Tracy Hall wrote:

>
> Loren, given the context, do you mean to imply that those who believe
> in free will are as apostate as those who participate in the terrible
> behaviors listed here by Paul, that those who believe in free will are
> people who "resist the truth," have "corrupt minds," and are "reprobate
> concerning the faith?"
>
Look, too often people think that just because an individual
participates in a denomination which has serious doctrinal issues, that
they themselves are equally in error. Personally, I have real issues
with the RC version of salvation. In reality, most RC's place their
faith in the out spread wings of the RCC, not in Christ. It is
completely impersonal in relationship with Christ. But there are those
within the RCC who have wonderful relationship's with the Lord. These
things must be held separate.

As for the theology of "free will," yes, I find the system to be
anti-Biblical, therefore, as you say, apostate. But just because an
individual believes in what he defines "free will," does not
necessitate apostacy. My argument is against theological systems which
try to maintain that man is free after the fall. Not only is the
doctrine counter logical to its own claims when examined, it places man
right back into that very same mentality which the Jewish leaders of
Jesus' day had. NO ONE kept the Law. NO ONE ever has or ever will,
except Jesus who was born without a fallen sin nature. The Law reveals
sin. It provides no escape from it. Only the grace of God, through
the regenerative act of the Spirit in life the individual provides a
new orientation, a new capacity to love God apart from self. Apart
from regeneration, all men are self oriented, therefore they are
neither "free" nor capable of good works.

> Paul was warning Timothy of the apostasy that was already sweeping over
> the church.
> "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from
> me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes."
> http://scriptures.lds.org/2_tim/1/15
>
> This apostasy would become complete after the death of the apostles.
> "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and
> being deceived."
> http://scriptures.lds.org/2_tim/3/13#13
>
> "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
> after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
> itching ears;
>
> "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be
> turned unto fables."
> http://scriptures.lds.org/2_tim/4/3-4
>
> How ironic that you would use Paul's words to attack those who affirm
> our Heavenly Father's eternal do