One of the debates in Christian circles
involves the concept of free will in men as opposed to the
sovereignty of God. Since both seem to be taught in scripture it is
not a conflict as much as a seeking for understanding of the
infinite.
God is sovereign. Christians believe this.
What we differ on is what that means and how it plays out in our
daily lives.
Even the most hardcore Calvinist will use
terminology about how we accept Jesus. Some have what should be
heretical views of making a choice and others look at it as bowing to
the inevitable.
Psalm 4:3 (KJV) But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.I might suggest one possible approach. God’s foreknowledge is based on His ability to look down through history and know what will happen. That in itself is beyond our understanding but for the purpose of discussion assume that He knows what decisions you will make without forcing it on you.
Based on that foreknowledge He predestines some to eternal life and some to damnation. He chooses based on your goals in life. We might make mistakes. God doesn’t. Since God is outside time He can make these calls. It might look like it negates free will but that is an illusion of our limitations.
If you meet me at a restaurant you will be safe in saying I will not order liver and onions. You can call it foreknowledge but for me it is a declaration that as long as I am morally responsible for my choices, liver will never pass my lips. It is bad enough when it has to occupy the same room with me.
The choice is up to me but it really isn’t a choice.
homo unius libri
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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.