Hi Mahonse,
Yes that is how I see it too. God must "draws us" (John 6:44) first, I believe that's what gives us a volunteering heart. As you mentioned, from our prospective all we can see/recon is that we are making the decision (that's why it's so easy to believe in free will), but we know that there are always causes that lead to every decision. God gives us a volunteering heart to follow and obey Him and that shows we are not forced, God creates circumstances that we willingly and readily repent and believe. Here is an email that helps explain this.
http://www.forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,567.0.html -----
Like scripture says, God wills everyone to be saved. But does God's will always happen? True, God in His great mercy create situations and circumstances where He draws us, but ultimately w e can choose whether we want to go to God when He draws us to Christ. It's just that some people die before they make the decision. It's His Spirit alone that can convince us of the truth, no human argument whatsoever. It's through Christ alone we can be with God, right?
If I misinterpret your website, please forgive me.
In Love,
Riaan
Dear Riaan:
We cannot "make the decision" as you state unless God gives us that ability. Faith to believe is a gift of God (Eph. 2:
. Repentance is a gift from God (Rom. 2:4). None CAN come to Christ unless God draws (Gk: 'drags') them (John 6:44). We do NOT "choose Christ," but rather Christ CHOOSES US (John 15:16). ALL IS OF GOD, Romans 11:32, etc., etc., etc.
No one dies before they "have a CHANCE" to follow Christ. Salvation is not a matter of "chance." This is not the only day of salvation.
Be sure you read all of my series on the "Free Will Myth."
God be with you,
Ray
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So God leads us to volunteer, but that is just the beginning, He also creates in us a strong desire the serve and obey. Now we are judging ourselves and learning what is truth and how to live by it, which can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit indwelling. Here is another excerpt where Ray discussed this.
http://bible-truths.com/lake16-D4.htm -------------------------------------
"For if we would judge ourselves [now] we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned [later] with the world [later in the Great White Throne Judgment]" (I Cor. 11:31-32).
"For the TIME IS COME [now] that judgment must begin at the House of God..." (I Pet. 4:17).
"...for the time is at hand" (Rev. 1:3 and 22:10).
There can be no argument against the fact that God's Elect are to "bow their knee" NOW in this Church age or we will find ourselves in the next age when, "Because He has appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness..." Acts 17:31). During our calling, we stand before the Judgment of Jesus and give an account daily of the works done in our flesh. How do we actually do this? Paul instructs us: "For if we would judge ourselves..." (I Cor. 15:11:31). This is how we are to be judged.
Notice how Paul's statement is in perfect agreement with that of Jesus: "And if your right eye offend you, [you] pluck it out... And if your right hand offend you, [you] cut it off..." (Matt. 5:29-30).
Isn't that amazing? That's how Jesus Judges US. He helps us judge OURSELVES! It is voluntary. But if we do not volunteer to judge ourselves, guess what? "...for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish [voluntarily] and not that your whole body should be cast [Gk: ballo-'throw violently or intensely' against your will] into Gehenna [fire]" (Ver. 30)
"For if we would judge ourselves we should not be judged... we should not be condemned with the world" (I Cor. 11:31-32).
In God's due time, all humanity will voluntarily desire with their whole heart to be a member of the Family of God. No one will be forced in or out of God's Family.
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mercy, peace and love
Kat