THE DETERMINED OBJECTIVE OF SALVATION I am aware that a subject like the one we are reviewing introduces some difficulties. The Spirit has already informed us "there is none righteous, no not one" (Rom 3:10), and "there is none that doeth good, no not one" (Rom 3:12). With power He has affirmed, "There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God" (Rom 3:10). What, then, is the point of the eyes of the Lord scanning the whole earth in quest of a man "whose heart is fully committed to Him?" (NIV). Why search the heart, weigh the motives, and test the mind? -- Tomorrow:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." (Romans 8:28-34, NKJV)
Devotion 13 of 33
SOME DIFFICULTIES
In order to resolve this difficulty, some have said there are no distinctions at all among men. After all, the Scriptures affirm, "there is no difference, for all have sinned" (Rom 3:23). However, that does not mean there is no difference between Cain and Abel, neither of which were born again. Nor, indeed, does it suggest there was no inner distinction between Hezekiah and Sennacherib, or David and Saul. So far as being dominated by sin is concerned, "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." No person is able to change their condition themselves. All of them need a Savior. There is no inherent goodness in any of them. Concerning this, there is no question. It is a matter of revelation (Rom 3:10-12).
Yet, there is a depth to the human nature into which God alone can peer. He has declared in His Word that He DOES search the inner recesses of the heart. In my judgment, His foreknowledge takes into consideration the hidden part of man, known only to Him. Men themselves are not aware of their own capacities. That is one reason David prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked WAY in me, and lead me in the WAY everlasting" (Psa 139:23-24). I gather these are the things God has declared He looks for.
A CASE IN POINT
We have an example in Scripture of people who responded to the Gospel according to Divine appointment. Although a highly controversial passage, its wording is quite clear. The occasion was the preaching of Paul in Antioch of Pisidia. The whole city was set on fire with the powerful preaching of the Apostle, with "almost the whole city" coming together on the Sabbath day "to hear the Word of God" (Acts 13:44). However, "when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul." Intolerant of their heartless opposition, Paul and Barnabas "grew bold and said, It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth'" (13:46-47).
The Holy Spirit declares the Gentiles were glad when they heard this, adding, "And as many as had been APPOINTED TO eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48, NKJV, NASB). The King James Version reads "ordained to eternal life," the NIV reads "appointed for eternal life," the NRSV reads "destined for eternal life," the Basic Bible English and New Century Bible read "those marked out by God for eternal life," and the Amplified Bible reads "as many as were destined (appointed and ordained) to eternal life believed."
Every major translation of Acts 13:48 reads the same way – "appointed," or "ordained." Every paraphrased version but one reads that way also, the single exception being the Living Bible, which reads "and as many as wanted eternal life, believed." No small number of people have adopted this view i.e., that the word "ordained," or "appointed," refers to what the people themselves desired, and not God. This view is based on a variant meaning of the Greek word meaning: "disposed toward," or "agree upon." Thus the verse is imagined to say, "as many as were disposed to eternal life believed." If Acts 13:48 was the only place where such a thing is declared, we might be more tolerant of these would-be scholars. However, when God speaks on the subject elsewhere with even greater clarity, and when the combined linguists of the centuries agree on the general use of the word, we can hold no sympathy whatsoever for such a meager and watered down view of Scripture.
There are places where this Greek word is used to describe human determinations (Lk 7:8 – "set," Acts 15:2 – "determined," Acts 28:23 – "appointed," and 1 Cor 16:15 – "addicted" or "devoted"). However, none of those places have to do with an action toward God, or appropriating salvation, or with the relationship of men to God. They all have to do with the relationship of man to man.
Believing, or having faith, cannot be accounted for by human disposition. It is the Lord who opens the heart in order that people may respond to the Gospel (Acts 16;14). Faith is "obtained" (2 Pet 1:1). Those who believe do so "through grace," not human disposition (Acts 18:27). Faith DOES come "from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph 6:23).
The people of God must be willing to accept Divine affirmation without questioning it. What God does will not violate any aspect of His person, nor will it find Him imposing a blessing upon those who do not desire it. That is the genius of salvation. It also is the reason why salvation in its totality will, in the end, be ascribed to God, and God alone (Rev 7:10; 19:1).
Thus, the "foreknowledge" of God is associated with HIS choice, HIS determination, and HIS will. In this God is righteous, and will not overlook any tender heart, or impose salvation on anyone who is hardened.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You that Your choice is the prevailing one.