Free
Will or Election?
John 15:16
2 Thessalonians 2:13
1 Timothy 2:4
We will never totally understand the concept of free will and election until we meet the Lord face to face in heaven. I am concerned as I hear some of my brothers and sisters talk more about Calvinism than about Jesus, evangelism or missions . The truth is in both doctrines. We are chosen, elected and have volition to receive God's will for our lives or reject His best and live life under the wrath of God (Jn.3:16-18). Many books have been written, denominations begun, and still the dichotomy remains. To hold only to the doctrine of election and ignore the truth of free will has left many robbed of their zeal for evangelism and missions. They enter into debates and arguments rather than being busy about the business of building the kingdom. There is nothing limited about God's grace or His ability to atone for the sins of the worst sinner, or I would be lost today. The problems begin when we think God's foreknowledge predetermines the eternal destiny of lives. God's word is clear that salvation is available to all men, Jews and Gentiles alike
(Romans 1:16).Here are some facts that we can know for certain:
Salvation begins with God. He planned salvation before He created man. Eph.1:4,11-14. This plan of God did not begin with you and me, it began in heaven.
Salvation involves God's love. Calvary is a reality because of His love. He loves all men and desires that all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Tim. 2:4).
Salvation involves faith. We must respond, to His appeal by believing God's Word. By Jesus' substitute we are saved. (Eph.2:8-9)
Salvation changes life. God changes those he chooses. We have a new identity. We are not improved, we are a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Salvation involves the Trinity. Concerning God the Father, I was saved when He chose me in Christ before the world began. Concerning God the Son I was saved when He died for me on the cross. Concerning God the Holy Spirit, I was saved March 21, 1972 when I believed the Word and trusted Jesus Christ. At that moment the whole plan fell together for me and I became a child of God. Did I believe that night that I was one of the elect? No, I was clueless about that, all I did know that I was a child of the God, I was forgiven and I became a brand new person
As a Christian, I am held responsible for sharing the Gospel. There are many lost people who are awaiting the day when Christian quit arguing and straining for perfect doctrine and begin sharing God's love and plan for their life. (Acts 20:25-27)When we get to heaven we can catch up on our Bible study. The Word of God will be right before us. We can catch up on our prayer life because we will talk to Jesus face to face. We can correct all of our doctrine error, and admit that the Methodists or the Pentecostals are right about some things. But one thing that will eternally be lost is our opportunity to tell the lost about Jesus, because everyone there will be saved. Do you know someone who is lost? Tell them about Jesus today.
