First, because as we have amply demonstrated from the Scriptures, God does not always (or even most of the time) focus on His eternal perspective. Therefore, to do so to the exclusion of the human perspective is not giving heed to the whole counsel of God.
Second, because we live in our time-bound perspective, and the Bible is meant to be a practical guide to life as much as or more than a "lofty" theological/philosophical text. It may be right for Hindus to focus on the "reality" of the Brahman (God) to the exclusion of the Maya ("illusion") of real life, but not for Christians. He has work for us to do in the real, temporal world.
Third, because focusing exclusively on the eternal viewpoint tends to lead to a fatalistic, "it is written," attitude in which we attempt to abdicate the responsibility that God has plainly laid on us for our own actions according to the Scripture. We were not elected to be the Frozen Chosen.
Fourth, because overemphasis of the eternal POV, unless tempered by the understanding that God's predestination is always predicated on His foreknowlege rather than the other way around, inevitably leads to the logical conclusion that God is the Author of sin--a clear slander of His character.
Balance, my friend, is key to studying the Scriptures. To take any one facet of God's counsel and declare it to be the whole of the jewel of His wisdom is nothing but human foolishness.
***First, because as we have amply demonstrated from the Scriptures, God does not always (or even most of the time) focus on His eternal perspective. Therefore, to do so to the exclusion of the human perspective is not giving heed to the whole counsel of God.***
The counsel of God is the counsel of God, not the lets go ask man's opinion first to make sure we don't offend him and then make our counsel.
I don't think you have established that God has at any time formed his counsel after answering to man.
***Second, because we live in our time-bound perspective, and the Bible is meant to be a practical guide to life as much as or more than a "lofty" theological/philosophical text. It may be right for Hindus to focus on the "reality" of the Brahman (God) to the exclusion of the Maya ("illusion") of real life, but not for Christians. He has work for us to do in the real, temporal world.***
So, because we live in time, we can't have a God centered perspective.
I guess if you say so. I certainly don't have any problem.
***Third, because focusing exclusively on the eternal viewpoint tends to lead to a fatalistic, "it is written," attitude in which we attempt to abdicate the responsibility that God has plainly laid on us for our own actions according to the Scripture. We were not elected to be the Frozen Chosen.***
This sounds more like the Arminian accusations against Predestination and not anything which a God centered perspective would produce. I think you are just projecting your own fears into the matter. Besides, how can having a God centered perspective cause any kind of fatalism? It's like looking to see that God is in control and then freaking out because God is in control.
Oh well, to each his own.
***Fourth, because overemphasis of the eternal POV, unless tempered by the understanding that God's predestination is always predicated on His foreknowlege rather than the other way around, inevitably leads to the logical conclusion that God is the Author of sin--a clear slander of His character.***
Well, I know that you Arminians are always claiming that Predestination makes God the author of sin. I don't recall too many Predestinarians making that claim. It just looks like more Arminian fear intruding into the mix.
Besides, I don't know any thought out and reasoned exposition in which the argument is made that Predestination is not based upon God's foreknowledge. Perhaps you have one in mind that you would like to share.
***Balance, my friend, is key to studying the Scriptures. To take any one facet of God's counsel and declare it to be the whole of the jewel of His wisdom is nothing but human foolishness.***
And, I'm sure you know people who do this.
Christian.