Your Choice, Accept or Reject

The Bible teaches of God’s foreknowledge and Omniscient nature. God is able to “declare the end from the beginning …” (Isaiah 46:10)

Redemption for mankind was in the mind of God before the creation of all things. God knew Adam and Eve would sin. He planned the “precious blood of Christ as a lamb … foreordained before the foundation of the world.” (1 Pet. 1:19-21) Paul tells us that God chose us “in him before the foundation of the world.” (Eph 1:4-5) Jesus said that the saved will “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matt. 25:34) The foreknowledge of God is without dispute.

Think about this. Even though God knew Adam and Eve would sin, he did not force nor program them to disobey him. God did not tempt them to sin either. Why did they sin? “They were drawn away by their own lust and enticed.” (James 1:14-15) Eve’s lust was conceived, she sinned and death was brought about because of it. “The woman saw that the tree was good for food … pleasant to the eyes … desired to make one wise … she did eat … gave to her husband and he did eat.” (Gen. 3:6) They chose to sin! God knew they would.

They sinned. Mankind now needs salvation. In the fullness of time God sent Jesus to save man from his sins.

Man’s personal will was involved in his sin. Man’s personal will is involved in his salvation from sin; not God’s irresistible coercion. “God gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Please note that the phrase, ‘whosoever believes in him’ squarely now places responsibility on sinful man. God gave the gift, man must accept it! It’s your choice, accept it or reject it; believe in Jesus or reject him. Jesus warns that if sinful men do not believe in him they will die in their sins. (John 8:24)

Sinful man must choose to “repent or perish.” (Luke 13:3) Furthermore man must confess Jesus before men or he will deny you before God. (Matt. 10:32) Your choice, will you accept or reject? Will you submit to baptism “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38) or reject?

God has done his part in our salvation; Jesus has done his. Now it’s all about our choices. Will you accept or reject?