Dake Bible Discussion Board ⇒ Correct Statement?

[Reuben]

God's love is unconditional but the benefits are conditional. True statement?

[luchnia]

God's love is unconditional but the benefits are conditional. True statement?

I am one of the few that believe God's love is absolutely conditional and purposed. Yet, that is my perception.

[victoryword]

God's love is unconditional but the benefits are conditional. True statement?

God certainly loves unconditionally just as we all love our children. None of my children have to earn my love. It was there from the moment they were conceived in their mother's womb. God being a better parent than any of us certainly has that kind of love for His creation (Matt. 7:11).

However, my children always had to EARN certain privileges. Watching television, playing on the computer, getting an allowance, going to Six Flags, to Chuck E. Cheez, etc. had conditions. Refuse to do your chores, clean up your room, do your homework, etc. kept them from getting those privileges. Those privileges were CONDITIONAL. Therefore, while I ALWAYS loved them even when they did not do as I wished, I withheld certain things as a result. It was not from vindictiveness, but from teaching them responsibility and the fact that choices come with consequences.

So yes, it is a true statement.

[cpbeller]

I agree with Victory.

The very word translated "love" is an unconditional love. The KJV translates very appropriately as "charity" (in 1 Corinthians 13). It is a love that is given without any expectation to receive in return.

Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

It is a self-sacrificing love. To gain the full blessings, or benefits, of that love is conditional. You have to walk in faith.

[Reuben]

I agree with Victory.

The very word translated "love" is an unconditional love. The KJV translates very appropriately as "charity" (in 1 Corinthians 13). It is a love that is given without any expectation to receive in return.

Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

It is a self-sacrificing love. To gain the full blessings, or benefits, of that love is conditional. You have to walk in faith.

I of course agree with you CP but there is one thing you said - I have also said it many times but I am now rethinking it.

It is a love that is given without any expectation to receive in return.

But doesn't God expect something in return? Is the investment of his love for the purpose of receiving something back? Just thinking

[bibleman]

God's love is unconditional but the benefits are conditional. True statement?

OK here is a different take.

God starts out loving EVERYONE unconditional,,, BUT he does NOT continue to love unconditional.

For example....

God hates those who do iniquity: Psalm 5:5, "The boastful shall not stand before Thine eyes; Thou dost hate all who do iniquity,"

God hates those who love violence: Psalm 11:5, "The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, and the one who loves violence His soul hates."

God hates all those nations who have evil customs: Lev. 20:23, "Moreover, you shall not follow the customs of the nation which I shall drive out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I have abhorred them."

God hates those who have Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, that devises wicked plans, whose feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers." Prov. 6:16-19, "There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, 19 A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers."

God hates those who have wicked deeds: Hosea 9:15, "All their evil is at Gilgal; indeed, I came to hate them there! Because of the wickedness of their deeds I will drive them out of My house! I will love them no more; All their princes are rebels."

What do you think?

[Ironman]

Love and obey God and receive all the promised blessings.

Ignore God and disobey Him and receive all the promised punishments.

Its all there in His Word.

[luchnia]

Love and obey God and receive all the promised blessings.

Ignore God and disobey Him and receive all the promised punishments.

Its all there in His Word.

Exactly!

[Reuben]

Love and obey God and receive all the promised blessings.

Ignore God and disobey Him and receive all the promised punishments.

Its all there in His Word.

That is indisputable and I agree with you Ironman but does Bibleman have a valid point above? Does his love become conditional? It's interesting that Jesus defined love by obeying or keeping the Word so in essence love is an action or doing concept. That being the case then is God's love defined the same way? Does repentance open up the fountain of God's love to flow into the life and be realized and demonstrated?

Just a lot of thinking outloud so-to-speak.

[branham1965]

who knows.