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A.--Do you mean that there is respect of persons with God? was Ishmael rejected
because of his wild ways, or Esau because of his easy-going nature?
B.--It would be so much better for us both if you would allow the scripture to finish its
argument, and not to jump to conclusions so hastily. God Himself says that the choice
took place
(1).
Before the children were born and
(2).
Before they could have done either good or evil; that the choice was
(3).
Not of works, but that
(4).
The purpose of God according to election might stand.
The whole subject revolves itself into a recognition of the fact of a "purpose of
election" and a "promise".
Elective purposes govern "All Israel" and "All in Adam".
A.--Well, supposing with regard to this phase of the purpose I admit the limitation you
suggest, how does that alter such plain statements like:--
"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (I Cor. 15: 22).
"The saviour of all men" (I Tim. 4: 10),
and many others?
B.--Your question introduces a most important feature in the interpretation of the age
purpose set forth in scripture, and, if you are willing, we will consider it at our next
meeting together.
A Scriptural Principle of Interpretation.
A.--We are to consider a principle of interpretation, I believe, and one which is in some
way connected with the meaning you suggested of the words "all Israel"?
B.--Yes, the principle of interpretation which I believe to be the true one is quite distinct
from that which says "if God be a God of love, then He must do this or that; that if He
does not save every individual then Satan will triumph", etc., etc.
A.--But that is just what I do believe, what fault do you find with such reasoning?
B.--Chiefly that it is "reasoning".
A.--You surely do not believe that faith is unreasonable?
B.--No, but I believe that revelation is not always explanation. Within the range of
things proper to human knowledge generalization and deduction are both legitimate and