Christian Blogs, Millpond Conversations
Millpond Conversations, 2015 – Of Free Will
“Free will isn’t the issue,” I said as a matter of fact in response to the woman who had brought it up after Sunday School.
“Oh, you’re one of those,” the well dressed and fashioned lady replied. “You believe in predestination, election, total depravity, and something else. I recall there’s a mnemonic that has something to do with a flower. If only I could remember.”
“TULIP,” I answered as calmly as I could. It wasn’t that I hadn’t heard the sarcasm before. I looked to her side and it must have been her husband who I saw stepping back and behind the group. He appeared embarrassed; not that he should have been. Actually, I wish more men would step up.
She continued, “Yes, that’s right. TULIP. I don’t know why I was thinking of crocuses. Maybe because Easter came early this spring and that’s when…oh, well.” Then, she cackled as she looked at the others gathered. “The point is, I believe in free will.”
“So do I; not as you may understand it, but I do. God doesn’t compel man to do anything.”
“Well, I’m just not inclined,” she said and ended the conversation dismissively as she looked for approval from the others for her victory in the short-lived debate.
‘Exactly,’ I thought, smiled and left it there.
Principle: It is the Father, working through His Son, as mediator, that applies His call through the Holy Spirit to His elect. It is this call and loving massage of the heart that inclines the heart, mind and soul to cry out, “Yes, Lord!” and choose. This is by faith alone and by grace. (See Ephesians 1; 2:8,9)
