Subscription Lists
Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Calvinism is based on scripture such as Romans 9:16, which asserts that God’s sovereign will “…does not… depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” Which has led some to claim that it’s impossible to know with any degree of certainty that their salvation is sure – as no act of repentance, nor commitment to godly living guarantees forgiveness of sin and admission to heaven. (Which, it would seem to me, removes the impetus for evangelism, missions and a Godly life.) And in fact, we can’t compel God to save us by living a life He has to recognize and reward, as it has always been up to Him as to whether he offers us his grace or not. But thank God he has, which is the point of the Gospel!
Scripture, at times, may appear contradictory; but in using God’s word to interpret His will, I have never found it to be anything but complimentary. For instance, Paul insists that the righteousness God accepts and we live most effectively by is achieved by faith. ( Romans 1:11) Insisting that, “…it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God – not by works, so that on one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9 And yet James asks, “What good is it… if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” Challenging us to, “Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do.” He even quotes the same Old Testament scripture used by Paul to prove his contending point ( Genesis 15:6); concluding that, “…a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” For, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead,” James 2:14-26 (See then Genesis 22:1-19, where Abraham’s faith was indeed tested by an expectation of obedience.)
Are these positions irreconcilable? Not at all! Paul is merely stating that we can’t dictate the terms by which God saves us. However there is an expectation of holiness – or “right” living – in response to that salvation. (See Matthew 5:48 & 1 Peter 1:15,16) Paul himself describing it as, “…the obedience that comes from faith.” Romans 1:5
Understanding this issue has far-reaching implications for our lives and our sense of confidence in our Lord and Savior. John records Jesus saying that God loved the world – the whole of it – so much so that He gave his only son as ransom for it, so that whoever believes in him may be saved ( John 3:15,16); everyone calling on the name of the Lord attaining eternal life. ( Romans 10:13) By Tozer’s reckoning, man lives according to God’s sovereign will, who then grants him a measure of freedom to choose; an equally difficult concept. But that’s what makes God – God. We won’t/can’t understand everything about Him.1
So what do we do with Romans 9:1-29? Particularly the part concerning Pharaoh, whom God says, “I raised up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you.” And, “Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use.” (See also John 6:70 & 17:12 concerning Judas) I don’t believe this reveals a callous, arbitrary streak in God’s character; nor does it excuse bad behavior as if it were what we’re made for and beyond our control. God may very well make any number of people – or particular incidents in all our lives – specifically fulfill a purpose known only to him. But I believe that’s different than Job’s encounter with Satan, who was given a certain latitude to work in Job’s life that I’m not sure he’s been given over the rest of us. I further believe that we have the opportunity to respond positively to Christ with confidence in his promise of forgiveness and salvation. Paul assuring us that, “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. (Yet) If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be (or become) an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the master and prepared to do any good work. ” 2 Timothy 2:20,21 (See also Jeremiah 18:1-10)
In preparing Moses for his upcoming battle of wills with Pharaoh, God warned him that, “…I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will not let my people go.” Exodus 4:21 (See also Exodus 3:19 & 25) Allowing God to manifest his power and receiving the honor and glory when his will was accomplished. Yet Exodus 8:15 relates how Pharaoh, upon achieving some relief from the plagues inflicted on his people as a result of his hard-headedness had, “…hardened his heart…” as a natural consequence of his stubborn rebellion against the One True God. Exodus 9:7,12describe Pharaoh’s attitude and heart as being unyielding, saying “…the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he would not listen… just as the Lord said.” And in a telling sequence, after finally giving his permission for the Israelite’s release, he “…and all his officials changed their minds,…” Exodus 14:5, setting out after the Israelites to force their return. (These being a few of the 15 references to the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, some indicating a change of mind and a hardening against God’s will, some citing God as hardening Pharaoh’s heart to accomplish his will.)2Could they be so inter-related as to be virtually the same? As with Judas, was he created for betrayal and destruction or through God’s foreknowledge of his actions destined for such? And could this be applied to Jacob and Esau, referenced in Romans 9:13 as well?
Paul referred to sin as originally expressing itself in an exchange of the truth of God for an accommodating lie, people claiming foolishly to know better than God what is “right.”. ( Romans 1:22 & 25) As a result, God gives them over to shameful lusts, they then receiving the penalty their actions deserve. ( Romans 1:26,27) No longer considering the knowledge of God worthwhile for retaining in their minds or applying to their lifestyle, God further gives them over to a depraved mind. ( Romans 1:28) Could this be the pattern Pharaoh followed? Refusing to listen to reason, hardening his heart against God’s word, did God deal with him accordingly – furthering that rebellion in achieving his purpose? More importantly, is that the pattern you’re in? Have you been separated from God by, “…the ignorance that is in (you) due to the hardening of (your) hearts.” Are you in danger of losing all sensitivity to the things of God, responding like others who have, “…given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.”? Ephesians 4:18,19
Literally, the saving grace to all this is, “…if you confess with your mouths, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved .” Romans 10:9 God chose to do all that was necessary to provide us with salvation – making us his chosen ones – even as he foresaw some would choose to ignore his offer. He elected to save us by grace through his mercy, knowing full well some would refuse the offer. Did God predestine us all for eternity in heaven; a privilege reaching its fulfillment in the sacrifice of his Son, but activated only by our response to his call to repentance from sin and fellowship with him? Paul writing to the Ephesians that, “…he chose us… before the creation of the world… he predestined us...”, for adoption into his family according to his will, plan, purpose, pleasure and glory. “And you also were included in Christ, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…” Ephesians 1:13,14
1 A.W. Tozer – The Knowledge of the Holy – Harper Collins Publishing
2Ex. 4:21,7:3,7:13,7:22,8:15,8:19,8:32,9:7,9:12,9:34,10:1,2, 10:20,10:27,11:10,14:5
Rate it:
Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Point of Reference" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.