Reply To: Soteriology (Laity) 2024/2025 Discussion Board 1

[Miriam IfeanyiChukwu]

Thank you, Ozioma, for sharing your thoughts on this subject. I especially appreciate the part where you mentioned that God is the initiator of agape love. This is very true. The Bible is full of examples where God starts the love process. From the Garden after the Fall (Genesis 3:21), even though the first man had committed high treason against Him, He still killed an animal and made clothing to cover their nakedness. The plan for the redemption of man was already laid from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). This is love!
Two parables in the New Testament drive this home for me:
1. The prodigal son (Luke 15:20-22).
The Bible says the boy was still a far distance away when his father sighted him, and ran to meet him. The father didn’t even wait for the younger son to finish his rehearsed confession; instead, he instructed his servants to give him the royal treatment he did not deserve.
2. The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (Matthew 21:33-46)
The Vine owner in this parable kept sending servants to the vinedressers managing his vine, even though they treated the previous ones he sent badly and even killed some, till he sent his son, who was eventually killed. This is how God, in His love, keeps sending love our way, not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9).