OK-so my friend posted a response that was just sooo RIGHT ON. Bre, thanks for re-stating what I was trying to say, but from a Biblical context. I love it so much, I'm re-posting it, just to make sure everyone will see it.
BreannaKay said...
I have been thinking a lot about this topic myself, lately.
I have been re-connecting, through facebook, with a lot of people that I went to school with. It has made me realize how much I took for granted that everyone was a Christian at my Christian school. We all had to take our bible classes and such, but, outside of the Bible Study group I went to on Friday mornings before school, I never really talked with many people about if they REALLY believed. I just assumed everyone did.
And now I see on people's profiles so many different religious beliefs. There are many people that are so on fire... and so many that say things like "God, what god?" or "don't know don't care" or whatever. And I wonder, "what has changed?" "Why do they not believe, when others do? Was there something in their home life, or did a particular church turn them off?" "How could this person that I sat next to for 4 years NOT have been chosen... how could they NOT have chosen HIM?!"
I know I have gone through my periods of low fellowship with the Lord... but ever since I can remember, I have believed. God has always been deep rooted in my soul. My Grandma loves to tell the story of the time that we were all having a picnic, I was about 4 years old or so, and I wondered off... They were looking all over for me and finally found me at the top of a hill. My arms were stretched out above my head and I was yelling at the top of my voice "Praise the Lord!
I believe that, as children, we are saved. And once we get old enough to realllly understand, we have to choose b/w Christ and going our own path, a decision that has to be made before we die, but is best made as soon as possible :P. In Romans 7:9, Paul said that he was alive apart from the Law until the commandment came, when sin sprang to life and he died. Obviously this wasn't him dying physically, but spiritually. He was alive (saved) until the commandment came (he really understood right from wrong), and then he died spiritually (ala Adam and Eve after eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil). But, I believe some children learn enough about God to choose Him before (or at the same time) that they go right from saved to saved. (ala the rapture, no physical death). Though, I suppose an argument could be made for if they are aware enough to choose Christ, they are aware enough to not choose Him...but to that I say that it is the Holy Spirit who is guiding them early. Which could very well be because of prayers from family and friends etc...and God does say that we have to have the faith of a child... but, I digress.
I think we ALL are chosen, but many choose not to reach out and accept it. 2 Peter 3:9 says 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. How can he HONESTLY say that he wants everyone to come to repentance, if there are some that he has not chosen. He wants absolutely all of us, and we all get at least one chance, even those who have never even heard of the name of Jesus. (ok, another verse) Romans 2:11-15
11For God does not show favoritism.
12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)
So... to make a long story short. Yes, I believe he calls out to all of us, and some answer. But, He also knows who will answer, and has known from before the beginning of time... isn't it amazing that he STILL calls out to those who He knows will turn their back on Him? What amazing love...
Again Bre-so right on. He already knows who will answer his call, but he did call everyone.
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