"The Ultimate Issue"
ARMINIANISM
Another camp, called Arminianism, believes God moves equally by His grace (first, of course) on every single person. However, some people will choose to receive it, and some will not. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, resided in this camp and ended up dividing with several of his contemporaries over the issue.
OK. I know what you are saying, “Pastor, I thought you were going to get more practical?” Here is how I would answer. These doctrines and truths have impacted the fabric of American culture since its inception. Furthermore (and closer to home) I would venture to say that these also guide our daily lives as Christians more than we know.
THE ULTIMATE ISSUE
So let me ask you a few questions. Why do some people turn to Christ, and some do not? Does God not possess the ability and power to overcome any obstacle within or beyond a person’s soul in order to save them? In other words, doesn’t God have the ability to save anyone He wants? If so, then wouldn’t everyone be saved? Yet who are we to judge God? Couldn’t God sovereignly decide to throw out a lifeline to specific people for His glory?
In my studies I believe I have perhaps discovered the definitive issue in the debate. I believe it has to do with our security (or insecurity) regarding the sovereignty of God or His providence. In other words, to what extent does God determine the course of the world, and to what degree does mankind contribute (if any) to the path of the world?
If we say God wields complete command and ultimately decides every detail of every action or lack thereof on earth, we feel “secure” knowing God’s “will” will be done. Whether there is breaking news of a world disaster or a calamity strikes our own lives, we find shelter, serenity, and security knowing “God is still in control.”
Now I do not want to rock your boat (OK, maybe I do, a little…but I don’t want to “sink” your boat entirely), but if God is responsible for everything that happens on planet earth (and beyond), then He has a whole lot of explaining to do! Consider some of the atrocities occurring at this very moment. Is God responsible? Ponder the tragedies of wars and poverty and child abuse and abortion and terrorism and natural disasters and cancer and on and on. Did God do that?
Usually, in response, we answer similarly to, “Of course not. PEOPLE are to blame.” This is a fine answer in itself, UNTIL we attempt to synthesize the two ideas in our minds/reason. If “humans” are responsible for particular heinous acts, then God is not. This may alleviate any ill will toward our Heavenly Father but it also conjures up some uneasy feelings, thoughts, and questions like “Who is really in control?”
ARMINIANISM
Another camp, called Arminianism, believes God moves equally by His grace (first, of course) on every single person. However, some people will choose to receive it, and some will not. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, resided in this camp and ended up dividing with several of his contemporaries over the issue.
OK. I know what you are saying, “Pastor, I thought you were going to get more practical?” Here is how I would answer. These doctrines and truths have impacted the fabric of American culture since its inception. Furthermore (and closer to home) I would venture to say that these also guide our daily lives as Christians more than we know.
THE ULTIMATE ISSUE
So let me ask you a few questions. Why do some people turn to Christ, and some do not? Does God not possess the ability and power to overcome any obstacle within or beyond a person’s soul in order to save them? In other words, doesn’t God have the ability to save anyone He wants? If so, then wouldn’t everyone be saved? Yet who are we to judge God? Couldn’t God sovereignly decide to throw out a lifeline to specific people for His glory?
In my studies I believe I have perhaps discovered the definitive issue in the debate. I believe it has to do with our security (or insecurity) regarding the sovereignty of God or His providence. In other words, to what extent does God determine the course of the world, and to what degree does mankind contribute (if any) to the path of the world?
If we say God wields complete command and ultimately decides every detail of every action or lack thereof on earth, we feel “secure” knowing God’s “will” will be done. Whether there is breaking news of a world disaster or a calamity strikes our own lives, we find shelter, serenity, and security knowing “God is still in control.”
Now I do not want to rock your boat (OK, maybe I do, a little…but I don’t want to “sink” your boat entirely), but if God is responsible for everything that happens on planet earth (and beyond), then He has a whole lot of explaining to do! Consider some of the atrocities occurring at this very moment. Is God responsible? Ponder the tragedies of wars and poverty and child abuse and abortion and terrorism and natural disasters and cancer and on and on. Did God do that?
Usually, in response, we answer similarly to, “Of course not. PEOPLE are to blame.” This is a fine answer in itself, UNTIL we attempt to synthesize the two ideas in our minds/reason. If “humans” are responsible for particular heinous acts, then God is not. This may alleviate any ill will toward our Heavenly Father but it also conjures up some uneasy feelings, thoughts, and questions like “Who is really in control?”