Freedom is the Problem
In salvation, freedom is the problem, not the solution.
Could I choose never to eat Brussels sprouts? Yes. Could I choose never to sin? No
In the first, I can choose to eat that foul vegetable or I could choose not to. In the second, I can choose to sin, but I can't chose not to sin (although I can choose not to commit certain sins).
What Does This Tell Us About Our Freedom?
As fallen creatures, we are in rebellion against God. Our will is set against His. So it's nothing outside of us that is keeping us from choosing Christ (or causing us to sin), but something with in us—our will. It's not that we are kept from choosing Christ, it's that we won't. (Gen. 2:16–17, 3:1–7; Ecc. 9:3; Jer. 17:9; John. 8:34; Rom. 3:10–12, 5:12, 6:20, 8:7–8; 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:1–3; Col. 2:13; 2 Tim. 2:25–26; Tit. 3:3; 1 John 3:10)
When we exercise our freedom, we choose what we want. I choose not to eat Brussels sprouts; however, this is a matter of taste, which can change. But when it comes to choosing Christ, I will not choose Him because it's against my nature as a rebel. My freedom is the problem.
What's the Answer?
God, by His great mercy, changes the direction of my heart from that of a rebel to that of a son. Acting consistently with my nature, I rebelled; now, acting consistently with my nature, I obey, albeit imperfectly. (Due. 30:6; Ezk. 36:26–2; John 5:21; Acts. 11:18, 16:14; Rom. 6:1-14, 21–22; Cor. 5:17–18; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:1, 5, 10; Col. 2:13; 2 Tim. 2:25–26; Phil. 1:29, 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:3)
Therefore, if God doesn't intervene, we will continue to make our free choice: rebellion.
--The Catechizer
Labels: Calvinism vs. Arminianism
posted by The Catechizer and The Deacon | 5:50 AM
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