February 25
The doctrines of election and predestination are likely two of the most difficult for many to accept. They are ones with which I spent many years struggling. I must confess, the major reason I didn’t want to believe salvation was entirely a work of God was that it meant I did not nor am I capable of doing anything to save myself. Even after studying God’s word intensely for years and walking with Him daily, I had a hard time accepting the thought that I had nothing to offer God that would make Him want to save me. Those who accept the doctrine fit into two categories: 1. God chose those who would be part of His eternal kingdom before the foundation of the word, and His choice was based on nothing defined in scripture other than the fact that it is the right of the Creator to do with creation what He wills (Rom. 9:15-18; Jer. 18:6). 2. God knows the future, so he chooses those whom He effectually calls because He knows in advance who will respond to His call. I have difficult time with number 2 because it goes against so many verses. Romans 3:10-18 make it clear all men are totally depraved, incapable of doing anything pleasing to God without God’s intervention. Ephesians 2:8-10 indicates even the faith to believe is a gift from God.
I think the answer is a little easier than we usually make it. It isn’t necessary to deny that salvation is offered to anyone who will take it and also believe only the elect will take it. As a matter of fact, that is exactly what most of the letter to the Romans tells us. God offers salvation to any who will accept it, but none will accept it unless God regenerates man’s dead soul, so he is capable of responding to God’s provision (Titus 3:5).
Finally, once a person understands this doctrine, he is free to truly respond to God’s love and choice of him, knowing it is not because of his good works that God chose him, so no amount of good works will cause God to keep him in the faith. We are kept by the power of God because He is God. Once this truth is understood, one is free to be obedient to God’s call without any fear or pride in whatever it is God calls him to do. Once a man realizes going to Brazil to preach the gospel to complete strangers will not earn him a higher grade on God’s report card, he can go to Brazil to preach the gospel to complete strangers because of his overwhelming love and appreciation for God. Knowing I did nothing to merit God’s choice helps me realize I can do nothing to merit his continued love and care for me.
The doctrines mean that before the foundation of the world God chose you (election). He then predetermined your entire life and makes you responsible to fulfill it with under His continued care and guidance. When we do those things which bring glory and honor to Him, it is an example in our lives of His perfect will. When we do things incorrectly, not in complete harmony with His perfect will, we are fully responsible for our actions (agency), because God never tempts us to do evil nor does he fail to provide us with the opportunity to always do right (II Cor. 10:13; James 1:13). Now, go and tell someone what great things He has done for you.
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