AboutHerman Expertise I can answer general questions about the teachings of the Orthodox Church and Orthodox monasticism, particularly differences from Protestants and Catholics.
Experience Orthodox Christian convert from Protestantism over 30 years ago. 1 year seminary training.
Organizations American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese
Expert: Herman Date: 7/4/2008 Subject: 1 Timothy 4:10
Question QUESTION: In 2 Timothy 4:10 God is called the "savior of all men." What does the Greek word for "all" imply? Does it literally mean every one will be saved, or all believers?
ANSWER: It literally means that God is indeed the Savior of all mankind, but it in no wise implies that all men will be saved. God will not "force" salvation on anyone who does not desire it with their whole heart (he who loves father or mother than Me is not worthy of Me).
God does not force submission on us. We have to choose it. Those who do not make a clear choice to be saved won't be.
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QUESTION: With our will bound by sin, can we make the decision to follow Christ without the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
ANSWER: Simple answer, no. That is why Christ gave us the Church, through which the Holy Spirit acts to bring us to salvation. At first God gave the Law to the Jews to teach them right (righteousness) from wrong (sinfulness). In the fulmess of time through the incarnation of Christ, He established the Church and sent the One who comes after, the Holy Spirit to guide all mankind back to the Truth. But the Holy Spirit does not act against our will. It is still our choice to make. Orthodoxy does not hold with Calvinism, that we are totally depraved and incapable of choosing on our own. But we don't do anything on our own, we do it in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, just like the Trinity works together in perfect cooperation or synergy. God reaches down to those who choose to reach up.
Herman
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QUESTION: I can understand God creating the church to guide people. But what if a person chooses to worship Christ at home in private? Is that person not saved because they don't go to church?
Answer I suppose it is possible, but it certainly is a lot harder. The Holy Apostle Paul tells us not to forsake the gathering of the brethren and the importance of praying for each other. If we stay home, how do we know who and what to pray for?
Of course the Church gives us the example of St. Mary of Egypt, who lived alone in the desert for decades. But even she was "saved" through the Church. The grace of God kept her alive long enough to receive Communion before she died.
If you need a doctorvbut never go see him, how can you be made well? If you need medicine but never take it, how can you be cured? Do not forsake the gathering of the brethren. Seems fairly straightforward to me.
