Why do we accept or reject Christ Jesus?

[Randy]

When I read the things you wrote, it tells me you really don't understand the narrative or you wouldn't have to reach so far out of the text to make your point.
Clearly, Pharaoh hardened his own heart. The text is explicitly clear on this. The text is also explicitly clear that God hardened Pharaohs heart.

Within the narrative, the hardenining starts with Pharaoh hardening his own heart, to God hardening Pharaohs heart.

Perhaps it's worth noting who Pharaoh was, and what he represented.

What is it about the text in regard to God hardening Pharaohs heart that rubs you the wrong way?

What I read is that God hardened Pharaohs heart not how. I make assumptions as well. GOD told Pharaoh to let His people go and the rest was how Pharaoh reacted to Gods commands. Like those in Rev who cursed God as God poured out punishments they refused to admit guilt and repent. Even though God had their lives in His hands. THEIR hearts were hard from sin. I don't think we are far apart.

 

[stovebolts]

What I read is that God hardened Pharaohs heart not how. I make assumptions as well. GOD told Pharaoh to let His people go and the rest was how Pharaoh reacted to Gods commands. Like those in Rev who cursed God as God poured out punishments they refused to admit guilt and repent. Even though God had their lives in His hands. THEIR hearts were hard from sin. I don't think we are far apart.

We can all make assumptions, but we should not make assumptions that detour from the conclusion.

The narrative shows Pharaoh hardening his own heart, then we see him start to soften his heart, only to harden it again.

We should learn from this that when our hearts are opened up, we should not close it up, because when we do, it always makes matters worse not only for us, but for those around us. We become destructive, and self destructive.

We also must conclude that there comes a point where God can harden a heart that refuses to soften so that their destruction is swift, and complete, such as Pharaoh and his army being swallowed in the Red Sea.

 

[Randy]

We can all make assumptions, but we should not make assumptions that detour from the conclusion.

The narrative shows Pharaoh hardening his own heart, then we see him start to soften his heart, only to harden it again.

We should learn from this that when our hearts are opened up, we should not close it up, because when we do, it always makes matters worse not only for us, but for those around us. We become destructive, and self destructive.

We also must conclude that there comes a point where God can harden a heart that refuses to soften so that their destruction is swift, and complete, such as Pharaoh and his army being swallowed in the Red Sea.

The question is what did God do to harden Pharaohs heart other than what we read? "Let my people Go" and the punishments poured out on egypt? I state the answer lies within Pharaohs own heart. He reacted out of His heart. Vengence and anger against the one true God.

 

[stovebolts]

The question is what did God do to harden Pharaohs heart other than what we read? "Let my people Go" and the punishments poured out on egypt? I state the answer lies within Pharaohs own heart. He reacted out of His heart. Vengence and anger against the one true God.

I understand. However, Exodus 12:12 says that God is casting Judgment upon all the gods of Egypt. So, this is much bigger than a single individual.

Also, you seem to view Pharaoh's hardening as a response to Gods request and it sounds as if God is pulling his chain to get the desired response. I do not believe God tempts us into any type of behavior.

Judgment is different than punishment.

You may find this link of interest.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...gglMAA&usg=AFQjCNGXImLjDM4punz-RP0W-KCIThlJZQ

 

[Randy]

I understand. However, Exodus 12:12 says that God is casting Judgment upon all the gods of Egypt. So, this is much bigger than a single individual.

Also, you seem to view Pharaoh's hardening as a response to Gods request and it sounds as if God is pulling his chain to get the desired response. I do not believe God tempts us into any type of behavior.

Judgment is different than punishment.

You may find this link of interest.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...gglMAA&usg=AFQjCNGXImLjDM4punz-RP0W-KCIThlJZQ

AS I stated REV has the same thing as God poors out punishment those who receive such punishment curse God rather then repent like Pharaoh.

 

[WIP]

Let's remember to post the supportive Scripture for arguments presented.

 

[Angel Water]

John 3:19-21 "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of the light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Here, Jesus explains why people will come to him. Those who LOVE sin don't want to change, they love the darkness. Those who want to do the right thing...........will come to him.

True. People enjoy their sin. There is also this too that speaks to why people reject Christ. They are not called by the Father. If they love their sin how could they possibly hear him beckon them out of it?
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day." John 6:44

 

[stovebolts]

True. People enjoy their sin. There is also this too that speaks to why people reject Christ. They are not called by the Father. If they love their sin how could they possibly hear him beckon them out of it?
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day." John 6:44

Matthew 22:14

Many are called, but few are chosen. It's about the Kingdom of God. GOD is reigning and we are His subjects.

 

[selihah]

Speaking as one of 'those' . I can only answer for myself. My reason for rejecting another's religion is based on my own opinion and understanding of Torah. Its what I've been given and instructed to use to compare against what others tell me.

"You must follow Yehovah your God and revere only him; and you must observe his commandments, obey him, serve him, and remain loyal to him. "