Predestination -

I have been struggling with the idea of predestination a great deal. While there are some verses that mention predestination by name. Namely Ephesians 1, and Romans 8 and 9. The basis of the argument for predestination is that we are dead in our sins and that we are unable to do anything good. Thus even having faith in Jesus is impossible unless Jesus is willing. I am leaning to the side of not believing in predestination. Here is why:

• God is love and how do you explain God's love to somebody who isn't predestined.
• When you read the bible how it was meant to be read, as a story, you will see that God is calling all people to come to faith in Jesus.
• While we could not come to Jesus without God, through the holy spirit, God enables all people to understand who he is, he has revealed himself through his creation. He stands at the door and knocks.
• God lives outside of time, so he prepares (predestines) ahead of time those that he knows will come to faith. Those people are set a part and are a part of the elect.

This by no means is the end all be all, but this sums up where I am at on these issues today. I still have a lot more studying to do, but believe that we have a choice to believe or not. God has given us that right and that responsibility.