The Reformed view of election, known as unconditional election, means that God does not foresee an action or condition on our part that induces Him to save us. Rather, election rests on God’s sovereign decision to save whomever He is pleased to save.
In the book of Romans, we find a discussion of this difficult concept. Romans 9:10–13 reads: “And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’” Here the Apostle Paul is giving his exposition of the doctrine of election. He deals with it significantly in Romans 8, but here he illustrates his teaching of the doctrine of election by going back into the past of the Jewish people and looking at the circumstances surrounding the birth of twins—Jacob and Esau. In the ancient world, it was customary for the firstborn son to receive the inheritance or the patriarchal blessing. However, in the case of these twins, God reversed the process and gave the blessing not to the elder but to the younger. The point that the Apostle labors here is that God not only makes this decision prior to the twins’ births, He does it without a view to anything they would do, either good or evil, so that the purposes of God might stand. Therefore, our salvation does not rest on us; it rests solely on the gracious, sovereign decision of God. Read more
6 comments:
Its an intellectual theory that cannot stand the spiritual reality. Like irresistible grace it falls to an Arminian God and man.
At issue is the sovereignty of God. God is either sovereign in all things or he is not.
Of course he is sovereign and omnipotent. Yet man is an obstacle; thus the condition of our churches and society. Surely it isn't God's will that Western piety fell to the postmodern.
The Bible tells us that God's ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts. The retrobate he gives over to a retrobate mind. In the Bible we read about the rise and fall of great nations--God's doing--and his chosen people, the Jews, dispersed and sent to wander the earth. Antioch once a great hub of Christianity now lies in Muslim hands as does Constantinople (Byzanteum). Rome has corrupted herself. Europe and the British Isles are on the verge of falling to Islam. Food for thought.
Thank you. It was nourishing. So much that i have this reply.
Direct or indirect will? While ultimately being God's will. Then again man's will impedes God's plan; or else there would be no need for Calvary. All these do not factor in mans choices? Satan also is always at work, pretending to be God's will, or a manifestation of God. The Calvinist is not without merit; he just overstates it.
Right now the SBC has a task force exploring how Arminians and Calvinists in that denomination can work together to spread the gospel. I am looking forward to what they come up with.
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