Sovreignty or Free Will

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him., 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Here we are going to touch on a challenging topic. The Doctrine of Predestination. This doctrine is clearly articulated in this passage. Paul does not reason it out as he does in Romans 9 where he argues for the election of Israel, and the just of God’s election. This is that we must understand that this doctrine is so, whether we fully understand it or not. Often there is a question of where does man’s agency (or ability to choose, thereby exercising personal choice), we will see that shortly in a few verses. I do not want to go down this path this evening, especially becasue Paul does not discuss it at length, but simply explains that it is so.(Princess Bride - Mostly Dead - a rediciousl notion but many often apply this to their theology)

Romans 9:20 CSB

On the contrary, who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Will what is formed say to the one who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”

Romans 11:33 CSB

Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways!

“Doctrine Divides” - not really

Doctrine Leads to Love - (1 John 4:8)

Doctrine leads to Humility - (Philippians 2:3)

Doctrine Leads to Obedience - (1John 2:6)

Doctrine Leads to Unity (Ephesians 4:12-14)

Doctrine Leads to Worship (Romans 11:33)

Doctrine Leads to Healthy Growth (1 Tim 4:16)