As I said to all in the comments above I reject an implicit faith. We are not saved by faith in faith, or faith in doctrine, but by grace given on the account of Christ’s finished work. John the Baptist and others as well, Scripture indicates, wereregenerated in the womb. There is only one answer and it is according to what Jesus said to Nicodemus; this is a work of the Spirit and as he told the Jews, the flesh counts for nothing, the Spirit is everything.

My premise has to do with certain knowledge. And by certain I mean that which both informs and forms our faith. Nathan above mentioned the explicit knowledge of depravity. If one claims to have faith but has no knowledge of this it is doubtful that they have faith. Now, the knowledge itself may be unclear, but the first thing that we know is our desparate need for a savior. Then, we need knowledge of who that savior is.

People speak of fundamentals or essentials. I do not. I believe the entirety of the Revelation of Jesus Christ to be fundamentally essential. So, what I am saying is that a person will have certain, sure, absolute though perhaps not exhaustive knowledge of some things otherwise upon what foundation is their faith built.

To address your implied question, we need to know something of our absolute depravity. We must first fear God.

I think so too, that we simplify the mysteries out of existence by saying that they are either too difficult or unattainable. But, as I said earlier, I doubt that anything that was written is meant to be unexplainable. Peter in addressing this simply said pay attention to Paul, he is difficult but not impossible.

God bless,

tt

I wonder if in our desire to simply mysteries, we tend to make over simplifications.

I was thinking when I heard today of Christ pronouncing his disciples friends. What that means is that he has condescended to be one with us and make known his mysteries. It means also, that he has chosen to make us one in his servanthood. Wow, a king who would be servant and friend of sinners. What a way the Father has made to glorify his sons.

Gordan- We are continuing a study of discipleship at church which right now is predicated on the life of Moses. One of the things that came up is what it must have been like each time Moses was granted a hearing by the Pharaoh. Moses had his resume’ to look back on and a history of God’s dealing with his people. It is only a guess, but the Scripture comes to mind, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling…” That is awesome. Who knows if God will bring blessing, Peter at Pentecost, or calamity, Stephen’s stoning. Same sermon different result… yet both saw the consolation of the Lord.

Woe is me, I am undone…

I appreciate the willingness of your article here to tackle the tough questions in a head-on manner. I agree with your conclusions.

Funny how there are times when the notion of a sovereign God can be so comforting, and other times when the same notion can make us squirm.

Thanks for visiting Todd. Sorry there is notning new, I have been busy elsewhere.

May God richly bless you.

tt