We Chose Christ, Didn't We?

My previous post dealt with the fact that God chose people to be saved before time began. Some readers might object that this eliminates our ability to choose to obey or disobey. The reality is that people have the ability to choose but God also predestinated some to be saved.

From the beginning, The Lord let humanity choose to obey or disobey. We see that in Genesis chapter three. Though the Almighty chose the people of Israel as his own, they were also allowed to accept or reject his rulership.

Look at what the Bible says in Joshua 24:15 (KJV). "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."

In the New Testament, John the Baptist cried out to Israel in Matthew 3:2 (KJV) "And saying, 'Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" How could they repent and believe if they had no will to do so?

The Apostle Paul makes it clear that people must choose to believe in Christ in Romans 10:14 (KJV). "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"x

Just because we can't understand how we are both chosen and yet being asked to choose to follow Christ, it doesn't mean we can only accept one of those truths. Both predestination and choice are shown throughout God's Word.

In my next post, I'll show how foolish we Christians have been for arguing for either way of salvation.