Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: HarleyD

Harley,

The whole story of Jonah builds up God giving the stubborn Jonah many free choices to follow His will and Jonah did not. Finally the stubborn Jonah went into Nineveh when he decided to freely follow God’s will.

Mary on the other hand freely followed the Will of God perfectly!


610 posted on 04/28/2012 5:05:36 PM PDT by stfassisi ((The greatest gift God gives us is that of overcoming self"-St Francis Assisi)))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 608 | View Replies ]


To: stfassisi
Perhaps our definition of "free" is different. In my mind "free" will is NOT free if a giant fish swallows you and vomits you up on the shore of where you're suppose to go. It's not exactly like God telling Jonah, "Hey, want to rethink your decision? Please?"

As far as Mary goes the scriptures tells us that she submitted to God.

Luk 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant [fn] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Mary's "choice" was to submit to the will of God regardless of the consequenses. But even Catholic doctrine is goofy and inconsistent. If God kept Mary absolutely pure, then of course her choice would be to choose the will of God rather than her own will. That is the definition of purity. There is no free choice. You either do your will or God's will.

And, btw, this was not an easy decision for Mary. The whole situation "troubled" her but she was willing to submit to God's will in this instance. And as she exclaim, from this one act of obedience she will be blessed forever.

But to say that Mary followed the Will of God perfectly in every instance and every aspect of her life is simply not so.

Mary could not see the will of God here otherwise she would have known Christ to be in God's house. Like all of us, she simply did not understand God's will. We have to be led to do His will.

Not to minimize the great feats of people like Moses, Abraham, Mary and others, but it makes it a bit easier if an angel pops in and tells you what is God's will for your life. When you don't have these anchor points it is far more difficult to trust that your path is controlled by God and it is the very best for your life. Trust me-I know.

Jhn 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

611 posted on 04/29/2012 3:44:35 AM PDT by HarleyD
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 610 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson