrim,

I haven’t yet looked at the articles... so can’t comment yet.

Noticed I prefaced that I was sure many of you would hate this article. I will mention at a glance that I guessed certain language would jump out right away and agree... there does appear to be contradiction... the language of man’s will, man’s choice as it is stated. BUT the author precedes and frames this entire article within the context that ‘Of Course.... God predestined creation”... (And I don’t think he was lying, nor was it a ploy—that I can tell at this point). But I think you are saying that wholeheartedly you disagree. I posted this because IN Context, I do not understand why anyone would find it helpful to over emphasize predestination. (And that you agree with). And that is what seemed to be the focus/question of this thread... Whether or not THE ‘Gospel message’ (whatever that precisely is... needs to contain a strong dose of predestination from the get-go). I didn’t walk away from this article thinking IN CONTEXT it was pushing universalism.... At this point... that comment seems too ‘heady’ (for me)... I don’t understand how that is what you thought it was saying. Until I understand (when/if I do... from the article links) why this article evoked such a response... what those differences are... it seems (today) like splitting hairs.

The article brought up examples from scripture that I thought illustrated the great mystery concerning Predestination and God’s will... i.e, the potter and clay. I feel like my only response is I have to respond (for one) and trust in hope.

I do not think we can fully understand certain mysteries (this being one)... I feel like throwing up my hands on this one. Don’t we respond in some way? Don’t we have ears? Is it a work to listen and use our intellect to process our ideas, become convicted of the need for repentance, etc? I also believe that this is by Grace. I think these will have to be rhetorical questions... or you will be here a while.

-Kathy