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Craig · #7 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 04:45 PM

I would consider asking your friend if he acknoweldges sin as a reality. Also if he considers justice a necessity. Generally, most people dislike child molestors and rapists...heck, bring up that molestor in Belgium that trapped his daughter for 27 years brutalizing her for years on end...what should God do with that man? People's sense of justice becomes a bit more "severe" when the contrast between good and evil is so stark.

I would consider also talking about these things "economically" as well...are others entitled to your friend's property? Must he share his belongings with others? May he set the ground rules for how his belongings are distributed if he chooses to share or are the ground rules set by the beneficiaries? etc.

He may agree with you economically, but still think that God is a big meanie...which is to demonstrate your friend is a sinner...he wants sovereignty over his stuff but doesn't grant God sovereignty over His creation...

But is your friend even *really* trying to grapple with these things? Is he really concerned about God not saving others? Clearly if he hates God, he sees that he's not saved himself...I would venture to say your friend's motivation isn't about God failing to be as nice as he is...your friend wants sovereignty over his own life. He wants to be God. Maybe your friend is saved...I don't know...but acknowledging Reformed theology as the only tenable position is not the same thing as faith.

Reason with your friend gently (i.e. debating this is impossible, usually...especially if he thinks your doctrine is correct), pray for him...invite him to study the Bible with you. If he studies with you, focus on God's covenantal relationship...how God distinguishes between peoples, sets up a holy people...God's jealousy for His people...judgements on those who oppose His people, etc....maybe if your friend considers God's business involves more than just "gettin' people saved" he'll see that election is just one component of God's glorious sovereignty.