The problem of the statement of “never saved to begin with”

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Oct 19, 2024
4,096
909
113
Why ask others to help you understand Greek, learn it yourself so you don't have to be a parrot and repeat what others say. It will take some time, but you will be able to become a serious Bible student and not be dependent on others to teach you. I have translated most of the epistle to the Ephesians, I would be glad to send you part of it to give you a feel for what paraphrasing/translation is all about.
Maybe you would like to join the study of Ephesians on the Systematic Bible Study thread?
 

Lamar

Well-known member
May 21, 2023
1,061
166
63
I can only be as clear as long as you are willing to look in the direction from which I'm speaking.
Did you really think this sentence through?

People "can only" understand you if they "are willing to look in" from your direction?

Is English not your first language? If so I do understand, if not you should express yourself in a manner that does not force the reader into your subjective reality.
 

Mem

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2014
7,538
2,303
113
Did you really think this sentence through?

People "can only" understand you if they "are willing to look in" from your direction?

Is English not your first language? If so I do understand, if not you should express yourself in a manner that does not force the reader into your subjective reality.
I am what I am, but there's nothing that requires that you have to "exist" within my reality, by any force, but I do realize that things such as empathy are of grace. I'm giving up that you will be able to understand me. Afterall, you feel the wind but do not know from where it comes or to where it is going.
 

Lamar

Well-known member
May 21, 2023
1,061
166
63
I am what I am, but there's nothing that requires that you have to "exist" within my reality, by any force, but I do realize that things such as empathy are of grace. I'm giving up that you will be able to understand me. Afterall, you feel the wind but do not know from where it comes or to where it is going.
Or how about you simply.

Come down from your high horse and speak with the common folk.
 
Mar 8, 2025
55
11
8
If you can read Greek why don't you read the book of Acts and take note of each Present Tense verb to see if what Dr. Bechtle says is true. For a little older Greek, read Isaiah in the LXX.
So rather than present your answer on the subject, you send me away with the assignment to read the entire Book of Acts focusing on each and every instance of the Present Tense? Then you insist that I prove what I said by citing every instance of the present tense from the LXX translation of Isaiah? No this is an unequal division of labor in this debate. If you want to refer to those sources, yourself, feel free but don't assign me to do it unless you are pointing to something specific.

Meanwhile here is another source for you to look at:
Ενεστώτας (Enestótas) – “Present” The Greek present tense indicates a continuing action, something that happens continuously or repeatedly, or something that is in the process of happening
(https://www.greekpod101.com/blog/2021/07/08/greek-tenses/#1)
 
Dec 21, 2024
19
3
3
So rather than present your answer on the subject, you send me away with the assignment to read the entire Book of Acts focusing on each and every instance of the Present Tense? Then you insist that I prove what I said by citing every instance of the present tense from the LXX translation of Isaiah? No this is an unequal division of labor in this debate. If you want to refer to those sources, yourself, feel free but don't assign me to do it unless you are pointing to something specific.

Meanwhile here is another source for you to look at:
Ενεστώτας (Enestótas) – “Present” The Greek present tense indicates a continuing action, something that happens continuously or repeatedly, or something that is in the process of happening
(https://www.greekpod101.com/blog/2021/07/08/greek-tenses/#1)

The Greek present tense indicates a continuing action, something that happens continuously or repeatedly, or something that is in the process of happening.

If you are not lazy, you should read the two books i recommended (in Greek). That way you will not have to look up someone on the internet and hope they are a scholar. What problem do you have with reading the two books in Greek? Are you basing your information by the English translation? If so, that would be the reason you are intimidated to read Acts and Isaiah. If you don't know Greek, then will have to take the writings of other men.