Tag Archives: Faith

Do We Choose God, or Does He Choose Us?

Attempts to understand and reconcile the sovereignty of God with the free will of mankind is a conundrum that, in humanistic terms, seems to be without resolution. Differing interpretations of the scriptures on this controversial topic have caused heated division in Protestant Christendom. The Bible clearly presents two foundational truths of salvation that seem to contradict each other. On the one hand, we are told that God chose those who will be saved from condemnation before the beginning of time. ^{Ephesians 1:4} On the other hand, we are told that “Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” ^{John 3:16} What follows is my conclusion on whether we choose God, or if he chooses us.

The Will and Work of God

In the verses below, we see that before the beginning of time, God chose those who would be his people, a royal priesthood, holy and blameless, sanctified to mirror the character, behavior, and moral likeness of his Son, and made partakers of the coming glory of Jesus Christ.

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. ^{Ephesians 1:4-5}

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light ^{1st Peter 2:9}

Because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ^{2 Thessalonians 2:13-14}

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. ^{Romans 8:28-30}

We also see that God, by his grace (undeserved favor) and mercy (not dispensing the punishment deserved), redeems unrighteous and unworthy people from Satan’s domain of darkness, delivering them justified into the Kingdom of his Son.

The foundation of this operation of redemption is faith that Jesus is who he claimed to be. Faith, enabled by God, not conjured by will or effort, is a gift to the Elect. He chose you, provided you with the gift of salvation, and gave you the ability to accept it. Salvation, therefore, is entirely facilitated and achieved by God for us, not by any actions one may take.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ^{Ephesians 2:8-9}

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. ^{John 6:44}

Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on him who he hath sent.^{John 6:29}

So then it is not of him that willeth, not of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. ^{Romans 9:16}

Man’s Free Will to Accept or Reject

Created in the “image of God,” ^{Genesis 1:26} humanity is endowed with free will – the ability to make independent choices. Man’s free will is essential, as only one who believes, loves, and serves God of their own volition can participate in a sincere, genuine relationship with him. Without free will, professions of faith, love, devotion, worship, gratitude, and service have no merit at all.

By free will, man can accept or reject the word of God, the offer of salvation and reconciliation, and Jesus as the Son of God. Though chosen, no one is coerced. The Jewish nation is an excellent example of a chosen race that rejected God’s Son and the New Testament covenant.

In the verses below, we see that every person given the capacity for faith may accept the offer of salvation or reject it and rely on their own righteousness when facing judgment: Yikes!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ^{John 3:16}

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. ^{John 3:36}

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. ^{John 3:15}

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ^{Romans 10:9-10}

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. ^{Matthew 10:33}

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. ^{John 12:48}

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. ^{2nd Peter 3:9}

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ^{1st Timothy 3:3-4}

Conclusion

The answer is that God chooses us; we do not choose God because we are unable to. Therefore, in humility, those chosen by God have eternal joy, devotion, and gratitude when they accept God’s offer of salvation, reconciliation, and eternal life. But, it is man’s choice, exercising free will, to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ or to reject it and live for temporal desires, trading an eternity in Heaven for the fleeting pleasures of the world. God chooses, but those chosen can choose to reject his offer.

The Responsibility of the Chosen Man

The responsibility of a man blessed by God with saving faith is to actively and voluntarily submit his will, life, and desires to the supreme authority of Jesus. Submission is what distinguishes a Christian from a demon, because demons also believe, even more profoundly than we do, yet they do not submit.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.^{Matthew 16:24-25}

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ^{Romans 12:1-2}

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ^{James 2:18-19}

What about Those Not Chosen?

This doctrine of “Election” is disturbing to many because it seems to imply that if God chooses some for salvation, he must also choose others for Hell. But a holy and loving God would not, and does not, create people to destroy them. Mankind chose disobedience and therefore hell from the beginning. Choosing to save some from an unrighteous population does not equate to choosing others for damnation, or does it?

In the scriptures below, do the words “any” and “all” refer to humanity in total, or only to those chosen before the world’s foundation? Answer that, and the mystery is solved because if those words refer to every soul that ever existed, then God called everyone, and therefore it is man who chooses God. If not, then the conclusion above is correct. The debate rages on!

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ^{1st Timothy 3:3-4}

God has not enlightened mankind on how his sovereign election relates to those who are passed over. Until he provides clarity, this remains beyond our comprehension, and by faith we trust that God’s will is righteous and just. The Apostle Paul tells us that it is not our place to question God about why he does things the way he chooses.

Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory. ^{Romans 9:20-23}

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? or of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. ^{Romans 11:33-36}

The crux of the conundrum is humanity’s desire and attempt, with mortal intellect, to analyze, rationalize, and conclude how God operates. I like what W.H. Griffith Thomas (1861 – 1924) says, “The reconciliation of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility is beyond our power. The Bible states and emphasizes both, and then leaves them. We would be wise if we did the same.”

The Good News of Jesus Christ

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.^{John 3:16}

There is one true and living God, evident in his creation, perfectly holy and merciful. He is a God of love who also impartially judges mankind with truth and righteousness.

There is no one righteous; everyone, including you, has sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect standard.

The penalty for sin is separation from your creator and eternal conscious punishment in Hell.

Thankfully, God, in his mercy, has provided a rescue from the penalty of your sins through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus paid the price for your sins by dying in your place on the cross and was then raised from the dead, confirming that he is who he claimed to be.

If you believe this, call on God in humble prayer, express your repentance and faith, and submit your life to him.

The good news is that you will be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. You will be forgiven and saved by God’s mercy from the punishment you deserve. Also, by God’s grace, you will be reconciled to him, no longer his adversary, and at peace with him for eternity in Heaven.

The Five Solas

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After the Reformation in 1517, the following five core theological convictions were identified by the Protestant church as the foundation of doctrine and dogma, grounded in the truth of the Holy Bible. These present the source of spiritual authority, the elements of unquestionable salvation, and the reason for all of this.

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) – The Bible is the sole, inerrant, and final authority for faith and practice. It rejects the idea that church tradition or councils hold equal authority to the written Word of God.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. ^{2nd Timothy 3:16-17}

Sola Fide (Faith Alone) – Justification (being declared righteous by God) is received by faith alone, apart from any human works or merit. Humans are justified solely by God’s unmerited favor rather than their own righteousness or efforts.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ^{Ephesians 2:8-9}

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) – Salvation is a completely free gift of God, bestowed upon sinners solely by his grace, not earned by human merit. Humans are justified solely by God’s unmerited favor rather than their own righteousness or efforts.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. ^{Romans 11:6}

Solus Christus (Christ Alone) – Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man, and his sacrifice is the only basis for justification. Salvation is found in no other name.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ^{John 14:6}

Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone) – Since salvation is of God and from God, all glory belongs to him alone. The purpose of all life and theology is to glorify God, not to promote human beings or church institutions.

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. ^{Romans 11:36}

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. ^{Ephesians 1:11-12}

Forgiveness

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Experiencing betrayal is like being stabbed in the back, leaving fear and anger to consume your soul. Maybe it was a deliberate, malicious act, delivered with bitter animosity. You might wonder whether you were foolish and naive for not seeing it coming. Perhaps you were, but it happened suddenly and without warning, from someone you never suspected could be capable of such treachery. At first, you search for answers and try to understand, but very soon those thoughts are replaced by a deep desire for vengeance and retaliation.

Forgive? No way! You want him to pay. You want him to suffer. You want to wallow in your bitterness and anger. You want to stay trapped in that moment, consumed by emotion, obsessing over it forever. You don’t want to move on; you want pain and hatred to grow. You want to be ruled by rage and emotion. You don’t seek peace or relief; you want revenge.

Here is humanity’s unrighteousness writ large. Do all Christians feel this way? They certainly do; we all do. The idea of retribution appeals more to the natural man than the idea of forgiveness. Forgiveness can seem like letting the offender off the hook, giving him victory, and validating our weakness or cowardice; besides, we want blood. However, holding an unforgiving heart is akin to committing murder in God’s eyes. ^{1 John 3:15} It is sad proof that every man is fundamentally unrighteous, falling short of God’s standard.

God tells us to forgive our enemies, just as he has forgiven us. ^{Ephesians 4:32:}He tells us to love our enemies and not tohate anyone. ^{Matthew 5:43-44} Forgiveness is an act of humility, while seeking vengeance is an act of pride, and we know that God abhors the proud and exalts the humble. ^{Matthew 23:12}

To be unforgiving is to live outside God’s will, and for the Christian, this brings chastening, the sickness of a guilty conscience, and the loss of blessings. We are called to forgive, to kill our enemies with kindness, and to leave vengeance to God’s righteous judgment.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. ^{Romans 12:19-21}

But how can we forgive when the lust for revenge burns so hot? Like many divine virtues, forgiveness runs counter to our human instincts and is truly a gift from God. If you find yourself reeling, take a step back – don’t act or speak. Give your emotions time to settle. Sit quietly in your discomfort and pray. Pray for God to calm you, transform your heart, and grant you peace. Pray that the one who harmed you repents, for strength during this difficult time, and for the ability to glorify God through your love, even for those who have hurt you. God hears and responds to the sincere prayers of his children; he will comfort you and give you the strength to forgive.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ^{Matthew 5:43-44}

Forgiving those who have hurt you is one of the most Christ-like qualities a person can have. Those who conquer their pride become more like Jesus, our perfect example of how we should strive to live.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: ^{1st Peter 2:21-23}

To forgive is to live according to God’s will, and this obedience restores our joy. Anger, hostility, hatred, and the desire to inflict suffering – tools our adversary, Satan, uses – are extinguished through forgiveness. Additionally, as the scripture below clearly shows, forgiving is not a suggestion.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. ^{Matthew 6:15}

Why All the Suffering?

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We suffer because Earth is not Heaven.

Suffering is inevitable. Everyone experiences common suffering, and some endure extraordinary suffering that stems from one of two sources: natural or malevolent (evil) events. No doubt, this world is a dangerous place, indiscriminate and unforgiving. Natural catastrophes, physical diseases, mental disorders, accidents, or the effects of stupidity can inflict terrible suffering, but in these cases, there is no profound immorality or wickedness. It is just the way things are, though some would say anything that causes unjust pain and death is rooted in the evil of a fallen world. Suffering is also the result, and often the objective, of malevolence. Humankind has proven to be even more proficient at inflicting suffering on its fellow man than Mother Nature. However, this is much more disturbing because it involves willful intent. The presence of evil in our world is self-evident.

Where is God in All This?

When the holy, merciful, and loving nature of God is juxtaposed with the pain and suffering in the world, we often ask, “Why does God allow such things?” Additionally, if God is in total control, being all-powerful and all-knowing, then he must be willfully allowing evil to exist; otherwise, he would stop it. Is God then responsible for the evil and the suffering it causes? The answer is yes if you consider the one who had the power to intervene but did not do so to be responsible.

Though God is not the author, the fact that he allows evil and suffering, and may use it to his advantage, is troubling to some. Many have rejected God because of this, which is ridiculous, as they have chosen an eternity of agony in protest. God is not the perpetrator; he cannot be, but he has his reasons for allowing suffering.

Why Does God Allow Suffering??

Below are three reasons why a loving God would allow evil and suffering not only to exist but to flourish on earth.

Free will trumps intervention. Man is free to make his own choices and decisions. It is free will that validates our humility, obedience, and submission to God. Sadly, free will also presents the opportunity for unspeakable evil. It is the misuse of free will that brings astounding disaster. Man can choose to love his neighbor, or he can decide to murder his neighbor. It is an awesome liberty to have self-determination, but there is a great risk of misuse in the hands of a profane man. Ultimately, everyone will be held accountable for their actions.

God may use the evil of others to accomplish his will. God can and does use evil and suffering to accomplish his will. Jesus is a prime example of this. The sinless Son of God was brutally tortured and killed by hanging on a cross (the worst of evil) to accomplish atonement for our sins and reconciliation with God (the best of good). The murder of Jesus was God’s will.

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. ^{Acts 2:22-23}

The stark contrast between good and evil glorifies God. Man’s unrighteousness dramatically demonstrates God’s righteousness. God is glorified by the contrast with evil in the world, not because he is evil, but because he is its perfect opposite.

What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, ^{Romans 9:22-23}

What about the suffering of the innocent?

Certainly, nothing is more heartbreaking, grievous, or unconscionable than our children suffering or being taken from us. The harsh reality is that no one is exempt from catastrophe in life. Prayer is often the only recourse and can be highly effective; however, ultimately, God’s will prevails.

The fact that children get sick and die is often cited as a reason to conclude that God does not exist or to hate him for allowing it. However, those who persevere in the faith through these awful times will be comforted and will receive their reward in Heaven. But, for sure, when our children suffer, it is the worst of tough times.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ^{Psalms 34:18}

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ^{James 1:12}

The Christian response to suffering.

Christians are empowered to endure and are comforted in times of suffering. Understanding God’s plan, the conviction of our faith, and complete confidence in his promises carry us through. God wants us to be successful and an example to lost souls in times of trouble. Here are the truths we hold to endure:

God is in control. God is sovereign over evil; evil does not have control over God. We find comfort in knowing that our Father, the almighty God, has our lives in his hands. Trust in God, and though you will have trouble in this life, he will perfect, establish, strengthen, and sanctify you in preparation for the incomprehensible joy of Heaven.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. ^{Peter 5:10}

All things happen for our good. We rest in complete confidence that God uses all things for our ultimate good, though it may not seem that way at the moment. Every experience and circumstance (the good, the bad, and the terrible) is used to accomplish his will for those who belong to him. His will is to mold us to be more like his son, Jesus Christ, and there is no better outcome than we could hope for than to be more like Jesus.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ^{Romans 8:28}

Ultimately, God is going to fix this. God is going to make everything right. There will be no evil or suffering; the wicked will be eliminated and held accountable to face eternal punishment. There will be no disease, war, malice, tears, pain, death, tragedy, or heartbreak. God will fix it, but not until the traumatic end of human history. When Jesus returns, the shit is going to hit the fan. So, until then, we endure this life with faithful perseverance, looking forward to our inheritance: the new Heaven and the new Earth.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.^{Revelation 21:3-5}

This life is a test. The goal of this mortal life is not comfort, pleasure, or security. Instead, we are tested and challenged to validate and grow in our faith, build character, and be a witness to the power and love of God in times of difficulty. Suffering is part of the plan, and to endure in the faith is the lot of the Christian; freedom from pain and suffering is later.

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ^{James 1:2-4}

The Irreligious response to suffering.

For those who live without Christ, trials may build character through suffering and hardship, but there is no benefit beyond the grave. Suffering in the world is a reason for natural man to curse God. Those who live without Christ are on their own, and not all things happen for their good. To suffer alone, with no hope, would seem to be a taste of Hell on earth.