Subject: Is there middle ground? |
Bible Note: Dear Tim, Greetings and peace to you in Jesus' name! Count 1) This would be basing everything on the assumption that we on earth can fully know the mind if God. I do not! I simply know that the Bible has given MEN ample ammunition to disagree with one another about the details of the sovereignty of God. But God cannot contradict Himself, and the Bible is God's Word to us. We can (and HAVE!) debate(d) this 'formally' (code for 'humanly') until we are all blue or livid. But we cannot KNOW the extent of His sovereignty, or more correctly, the amount that He chooses to orchestrate His creation. Even the staunchest Calvinist (usually :-)) would not state that the Lord manipulates every action, every scratch of the head. Therefore, they 'stand in the middle.' Even the staunchest Arminian would not deny that God is *ultimately* in charge of His creation. They, too, 'stand in the middle.' The argument seems (IMHO) to be about the *degree* of sovereign intervention towards salvation, yet each wants to state their case as an *absolute.* I, personally, do not have a 'hotline to God" that would allow me to know, unequivocally, God's mind on who He will save. After reading many, many statements from those that claim to know this very thing, my conclusion is, "You don't know, either!" (I don't mean you, personally, brother :-)) We are not privy to this knowledge, and the polarist approach (one or the other, period!) does not serve God's purposes. Friend, I do not claim to *know* the 'middle ground,' but I think that trusting God in this thing is more desirable than endless argument. My answer? The 'middle ground' is trusting God, and obeying His commandments for life, in the Holy Spirit. Trusting God implies that He is sovereign. Obedience implies that He sets two paths before us, and desires that we choose life. Both are (equally) possible in the Holy Spirit, but impossible though human endeavor. Count 2) Please know that I was not 'accosting' you personally. Indeed, I have seen a great deal of balance in your posts! However, my friend, as you pointed out yourself, you 'merely' *strive* to be contextual, which is different from accomplishment. No one is perfectly contextual or perfectly balanced. I, too, *strive* to know God! Though I am thought to be 'over-merciful' at times, I think it preferable to the alternative, 'over-legalistic.' IMNSHO :-) Never fear! I don't want to debate this 'dead horse' either. :-) I humbly give my definition. In Christ Jesus, charis |