"For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29
When I read this slowly I find myself repeating the first eight words, "For those whom He foreknew He also predestined." In my systematic theology course at Birmingham Theological Seminary I was taught that foreknowledge does not interfere with the action or responsibility of any individual. When that was taught to me I got it, but when you add the last 3 words of the 8 I emphasized above my theology crashes within my ability to reason.
Looking at this one scripture in a non-systematic way, it tells me that while God may not dictate all of our actions, He most definitely knows and predestines those who will be conformed into the image of His Son. Some will say in response to this, "God always gets His man." While I agree with this to some extent, I still I am baffled with how individual responsibility works in and through this. Since I can't explain that to you I will end this topic abruptly. I am open to comments and criticisms!
Blake
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Convergence For His Glory
- Blake Mayo
- Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Laura, Hannah, Libby, Family, Friends.....yeah that about covers it.
4 comments:
You are on the right track. I understand your concern. The answer is found in the doctrine of concurrence. Note Wayne Grudem's chapter on the Providence of God in
his Systematic Theology.
God is sovereign over all. Man has choices. These two concur. There is
no conflict here.
I rejoice to see God is working in you both to will and do of His good pleasure [Philippians 2:13].
Hey Dr. T! Good to hear from you. I ultimately get how this is found in the doctrine of concurrence, but in my stubborness I am still trying to make it all fit in this neat little box. God's Word is awesome and rich. To understand it more deeply is a no easy task.
Look forward to talking to you soon.
When God opens someones heart to see the beauty of Christ...It's an offer we can't refuse! When someone really see's Jesus they will make the right choice!
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