Yes, I totally agree with your comment about Exodus 34. Much the same is said in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul says:
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them [the Jews in Exodus 34] which fell [out of favor with God], SEVERITY; but toward thee [the Gentile Christians], GOODNESS, IF, thou continue in his goodness: OTHERWISE THOU ALSO SHALL BE CUT OFF [meaning, NO Salvation]." (Romans 11:22)
Where you say, "We either want to respond to His love, or we don’t" - I say, we either use His grace for the purpose for which God has given it to us, or we FRUSTRATE His Grace (Gal 2:21 KJV) before finally FAILING of His Grace (Hebrews 12:15 KJV). Such behaviour indicates a "hardened heart" towards God. When He detects that, He is forced to finally harden the Christian's heart as no such Christian will be allowed into Heaven. When that happens, it also means NO Salvation:
"For we are made partakers of Christ, IF we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS, AS IN THE PROVOCATION. 16 For some [Jews back then], when they had heard [what Moses said], did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses." (Hebrews 3:14-16)
"Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and WHOM HE WILL HE HARDENETH." (Romans 9:18)
The above verses of scripture again confirm that every Christian's Salvation is always in the balance. Like any predator, Satan is trying to tip the 'balance' of every Christian's worth before God towards him:
"Be SOBER, be VIGILANT [spiritually]; because YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, as a roaring lion, walketh about, SEEKING WJHOM HE MAY DEVOUR [spiritually]: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5:7-9)
An indwelt spirit has a regenerated heart by default. So spiritual discernment becomes the norm for true believers. God is spirit and living FROM His spirit rather than for it is our act of worship.
Bless you my brother in Christ. I love your passion for Jesus, it is a gift.
You are an amazing Bible scholar and I encourage you to keep going. There is more.
In Exodus 34 we see both sides of God’s character, love and justice. When you love someone you want to be with them always. Loving God is a lifestyle choice. We either want to respond to His love, or we don’t. We either eat the fruit from the Tree of Life, or from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. There is no shade of grey, but we get to choose. Too simple?
Hi Geoff,
Thanks for your comment. It is much appreciated.
Yes, I totally agree with your comment about Exodus 34. Much the same is said in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul says:
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them [the Jews in Exodus 34] which fell [out of favor with God], SEVERITY; but toward thee [the Gentile Christians], GOODNESS, IF, thou continue in his goodness: OTHERWISE THOU ALSO SHALL BE CUT OFF [meaning, NO Salvation]." (Romans 11:22)
Where you say, "We either want to respond to His love, or we don’t" - I say, we either use His grace for the purpose for which God has given it to us, or we FRUSTRATE His Grace (Gal 2:21 KJV) before finally FAILING of His Grace (Hebrews 12:15 KJV). Such behaviour indicates a "hardened heart" towards God. When He detects that, He is forced to finally harden the Christian's heart as no such Christian will be allowed into Heaven. When that happens, it also means NO Salvation:
"For we are made partakers of Christ, IF we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS, AS IN THE PROVOCATION. 16 For some [Jews back then], when they had heard [what Moses said], did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses." (Hebrews 3:14-16)
"Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and WHOM HE WILL HE HARDENETH." (Romans 9:18)
The above verses of scripture again confirm that every Christian's Salvation is always in the balance. Like any predator, Satan is trying to tip the 'balance' of every Christian's worth before God towards him:
"Be SOBER, be VIGILANT [spiritually]; because YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, as a roaring lion, walketh about, SEEKING WJHOM HE MAY DEVOUR [spiritually]: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5:7-9)
Thanks again for your comment, Geoff!
Hi Alan
An indwelt spirit has a regenerated heart by default. So spiritual discernment becomes the norm for true believers. God is spirit and living FROM His spirit rather than for it is our act of worship.
Bless you my brother in Christ. I love your passion for Jesus, it is a gift.
Hi Alan
You are an amazing Bible scholar and I encourage you to keep going. There is more.
In Exodus 34 we see both sides of God’s character, love and justice. When you love someone you want to be with them always. Loving God is a lifestyle choice. We either want to respond to His love, or we don’t. We either eat the fruit from the Tree of Life, or from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. There is no shade of grey, but we get to choose. Too simple?