Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Christian Teachings
Brother Ken,
I do preach neither Calvinism nor Arminianism. But I preach what the Bible truly says. There isnt any contradiction in the Bible. The controversy you underlined resides only in the mind of the Theologians youve mentioned.
Indeed, by grace we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8, Romans 6:23).
He saved us not by works of righteousness which we had done, but according to His mercy , by the washing of regeneration, and by the renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5).
If works are needed for salvation, then salvation is no longer a GIFT.
I fully agree with you when you say that We do not perform good works in order to become saved, but because we allow the Spirit of God to work in us - good works are the natural result.
Its true, Good works are faith expressed.
You also said this: In my view, some things like the plan of salvation were predestined and in according to God's sovereign will. Other things operate by freewill, or choice - like our participation the plan of salvation.
I see your attempt to reconcile predestination and free will. But the question is deeper that. If you stay at that level of comprehension, the so called controversy will still remain. However, there is no contradiction in the Bible.
Brother, free will is what you see physically, namely the outward choice to do right things or evil things.
But, fundamentally, have you ever seen a man or a woman who deliberately choose to disobey God or to sin, merely because she/he takes great delight in going to hell?
Brother Ken, in the present time till death you will choose to do right things IF YOU ARE BORN OF GOD. Amen!
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God .
1 John 3:9
I agree that free will must be manifested. It lies on people to decide. But I also believe there is something behind each free will, depending whether we are born of God or Satan. Let us put the stress on that.
There is an inward WILL which arouses each outward free will of man depending whether his born of God or Satan ( Philippians 2:13) .
ITS A QUESTION OF SEED. Please, think it over!
For instance, Ken Rich is an Artist today. Ken Rich decided freely to become a musician. To perform this target, he has worked hard, he has toiled.
That is his free will which people physically see (his deeds, fruits, testimonies).
But why didnt Ken Rich endeavor to become a Mason or a Cook for example?
Besides, why doesnt Ken Rich complain before God about his present status?
Simply because the Bible declares that "A man can receive nothing, unless it be given him from Heaven (John 3:27).
Truly speaking, free will must be manifested. But there is something behind each free will, depending whether we are born of God or Satan.
The Bible says: And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 13:8
God never fails, those names of whom are written in the book of life FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD WILL NEVER WORSHIP THE BEAST.
Those who are born of God will always do the will of God.
For I say to every man that is among you, through the grace given unto me, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3).
ITS A QUESTION OF SEED.
For more details, I do invite you to read my blogs below available on the black preaching Network.
WHAT IS PREDESTINATION?
http://abcpreachers.ning.com/profiles/blogs/what-is-predestination
SALVATION IS A GIFT OF GOD: YOUR OWN GOOD WORKS CAN NEVER SAVE YOU!
http://abcpreachers.ning.com/profiles/blogs/salvation-is-a-gift-of-god
May God bless you!
Brother Germain