Predestination and Free Will, Redux

I was reading a commentary on Ephesians 1, Romans 9 and Philippians 2 written from the Jewish perspective, citing precedents from the Hebrew Scriptures, Talmud and other rabbinic writings. This would have exactly the precedents that Paul would have had in mind, besides the occasional Greek philosopher. Paul was trained as a Pharisee. He knew the Scriptures intimately. He would have understood the paradox of being chosen and deciding to be obedient. The people of Abraham were chosen but they still had to choose to be obedient to stay in God's grace.

Exodus tells of Pharoah being offered five chances to repent, but he hardened his heart. God gave him up to that hardness and did not put forth any more attempts to soften his heart (Exodus 6 ff.). God says Pharoah will let the people go; indeed, he will insist the Israelites go. Did Pharoah have a choice? Centuries later, did Pilate have a choice?

How do we resolve the dilemma of King David urged by God (2 Samuel 24) to take a census, in order to punish Israel, while Satan did likewise urge King David to take the (same) census (1 Chronicles 21)? Did David have a choice? He was warned not to do it by his right-hand man, and yet he did pursue it. God was displeased and gave David three choices of punishment.

Also, recall Saul/Paul on the road to Damascus. He was confronted, chosen by Christ, and yet had a choice to follow Jesus or not. Didn't he? How about Ananias to heal and teach Saul/Paul?

Pharoah and Saul/Paul persecuted God's people. Both were confronted. Both had choices. The outcomes could still be the same with regard to whichever option they chose: God's people would no longer be persecuted, and God would be glorified.

Lamentations 5.21--Turn us, Adonai, to you and we will turn.
Zechariah 1.3--Turn to me, says Adonai of Heaven's Armies, and I will turn to you.

I was also thinking about demons today. Can God cast demons out of a person's life and lifestyle? Can He, Christ, do it without the person inviting God's power into their lives? I don't see it scripturally where demons were cast out without the person's permission. Even the man imprisoned by Legion approached Christ, seemingly for the help; otherwise, he could have just stayed away. In fact, Legion begged Christ to leave the demons alone still tormenting the poor man.

Romans 10.13--Everyone who calls on the name of Adonai will be saved.

Rabbi Akivah has said, "All is foreseen and free will is given." (Avot. 3.15)

God knows, God can but you will want to ask Him.

Being an Ambassador of Christ's

Do you know what it takes to be Christ's ambassadors (2 Cor. 5.20)? Here's what Paul tells the Ephesians: "live the life worthy of your calling..." Leaders in the church are to equip each of us, prepare us for ministry, help us live a worthy life. How does he describe a worthy life in Ephesian 4?

• Always be humble and gentle
• Be patient with each other
• Make every effort to remain united in the Spirit, bound together in peace
• Spiritually mature, not blown about by every wind of new teaching
• Speak the truth in love
• Grow to be more and more like Christ
• Don't live like heathens/pagans, hopelessly confused, minds full of darkness
• Renew your thoughts and attitudes through the Spirit
• Put on a new nature, truly righteous and holy.
• Stop telling lies; tell each other the truth
• Don't let anger control you
• Quit stealing
• Use your hands for good, hard work to earn money
• Give generously to those in need
• Don't use foul or abusive language
• Speak what is helpful, good, encouraging
• Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander--and all types of evil behavior
• Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another

Continuing on, Paul adds:

• Imitate God
• Live a life filled with love

Not only is this list interesting because of what it asks us to do. It's also interesting because of what's not here. If you listen to many sermons on a weekend, preachers might be adding some other things in order to be ambassadors of Christ, such as evangelism and service. The list above could easily be summarized by David Watson using Wesley's 6 ordinances as a starting point--1) acts of [private] devotion, 2) acts of worship [public devotion], 3) acts of compassion, 4) acts of justice. In Paul's list, however, most of the compassion and justice has more to do with our speech than service. "Being mature" might be shortcut for the acts of devotion and worship.

I don't know about you. I think I will be very busy trying to be humble, gentle, mature in Christ. That's a great start to being an ambassador, don't you think?