"For ALL MEN have not faith..."
2Thes 3
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the
word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with
you:
2 And that we may be delivered from
unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
I have heard these words - "for all men
have not faith" - repeated often. I get the impression that something is
amiss.
Many are of the opinion that "ALL
MEN" means all without distinction, i.e., including those dead in trespasses
and sins, who obviously have not faith. The idea is foolish; it makes the
Apostle Paul stating something so obvious, and as though faith can be expected
from such.
'ALL MEN' makes sense when referring to the children of God, i.e., the elect who are regenerated, and NOT all of them have faith, i.e., are believing. Such were the bitter enemies of the Apostle Paul; they
were unreasonable and wicked in opposing Paul and his ministry. They were God's
children among the Jews; they hounded Paul and hindered his labours among the
Gentiles - unreasonable and wicked indeed.
Saul was such a one before his CONVERSION on
his way to Damascus; he was a child of God but unreasonable and wicked towards
the disciples of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem.
"As concerning the gospel, they are
enemies for your sake: but as touching ELECTION, they are beloved for the
father's sake."
How many Christians are there today who are
unbelieving concerning THE GOSPEL once delivered to the saint?
