“even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” – Ephesians 1:4-6, ESV.

So many theologians and Bible scholars debate this passage. How many Bible study groups have hashed this out to no end? Did God choose us, and if so, why didn’t He choose everyone? Do we have a choice in this, or is it all up to God? The complete truth of God’s sovereignty and our free will has evaded us for centuries.

Although I enjoy digging into this topic, I don’t think we are supposed to find an answer. Even Paul, who wrote this, didn’t get it. He wrote elsewhere that anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved and that God desires all men to be saved. In this passage, he wrote that we should be holy. That’s a choice. Then he writes that we are predestined. That’s sovereignty. Is this a contradiction in God’s Word?

I don’t think so. I just think we are not supposed to understand all that God understands. I’m good with that. After all, I do not want to serve a God on my intellectual level. Do you? However He decides to work out these two things is up to Him. I trust that He will. You should, too.

- Mike

BTW, I saw a YouTube video of a Hispanic magician. He said he would disappear on the count of 3. He went on to say "uno, dos..." poof. Then he disappeared without a tres.