I get the whole concern and unease about predestination and election. How can God create people that He knows are going to hell? How can a loving God do that? We want to say that isn’t right. That isn’t fair. We want to judge God and let Him know that this is just wrong.
But, what do we propose as the alternative?
God is the creator and knows all things, past, present and future. He not only knows all things but He controls all things.
Should such a God only give life to the people He knows will choose Him? There is not mystery or mistake here, God knows. But if the only people created are the ones who make the right choice, then is there truly a choice at all?
Of course not. That is not showing love. But, there are only 2 roads, God only gives life to people who will become believers or God gives life to people who will love and choose Him and to those who will curse Him and turn from Him. He does have control, but if He exercises that control to save all, then is there really a choice?
Being God is hard. I don’t want the job and I’m surely not going to stand in judgment of God. But, there is a difference between standing in judgment and seeking to better understand God. We do the second every time we study His word. So what does His word say? It says He is God. He makes decisions. He makes choices. He knows more and better than everyone else combined. But it also says He is a God of unbounding love. Look at Ezek 33:11, “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’”
God allows us to choose. Some hearts He goes the extra mile to soften. Others, He allows to remain hardened. But there is not a one that He desires to be cursed. There is no pleasure to God in death. Death is something mankind choose. Wickedness is a choice that we made.
My Answers:
8.
God has the ability to harden or soften any heart to hear the truth, but we are active participants in it as well. God is all knowing and does not desire any to perish (Ezek 33:11 “As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people.”)
9.
a.
The created does not have the right to judge the creator. God makes things and people for different purposes but loves each.
b.
God made me this way so it is alright. or. Damned if I do, damned if I don’t. or I can’t believe in a god who would allow _______
10.
He allowed me to experience the pain and repercussions my sin so that I could see His mercy when He brought me out of it. It did not allow it to continue forever but gave hope even in the midsts. He allowed me to lean on Him and cry out to Him without holding it against me.
The Notes are Good 