- Published on
I've been thinking. I was asked recently what I thought about Calvinism. My first thought is I really don't care too much for labels. But, we live in a world of labels. I'm a Christian. That's a label. I'm a Southern Baptist. That's a label. If I move back to Kentucky, I'll be a Kentucky Baptist. That's a label. So I guess we can't really get away from labels. Still, I prefer to focus less on labels and more on Jesus and His Word. Besides, John Calvin would cringe if he knew his name was being used as a label.
Salvation, as revealed in God's Word and delivered to us by the apostles and prophets is a mystery we don't fully understand. Paul writes about this mystery, "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things" (Ephesians 3:1-10). John speaks of a time yet future when, "the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets" (Revelation 10:7).
So what does all this mean? Well, for one thing, when it comes to salvation, it means the plans and purposes of God are far beyond anything my fallen finite mind can fully comprehend. Consider this in light of what Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers. "Rather, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him'" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
When it comes to the mystery of salvation we must remember, the Bible is replete with passages that speak of God's sovereignty. Furthermore, it is replete with passages that speak of personal responsibility. Where these two streams of thought meet is beyond me. This is part of the mystery of salvation none of us will fully comprehend this side of glory. And we may not fully comprehend it on the other side of glory either. After all, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29).
The bottom line is this: I don't fully understand the mystery of salvation and you don't either. It boggles my mind--even as a 46 year-old, seminary trained theologian of rare inability. But this much I do know, as a 10-year-old little boy, I prayed to receive Jesus and Jesus saved me. I didn't fully understand it all then and I certainly don't now. But I believed what the Bible taught, in, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). Since that time I have come to believe the words of Jesus, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you" (John 15:16). And therein lies the mystery. So, let's not get wrapped up in labels. Let us do what the Bible says. Let us make our own calling and election sure (see 2 Peter 1:10) and let us proclaim the gospel so that others may hear and be saved (see Matthew 28:16-20). A final word of caution: When contemplating the mysteries of God, always err on the side of sovereignty.
Salvation, as revealed in God's Word and delivered to us by the apostles and prophets is a mystery we don't fully understand. Paul writes about this mystery, "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things" (Ephesians 3:1-10). John speaks of a time yet future when, "the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets" (Revelation 10:7).
So what does all this mean? Well, for one thing, when it comes to salvation, it means the plans and purposes of God are far beyond anything my fallen finite mind can fully comprehend. Consider this in light of what Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers. "Rather, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him'" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
When it comes to the mystery of salvation we must remember, the Bible is replete with passages that speak of God's sovereignty. Furthermore, it is replete with passages that speak of personal responsibility. Where these two streams of thought meet is beyond me. This is part of the mystery of salvation none of us will fully comprehend this side of glory. And we may not fully comprehend it on the other side of glory either. After all, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29).
The bottom line is this: I don't fully understand the mystery of salvation and you don't either. It boggles my mind--even as a 46 year-old, seminary trained theologian of rare inability. But this much I do know, as a 10-year-old little boy, I prayed to receive Jesus and Jesus saved me. I didn't fully understand it all then and I certainly don't now. But I believed what the Bible taught, in, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). Since that time I have come to believe the words of Jesus, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you" (John 15:16). And therein lies the mystery. So, let's not get wrapped up in labels. Let us do what the Bible says. Let us make our own calling and election sure (see 2 Peter 1:10) and let us proclaim the gospel so that others may hear and be saved (see Matthew 28:16-20). A final word of caution: When contemplating the mysteries of God, always err on the side of sovereignty.
I can honestly say there is such a difference and change of soo many things all seemed to open up a whole different can of unexpected stuff when God's Word and Law in America changed what defined marriage between Man and Woman.
I don't even think that they realized at the time; now kid's are deciding that they don't want to be either one. I never knew that Bianary was an option. A man got fired from Google of all places for writing a study on the difference between male and female. Some jobs now are making it a requirement for customer service representative's not use Miss, or Sir etc. I've truly came to realize that at 50yrs old this land without the knowledge honor of God in our Nation is not where I want to be at all. Talk about; Be sure your sins will find you out !!! Whoah, the Truth is being uncovered in volumes about what's been governing this Nation and every other too. The United Nothing's, I'm sorry, but there's no peace in that place. They put God's Word of Scripture in there building and nobody realized that certainly will not happen until The Lord Jesus The Prince of Peace comes to Rule and Raine for 1000yrs. I saw a reunification alright on Utube between the newest Pope Francis and K.Copeland he was laughing and having a good ol time telling folk's that after 500yrs the split was not right and now it's all better there's never been a problem. I could be writing for days about the fast pace changes. You're Soo Correct and it's not hard to see. The Lord Jesus is Soo Good for a time I see people from around the World waking up as the information highway opened up. Dedicated People committed to putting the Truth out before FOX made them step it Up too for the one's who do not use computers. People witnessing about Jesus Christ with many scripture references online too in comment sections. I was concerned for our college age students that didn't know the Truth. Now, they are learning the difference from thier own ages who are exposing the Professor's. I see that Navy Seals have gathered together with others and finding out exactly where those child trafficking network's are and another underground to help rescue plus recover those children. There's been given a time to Wake Up and Watch for plus Pray as I see alot of Jewish Believer's too one I know for sure waiting and Teaching Prophecy according to the Bible in small Churches around the World. He's not
planning on being here either. He's Teaching Rapture Ready !!! We are all going to leave this body and die one way or another and there are alot of people gathered together that have openly stated there goal for sustainable development. To them with the money, power , food, health and now a waiting monetary plan for the one's they decide, I guess ? Fact is, this world is too crowded and they're not hiding anything anymore. They believe it just as I know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
You have written Soo nicely and I saw someone ask about supporting scripture ? You would have to send the whole Bible because every page is full of support. I hope that this is not too out of line !
I tried to help here a little with alot of respect and care everything that you wrote. If someone reads my comment I want that very clear. I know that the scripture verse's for my comments are not included. We have come further now and people know exactly what I'm talking about here, thing's soo bad happening Our God told us that we would know the times. Not the Day or Hour. I hope that if someone else is questioning the time we live in; just ask; God Almighty will if You want reveal Himself and the Times we are in.
Respectfully,
Shannon