Lately, I've read some things that have both challenged and made me re-solidify one of my fundamental beliefs, the doctrine of election. I talked to Mom, did some thinking, read a couple Scriptures, and went on my way.
Until today.
During my quiet time today, I came across Romans 9. WHOA!!!!
"And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.”As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”
"What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.
"For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh,“For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
"What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?"
One of the arguments I had heard was that it wouldn't be just for God to create man with a free will and then judge him for sinning. This Scripture so totally answered that for me!!
Who are we to say to God "why did you make man like this"? How arrogant for us to ever try to guess why God does what He does.
Who are we to say to God "why did you make man like this"? How arrogant for us to ever try to guess why God does what He does.
Anyways......that Scripture just helped grow my faith a little today, and I thought I'd share it :)
'Night all ♥ ♥ ♥
Truly, God is perfectly just to judge man. God created man with a free will, told man what not to do, and if that man chooses to do that which he was told not to do, God is perfectly just in judging him.
ReplyDelete*grins, lights a hand-grenade and throws it in*
DeleteYet, at the same time, has predestined exactly who and what will happen, totally pre-planning what will happen, and at the same time, man totally has free will to choose to obey or not.
Sorry Flame, couldn't resist. :D
Flame! I thought you might pop in :) I totally agree with David - both God's sovereignty AND man's free will are clearly outlined in Scripture. We have to accept both, even if we don't fully understand it.
DeleteYes, Lisa, I do LOVE how God meets us, answers us, guides us! His love is AMAZING! Justin said he heard a speaker say this, " As we enter heaven there is a sign that says, "whosoever will", and as we cross that threshold and look back, the sign says, " the elect". I love that. Hope it helps you. I consider myself a biblicist.....and therefore I cannot dismiss either the Sovereignty of God over all things or the Free Will of choice. My brain cannot wrap around this but I know that I can fully trust in God, who does ALL things well......even when I cannot understand them, I just want to trust! Your Mama is a wise woman....she will guide you well and your Savior desires to lead you and guide you into all truth......what more can we ask for but to humbly seek the one who loves us with His everlasting love.......Oh yes, I could go on and on about how great God is! :-) But.....I know I am speaking to the Choir so I will stop......L0L! Love you bunches, keep thinking, keep praying, and keep listening! There are many voices in the world, but Jesus says, " My sheep hear my voice, and follow me." Mrs. G.
ReplyDeleteLOVE, love that quote!! And I of course completely agree with you...God definitely chooses those who are to be saved, but we are responsible before God for our choices. One of the paradoxes that we'll get to ask God about when we get to Heaven! Love you, and thanks for always commenting and encouraging ♥
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