Greetings Steve, and all who love the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I can see Steve that you and I are miles apart in what we believe, that is evident as we pursue our discussion.May I ask you a question, Have you not read the Westminster Statement of Faith that Brian posted to Barney, Post # 29729, revealing Gods Eternal Degree. You can't be in agreement with it by what you are saying to me.
Anyway, let us proceed.
You asked what I believe this scripture says;
<< And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
4 But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. >>
Steve please keep in mind the following;
Sovereignity of God,
Romans Chapter 9, where God decides who He will show mercy and who He will harden.
This " hardening " of Pharaoh's heart was the result of Gods foreknowledge.
Pharaoh who acted cruelly toward Gods people, received the righteous judgements of God. Even with all the signs and wonders God displayed it made no difference to him.
You see Steve, it is the same " Sun " that hardens the " clay " or softens the " wax".
Pharaoh made these choices in his natural condition and suffered the consequences, finally by being destroyed forever when he and his army were drowned in the Sea. Please read all of Exodus in context of what is being said when considering this " hardening " of Pharaoh' heart.
Exodus 8:15,
Ex 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
We see here and in other places that this " hardening " was the result of choices made by Pharaoh " himself "when God temporarily removed his judgements.
Albert Barnes says something noteworthy;
" Calamities which do not subdue the heart harden it. "
How well that describes Pharaoh.
This " hardening " that you believe God did to Pharaoh was as I said earlier, the natural result of the choices Pharaoh made against Gods people and the subsequent judgements of God against Him He was just doing what his " nature " called for him to do. He finally received Justice from God.
I could say much more but we would get of on different tangents.
May God Himself show you Steve, that in your " flesh " ( your natural life) NOTHING GOOD dwells. I believe you need to see that truth more than anything else. Sort of reminds me about Isaiah6:1-5. Please read Steve.
Isaiah was a great man of God, but when he finally saw the Glory of God, the greatest thing he ever learned was that " he saw his true condition ".
Take care Steve, Talk with you later.
In Christ, Robert |
