The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum God's love

Fair enough!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the discussion with you and the irenic spirit which you have expressed in your responses.

As much as I hold John Murray in very high esteem, I am in disagreement with his view(s), along with Ned Stonehouse in regard to the "Free Offer". And for your benefit particularly, I want to make it crystal clear that I believe the Gospel should be proclaimed to all men everywhere without distinction, calling all to repent and believe upon Christ. My disagreement is with their contradiction of God "desiring" all men to be saved, when the Bible in myriad places states that ALL that God pleases, desires, wills, etc., will infallibly happen, e.g., (Isa 46:10; Ps 33:11, 135:6; Eph 1:9-11; Heb 6:17).

I think? we are in agreement that "will" or "desire" (Gk: thelei) in 1Tim 2:4 is prescriptive, i.e., it is God's command, that which men are required to do, is to repent and believe on Christ and thus be saved. If it was the case that God "willed", that he "desired" that all be saved, then such would be the case and Universalism would be what Paul was teaching, which we both know is illogical and totally erroneous.

Lastly, my exegesis of 1Tim 2:4 is the same as Calvin. Paul is making the point that Christians are to pray for all 'types' of men, which includes even those who are the most evil and those who persecute the Church and not just the poor and down trodden, for all men are in need of salvation in Christ. Thus intercession is to be made in their behalf since they in and of themselves are at enmity with God and without God granting them repentance and faith, they will surely perish.

Thanks again for the exchange.