><>...Hi T.R....><>
This question is one that many scholars also wrestle with.
There are some whom God has ordained from the foundations of the world. Eph.1:1-11 this is a very in depth study. These are ones who were already predestinated.
Matt 4:18-20
18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Scriptures such as these and many others, give us some insight as to some who did not have a choice...Jesus said "follow me"...it was not a question or even a suggestion....
So there is some Biblical evidence as to some who were already justified and chosen by Godto do the work of God, and not the other way around.
But as to choice concerning other issues in a persons life, God has nothing to do with much of it,i.e. bad vices, what we wear, what we eat, what we drink....what and if we smoke. How we treat others and what knid of person we really are...You have to be more specific in your question.
As to choice, most have to make a choice as to accept or not the truth of God which is in Jesus Christ, and whether or not we love God and will do the work of God....God does have a plan though and knowing His plan in general helps in understanding choice and how it relates to all of us.
Many people use that excuse (saying that they have no choice),because it takes their responsibility, of their very disorderly life,off of them and puts it on God, Many criminals use this excuse.....Just a cop-out for many individuals....Some of those same people who say with one side of their mouth.."There is no God"...also say with the other side "Blame" God for the unrest and poverty and sickness in the world.
If God wanted robots he would have created Robots already programmed,instead He created man with a mind and heart to choose for himself.
Josh 24:15
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
One must know the entire word of God not just a verse here and there, and when one truly understands, at least as much as God has written they will in no way think that we have No choice....The word of God is replete with scriptures that attest to the fct that we have a choice.
Have a blessed day
Shalom..><> |
