Christians; in today's society are becoming further marginalized and indeed; hated which is itself a sign that the end is near ( Matt. 10:22-although likely not reaching complete fulfillment until the Tribulation is underway). When we are hated it should be because of His Name's sake not because we are on some side campaign and using scripture to defend it. We cannot focus all our attention on "humanitarian" issues and neglect preaching the total depravity of man; for instance by quoting the beatitudes out of context. As with anything; there are both extremes. If we end up being so caught up in the "doctrines of election" that we fail to love our enemies (since they may be by the eternal counsel of the godhead not be part of "God's elect") then HUMAN logic would tell us that we have no reason to show them love. Now no Calvinist would say that he knows for certain WHO God's elect are but may not consider someone like Judas Iscariot who Christ showed no malice toward until the end. In fact it was prophesied how much it would hurt that a trusted friend would betray him even though it was also prophesied that he would be the son of perdition. We are called to love our enemies; pray for those who despitefully use us ( Matt. 5:44). Again; with the other extreme we somehow think that if we are loving enough (at least some do) that we will win over people because of a "God filled vaccuum". Looking at Christ Himself-the ultimate "selfless" example He didn't mince words with niceties because He knew all too well that the broad road was where most go; and ontly "few" would be saved. Hell was real; originally created for the rebellious angels. He would NOT ever praise anyone unless it was true faith that was motivating them; and made clear the deplorable state of the human heart; especially to those who felt most self justified (Pharisees and lawyers). Somehow unsaved people envision a Christ loved by most; rather than what really happened
Christians; in today's society are becoming further marginalized and indeed; hated which is itself a sign that the end is near ( Matt. 10:22-although likely not reaching complete fulfillment until the Tribulation is underway). When we are hated it should be because of His Name's sake not because we are on some side campaign and using scripture to defend it. We cannot focus all our attention on "humanitarian" issues and neglect preaching the total depravity of man; for instance by quoting the beatitudes out of context. As with anything; there are both extremes. If we end up being so caught up in the "doctrines of election" that we fail to love our enemies (since they may be by the eternal counsel of the godhead not be part of "God's elect") then HUMAN logic would tell us that we have no reason to show them love. Now no Calvinist would say that he knows for certain WHO God's elect are but may not consider someone like Judas Iscariot who Christ showed no malice toward until the end. In fact it was prophesied how much it would hurt that a trusted friend would betray him even though it was also prophesied that he would be the son of perdition. We are called to love our enemies; pray for those who despitefully use us ( Matt. 5:44). Again; with the other extreme we somehow think that if we are loving enough (at least some do) that we will win over people because of a "God filled vaccuum". Looking at Christ Himself-the ultimate "selfless" example He didn't mince words with niceties because He knew all too well that the broad road was where most go; and ontly "few" would be saved. Hell was real; originally created for the rebellious angels. He would NOT ever praise anyone unless it was true faith that was motivating them; and made clear the deplorable state of the human heart; especially to those who felt most self justified (Pharisees and lawyers). Somehow unsaved people envision a Christ loved by most; rather than what really happened
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