Christians: What is your opinion on divine intervention, predestination and prayer? expanded in post.

(post is archived)

You are currently inside a comment thread.

Click here to see all the comments (13).

[–] • 1 pt

There is both free will and predestination. It isn’t an “either/or.”

God foresaw that Adam and Eve would fall. He did not, however, “force” them to sin. Ditto Lucifer. He also does take an active role, intervening and guiding events; this is how prophecy works.

The key to this is understanding God’s “permissive” will, whereby he permits disobedience as a means of showcasing His greater glory. For example, God’s permissive will allowed Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery. Joseph himself even told them once they reconciled, “ As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.” (Gen 50:20)

What we acquire from God, specifically Christ, is not some sensation or feeling. It is invisible and intangible on its own. The Holy Spirit performs work within us and on our behalf as we intake biblical doctrine and put it into practice. The evidence isn’t a “spark,” but a life transformed the way muscles grow through daily diet and exercise.

The method is easy to learn, difficult to master, and firstly requires a saving knowledge of Christ: Acknowledge His deity - He created the universe (John 1:3) His incarnation - He became a man (John 1:14) His Consecration - He lived a sinless life (Heb 4:15) His Crucifixion - He was hanged on a tree and accursed (Deut 21:23) His substitution - by the curse of the cross He became sin on our behalf (2 Cor 5:21) His resurrection - He rose again and walked among us for a time (I Thess 4:14) His ascension - He returned to Heaven (Acts 1:9) His session - He resides in the Court of Heaven, at the right hand of the Father (Rom 8:34)

And once you acknowledge this, salvation is yours forever. What follows rests on the understanding that the process of growth in the Christian Life requires frequent seeking of forgiveness through regular prayerful confession to God (I John 1:9) which allows for the filling of the Holy Spirit, attendance and learning at a local church (Heb 10:25) under a Bible teaching pastor, followed by intake of doctrine and putting it into practice. This is the only way.

There is both free will and predestination. It isn’t an “either/or.” God foresaw that Adam and Eve would fall. He did not, however, “force” them to sin. Ditto Lucifer. He also does take an active role, intervening and guiding events; this is how prophecy works. The key to this is understanding God’s “permissive” will, whereby he permits disobedience as a means of showcasing His greater glory. For example, God’s permissive will allowed Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery. Joseph himself even told them once they reconciled, “ As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.” (Gen 50:20) What we acquire from God, specifically Christ, is not some sensation or feeling. It is invisible and intangible on its own. The Holy Spirit performs work within us and on our behalf as we intake biblical doctrine and put it into practice. The evidence isn’t a “spark,” but a life transformed the way muscles grow through daily diet and exercise. The method is easy to learn, difficult to master, and firstly requires a saving knowledge of Christ: Acknowledge His deity - He created the universe (John 1:3) His incarnation - He became a man (John 1:14) His Consecration - He lived a sinless life (Heb 4:15) His Crucifixion - He was hanged on a tree and accursed (Deut 21:23) His substitution - by the curse of the cross He became sin on our behalf (2 Cor 5:21) His resurrection - He rose again and walked among us for a time (I Thess 4:14) His ascension - He returned to Heaven (Acts 1:9) His session - He resides in the Court of Heaven, at the right hand of the Father (Rom 8:34) And once you acknowledge this, salvation is yours forever. What follows rests on the understanding that the process of growth in the Christian Life requires frequent seeking of forgiveness through regular prayerful confession to God (I John 1:9) which allows for the filling of the Holy Spirit, attendance and learning at a local church (Heb 10:25) under a Bible teaching pastor, followed by intake of doctrine and putting it into practice. This is the only way.

link