Ask Jack
| << Back | Next >> | Recent questions | Ask Jack a question |
| Questions about: Apologetics and Theology |
| Grace: (04/13/09) I know these things are true:
(1) Our prayer does not change God's mind because He is omniscient and eternal and omnipotent.
"I the Lord do not change." (Malachi 3:6)
Or maybe He does change because of our prayer:
"My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused." (Hosea 11:8)
(2) God has already elected who He will save, before the beginning of time. (Eph. 1:4, 1 Thess. 1:4, John 15:16)
Regardless of whether (1) is true or not, (2) seems pretty definite... so if God has already chosen who He will save and who He will not save, then is it really effective for us to keep praying for someone's salvation? We can still keep preaching the gospel because if that person is one of God's elect, then he/she will respond eventually to the gospel... but if God has already decided who will enter heaven, then is there really a point to praying fervently for someone's salvation? Or would it be better just to simply say something like "God, thy will be done" and leave it at that? |
| Jack: Good question, Grace. I wish I could give you an air tight logical answer to the dilemma you present; but I can’t. However, it is instructive to note that Paul, whom you quote both in Ephesians and Thessalonians supporting election (and you could have included his strong statement in Romans 9:11, where he states, “in order that God’s purpose in election might stand”), states (Rom 10:11) “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame…Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” He asks, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” In other words, he emphasizes election in one chapter and calls for the preaching of the Gospel that people may respond in faith.
And, in addition, we read of Paul’s continued prayer life. How do we put all this together. As I mentioned above, I really don’t know. Personally, I rejoice in God’s initiative, in the security of trusting in Him, and gratitude for the Gospel: “whosoever will may come.” I seek to follow Paul’s example in prayer and am humbled as I see him boldly proclaiming the Gospel in every possible occasion he can. Keep reading the Scripture, keep asking the hard questions, and recognize that God’s wisdom will always be far beyond ours. Jack Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen! (Romans 11:33ff) |
| << Back | Next >> | Recent questions | Ask Jack a question |
Print
Email
