Jazzy explains the external call of God

I have recently found some very dedicated Christian bloggers who differ in Christian doctrine from this blog. I would like to make a point in interpreting Scripture or anything else for that matter. It is easy for all of us to look at a Bible verse and read meaning into it that is not there. There are many passages such as the well-known John 3:16 verse that give the external call of God (See Photo Meditations 13 and 14 for more on the external and internal call). This verse is often used to refute the reformed doctrine of election. In reality, John 3:16 says nothing about man’s ability to respond to this call. If you said for example: Texaco so appreciates it’s customers world wide that everyone who comes in for gasoline in the next two hours will get a free gallon. Does this mean that 100% of the people with vehicles on the planet has the ability to respond to the offer? (Obviously not) One rule of Biblical interpretation is to let Scripture interpret Scripture. Logic alone is enough to see that the John 3:16 text does not speak to ability. However, for further verification we can look at the many passages where Jesus speaks of having ears to hear and eyes to see and how some have calloused hearts and cannot hear. John 3:16 is a sincere external call that God makes to everyone but it does not speak to the ability to respond.