Snoozie1
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John 8:42-44
Ok, so this is not a favorite bible verse but I have a question about it.
In our bible study class there is a question I don't understand.
"Is it true that God is everyone's father? Why or why not?"
I am confused on this as I thought all were Gods children. I understand that they followed the evil one but would they still be God's children? Or wouldn't they have been Gods children at one time?
Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks, Sue
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6/14/2008, 2:08 am
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GaleB
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Re: John 8:42-44
Sue, in my reading, I found this to be as simple an explanation as I found.
John 8:42
They saw themselves as the sons of God due to the fact that they were the physical descendants of Abraham. Yet, Jesus rejects this by saying the proof that they are the sons of God is whether they love Him. If this was true for the Jews, it is also true for us. Though we may be sons of Abraham racially because we are part of the tribes of Israel, it fits us just as it fit the Jews. Abraham may be our father, but unless we have the love of God, He is not our spiritual Father. We find proof of our love for God in that we love Christ. His own advice: "If you love Me, keep the commandments"
Hope this helps.
In Him,
Gale
ps, A very good question Sue, a thought provoking one . Thanks !
Ref:
John W. Ritenbaugh
Bibletools.org
Last edited by GaleB, 6/14/2008, 8:49 am
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6/14/2008, 8:32 am
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horseshadowrider
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Re: John 8:42-44
Gale, I also love questions like this! Keep them coming everyone!!
And what you found on the internet is so helpful!
I read these verses in my KJV...and it seems to be saying that Your Father is whoever You Serve! If you serve the devil, then He is your father. If you serve and love God, He is your father.
He says in Vs.41, "you do the deeds of your father."
I need to do more cross referencing, but my "belief" is that we become children of God through Faith. Abraham's Faith was counted as his salvation (righteousness) and he is our example.
I think there is a common view that we ALL are children of God and therefore "any way to God is good." This is common in New Age thinking.
We were all created by God, but we become children through our Faith in Him, our believing in His Son.
When people (I have them in my family) say, "Any way to God is good," Then I tell them that they must think Jesus is a liar then. They are shocked, "What? Of course not!" and then I say,"Well, Jesus did not say any way to God is okay. He said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father but by ME!"
So, He either is God and the WAY and telling the truth, OR He's a liar. He can't just be a good man or prophet. He's either who He said He was, or discard him as a liar or lunatic. (some of you may recognize this from Josh McDowell's book, "More Than a Carpenter")
With Jesus, you cannot say, "Any way to God is good."
Most people have a strong spirit within them for the truth of their Creator, and they are loathe to say Jesus is a liar, even if they say they don't believe in Him.
Thus, belief in His Son makes us the Children of God.
I'll look for more scriptures.
Thanks for bringing this up sue!
---
Virginia
4 plc fracture of the C1, Tethered Cord, (acquired chiari and elongated brainstem resolved by Tethered Cord surgery); atlanto occipital dislocation and cranial settling all due to equestrian accident,
2004. CC Fusion upcoming.
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6/14/2008, 11:14 am
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Snoozie1
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Re: John 8:42-44
Gale and V, great explanations. I was confused I guess because of the thinking that we are all children of God but I can now see where we can fall from that.
I used to believe that if I was a good person I could get into Heaven, of course now I know what it takes. This is perfect timing because I was talking to my sister about this verse and she also thinks as I once did that being a good person ia all it takes. THe Lord is speaking to her heart right now so I will share with her the responses I get. (SHe is the one who just had surgery and almost died)
I will probably have lots of questions as I try to gain understanding through these bible study classes so be prepared. If anyone can get to a bible study class I highly recommend it. My eyes have been opened up so much. Thanks...Sue
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6/14/2008, 11:33 am
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GaleB
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Re: John 8:42-44
Wonderful discussion Sue.
I wish I had the gift of putting things into everyday talk, like Virginia does.
You are an inspiration Sue.
Gale
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6/14/2008, 12:28 pm
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ket85rn
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Re: John 8:42-44
A very thought provoking discussion.
I feel that all people are God's children being His creation, but that our salvation and eternal fellowship with Him relies on our accepting his grace and redemption.
As believers we are written into his book of life, but I believe that non-believers are still his children, though prodigal if you will. It is up to those children to return to God in humility and accept the love he has to offer. Just my thoughts. Karen
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6/14/2008, 1:05 pm
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