Romans 11:7-10
7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; 8 just as it is written, “GOD GAVE THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR, EYES TO SEE NOT AND EARS TO HEAR NOT, DOWN TO THIS VERY DAY.” 9 And David says, “LET THEIR TABLE BECOME A SNARE AND A TRAP, AND A STUMBLING BLOCK AND A RETRIBUTION TO THEM.
10 “LET THEIR EYES BE DARKENED TO SEE NOT, AND BEND THEIR BACKS FOREVER.”
As I meditate on this passage for a moment, I am quickly drawn to the fact that God is telling us that He has chosen those who He will save. Those who will not be saved will not have their eyes opened to see. This may seem harsh to many, but the fact of the matter is that God is the only one in this entire universe who is qualified to judge. Based on that qualification, God is the perfect judge to determine who should, and who should not, be saved. I know a God of love. I know a God of justice. I do not believe that it is unfathomable that God would destine people for wrath and others for grace.
I struggle with the fact that so many Christians argue and divide upon the issue of election and predestination v. “choice”. While I certainly came to Christ under the auspice of my own personal choice, it was only once the Holy Spirit enlightened me that I realized that I was not capable of such a magnificent decision. I was capable, because of my sin, to choose God. Given the choice, I would always choose my personal idols — TV, computers, money, sex, etc. Once the Lord opened my eyes to a world that exists for His glory, and not for mine or any other man, my perspective has changed greatly. God has given me eyes to see and ears to hear. God has given me a soul that longs and searches for His knowledge and His love. God has given me every blessing in the world that I could possibly ask for and yet don’t deserve. God has given me a new life in Him. Hallelujah!
My friend, you are entirely deluded. You have taken something entirely out of context, dealing with the historical Isreal in the same manner as the future Isreal…. Get a grip.
I will try to do better… thanks for reading and giving me feedback.
I would appreciate it if you would respond with how you would interpret this so that I can understand your theology and pray through that. I am looking to grow and to learn.
First, Thanks for your study and for your dedication to teach and learn more about our wonderful Lord. I agree with much of what you posted, however, I’m not sure all of it. The issues of Pre-Dest or choice are argued over precisely because they are so fundimental to understanding the character of God and His relationship with man. In a nutshell, cumpulsion and free will are no more compatible than “My father is not willing that any should perish” and “election” of a chosen few for salvation. But try this. Much in the same way that God “hardened” Pharaohs heart after Pharaoh had set his heart to be hardened (do a word study or look through the Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics), I believe that the elect was all of Isreal, and that Christ is the first fruits offered. We, whether Jew or Gentile, become a part of the elect body when we “choose” to follow Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior. True, none can even choose our Lord unless he is wooed from the desert by our Lord. Only by faith can you come and faith is only available through God. But I beleive God the Father is willing that “all” come to Him through faith in Jesus Christ, and that He extends the faith to believe to “all”, but some reject His offer, much as the Jews rejected Jesus, and Pharaoh rejected the call to soften his heart and obey God. I truly believe a word study over the passages dealking with the hardening of Pharaohs heart will open understandin to this difficult doctrine of free will and pre-destination. Remember, hard determinism and free choice are not compatible and neither is hard determinism (compulsion) and justice. Thanksd for allowing me to comment.