the day before i left Egypt, i was reading John 3 on the story of Nicodemus. somehow i've read thru this a million times but these verses jumped out
v. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. (NIV)
i guess i am one of those people who thinks it's rather unfair for people to be "condemned" based on their choice or being born into a certain religious belief. when we share the Gospel with someone and he/she might say "that's nice, but i don't think it's for me" or "all religions are the same. i believe in God and so do you. there's no need for me to become a Christian or anything like that..." to me... how can a loving and just God condemn someone because they choose to believe another "religion" and not Jesus Christ?
but the Bible seems to be telling me... it's not that they choose to be condemned but it's the fact that we have all been condemned. there's no choice involved here. it's just a straight fact. no one should or have any way to obtain salvation.
although it seems kinda sad and hopeless (i love movies and stories with happy endings), i think the more it seems "salvation through Jesus Christ and Christ alone" (for those who have been saved and have a growing relationship with God) is simply amazing. i hate to use the cliche word--grace, but that's just what it is.
then today in John 6:64b-65...
For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."
i am not a Calvinist or Armenian. i believe the Bible contains and teaches both at the same time (somehow). but for the above verse, it emphasizes again the fact of human inability to truly "choose" for him or herself.
maybe that's the hardest of all to accept as human beings... it's the fact that i have no absolute control or the ability to decide (not saying we are idiots and puppets because we also do have a mind given by God). for salvation, it simply requires God's enabling and enlightening for a person to believe in Jesus Christ.
