Boarding a plane is a lot of fun… ok, not really fun per se, but always interesting.
I’ve gone from being an “elite” flyer to “welcome to the cattle call”. Oh well, life goes on and really it means I travel less and I’m home more. Pretty grateful for the change.
Yesterday I boarded a plane and it’s fun to try and figure out what runs through peoples minds, who are these people?
The businessman, the athlete, the cowboy (I was on my way to Dallas after all), the next D.B. Cooper perhaps… Most folks are normal I suppose, but I think I’m normal and I’m not.
I’m not but not in the way you might think or even I think. I’m different because of the work of another. It really had nothing to do with me. It’s a weird thing for the human mind to comprehend.
The doctrine of election says God chose you before time began (Ephesians 1:4) and that makes me unique. Again, can I reiterate it was not my doing? I take no credit for it, I played no part in it, but yet the gain is mine. It is quite humiliating and that really is the point of election. You were dead one day and then one day you were alive.
We are talking about the spiritual reality of life and death (Ephesians 2:1). God uses this precious doctrine to teach us something. Mainly, God is in control and we are not. He teaches the vessels of mercy, a rich understanding of their reliance upon Him.
Election may very well be the most hated doctrine in all of Christianity and it is because it takes away human autonomy. It says to our sinful selves… “you can’t.” “But I can. Therefore, stop trying. Believe in Me and be saved.”
At the bottom of all of the supposed controversy about the doctrine of election, there is this simple reality. Lay down your arms. Turn back to God and receive His forgiveness and grace.
The parallel reality to God’s sovereign choice is that nothing keeps you from Him but your hard and impenitent heart. Like an unsolvable mystery; sometimes there are truths we must accept and they are reserved only for the mind of God. The Bible teaches God is sovereign in salvation and man is accountable. Don’t miss this.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Kevin
Uncommon Faith 