Chapter Eight

[Laura]

Reason #8 = To Become a Ransom For Many

Here's the quote in question from Piper:
"How did Christ effectively ransom from sin? He said that He came 'to give His life as a ransom for many' (Mark 10:45). Yet not everyone will be ransomed from the wrath of God. But the offer is for everyone. 'There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.' (1Tim 2:5-6). No one is excluded from this salvation who embraces the treasure of the ransoming Christ." pg.35

Sounds like Piper's argument is that the offer is for everyone, but only the elect embrace the gift.

I haven't worked through the theology of election yet, but would be a great group topic.

[Ilze]

Remember, originally the "elect" were the Jews and when they missed the fact that Jesus came for them, the Gentiles received that grace - read, ALL OF US!

[MizziQ]

It seems that if you try to do that you always end up back to pre-destination vs. free will. It's confusing, but the offer is for everyone. Not everyone will accept it, and God knows it, but everyone is offered the Gift.

[Cherie]

God sent Jesus to be an atonement for us all. That's why the curtain in the temple was rent top to bottom the minute Jesus died, the separation of God from the people no longer existed. This was a sign that God was for everyone who accepted Him through Jesus. Even some of the Roman soldiers were saved at the cross and afterwards during pentecost many, many more people came to God through Christ, and not all of them were Jews. God meant for all men to be His children. But not all men accept Him. He gave us the choice. It's ours to decide, follow Him or follow the world. The decision to follow God doesn't insure a perfect unhindered life. To the contrary, the closer we get to God, the more satan will put on us to pry or scare us away. Knowing that God is with us, no matter what, and will lead us through every situtation and that at the end, we will have eternal life with Him, is greater than anything satan can do. Sometimes it may not seem like it, but this is a promise of God. "I will be with you, even unto the end of time." It's our choice, our decision, and it's for everyone to make.

[Marilyn]

Yes it's open to everyone.The chosen or elect are those who choose to fallow Jesus Christ as the one and only living savior. I think what you asked is making us think.I have read this book about two months ago and I'm still learning from what I read in this book.I know that God will bless you though this book. God Bless You My sister in Christ.