Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 2/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: Mistranslation of the Greek word "aion" is a master stroke of diabolical genius. Perhaps no other word erroneously translated, could more effectively pervert man’s image of God and cause such widespread confusion in the church. Because the understanding of the eons and Gods purpose in them has been lost, the church is divided on such important teachings as man's destiny, grace, election, salvation, security of the believer, judgment and other issues. The following work by Joseph E. Kirk is offered in the hope that the serious seeker after scriptural truth will be aided in his quest.
CHART OF GOD’S PLAN FOR THE AGES OF TIME
http://www.saviourofall.org/Tracts/Eons2.html
Also see
AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF WORDS
http://www.tentmaker.org/books/asw/index.html
Also see
TIME AND ETERNITY
http://www.tentmaker.org/books/time/


ANSWER: Personally, I believe everyone has physical life from God, which provides us with an opportunity to accept salvation from sin.  This salvation is free to whosoever will and I pray to share it whenever and wherever God gives me opportunity.  But I also believe Matthew 7:14.
   Shine for Him!
   Priscilla

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Regarding Matthew 7:14
click on
http://www.tentmaker.org/books/BibleThreateningsExplained.html
and scroll down to STRAIT GATE


ANSWER: Thank you for your concern.  I think it's wiser for me to adjust my thinking to God's thinking, rather than consider God's words threatening.  But Matthew 7:14 seems to be more of a sad comment of truth, rather than being threatening.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: And the reason for the sad comment of truth is this
http://www.godfire.net/eby/freeagent.htm

Pride says, "I got myself saved by properly cooperating with God."
Humility says, "God laid hold on me by His saving grace and CAUSED Jesus to be "choice" in my heart no thanks to myself at all; just like He did for Saul of Tarsus who became the apostle Paul when a light from heaven blinded him and Jesus said, “I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting.” And Paul said, “Lord, what will you have me do.”
Our conversion may not be anywhere near as dramatic as Paul's but IMHO it is no less a 100% accomplishment of God's grace alone plus nothing.
God’s desire, and ability, and intention to eventually save all fallen creatures from everything from which they need to be saved will SUPERCEED the will of the most stubborn of sinners because of what Christ accomplished by His death and resurrection, through the power in the blood of His cross.
http://concordant.org/expohtml/HisAchievement/index.html
The introduction at the beginning of each chapter is not the chapter itself. You must click on the highlighted title of each chapter to bring up the entire chapter to read it.

If God is really not willing that any perish, then why will they perish? Don't talk to me about free will. "No man can come to Me," Jesus said, "except the Father draw him" (John 6:44). Salvation is indeed a gift from God, sovereignly given, to whomever God chooses, when He chooses, and He will indeed grant it to all mankind, in due time (Titus 2:11, 1 Tim 2:6). It does not depend on man's acceptance. Left to themselves, no man would ever choose God (Rom. 3:10-11). At the present time, God bestows benefits of life, food, health, rain, etc, to saints and sinners alike (Acts 17:25). He also has ordained for all mankind to experience a portion of both good and evil as well. The experiences of life are all preparatory to, and in anticipation of, our eternal life with God.

Some say all are given equal opportunity . . . "? Not so! This is patently untrue. The Scriptures clearly show that all mankind was plunged into its present state of being lost by the actions of one man, Adam (Rom. 5:12). All mankind are born sinners. In the history of the world, very few of mankind have ever been given the opportunity to believe in the "only name given under heaven, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Salvation is a gift, sovereignly given to those of God's choice. It was procured by the obedience of One Man, Christ Jesus, and His death on the cross (Rom. 5:15-18). It is for all mankind, it is presently enjoyed by all who believe, and will be bestowed on all mankind in due time (Romans 3:22, Titus 2:11, 1 Tim 2:6). God's mercy is based on the fact that all sin has been judged in the person of His Son. God has subjected the whole creation to the experience of evil, in order to extend mercy to all (Rom 8:20). Romans 1:20 says that man is without excuse for denying God's existence. But the free gift of salvation has not yet been revealed to all mankind; only to a few now, in due time to all (Titus 2:11, 1 Tim 2:6).
Copy and paste into Goodge
IS MAN A FREE MORAL AGENT?
Or click on
http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/savior-of-the-world/FreeMoralAgent-Eby.html  

Answer
   My husband said, "Looking at a both sides of the issue, I wonder which side should be inspecting the other more closely.
   The Universalism side says no matter what, God has His way.  Then, I wonder why there is a need to inform the other side.
   The side that says that man must respond to God feels they are following His commands to 'Tell others' to give them the information needed to be able to live with God forever.
   It doesn't matter if my side may get it a little wrong, but it does matter if the Universalist is wrong."
   May we obey Him and be good stewards of any responsibility He gives us with humility.
   May we reflect His glory!
    Priscilla