Ever had that experience where you thought 2 ideas ruled each other out but then later discovered it wasn’t quite so clear-cut? The Bible says this is how it is with God’s will and the decisions we make.
The following was one of the questions we received and had grouped under the big heading: what is the meaning of life?
Is there such a thing as “fate”? Are our lives predetermined or is it all about choices and coincidence?
It’s a good question isn’t it and one that most of us have probably wrestled with at one time or another. At the risk of “proof-texting”, I reckon a great couple of verses that reveal the Bible’s take on this are Philippians 2:12&13 where Paul urges the Philippians:
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence but how much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Isn’t that amazing! side-by-side you have Paul urging the Philippians to “work out” their salvation – nothing passive about that! – while in the very next breath, explaining that when they do, it is God at work in them achieving his good purpose!
So, WE act and GOD acts and SOMEHOW both are possible! While it’s true that this only applies to Christians, it gives us a clear pictire of how responsible mankind’s relationship with our sovereign God is worked out in practice.
hello
Hi Trev. Wow! I think that’s probably the briefest comment anyone’s ever made…
Hello yourself!
James 3:13-18 (English Standard Version)
13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
well that was a bit longer 🙂