Lets just be honest! The cows never come home.

Yesterday I finished writing my conclusion to Predestination and Free Will.

It was glorious. I had it broken up into 3 parts; with the arguments and counter arguments beautifully aligned  wit a balance of profundity and simplicity. Glorious.

I looked with my eyes at the work that my hands had done. It was good.

So why haven’t I posted it? Well frankly; I’m an idiot (and a beneficiary of grace).

Look with me at this verse will you?

“…We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. 3But the man who loves God is known by God.” 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

I am instantly convicted every time my eyes lay upon this passage. I am always looking for bits of facts to puff, to expand, and to bloat in order to encompass every bit of “knowledge” I can sustain. Then humility comes like a searing blade, bursting my catacomb of gluttony and deflating me to my knees. And all that is left within me is “Christ and Him Crucified.” I have no greater joy than this, yet I water it down with my accumulating perceptions.

We need, as a body of Christ, to build up and work together in unity.

“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 cor. 1:10

And in all actuality, the point of free will clashes with predestination and those who hold that view. Anyone, whether they are brilliant theologians, or common members, can argue their sides until the cows come home. AND THE COWS NEVER COME HOME!

And often times these arguments can lead to doubt, the feeling of defeat, separation, and a poor witness to unbelievers.

Am I saying that we should never express any views that may cause controversy in the church or fellowship of other believers? No! There are times when contrasting opinions solidify beliefs, challenge, and bring about new perspective. Will I ever post my stance on mans autonomy vs. Gods sovereignty in control? Who knows! I do know that all things should be done in love. And if I posted them to day I would merely be exhibiting my puffiness to continue to feed my pride

I just think that unity far more important.

These are what make up the quintessence of Christianity that we as believers should hold to and support one another with:

Assurance in salvation

Assurance in the legitimacy and sovereignty of scripture

Assurance in the promises of God

Recognition of what the Gospel is and what it proves

Recognition of the responsibility to Glorify God

Recognition of the responsibility to fulfill the requirements of scripture

Desire to protect and pursue the above

All else falls by the wayside.

I encourage you as a believer to challenge and inspire those around you. But more importantly grow closer together in unity as brothers and sisters in Christ to pursue Christ.