Z Man just wrote: I don't think this is the right place to debate about predestination...
... You didn't choose Christ, He choose you.
Hey Z Man, think about all those times when you didn't think of just the right thing to say, until it was too late. As soon as the perfect moment had passed, just after you hung up the phone, or had left the meeting, or had moved on to the next point, or were driving home, only then did you think of just the right thing to say.
What's up with that? Do you think that's God just playing with your head? Always predestining that you'd have just the right response, but just a minute too late? Timing's everything you know. Do you think it was God who had you write that we shouldn't debate predestination in this thread, and then move you irresistibly to go ahead and debate it anyway, and that, while avoiding my question? What's up with that? What do you Calvinists call it, Irresistible Disgrace?
In that intimate Last Supper talk with His disciples, Jesus was encouraging them to press on after His absence. And He heartened them reminding each one that Jesus had personally selected them. “Peter, follow Me.” “Andrew, Bartholomew, follow Me.” “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you.” That was the meaning of Christ’s words. Of course, you can twist them to turn Him into a Creator who created millions of people to torment them in Hell with no possible way out.
Perhaps we can both agree that in the afterlife, there will be sorrow for those who attribute to God the wickedness that He despises.
Sincerely, -Bob Enyart