Dear Explorer,
Read John 15:16
There has been and will continue to be ongoing debate among the religious theologians as to whether Jesus implies "selection" or "predestination" on God's part. And I want to state again my position.
Jesus says YES! Glory be to God, He chose me! I heard him speaking to my little-girl-heart as He called me to understand His great love for me and that He had sent Jesus to save me from my sin. And I said, "Yes! I want to believe and accept Your provision for me!" I was chosen before the foundation of the world to be His. And that is what has happened to every follower of Jesus.
But, wait. I also want you to know that I believe that that invitation was given and is being given to each and every person that walks on the face of this earth. I believe the Spirit says, "Come!" I believe Jesus when he says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden.,,,” (Matthew 11:28 KJV). I believe John 3:16 is an open invitation to everyone. I believe 2 Peter 3:9 when God says He doesn't want anyone to perish.
I believe Romans 1:18-20 that says that God has clearly revealed Himself to all creation and put a knowledge of Himself inside each one, so that they are without excuse. I believe that if you are reading this Bible study – God IS speaking to you and calling you by name!
So yes, I was chosen. That doesn't make it an exclusive club!
All other religions teach people how to try to reach God. Only Jesus teaches that God reaches down to all people -- to individuals like you and me and simply says, "Follow me."
We could not find our way to Him if He didn't call us to Himself. But when He calls, we have a choice to follow or to reject Him. It's amazing to me to hear the fabulous variety of ways that God has called His people to Himself. Some from homes that love Jesus, some from atheistic families. Some from other deeply religious pagan backgrounds -- but all in a gentle beckoning voice for us to pursue what He reveals to be truth. And when we take those first tiny steps toward truth -- He reveals more and more until we can understand His plan for us.
I believe in God's foreknowledge, but not pre-selection! It goes against too many other Scriptures.
How does that affect you? Not at all! If you are reading this Bible study and feel the Holy Spirit telling you that you are empty and need your sins forgiven – then you are welcome to invite Jesus into your heart. Don't get hung up on theological debates and conundrums. Don't be like the Pharisees and miss this fabulous gift because you can't explain it.
II Corinthians 6:2 says that today is the day for salvation. Don't put it off!
In His service, dale
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