Posted on 01/10/2002 6:37:31 PM PST by CCWoody
I have no interest in arguing in any direction on the topic of predestination.
I believe in the concept of a Pre-existence, a period prior to my own mortaility when the plan of salvation was established and then explained to all who would be born on earth, in that we would each be given the freedom and opportunity to choose our eternal destinies, based on our willingness to learn and conform to eternal principles. One third of those there were completely against the idea that some might not return to the presence of the Father because of the freedom of choice that all were being granted, and they rebelled against the plan. To God, our Father, however, freedom of choice, or free agency, was such an essential feature of the plan of salvation that He was willing to deny that one-third of His children any further opportunity to progress, since they were essentially revealed to be "anti-growth" or "anti-progression", and would ruin the chances for all to progress if given the opportunity.
Predestination, to me, refers to the fact that God established this plan of salvation and set up the conditions whereby I can return to Him way before I came into existence. The results of my choices in this life (whether I choose to adopt the "anti-freedom" outlook still being promoted by those spirits that were cast out during the "war in heaven", or choose to voluntarily submit to the principles taught by the Savior) are no threat to God's plan of salvation whatsoever, and has no bearing or effect on God, but only affects myself. Whether or not God knows in advance what I will do is of no concern to me; my concern is to seek the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. If I can do that, I've got nothing to worry about, since by doing so I will eventually come to a comprehension of all truth.
If you want to argue Calvinist predestination philosophy with somebody, you're barking up the wrong tree.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.