One of the most controversial statements in the New Testament is found in Ephesians 1:5 where it says: “ he[b] predestined us” It’s controversial because if God has determined from eternity what will happen to us, then where does that leave free will. It seems that everything has already been decided. If, God “chose us …before the foundation… Continue reading Predestination in Ephesians
Tag: Free Will
Predestination or free will?
The Big Question So, this is the big question that has stumped theologians and divided Christians. If God is sovereign and predestines, then what freedom do we have to make choices and thus what responsibility do we have for our actions. This is a question we will come back to in more detail when we… Continue reading Predestination or free will?
Why does Open Theism matter?
I’ve been spending a few days talking about Open Theism. Why have I given so much attention to what on the surface looks like an obscure theological viewpoint which is not widely known. I want to suggest that there are significant things at stake, not just theologically but pastorally as well. You see, whilst there… Continue reading Why does Open Theism matter?
Divine Love and the case for Open Theism
The crucial question when making a decision about Open Theism is whether or not it faithfully points us to the God of the Bible. As I mentioned in my previous article, a key starting point for Open Theism is 1 John 4:8 where the apostle says: 8 But anyone who does not love does not know… Continue reading Divine Love and the case for Open Theism
Open Theism
I recently did a straw poll on social media to find out whether or not people have heard of Open Theism and what they made of it. A significant proportion of those who responded indicated that they did not know enough to form a judgement. Yet, I want to suggest that elements of the thinking… Continue reading Open Theism
Does God “give and take away”?
This question got asked by a thoughtful person the other day. Are we right to sing “You give and take away” in the song “Blessed be the name of the Lord?” The line of course is drawn from Job’s response to his suffering (Job 1:21). But was Job right in his assessment. We know that… Continue reading Does God “give and take away”?
Love and Hate, Sovereignty and Freedom: A Copernican revolution in Romans 9
A lot of people struggle with Romans 9. It isn’t the easiest of Bible passages to follow as Paul delves into some deep and complex reasoning. However I think the primary problem that people have with the passage are the following verses that we might find uncomfortable; not so much difficult to understand as hard… Continue reading Love and Hate, Sovereignty and Freedom: A Copernican revolution in Romans 9
A different world?
“Could God have created another world?” It was a classic question set for theological students when I was at Oak Hill. The question concerned God’s sovereignty and providence. On the one hand it was argued that this world is exactly the kind of world that you would expect to see, it is fitting to God’s… Continue reading A different world?
Be Alert … Be Ready
“Destined for greatness … pacing myself” says one of Sarah’s favourite T-shirts. Personally, I’m not good at the whole pacing thing. I don’t like to be at events on time, I like to be there early and I like to see people involved there in good time too. The closer we get to the start… Continue reading Be Alert … Be Ready
Faithroots 