God Chose Us Not The Other Way Around
Recently, I heard of someone in the Church, in a leadership position, telling his students that “We choose God…” He did not like the idea of God choosing us first. I am not sure how to say you are wrong in a way that sounds polite so I quote Gomer (Andy Griffith TV Show reference for fellow geezers like me) “Shame, Shame, Shame, Shame….” This theological ignorance comes from immaturity in Christ and it is why young inexperienced Christians should not be placed in positions where they are teaching or leading others.
This belief that we choose God first goes against the very core of Christianity and prevenient grace. God chose us in Christ even before creation itself had occurred, he predestined you to be saved! Free will you ask? You betcha! It is up to you to choose the gift He decided to give before the Earth was well the Earth. This is the vastness of the love, grace and mercy of God and it was His plan that He included you in even before He put it in motion. A plan where God included you from day one. Praise God, that none of us were ever going to be an afterthought, see God loved you and you and you even before any of us even knew it.
In fact, God loves you so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for you (see John 3:16). God is a mysterious God and His character; His nature is revealed to us in the fact of His choosing us first. God is true love and true grace, something humans are incapable of on their own. God put His plan in motion and as Paul said in Ephesians 1:3-4 “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” Let us not forget about John who in John 15:16, quotes Jesus, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
You were predestined for adoption by God, His choice already made, His love and grace already given to you, all you have to do is accept it. Accept it and know that “He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.” – Ephesians 1:7-8
Closing prayer: Father we will never fully understand why you chose us, but we will humbly accept your gift. Let us grow and flourish in your holy household, built upon Jesus the cornerstone, as your sons and daughters Father.
Peace in Christ be with you,
Phillip Allen