Subject: What is Free Will? |
Bible Note: How about Jacob and Esau as discussed in Romans 9? 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad--in order that God's purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls--she was told, "The older will serve the younger." 13 Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." 14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." God chose one not the other. Why? To serve His purpose in election (whatever that means). How can He do this? Because He is sovereign. And what is the lesson for us? Read on... 16 It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. If that wasn't enough, Paul gives us more evidence, with Pharoah starring in subsequent verses: 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." God hardened Pharoah's heart to glorify Himself. God's explanation: 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. Is that really fair? 19 One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" Back in the penalty box we go: 20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" Hard teaching, but I think it speaks to your question. All have sinned. None deserve salvation. God is sovereign and can choose to show mercy to whomever He chooses. If it is His will to choose some and not choose others, (and apparently it is), who are we to question God? And who can resist His will if He chooses us? Matthew 22:14 "For many are invited, but few are chosen." Blessings Curt |