While in college, after once arguing until 3:00 with a Calvinist, both of us honestly using scripture to support our point of view, I came to the conclusion that I would never embark on that discussion again. Something was wrong.
After study quantum mechanics, I came to the conclusion that what was wrong was a form of “indeterminacy,” an inability to process the true state of things, because we see in three dimensions. An electron is a particle if tested for particularity and a wave if tested for waveness.
When tested from God’s point of view, it’s 100% election. Tested from man’s point of view, it’s 100% free choice.
So, I assume election is true and free choice is true, and the contradiction bothers me no more than an apparently self-contradictory theory which attempts to model reality.
And, BTW, God isn’t telling me whom is predestined. To try to guess is hubris.
And, BTW, God isn’t telling me whom is predestined. To try to guess is hubris.
And that is why we need to spread the Word to everyone, since we don't know the elect (but God does...).
Define "election" as used in the sentence above, please. Knowledge or active decision?
That is only your personal point of view, not all men.
Many people know they are unable to choose salvation; they believe it's 100% election (or God's sovereignty) by which they became part of the family of God.
When tested from God’s point of view, it’s 100% election. Tested from man’s point of view, it’s 100% free choice.
So, I assume election is true and free choice is true, and the contradiction bothers me no more than an apparently self-contradictory theory which attempts to model reality.
I think you're on to something!
And, BTW, God isn’t telling me whom is predestined. To try to guess is hubris.
Much agreed.
AMEN - I don't understand everything you state in your post, but I concur with your conclusion!
Yet this doesn't comport with Scripture: "No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit." (1 Cor. 12:3)
Who gets the credit for salvation? Jesus dying on the cross for our behalf, and the Holy Spirit enlightening/illuminating us via the gift of faith...or man's marvelous "choosing" ability???
Sorry, the Bible doesn't "major" very much in elaborating upon man's great "choices"...hence, "decision theology" doesn't represent the Bible.
In fact, may I suggest you study up on the spiritual bondage that pre-empts men from making great choices? (Ephesians 2:1-3; John 8:34; most of Romans 6...where Paul was writing to a city that was about 1/3rd slaves...they knew the spiritual slavery parallels Paul was talking about).
Even with the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness, they couldn't be "on the loose" until God set them free via His miracles and His agent, Moses.
I have always argued that I would be more interested in the Calvinist argument if it came from someone who believed fervently in Election, but was certain he ( and it is usually he’s) was NOT elect.