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NASB | John 15:4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 15:4 "Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. |
Bible Question (short): Is there no volition? |
Question (full): Is there no volition? My friend, does coming to Christ make us devoid of all will and self? Is the only reason I believe because the Spirit makes me? The only reason I obey is because I am coerced? The only reason I fellowship is because it is the only path set before me? It is my opinion that we still have a will, and that matching our will with God's will is pleasing to Him. Certainly the Holy Spirit is the Helper and Comforter, but I do not think He is the Puppetmaster. I know that works that glorify me are dead, but my obedience glorifies God. When we, of our own free will, choose to depart from sin and serve Jesus (with help and leading of the Holy Spirit), heaven rejoices. The reason I cannot accept unconditional election and the total depravity of man is that it leads to sin being a sign of non-election. If someone sins, it must be because he was not truly chosen. This is an extremely arrogant stance for those who are convinced of their own election. Is it possible they cannot see their own sin? Also, if we start weeding out all who have sinned as being non-elect, heaven will be a very lonely place. Finally, if there is no post-salvation grace, who will be saved? I believe that Jesus is the Author and Perfector of our faith. Our initial faith was a gift from God according to His grace, we can claim no credit. However, I also believe that we participate in some (admittedly small) way afterward, the as a pilgrim. James makes this all clear. He was used to dealing with legalistic Jews who had mapped out a path to God in the flesh. Faith and works are both essential. |