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More on the will of God

13th April 2013

Consider, if you will, the following three propositions:

It would seem that you can't believe all three of these propositions, because they're logically inconsistent:

But I can find scripture references that seem to support all three propositions:

God wants everybody to be saved:

1 Timothy 2v3b-6a
God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men.

2 Peter 3v9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

God accomplishes everything he wants:

Ephesians 1v11
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will

Proverbs 16v33
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

Some people will not be saved:

Matthew 7:21-23
[Jesus said] "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"

2 Peter 3v7b
the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

Of course, many other scriptures could be quoted in support of all three propositions.

But how can they all be true?

Different people choose (whether or not they realise it) to deny or modify one of these three propositions:

All three positions have their difficulties:

An Arminian sets the mercy of God over the sovereignty of God. A Calvinist sets the sovereignty of God over the mercy of God. A Universalist tries to see both as absolute, but has to deny the ideas of judgment and hell in order to do so.

I take the Calvinist position:

But no-one will ever fully understand the will of God. The creature can never fully understand the creator. We're called to trust Him, and obey Him, whether we understand or not.

Genesis 18v25b
Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?"