Originally Posted by
Femme*
dang girl.. I'm not sure, at this time, I can do a whole exchange.. maybe break it down a bit? (I'm working both Duane's and my job as well and doing the nurse thing for him.. my brain is pretty much jello by the evening.)
I think there was a thread, a long time ago, that talked about how physical life mirrors spiritual life. IF that's the case then, at least acknowledge that NO one asks to be born.. they just are. I don't have any problem with spiritual life being that way too. God gives it, or He doesn't. It's His to give. None of us has any control over when we're born, or to whom we're given as a baby.
I'm not going to agree that God changes our will against our will. The Bible says He gives us a new heart..He substitutes one of flesh for our's of stone, so, maybe that, in and of itself changes our will.. Do you see that as the same thing?
I know I'm odd man out, but I do not think it's possible, for any wo/man, to NOT sin indefinitely. I think it's possible for us to not sin continually though. As we grow and mature we are able to see where we can rely on God's strength to choose to do what He's said to do.
I completely agree that unregenerated people don't know they're blind.. which is why they have no interest in God at all. It's why the atheists can't fathom there is a being of such magnatude. It doesn't make sense.. People are blinded by satan. Are you asking if it's possible that someone, who was blind, and didn't realize it, is made able to see goes "oh rats, I'd rather be blind."? can you actually think that would happen? I can't imagine that.
That God opts to give His life to some doesn't mean he's obligated to give life to all. When He chose Abraham, He DIDn't chose all the rest of the folks around. When He chose Moses, He didn't choose anyone else to do that job.. when He chose Paul, there were lots of other guys around, but God didn't chose them, He chose Paul. We're told that WE'RE created for works that He's made FOR US. It's a very intimate relationship we have with Him.
I'm not sure how the arm analogy is working.. NO one is condemned because they are blind, the are condemned because they sin.
or did I misunderstand.
I'm on and off for a few days, I'll try to keep with you, my time is very limited.. but I like discussing with you.