Bible Question:
Just a bit of logical reasoning about the issue of "predestination" vs "free will." I've seen many who question as an either-or proposition a person's fate by God's "predestination" with a person's "free will" to determine his/her own fate. I don't think these things are contradictory and I can't help but consider how this may be applied to Jesus, himself. I mean the Bible points to the fact his fate on the cross was predetermined (See Isaiah 53:5)--God knew what would happen and gave that information to the prophets, such as Isaiah, centuries in advance--and yet, Jesus still had the free will to sacrifice himself on the cross. (See John 10:18) So, I think the same applies to us. God KNOWS who will and will not follow Him in advance--thus, in that sense our fates are predestined--but, the choice is still ours to freely make, just as it was with Jesus. Would anyone else like to comment on this? |
Bible Answer: Of course, Jesus had no sin, which puts him in a completely different category than those of us who are by our very nature opposed to the things of God (Romans 3:10-18). Jesus had the moral ability to please God the Father, and he did so in every way. We can't without the regeneration that comes from the Holy Spirit. One must be very careful when we compare sinful man to the holy Son of God. Despite the human nature he took on, He most definitely is in a separate category from us in so many ways. It is impossible for me to reconcile Romans 9 with a "we-cooperate-with-God" perspective, or with the idea that he bases his election on our decision and not the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11). If you have a way to do so, please share with us. --Joe! |