Opus 2026-215: The Chicken or the Egg

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.

Be careful that you don’t spend too much time contemplating this verse. It makes a statement that you have heard denied on a regular basis in standard preaching and teaching.

We often hear about how helpless we are to desire to follow God. We are told that total depravity means we can never even consider doing what is right. We are helpless pawns in the hands of fate and fate is out to get us. There is some truth in that teaching but the truth is in the foundation of our ability not in the desire of our heart. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot earn our salvation.

Now that we have declared the doctrine, let us read the verse again. Notice that the person set apart is already “godly”. It does not say or imply that God made him godly in order to select him. We have a say in whether God looks on us with favor or wrath. We can chose to pursue evil of righteousness.

It may not be part of your doctrine but that is what it says.

homo unius libri

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