The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Is man required to "choose" in order to be saved?

First, God's decree does not negate the responsibility of the individual to do that which he is required to do, even if the ability to do so is not possible. Second, man only chooses that which is in accord with his nature. If a man has a sin nature, then he will always choose that which is sinful. If a man has a renewed (godly) nature, then he will choose that which is good. In either case, it is a sure thing that whatever nature a man possesses, that is what that person will choose, whether evil or good. In the case of a regenerated sinner, the new nature is inclined toward God. And although the person's old nature still remains in part, the new nature is far stronger than the old and thus it takes precedence over the old. In truth, when one is "born again", the inclinations of the soul are so strong, that the person, albeit now naturally, cannot help but repent and believe; aka: Irresistible Grace. It is not God who makes the choice, but the person himself due to the new and powerful nature created within him.

I can't recall how many times it has been referred to, but the biblical record of the crucifixion is the paradigm illustration of these two truths working together; i.e., God's sovereignty and man's responsibility. (cf. Acts 2:23, 24; 3:18; 4:27, 28) The crucifixion was foreordained by God's eternal determinate counsel AND it was accomplished by the unfettered decision of wicked men.

To the first part of your question, the answer is "No"! One is either regenerated (made alive) or he isn't (remains dead). Once the new nature is created, the new inclinations determine what choices are made. Remember? a man only chooses that which is in accordance to his nature. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> If one loves God and hates sin, then he will choose God and most willingly.

If a person is confronted with two alternative, just for the sake of illustration, and one of those alternatives is most obnoxious and despised by that person and the other alternative is something which is that which is most desirable, loved and needed, then it is a foregone conclusion that the person will always choose the latter and not the former. IF the person would choose the former, then we must conclude that it was what was most desirable at that moment. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> We are "irresistibly" drawn in the sense that the object of our desires at the moment of regeneration is Christ. He is the One to Whom our heart is attracted; He is seen as most lovely, a sufficient and worthy Saviour of our souls, the means by which we can be reconciled to God, which also is the heart's desire, etc. Thus, because our inclinations are incredibly attracted to Christ over all other things, we "irresistibly" (naturally) run to Him.

Perhaps you are confusing the power of the new nature which the Spirit creates in regeneration with a "force" that is opposed to the person's will? Before regeneration occurs, a person "irresistibly" (naturally) sins. No one compels a person to sin no more than anyone or anything compels a lion to eat meat. It is one's NATURE, i.e., what one knows, believes and desires which dictates what the will chooses. Whatever is most important to a person at any given moment will determine what that person will choose. Thus, when regeneration takes place the inclinations which govern the person's choices (that which is most important) are radically different than what they were beforehand. Sure, the choice to reject Christ is still real, but it is that which is most UNDESIRABLE and Christ is most desirable, so the person "irresistibly" (naturally) chooses to believe upon Christ. The person isn't "forced" to believe upon Christ against his/her will!! Where before the person was unable to believe upon Christ because anything that had to do with God, etc., was the least important thing in life. In fact, it is the most hated thing in that person's life. Thus, the person will never choose to repent and believe. But you wouldn't say that an unregenerate sinner was a "puppet" would you in the same sense as you are saying about a regenerated person, eh? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

This is more a judgment against God and not against a doctrine. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/nono.gif" alt="" /> Is it a violation of a child's "right to choose" if you rescue it from being run over by a car when it runs out into the street? Would this be an unjust act and a violation of the child's will? Is it "unfair" and God therefore "unjust" if He has decided to make alive that which is dead and to adopt a person as His own at the expense of His own self in the person of Jesus Christ? But even more salient is the fact that God, being the Holy Creator of all mankind, has an inalienable right to do with His creation as He sees fit and for His own glory. I would suggest you read through Romans 9:6-24 carefully and note the way Paul answers those who would question God's right to save those whom He wills and how He wills. I think you will see some very close similarities to some of the questions you have asked here. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/scratchchin.gif" alt="" />

Don't dismay... I am confident that God will open your understanding to these marvelous truths in due time. We have all had to walk down this road to one degree or another to arrive where we are at. And, rest assured, none of us have "arrived"; we are still learning. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bigglasses.gif" alt="" />

In His Grace,