Why are we so concerned about Predestination? Is it because we want the confidence that no matter what we do wrong, we will still make it to Heaven? Or are we obsessed with finding a way in our own strength to secure our salvation? I think all these questions point to us rather than God.
It is equivalent to the question of original sin. On page 46, it says "A rational soul and free will with which man can freely and voluntarily receive grace in the present and glory in the future so that, in both the present and the future, they might become the sons of God." I don't think the writer gets around to the point, which is my question: Why are we so concerned? If we believe that we have received grace, then let's walk in it and share the good news with others, in the hope that they will receive it too. If not then why was it written, "Blessed are the feet of those who bring good news"?
p.s. After I post this I am going to comment on Abbey's blog
Great title. Predestination doesn't point to us, though, but rather to God and his sovereign choice. It is taught as something unconditional, that is we play no part in securing it. It is actually quite humbling.
ReplyDeleteThis is a brilliant way to respond to predestination! Predestination does frustrate me partially because I do know of churches who believe in predestination so they do not have invitation time which means the people are not given a chance to accept Christ as their savior. Instead, they believe whoever has been chosen to go to heaven is going and it may or may not be you. Maybe it's my southern baptist raising, but this bothers me a lot.
ReplyDeleteI was also confused by predestination. I finally understood it to be as Jeremy claims. It is simply implying, He is the Great creature of all things and knows all things now and to come. However, look again to page 47 (4) because I think that will show you a bit of contradiction to what he previously said.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jeremy. I think a reasonable history as to why the doctrine of predestination was made is that it provides such great depth to grace and also adds to the apologetic arguments for faith-based vs works-based salvation. God chose the elect before the earth was formed in accordance with His will only. Our merit was not taken into account.
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