RE>> I am not debating anything in the Bible
(Hebrew scriptures or New Testament).<<
Good - I am glad to hear that.
RE>> So, what then is the criteria to determine
who is favored by G-d?
We know from scripture that some are favoured.
I think I supplied enough verses to establish that.
You ask how we determine who is favoured today?
I would say first that if they do not have faith in Christ
that (as of yet) they do not manifest God's favour.
God has reached men in the most remote of places to grant to
them the truth faith and salvation.
1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life;
and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
If you do not have life you do not have favour.
Oh the other hand - there are many who claim they have Jesus
who in fact do not...
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord,
have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have
cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Christ says He "never knew" them - this does not mean He did not
know about them or failed to realize they existed - He never
"knew" as in Adam "knew" Eve - Loved them.
RE>> What of those who claim earthly "accomplishments"
to gain favor over others?
Not sure what you are asking in this question concerning the eternal.
RE>> If the things in this life are not what is
important, how do we know who is favored over another?
There are 3 kinds of business
1. God's business
2. Other peoples business
3. Our business
Asking how we know "who" is favoured is both God's business
and the business of others - but is really none of our business.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great,
stand before God; and the books were opened: and another
book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead
were judged out of those things which were written in the books,
according to their works.
The book of life is God's book not ours - we can judge others
as to where they may stand - today - if they do not confess Christ
as the only name given under heaven whereby men may be saved
then we can know that they are not saved - but we cannot
look into the book of life to see if their name is there.
If it is - they will be saved before they pass from this world.
There are others who profess to be saved but their works reveal
that they are not.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works
they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto
every good work reprobate.
These men we can also know are not saved or favoured of God.
However - to a large extent we cannot know where others are at
concerning the Lord's favour - many people tell me that they
see God's favour in my life. I also thank God for what He has
given me - but above the "things of this life" I am most grateful
to find myself praying to Him for forgiveness and understanding
many things from the scriptures that evade others.
In this I do admit being "favoured" and cannot deny it.
I have lived as a fool to a great extent and yet God has
healed my life and given me a very nice family - good job etc.
Those things are appreciated by me but they do hold a lower
value than knowing God and His truth - that is the greatest gift.
RE>> I believe you have not addressed the question.
From this earthly existence and as it is manifests itself
in this life, how do we proceed in our daily affairs?
We do not need to know anyone else's business but our own.
We need to seek God's favour and forgiveness for ourselves.
We can share the truth with others but it is only God who enlightens
men and calls them from their darkness.
2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves;
if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Even true repentance is a gift from God that God alone decides
to grant to some and withhold from others - hearing the truth
does not assure a man will receive Christ or saving faith.
We are obligated to tell men the truth if they ask on a reasonable
level as do you - but it is not my position to convince anyone
of anything - it is God who will convict men of sin and grant repentance.
In fact the quality of preaching usually is quite poor.
1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God
the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the
foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
RE>> If we choose who is favored, then we are base-ing
our decisions on values in this life.
I totally agree - it is really none of our business but some
men's favour is seen of all. God does not love everyone the same.
John 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
That verse teaches that some were loved of Jesus more than all people.
John 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter,
and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved,
and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of
the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved
saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter
heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto
him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
Jesus loved all of His disciples except for Judas -
although he treated all men with love these verses
prove that there was in fact one disciple that Christ
loved in particular above all the others.
How do we proceed with our daily affairs?
We approach Christ with sincerity of heart - we worry about
our being right with Christ and treat other with love.
Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness,
without which no man shall see the Lord:
That is our business :-)
Brian |
