MEANT TO BE

Not everyone subscribes to the concept of predestination. The scriptures do make it clear that the redeemed had their name written in the book of life before the worlds were formed.

So we know that God knew in advance who would be among the redeemed. But it doesn't make clear when this process happens in a person's life.

For God to know something in advance is not the same as his making those things happen. He does that with some events. For the purposes of affirming is sovereignty in terms of a prophecy he declare would come to pass.

But with individual lives he still grants us free will. So for him to have known before hand that would be redeemed to me means he didn't cause that choice, merely that he is able to know the choices we will make.

To me the concept of predestination implies we have no choice in such situations. That would not allow for free will.

So I do feel, that even though God is aware of who is marked by the cross of salvation, he doesn't keep us from making our own choices. And that can be something we truly need to respect.

It is rather like the doctrine of eternal security of the believer. The idea that once you are saved you can not by any means ever lose your salvation works for some people, but I'm not persuaded it is truly completely accurate.

I do feel that when God's spirit resides within he does influence us. He won't keep us from making bad choices though.

Which for me creates this tightrope of behavior. For if you act as if you are impervious to ever doing anything wrong, you have no conscience regarding your behavior.

It is as I heard one person claim about some sin, "oh well God will forgive me." Which is a presumptive and rebellious attitude.

God, knowing the heart is not impressed with such approaches to salvation. He does not grace us with kindness for taking his mercy for granted or show disrespect to them.

For the me the issue is keeping one's faith alive with passion. To reach out each day and trust God because you want to and it gives you life.

That obsession circumvents the element of eternal security. It is the aspect that sees point and value in the effort and not in the satisfaction of pew sitting.

For that it is to dream and be grateful. Then the rest of the time can be spent in joy of knowing and not trying to keep score.