We are obviously being tested but what does coming out the other side look like for you?
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Once I learned about divine election and predestination being a theme all throughout both the old and new Testaments, I really began to understand and appreciate the magnitude of God's greatness, sovereignty, and power. It came with a pride-crushing, ego-destroying revelation and worldview shift. He knew us and loved us long before He created anything. It's wild realizing that some people will just never get the gift of grace because they aren't part of His plan like that. Not everyone receives the Holy Spirit and, those that do, do so because God created and compels us to seek Him. It's wild.. At this point, I couldn't care less what happens from here on out as far as my life on earth goes. I'm loving Him and everyone else, in that order. I only put my trust in Jesus and pray for the well-being of humanity. I stick around here because I've been going down rabbit-holes for ~20 years and I'm ready to at least see the final act after chasing rabbits for so long. I hope to see some of you on the other side. For those that don't know - Jesus loves you. Seek Him, confess your sins, and repent!
Awesome!
Predestination is counter to free will so you either will seek Jesus or not but you have no choice in this rendering it moot.
Im not denying grace but determinism.
God exists outside of what we perceive as time so his way of knowing is incomprehensible to us but knowing what we will choose doesnt equal predetermining what we will choose
Giving yourself ANY credit for ANY part of your salvation takes glory from Him. Yes, we all have free will and choice. No, that does not supersede God's magnificent supernatural power or divine plan for us. We seek Him because He draws us to Him by the Holy Spirit, not because we suddenly decided to seek Him. Many will never experience this because ultimately, they're not part of His plan. Even God knows every good movie needs a villain. Evil exists both separated from, yet working in conjunction with, God and His Creation.
Salvation is salvation we cant make that.
We can turn away from the hand that saves you.
I cant agree with any sort of determinism it renders moot the choice of good over evil. It also kind of runs contrary to the story of the garden. Why would we start there in the first place if we were predetermined to fall?
P.S. I'm not trying to convince you necessarily merely stating a contrary point of view
Jesus explicitly spoke about election in several of His teachings, affirming God's sovereign choice in salvation. Here are key passages where Jesus discusses this doctrine:
In these verses, Jesus emphasizes that coming to Him is contingent upon the Father's initiative. The "giving" and "drawing" by the Father indicate a divine selection process, underscoring the concept of election.
Here, Jesus directly states that His followers are chosen by Him, not the other way around. This selection is purposeful, aimed at bearing lasting fruit, highlighting the intentionality behind divine election.
In the Parable of the Wedding Feast, Jesus illustrates that while the invitation (calling) is extended broadly, only a select group (the chosen) respond appropriately, aligning with the idea of election.
In discussing end-times events, Jesus refers to "the elect" as those whom God has chosen, indicating their special status and the divine care afforded to them during tribulation.
Jesus assures that God will respond justly to His chosen ones, reinforcing the special relationship between God and the elect.
In this prayer, Jesus repeatedly mentions those whom the Father has given Him, indicating a specific group chosen by God to receive eternal life, further emphasizing the doctrine of election.
In summary: Jesus' teachings consistently affirm the concept of divine election:
Initiative of the Father: Salvation begins with God's choice and drawing of individuals to Christ.
Selective Calling: While many hear the gospel (the call), only the elect respond with saving faith.
Divine Protection and Justice: The elect are recipients of God's special care and justice.
Purposeful Selection: The elect are chosen to bear fruit and fulfill God's purposes.
This doesn't even begin to touch what all else regarding election came from the Prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Hosea, Malachi, Micah, Zechariah.. Or even Paul, going back to the New Testament.
I can appreciate you disagreeing with me and providing a different perspective. It would hold more weight with Scripture that backs up the opinion.