Did Jesus save those who ultimately hated Him?
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Acts 13 verse 9 describes the apostle as “Saul, who was also called Paul.” From that verse on, Saul is always referred to in Scripture as “Paul.” The original Saul was a Benjamite and so was Paul, who said in Philippians 3, 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. 7But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. 8More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Oh okay I understand the foundation you are coming from. So you believe that Jesus only died for the elect because God chose who would be saved. But that contradicts other verses like,
1 Timothy 2:3-4
English Standard Version
3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
John 12:32 ESV
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Romans 1:20 ESV
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
John 3:16
English Standard Version
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Hebrews 11:6 ESV
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
God desires and draws all people so either He is powerless to save all or there is a condition. The condition is hinged on faith and belief. The drawing is the Holy Spirit nudges or gifting just enough faith so that all are without excuse. Just enough so that there is never a true atheist. They at some point must reject the truth. They at some point choose not to believe the truth but rather follow a lie. They reject the Spirit and invitation for all who will believe.
1 Timothy 2:3-4
English Standard Version
3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
John 12:32 ESV
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Romans 1:20 ESV
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
John 3:16
English Standard Version
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Hebrews 11:6 ESV
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
God desires and draws all people so either He is powerless to save all or there is a condition. The condition is hinged on faith and belief. The drawing is the Holy Spirit nudges or gifting just enough faith so that all are without excuse. Just enough so that there is never a true atheist. They at some point must reject the truth. They at some point choose not to believe the truth but rather follow a lie. They reject the Spirit and invitation for all who will believe.
