Chosen or Choice?

In Romans 9 we have a very interesting and thought provoking discussion about the sovereignty of God. One of the more interesting debates in biblical theology, at least in my opinion, is the two ideas of the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. For me, this discussion has the most interest as it relates to salvation. Are we chosen for salvation or do we choose Jesus…yes…no…yes and no…? In Romans 9 Paul is talking about Israel’s rejection of God’s purpose for them. Is Israel responsible for this rejection? Did Israel have a choice? If not, then how could they be responsible? If this discussion were applied to you and me as individuals it gets very “sticky”. I don’t intend to answer the question for you. My own opinion is that “truth” is somewhere out there among the two ideas of election and free will. I believe that both play a role but I’m not smart enough to know exactly how the two ideas come together.

But there is one thing I do know. I can trust God. I am not going to find fault with God and/or His plan. Paul puts it this way: 20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?   Whether I’m chosen, choose Jesus or a combination of both, I am going to trust God to get it right. I am going to follow the commands and direction that are clear from God’s word and leave some of the weightier, theological conundrums to someone else to worry about. Whether I’m chosen or have a choice or a combination of both, I know that God has it figured out. If I trust in Him and His plan, I’ll be OK…so will you.