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Paul divides the world into two camps here: those who are perishing, and those who are being saved. There is no "third category". For example, "those who don't think the gospel is foolishness, but who aren't being saved either." By nature, everyone is in category 1--perishing, and thinking the gospel is foolishness. God alone can put someone in category 2--being saved, and thinking the gospel is the power of God.
What of someone who appears to "buy into" the gospel, but who later turns away? Well, they really weren't buying in then, were they? Because later on, they regarded their former belief as foolish, as being "taken-in" by a clever fake. Paul says of God and the ones he is saving, "he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." So, evidently he doesn't begin works in those who he will not save.
__________________ Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI Made both Lord and Christ--Jesus, the Destroyer
Acts 2:36 - 1 Cor. 10:9-10 & 15:22-26 - Hebrews 2:9-15 - 1 John 3:8 - James 4:12
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