I often hear that no one seeks after God. I just heard this again today from a Calvinist. Yes, I agree that is in the Bible.
For example:
There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. -Romans 3:11
The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. -Psalm 10:4
Also: Psalm 14:1-3; Psalm 53:1-3; Hosea 7:10
But could it be that is only one side of the coin? Cornelius sought after God (Acts 10). Why are verses like the following seemingly ignored?
But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. -Deuteronomy 4:29
When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” -Psalm 27:8
The humble shall see this and be glad; and you who seek God, your hearts shall live. -Psalm 69:32
Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. -Isaiah 55:6
Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and did not forsake the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching God. -Isaiah 58:2
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. -Lamentations 3:25
Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the LORD’s anger. -Zephaniah 2:3
For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live. -Amos 5:4
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. -Hebrews 11:6
The next time you hear someone pointing out everyone knows that no one seeks after God, in order to make some Calvinistic point, perhaps you should point out some of the often neglected Scripture above.
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 2, AD 2012.
Calvinism and Being Dead in Sins
Books on Calvinism, Predestination
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Other Articles in lower right margin.
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Dear Sir:
ReplyDeleteI would like to converse with you on the points that you made. Allan
Allan,
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome to contact me at nsbc77562@LWOL.com.
By the way, another verse that should be considered in all of this is:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
-Titus 2:11
David R. Brumbelow
John 15:16. We seek, but only after our election. Not too difficult if you take the whole council of Scripture together and don't approach the passages with an agenda, like those who try to explain away passages about wine.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, do you understand the context of 15:16. Jesus was speaking to the apostles, see chapter 13 onward. Jesus did chose from his followers and selected 12 apostles. I agree, we shouldn't have an agenda or bias to support man made doctrine and it is imperative that we read the word of God in the context that it was written.
ReplyDeleteYes primarily to the apostles and yes secondly to who the gentiles like us. The elect
ReplyDeleteGood Day Mr. Brumbelow: Calvinism is just another Label. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that **He Gave His** only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. IF WE PEOPLE HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH LOVING GOD OR OUR OWN SALVATION WE'D BE CUTTING OFF OUR ARMS JUST TO PAT OURSELVES ON THE BACK. thank you susie
ReplyDeleteGod made us with a free will and commands us to choose.
ReplyDeleteWe must either accept or reject Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
We must repent, believe, receive, call on the name of the Lord.
I believe God’s offer of salvation to all is a good faith offer; that He really, honestly means it.
God commands all to repent, but the choice is ours.
To sum up this article, no one seeks after God, until God speaks to them and convicts them (Titus 2:11).
Then they can choose to seek God or continue to turn away from Him.
Many lost men begin to seek after God as the Holy Spirit convicts them.
David R. Brumbelow
great message
ReplyDelete