thistle93
Puritan Board Freshman
Hi! Seems many preachers (especially those of non-reformed tradition) like use verses written to and intended for the church (believers) for evangelistic purposes (unbelievers). Here are some examples:
For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV)
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. (Hebrews 3:7-9 ESV)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
(Revelation 3:20 ESV)
Do you feel this is an abuse of Scripture and to always be avoided or can verses like these have both application to believers and unbelievers? One danger I have seen from using these verses to apply to unbelievers is that many in non-reformed tradition use these verses as proof text against effectual grace and the denying the need for regeneration prior to faith. That the unbeliever has he same ability to the believer. Thoughts?
For His Glory-
Matthew
For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV)
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. (Hebrews 3:7-9 ESV)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
(Revelation 3:20 ESV)
Do you feel this is an abuse of Scripture and to always be avoided or can verses like these have both application to believers and unbelievers? One danger I have seen from using these verses to apply to unbelievers is that many in non-reformed tradition use these verses as proof text against effectual grace and the denying the need for regeneration prior to faith. That the unbeliever has he same ability to the believer. Thoughts?
For His Glory-
Matthew