POWER TO CHOOSE

“The most precious gift, other than salvation, from God to man is a part of His own sovereignty so that we can choose. God wants us to serve Him because we love Him, not out of force or coercion. Love demands freedom of choice. If we’re forced to love God, it isn’t love – we’re made to do it. God created us as beings who don’t have to love Him, but who may choose to. How amazing to realize that God surrendered part of His sovereignty and gave it to us. We must face the issue of personal responsibility with fear and trembling when we fully understand that although God will counsel and instruct, He will never make decisions for us.

The whole Bible presupposes the power to choose. “Put off the old man” (Ephesians 4:22). If that weren’t possible, why in the world is God telling us to do it? “Put on the whole armour of God” (Ephesians 6:11). How can we put on the armour of God if we can’t choose? If we couldn’t choose to be obedient, why would any commandments be given? Underlying every verse of the Bible is the inference and assumption that we have the power to choose.…

When Moses came down from the mountain and saw the children of Israel dancing around the golden calf, he said, “Who is on the Lord’s side?”…He called the people to a choice!

Jesus is calling all people to a choice… (Matthew 7:13,14). We can choose which road we want, but the end of that road, its destiny, is already determined. If we choose the broad road, our end will be destruction; if we choose the narrow road, it will lead to life.”