My professor made an interesting comment during his lecture last week, and I'm still not sure what I think about it. Unfortunately, I don't have the scripture references he made. I'm going to try to get those.
So here's the basic idea. We know that we cannot save anyone alone. Unless the Holy Spirit opens their eyes and touches their heart, they will not be open to God. I recognise this in my own life. I had Jesus shared with me over the years, yet remained closed. However, once He opened my mind to the possibility that this was true, I couldn't stop thinking about it. The choice was definitely in front of me.
However, Steve's point was that in that moment you still have a choice (seems right). That you can choose Jesus or not. But if you don't then God may close your heart again and you will have missed your chance. Maybe not your only chance, but at least this one.
In a way, this makes sense. We do have a choice. Even if the Holy Spirit allows us to see the choice clearly we still decide for ourselves. We could chose not to follow Jesus. If we did, do we know that invitation is open forever?
Another point is that it does relieve some guilt on behalf of Christians. "Why did God choose me to be saved and not others?" Maybe He has chosen all of us at one point, yet only some chose to believe.
I'm still not sure where I fall on this. I need to do more study. But at first blush, it does seem to make sense.
I really want your opinion. Click the comment link and leave your thoughts.
So here's the basic idea. We know that we cannot save anyone alone. Unless the Holy Spirit opens their eyes and touches their heart, they will not be open to God. I recognise this in my own life. I had Jesus shared with me over the years, yet remained closed. However, once He opened my mind to the possibility that this was true, I couldn't stop thinking about it. The choice was definitely in front of me.
However, Steve's point was that in that moment you still have a choice (seems right). That you can choose Jesus or not. But if you don't then God may close your heart again and you will have missed your chance. Maybe not your only chance, but at least this one.
In a way, this makes sense. We do have a choice. Even if the Holy Spirit allows us to see the choice clearly we still decide for ourselves. We could chose not to follow Jesus. If we did, do we know that invitation is open forever?
Another point is that it does relieve some guilt on behalf of Christians. "Why did God choose me to be saved and not others?" Maybe He has chosen all of us at one point, yet only some chose to believe.
I'm still not sure where I fall on this. I need to do more study. But at first blush, it does seem to make sense.
I really want your opinion. Click the comment link and leave your thoughts.
5 comments:
I think we all get many many shots to make the choice. We cannot make that choice for others, but we can make a case for them to make the choice. I think it's very personal & different for everyone.
I like your blog, Jay. As for my opinion, I think I agree with the principle, however, perhaps some feel the invitation is closed forever if they miss their chance at an open heart moment. I think it takes trust and, yes, faith to even understand that we have the choice all our lives, it is just up to us to step up and take it.
God will close your heart? I think more likely, Satan steps in, puts his arm around our shoulder and distracts us away. God wants us all. How sad to think that if you miss the first train, you'll never be able to get on the next one..or the next..or the next. Personally, I plan to continue praying for the salvation of anyone who is placed on my heart. I think God is always knocking..just have to turn down the stereo to hear.
That doesn't sit real well with me at first glance. I highly doubt if you made a conscious decision later on in life that you would not be allowed in. I think there's a loose concept there that I can grasp onto, but I can't ascribe to it completely.
It sounds too much like legalism and puts way too many limitations on salvation (and God) for me.
Maybe if it was presented in a different light I might change my mind but as I see it right now I don't think I can accept it.
Post a Comment