Men often seek to interpret the scriptures in such a fashion as to support their preconceived notions rather than searching the scriptures, to see if these things be so (as the noble Bereans did). “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Act 17:11) While anyone can search the scriptures daily, it is only those who do so with a “readiness of mind” who shall receive the blessing which is often hidden (in plain sight) from those who would seek to make the scriptures agree with what they already think. Such a “ready mind” is truly the gift of GOD, not of the will of the flesh, lest any man should boast of what he knows. This is that which the LORD promised to HIS disciples, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:13-14)
There are many (supposed Bible teachers) who have long lists of what they call, “proof texts” which they will roll out any time that someone should come along and challenge their suppositions, based upon the context of the scripture rather than a few texts here and there which can be misconstrued to teach their false doctrine. Whole “denominations” exist by using this method of interpretation. Some have even printed their own “versions” (actually perversions) of the scriptures to bolster their line of thinking. By this method they often ensnare many with their “wresting” of the scriptures. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” (2Pet 2:1-2) “Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” (Gal 1:7)
One characteristic of all false teaching and perverted religious organizations is an underlying belief in the self-determining, free-will of men. This is a natural understanding (or lack thereof) which men are born with. By nature men believe that they have within themselves the power to craft their own destiny by the choices that they make. While such knowledge has a certain application to the natural realm in which men live out their day to day lives, it is a monumental error to consider that by the same “free-will,” that men can choose to know and love the True and Living GOD, “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting.” (1Tim 6:16) .
Woe be to the man who points out the plain teaching of the scriptures that indicate that men are “dead, in trespasses and sins” and will not seek the LORD nor bow their knee unto HIS precepts apart from the bestowal of HIS mercy upon them in the new birth. This is that which the LORD told Nicodemus about, as he came to inquire about the teachings of CHRIST. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
Due to the false teacher’s refusal to admit the inability of men to seek the LORD by their own decision, they have even perverted the concept of this “new birth”, to supposedly have its beginning when men believe, rather than as the scripture contextually sets forth, that they believe because they have been born from above by a POWER not their own. “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13)
The pride of man causes him to believe that he must “allow” GOD to exercise HIS own power. What nonsense, as we read that HE “doeth according to HIS will in the army of Heaven and among the inhabitants of the Earth, and none can stay HIS hand or say unto HIM, what doest thou?” (Dan.4:35) HE is the same ONE who told Isaiah, “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isa 46:9-11) Unless the LORD builds the house they labor in vain who build it.
This passage, which is found in the second chapter of Paul’s epistle to Timothy, is more often misconstrued by these blind guides, than perhaps, any other: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1Tim 2:4) By just pulling this “proof text” out of the context of the chapter, and I might say of the whole epistle, they make the very plausible argument that it is apparent that the LORD is desirous and hoping to save all men, if they will just let HIM. Yet when we read the whole chapter with a “ready mind”, it becomes apparent that Paul is not speaking about all men individually but rather all types of men in every category from the least unto the greatest. For he has counseled Timothy to pray for “all types of men”. HE is no respecter of “persons”, whether they be small or great, rich or poor, HIS mercy is visited upon the whole spectrum of the human race.
HE saved a thief upon the cross. HE saved a religious Pharisee, yet breathing out slaughters against the LORD’s people. HE saved lepers. HE saved an adulterous woman. HE saved men in government such as the Centurion whose servant HE healed, or an Ethiopian Eunuch traveling in a chariot. HIS hand is in no way shortened to save whom HE wills, when HE wills, and how HE wills. No man can stay HIS hand or overturn HIS purpose to call the sheep of HIS pasture.
As we continue on in this epistle, we read, “Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1Tim 2:6) Now by simply ignoring the latter part of this verse, one can build the case that JESUS CHRIST shed HIS blood as a payment for the sins of “all” men without exception. This error is received quite readily by those who are satisfied with the natural thinking of men. Yet as we look at the context (with a ready mind) which includes “to be testified in due time”, we are caused to see that this demonstration modifies who the “all” are. Those for whom CHRIST gave HIMSELF as a ransom shall be manifested (testified) in HIS due time. “The LORD knows them that are HIS”. HIS statement, “But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:26-28), clearly defines those whom HE intends to save, and who will be saved according to HIS mercy. They do not become HIS sheep by believing, but rather are given faith to believe because they are HIS sheep.
As Paul continues his letter to Timothy he once again uses the term “all” in relation to those of whom HE is the SAVIOR. There is a manner in which we might use this term to apply to the whole human race as we consider the fact that CHRIST is the “only” SAVIOR of men. There is no other “avenue” through which any man may approach unto the LORD. HE said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) There may be only one doctor in town, but that does not mean that every man in town is his patient. Some will never darken HIS door. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44)
Paul once again modifies those of whom HE specifically speaks by using the term, “specially”. This word means a specific or particular group of whom CHRIST is the SAVIOR, which Paul defines as those who “believe”. If CHRIST were the SAVIOR of “all men” in the sense that encompasses every individual in the Earth, then these same “all men” would of necessity be “saved” unless HE who is their “SAVIOR” had failed in HIS mission. To entertain such a notion is blasphemy. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37) Have you believed on HIM? There is no other SAVIOR who saves to the uttermost.
mam