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the conversion of Zaccheus |
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Luke
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What did Luke see that so important about Jesus and Zaccheus? |
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the conversion of Zaccheus |
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Luke
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Luke used the story of Zaccheus to show us that some people are considered untouchable due to their jobs, looks, beliefs, or political views. Zaccheus was apparently a very unpopular tax collector. Luke teaches us that we should not give into social pressure to avoid these people, but instead, like Jesus we should reach out to them and show them the love of Jesus. When we do this sinners can be saved. prayon |
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Receive? |
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1 John 2:2
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Dear Tim,
You said: "I doubt any of us would say that everyone in the Old Testament was lost because they never heard a preacher."
I actually asked about people who had never heard of the Gospel or Jesus. Nevertheless, lets include all the pagan tribes, not only mentioned in the OT but in the entire Kosmos (see 1.) Then the nation of Israel (see 2.)
I.) Pagans: (Rom 10:14) How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?"
(2. (Gal 3:7) Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.
The OT Nation of Israel had preachers galore. Most never entered into God's Rest. Only those of the promise. And they through faith.
Tim M.: "I'm not claiming that it would be a common occurance, "
(Rom 3:10-18) as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO
UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY
HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE. THEIR THROAT
IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING, THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER
THEIR LIPS; WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS; THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED
BLOOD, DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT
KNOWN. THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES."
"NOT EVEN ONE" seems to indicate no one, nobody, zip, zilch, zero.( Paul sounds as if he is espousing the doctrine of Total Depravity.)
Tim M: " I do believe that someone who honestly seeks God will be found by God...".
(Rom 3:11) "THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD".
(Strongs)None: a primary word, the absolute negative
"The key word here though is found "by" God."
(Luke 19:8-10) Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much."
And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham". For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Notice: Jesus did not say "because he, too has become a son of Abraham.
As you can see the scriptures give no hope to the the one who has never heard the Gospel. Of what benefit is free will to one whose only desire is evil continually? If God had dedesired the salvation of all men, why have_ all men_ not had the opportunity to be saved? If arminians cannot offer scriptual answers to questions such as these, they show the bankruptcy of "Free will choice in salvation".
I was an arminian for 20 years. It was very difficult for me to accept God's absolute rule over His ceation. But, in the end my soulish wisdom had to bow to God's divine wisdom. I took shelter in His attributes and in His promises. He is just. He is love. His plan is perfect, and when we stand before His throne His elect will rejoice in all His works He has done.
Brother John
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