"For [the kingdom of heaven is] like a man going on a journey, [who] called his own slaves and entrusted to them his possessions. And to one he gave five talents, but to another two, but to another one, to each according to his ability..."(Matthew 25:14-15)Are you familiar with this parable? What happens to the slave (us) given ONE talent, BUT DOESN'T USE IT? What is that man's destiny as a result? Having the gift doesn't mean the man will USE the gift... Man has free will.
That does not address the issue. The man was given the talent he could not refuse it
This is not a salvation passage BTW this speaks of the rewards of those that use what God has given them in a wise and productive way. The elect still sin, but they are able not to sin, something the unregenerate can not choose, So the regenerate have an even greater amount of "free will" than the unregenerate.
Just lets say that God knows exactly what you will do or not do with your talent, he will not be surprised if you choose to bury it. No matter what you choose to do with the talent He will be glorified by it .
It's not about refusing to accept it. It is about refusing to utilize it wisely and the purpose for which it was meant.
This is not a salvation passage BTW this speaks of the rewards of those that use what God has given them in a wise and productive way
You are mistaken. The parables in this section of Matthew ALL deal with salvation: The Wise and Foolish Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and Goats parables ALL deal with Salvation. And NOTE...There is no second-place prizes given out. The person judged unworthy is CAST OUT. This fits perfectly with Paul continuing to run the race for fear of being DISQUALIFIED (not being downgraded to a smaller room in heaven!) In each case, note the ends of the parables :
"Then he shall answer them, saying: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it not to one of these least, neither did you do it to me. And these shall go into everlasting punishment: but the just, into life everlasting." (Mat 25:45-46) OR
"And the unprofitable servant cast ye out into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Mat 25:30)
The gnashing of teeth is not a lower form of reward in heaven!
No matter what you choose to do with the talent He will be glorified by it .
I respectfully disagree. God is glorified SPECIFICALLY when we USE the gifts He has given us. How can God be glorified when we turn away from Him?
Regards