Results 1 - 5 of 5
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Who determines our destiny? | NT general Archive 1 | GeneZ | 98379 | ||
Acts 4:25-28 who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? 'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.' "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur." We must realize something. God is THE teacher. He has his lessons already planned out in sequence. He is teaching both man and angels. Man is predestined in part because man is a great teaching tool for God's teaching angels. God knows what we will choose, yet he does not make us choose as we do. He knew before we were born how we would choose. Because his omniscience can do this, God can choose and predestine each one of us to exist at a certain time in history so that a lesson (in attitude) can be shown to the angels (and to ourselves). God could have chosen an atheist to be born during a time of great apostasy, or he could choose for an atheist to be born during a time of great spiritual revival. What ever God chooses is the atheist's destiny. Yet, God did not destine for the person be an atheist. God chooses when and where each one of is to be born. That way he can plan his lessons in the classroom for angels and men to be taught about God's ways. That is why the passage you quoted from is worded as it is. We have all been predestined as far as what time in history we will live out our earthly lives. "From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live."(Acts 17:26 niv®) Our lives (time to be born) has been predestined by God to suite his purpose in his plan. But, our choices are not predestined. We must make those. God's omniscience utilizes what he knows we will choose to suite his plan. We often times forget that God is just as concerned with angels as he is with man. " It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. *Even angels long to look into these things.*" (1 Pet 1:12niv®) Grace and peace, Gene |
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2 | Who determines our destiny? | NT general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 98395 | ||
Dear Gene, The reason I can't accept your interpretation is because it does not address the fact that Acts 4 teaches that God predetermined that certain people would do certain things. We also know that all the works of God are holy and just. The way I see it is that these people are among those whom to God has with-held His grace. Instead of mercy they will recieve justice. They did evil out of the desire of their own evil hearts. Nevertheless, it was God who directed their steps. Question: Can a person choose to act contrary to the strongest desire of his heart? If you say yes, please give an example. John |
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3 | Who determines our destiny? | NT general Archive 1 | GeneZ | 98396 | ||
You said... "The reason I can't accept your interpretation is because it does not address the fact that Acts 4 teaches that God predetermined that certain people would do certain things." God predetermined that Judas would be alive and would betray Jesus. But, God did not make Judas do what he chose to do. God simply made sure, having known what Judas was, that he was to be born when and where he was. It was Jesus who chose Judas out to follow him. Jesus made sure his betrayer was to be alive in his vicinity so that Scripture would be fulfulled. Judas was predestined. Only God has this ability in his omniscience to perform this. What I quoted from, says that God has determined where and when we are to be born. I suggest you keep reading it over until what it tells us makes sense to you. Once it does, you will be able to see how God, knowing our hearts, can predetermine the outcome of situations. Not by making men choose a certain way, but by knowing how a man will choose, having them placed in a situation to reveal what certain attitudes produce in life. Here it is once more. "From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live." (Acts 17:26 niv®) God determined where and when you were to be born. He did not choose for you to be born during the great Exodus of the Jews. He chose you for the Church age... to be in Christ. You asked ... "Question: Can a person choose to act contrary to the strongest desire of his heart? If you say yes, please give an example." A Spirit filled believer can become transformed and no longer desire these strong desires he once had. He can become transformed by grace. " Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Romans 8:5 niv®) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual[Or reasonable] act of worship." (Romans 12:1 niv®) Grace and peace, Gene |
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4 | Who determines our destiny? | NT general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 98411 | ||
In a way Gene, we are almost saying the same thing. I as well do not believe that God forced Herod or any of the others to do what they did. Each one made his own choice to particpate in the crucifixtion of Christ. They were free to follow that which their unregenerate hearts desired. The fact that they were slaves to sin and being sons of the devil, does not excuse their wicked deed. Where we still may disagree is on whether fallen man is capable (absent the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration) of having a desire that would be pleasing to God. I say he (fallen man) cannot. Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, This leads to the controversial issue regarding the real state of the unregenerate. Knowing that they are spiritually dead makes it impossible for them to have faith in God. This topic is not popular on this forum among many who have debated it time and again over several years. But in order for you to know where I'm coming from, it seems best if you realize that I believe the doctrines of grace (TULIP). I belive them for one reason and one reason only: They agree with Scripture. John |
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5 | Who determines our destiny? | NT general Archive 1 | Hank | 98416 | ||
John Reformed - John, you say, "I believe them (TULIP) for one reason and one reason only: They agree with Scripture." ..... Merely to add balance and with no intent to re-re-re-debate the issue, it may be said with equal conviction by others of us: "We reject TULIP theory for one reason and one reason only: It does not agree with Scripture." --Hank | ||||||