For about month or so, my dear friend text me and asked, “what do you believe in regards to predestination and free will?” To be honest with you, I cringed when I read this question … seriously! So many times, I'm asked this question and when I answer, the person tells me that free will is not in the Bible. So I despise answering any questions based on predestination vs. free will ... or eternal security. After I answered her question, I felt as if I needed to study out why I believe what I do. I had to know that I know that I know that I know that my conviction is Biblically based.
So ….
“What do I believe in regards to predestination and free will?”
The definition of predestination is:
the action of God in foreordaining from eternity whatever comes to pass.
After searching Scripture, I undoubtedly believe that since the beginning God has known who will accept and who will deny the gift of His Son. Why do I believe that? Scripture is clear ….
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” {Ephesians 1:4}
“But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart on believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame'. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'” {Romans 10:8-13}
“For this good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” {1 Timothy 2:3-4}
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew and for the Greek.” {Romans 1:16}
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” {John 3:16}
After really studying this topic out, I am pleased to say that I know that I know that I know that my conviction is Biblically based. I have also come to the realization that instead of cringing at this topic … I need to answer boldly!
My purpose in this post wasn't to cause a theological discussion, but to share with you what I have studied and learned.
In HIS grace, Alisha
Been there (and yes, it is awkward - but mainly because I realize that I am emphatic with what I do believe)! It comes to the point where you have to acknowledge that "Yes, BOTH predestination AND free will are Biblical." I might not understand exactly how they connect, but you can't avoid it. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for studying it out, though -- it is so often to accept the words we hear (even from sermons) without going to God's Word and studying. Keep your focus on Christ!
~Amanda
"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30