If we cannot make choices, we are robot slaves. There’s really no other conclusion. Either we are free to accept God or we are not. If we are not free, then we are controlled. If we are controlled, then we cannot sin, since sin results from wrong choices, not from following a computer program.
The omnipotent being’s manifestation on Earth (Jesus) has urged us throughout the New Testament (following the instructions in the Old) to act in various ways and to do. He further says that if we act and do as He instructs, then we will receive everlasting life with Him. Unless He is lying (an admission I do not make), then He is telling the truth.
Why does the apparent loss of moment to moment control bother you? After all He is the Omnipotent God Who has created all and sent His creation into motion. I think that a great gift He has given us is hope. Without hope, we are as the insects and plants are; simply occupying our days in a preprogrammed fashion until we die.
Believe it or not, Mark, all this has been rehashed many times over on these threads. To no avail. The so-called Reformed are the ones who say that others are "blind" and "deaf" yet it is them who cannot see the plain truth.
Unless you can work miracles, the best thing to do is to leave them and pray that they be healed and comprehend that plain truth, because I still believe it is not their reason but spiritual pathology that drives them.
That depends on how one defines "freedom". If freedom means "able to thwart God's will", then man has power over God.
If we are controlled, then we cannot sin, since sin results from wrong choices, not from following a computer program.
If men are in control, then the scriptures are false and man has power over God.
Why does the apparent loss of moment to moment control bother you?
Because if an omnipotent God does not control, then He does not care.
Without hope, we are as the insects and plants are; simply occupying our days in a preprogrammed fashion until we die.
Without hope for what? Salvation? Are you telling me that if God came down from Heaven and guaranteed your salvation to your face that your response would be: "No thanks, God. I would rather live my life being unsure if I was saved. My existence is strengthened by wishing without really knowing."? Does that make any sense?