| | 1 Timothy 4:10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
Calvin here acknowledges the distinction between those 'saved' generally and those saved eternally. "Who is the Savior This is the second consolation, though it depends on the former; for the deliverance of which he speaks may be viewed as the fruit of hope. To make this more clear, it ought to be understood that this is an argument drawn from the less to the greater; for the word σωτὴρ is here a general term, and denotes one who defends and preserves. He means that the kindness of God extends to all men. And if there is no man who does not feel the goodness of God towards him, and who is not a partaker of it, how much more shall it be experienced by the godly, who hope in him? Will he not take peculiar care in them? Will he not more freely pour out his bounty on them? In a word, will he not, in every respect, keep them safe to the end?" Calvin's Commentaries - 1 Timothy 4:10
So you have general salvation that God works on behalf of all men, and a special salvation that God works for His people. Now, if you are a pessimillennialist, how can this verse be understood? Is there not a general 'salvation' that occurs (or will occur) in this life toward all men? |
| | Posted 8/24/2007 7:51 AM - 92 Views - 0 eProps - 0 comments
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