Cheryl Schatz

Benjamin, You asked: Seeing that you cite the Old Testament to set up this supposed tension and contradiction, why did anyone in the old covenant serve God? I believe that we can safely answer this question by going back to Abraham. Abraham was seen as righteous because he believed God. When someone believes God and puts their trust in Him in response to His actions toward them, like Abraham they will serve God naturally as an outworking of their faith. I do not believe that you answered my question about God paying attention to those who fear Him. I do think it is important. Notice in Malachi 4:2 – Malachi 4:2 (NASB) “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. Malachi says that for you who fear His name, the sun of righteousness will rise… Who is the sun of righteousness? He will rise (or come forth) for who? Benjamin, you said: Again, the burden of proof is on you, Cheryl, to provide a biblical basis that election is conditional on the character of the person, or more simply that the Father gives to the Son based on the one who is given… I didn’t say that coming to Jesus is conditional on the character of the person. I would say that coming to Jesus is conditional on believing the Father. The second part of your statement “the Father gives to the Son based on the one who is given”. I don’t understand this. Would you be able to flesh this out so I understand what you are hearing me say? Thanks! I am going to create a new post that ties John 6:37-45 together with what Jesus had already said in the book of John. I hope that this will make things clear enough that you can understand me. I believe that understanding and hearing is important. I try hard to be this kind of person, but I am not perfect either in the listening department. I want to learn to do better at hearing, understanding, and reflecting back. If I misunderstand, please correct me.