Oh Where to Rest Our Case!

This morning at our men’s Bible study I was reacquainted with some old sinful feelings. In the past, I would pridefully argue certain doctrinal issues, such as whether salvation was by God’s divine and sovereign election or if man possessed the freewill to choose or reject the Gospel. Anyway, this morning those old feelings were stirred, which by the grace of God I quickly confessed, and God answered, when a brother abruptly ended a discussion by saying that the issue of election vs. freewill had been argued for centuries, and wouldn’t be resolved by us. Of course, I can’t disagree with his observation, but I must admit that I was initially a bit rankled by his dismissiveness of the subject. I sensed he didn’t want to talk about it at all, and I got the impression from his comment and demeanor  that there were things we shouldn’t discuss. I found that a problem considering what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Tim. 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Clearly, there are just too many passages in Scripture related to God’s sovereignty and election, the nature of man and his fall, and other great doctrines that cannot simply be ignored because we find them contentious. Frankly, given that we are to do all things in the love of Christ, I find the study and discussion of God’s Word, however prickly the historical arguments and divisions, to be a positive forum for spiritual discovery and ‘body’ growth.  The problem is we don’t bottom line a subject. What I mean by that is we can learn what needs to be known for discernment by asking a simple question related to any given topic. For example, divine election versus freewill: Do you believe that you are saved because you possess freewill and decided to believe in Christ without any inward inclination, desire or prompting? That’s a bottom line question that we must lovingly ask, have answered and then examine together in light of Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”   

When we don’t bottom line a question directed to a specific doctrine and its meaning we get wrapped around the community axel. We are so semantically driven that we can’t see the forest for the trees. I would dare say that the well-structured question often answers itself and provides a greater sense of understanding, commonality and thus, community. Often times we find that people protect a position because that is what they were taught; not that they studied the subject for themselves. When we ask a pointed question, there can be a point to the question that hopefully will pierce the heart and mind through the power of the Holy Spirit. The well thought out, prayed about, and lovingly asked question will reap a far greater harvest than we can imagine.

Of course, I’d like to say that I think that way on a consistent basis, but that’s not the case. Because it isn’t the case, I find myself going to the Lord for His strength and wisdom. Of course, because I am drawn to Him and He and I delight in coming together in fellowship, I suppose I should say that that is where I’ll rest my case; and where I rest my case, I rest in Him.