Subject: Who determines our destiny? |
Bible Note: 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 |