When people complain about the Reformed/Biblical doctrine of election and its supposed unfairness to "millions" of unelected people who go to hell, ask them to ponder the "fairness" in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Creator and Sustainer of the world and universe, whom angels worship and creation rejoices over, becoming a man, subjected to innumerable wicked people and countless evil, disgusting thoughts about Him, voluntarily yet in perfect obedience to God's purpose and plan being whipped, mocked, beaten and crucified for sinful, wretched people.
When they are done pondering that supreme act of injustice, then let us talk about the perceived unfairness of God sending some to hell for their unrepentant filthy perversions of His image-bearing gift.
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
The doctrine of election is the only reason anyone ever repents and believes. Without the doctrine of election, there is no hope for sinners.
You know I was going to go to Tim for this: one of my favourite Keller quotes: "Given an infinite amount of chances, our hearts will NEVER choose Christ. He must choose us for we can not choose him." We are too evil, to sinful, too wretched... we need to be given hearts of flesh with which it love Him.
ReplyDeleteHow anyone can NOT love Tim Keller, I just do not know!
Love - Kathleen