I would say that all Christians can agree on the major doctrines of the faith, in which we know that we are sinners and Christ died on the cross in order to atone our punishment so that, if we believe, we may receive salvation and enter Heaven.
This, as Christians, we know.
There are, however a slew of topics that have brought forth heated discussion and debate throughout the years. Three that come right to mind are child baptism, observance of the Sabbath (which many Christians now call the Lord's Day), and whether Salvation can be lost.
None of these topics, however, have generated as much opposition as the discussion on predestination.
In the most basic terms, "predestination" means that believers in Christ were predestined for salvation even before the beginning of time. Even before the first sin, God knew we would be saved.
Now, the debate becomes heated on the matter of choice, or as some want to refer to as free will.
In other words: Does the Believer choose God, or is it God who chooses the Believer?
This is not your typical "chicken or the egg" question. This is a question that really confronts who we are as human beings before God. And in the next following weeks I'd like to bring to light passages that help shine the light on the answer of predestination.
Do we choose salvation? Or are we chosen for salvation?
I've already alluded to where I stand on this by the title of this post, but I'd like people to discuss and talk in the meanwhile. If you know of any particular passage that may be helpful in answering this question, please let me know.
On my next post on this topic, I will take a look at Romans 9, which, I believe, is the most explicit in discussion predestination.
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7 comments:
I definately agree you picked a topic that generates more opposition than all others. I'm glad though because it is very important for all Christians.
Just to clarify, in your title, are you refering to what is generally known as "predestination" or "double predestination"/"blind predestination"?
What are your thoughts on that, Matt?
I'll start bringing up scriptures that can present a clearer argument for predestination, but I know there are passages that can stand in the contrary.
Another controversial topic, which I forgot to mention, is universal salvation, which I don't believe is a valid assumption.
This is unrelated, or not directly related, to this post, but wanted to call your attention to it if you didn't already see on Andrew Sullivan's site:
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/11/thy-will-be-done.html
Thanks for linking that Joel-- That account is written in such a powerful and beautifully literary way. I'm going to read the actual essay and comment on it soon.
I do think that it does speak to Predestination in a sense, the idea that we must forgo our will for the will of God (though there are some open spaces where I'm not sure that the two are one and the same).
Well…I feel the argument surrounding predestination, fiercely debated and carefully phrased, on both sides comes down to the emphasis one places on the power of God.
Both sides reference the Bible for support. Some passages that Catholics generally use to support their view are 1 Timothy 2:1, Ezekiel 33:11, most of Romans 2, 2 Peter 3:9 and 1 Peter 2:9-10.
(I think these apply to universal salvation as well.)
For me, I was able to make a lot of sense of God and the way he executes His Will by reading C.S. Lewis’ “Mere Christianity.” In that book, Lewis attempts to describe the way(s) in which God interacts with things like time and space.
His view is that God is capable of transcending time and existing in any time as if it were the present. This reinforces the argument for predestination, but it also reinterprets it in a way that interestingly synchronizes with the Catholic approach. In other words, there is an understanding that can be reached that agrees with both philosophies!
However, I personally believe that the Activities of God go far beyond the capabilities of human thought. This means that human devices for understanding reality such as “predestination” and “free will” are flawed when it comes to the true nature of the divine. That is probably why the argument has been such a catalyst for debate over the centuries.
Any religious individual, regardless of their tradition, must accept that God’s power is infinite and beyond even the most profound of interpretations. This is not an excuse for ignorance, but rather a comforting reassurance of divine mercy.
I realize that my interpretation will probably result in more opposition from both Protestants and Catholics, than a triumph for ecumenism. However, I too welcome discussion as a way of broadening my own understanding and perhaps the understanding of others.
Does any of that make sense?
Matt,
That was a fantastic response, and exactly the type of thing I was looking for in this discussion.
You've also brought up some very good passages that really make the question of predestination a very complex and deep topic that can't be simply skimmed over.
There is certainly a very challenging balance between God's sovereignty and His call for people to take accountability for their sins. First, I want to clarify that I don't believe the Bible says we are puppets and all of our actions have been predestined, but I think you understood that. We do have a "free will" in the actions we take in our lives. We have the free will to sin, for instance, and we all have individual passions and enthusiasms.
The passages you brought forth show that God has a clear compassion over all people and asks for Believers to keep everyone in prayer. Thus the question becomes, if God is truly sovereign in Salvation, and He has a general love for everyone, then why would He choose some people and not others? That is a very difficult question to answer for supporters of Predestination. It's a question, that I'm not sure I can fully answer because it speaks for the Will of God, which is in part unrevealed.
However, in Romans 9:19-21, Peter does say:
19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” 20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
This is part of the discussion I will try to explore in future posts. I will admit, it makes me a little afraid because this is such a complicated subject with tides on both sides.
It can be scary, but I think you are doing an excellent job of establishing a forum for tolerance, courtesy, and expression. All of these things are necessary for a blog like this.
Of course this means the task of maintaining this environment is greater, but I believe it will pay off by creating something that is interesting, challenging, and fulfilling.
I look forward to your future posts.
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