If I may respectfully respond to that Davidus, I personally would then have to wonder, to what would I apply I Cor. 3:1,2 towards, if not towards certain doctrines that are hard for the many regenerate, yet still depraved, to receive?
I realize that some of these truths are obvious to you and I and others, (though it took many years for me to to see such), and that they just seem to be written there in black and white, plain as the nose on your face, sentences. I don't know how many times I can remember having verses all of a sudden jump out at me with obvious clarity, that never seem to say what they say now. And, now I look at these verses as plain simple sentences, stating the truth in a clear, simple form using a clear and simple sentence structure. Whereas before, the same sentences were clear, yet meant something totally different when I read them. So, I think that some of these believers still just read it, and don't understand. And, that shows the depth of depravity. In actuality, they may know that the words say that, but they can't seem to fit it together in their minds with all of the other things there that they already have lined up. Too much has to be shuffled around, and it affects too many things that they already take for granted as obvious truths. And, many of these truths that are affected have, not only deep roots, but sincere affections attached to them, which are hard to let go of. And, if they let go of them, they can't really see how to deal with the ramifications of letting go, of what that might mean with regard to how they deal with life and other things. For often, when someone shoves Calvinism down the throat of an immature believer, and his entire world-view is shattered, no one is there to help him pick up the pieces and fit them back together. Months and years of time and attention often have to be brought to the table for such ministry, and if someone is not willing to put such time and patience towards ministering such to a believer, I wonder if they should really begin the process. Many have the pillars knocked out from under them, and are just left to deal with the pile that is left behind.
So, I try to remind myself that what is clearly evident to my understanding may not always be clearly evident to somebody else's, even if I think it obviously should be. I also try to remember that regeneracy does not imply full recovery and restoration of our faculties. The faculties of the understanding, will, and affections are regenerate, yes; but they are still perhaps 99% corrupted in some and 82% in others, and they are still in the process of renewal. I also remind myself that, in Corinth, many who were believers there did not even believe in a resurrection (Ch.15). And yet, Paul does not refer to them as not being regenerate, nor does he excommunicate them for not adhering to a crucial doctrine that is assumed in the gospel. True, he does explain to them the doctrine of the resurrection more clearly, and of how foolish it is for them to not agree with it, but, in my mind, that seems to be because of how close its connection is the the work of Christ that they are placing their faith in, for Christ was resurrected. Also, Paul doesn't wrap up the chapter saying that they are being rebellious and just not wanting to listen to the words of truth. And, he does not lay down an ultimatum saying that they had better sign on to this teaching by the time he arrives. And, I remind myself of Phil. 3:15,16, where Paul shows that it's okay to wait for God to reveal understanding and truth to others when he so chooses to, and to not be impatient for his day of revelation unto them.
This is where I'm at with this for now. I welcome your thoughts and opinions, knowing I see through a glass darkly.
Blessings, and I hope your semester break is going well, as well as your time spent with your fiance!
