Hebrew for Christians :: View topic - Hebrew "Block Logic" reference

Hebrew for Christians :: View topic - Hebrew "Block Logic": "Let us turn, then, to some of the many examples of block logic found throughout Scripture. The book of Exodus says that Pharaoh hardened his heart, but it also says that God hardened it ( Ex. 8:15 ; cf. 7:3). The prophets teach that God is both wrathful and merciful ( Isa. 45:7 ; Hab. 3:2 ). The New Testament refers to Jesus as the �Lamb of God� and the �Lion of the tribe of Judah� ( Jn. 1:29 , 36; Rev. 5:5 ). Hell is described as both �blackest darkness� and the �fiery lake� ( Jude 13 ; Rev. 19:20). In terms of salvation, Jesus said, �whoever comes to me I will never drive away,� yet no one can come �unless the Father draws him� ( Jn. 6:37 , 44). To find life you must lose it ( Mt. 10:39 ). When you are weak, then you are strong ( 2 Cor. 12:10 ). The way up (exaltation) is the way down (humility) ( Lk. 14:11 ). �Jacob have I loved and Esau have I hated� ( Rom. 9:13 ; Mal. 1:3 ).

Consideration of certain forms of block logic may give one the impression that divine sovereignty and human responsibility are incompatible. The Hebrews, however, sensed no violation of their freedom as they accomplish God�s purposes. Upon a more careful reading of the biblical text, one can often observe that the Bible views one block from the perspective of divine transcendence�God says, �I will harden Pharaoh�s heart��and the other from a human point of view��Pharoah hardened his heart� ( Ex. 4:21 ; 7:3,13; 8:15). The same is often true of Scriptures which deal with the themes of predestination/election and free will/ human freedom. "