In every great Bible teaching lies an irreconcilable paradox. For instance, if I ask you by what means were you saved you might quote Ephesians 1:4
…He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…
But then you might say that you had to make a choice to follow Jesus. You might quote Mark 8:34
And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”
Which is it? Did God choose to save me before the foundation of the world was made or do I have to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Jesus?
The answer: Yes.
For many, this creates a problem (as it did for me for many years). The problem truly only existed because of the limited capacity of my understanding. People hate it when I say that! The arrogance of mankind is so great that many will not acknowledge that something is beyond their ability to understand.
So how do I reconcile the verses above? It’s a very simple solution: I believe them both. How can I do that? It’s not that hard. I simply believe that God chose me before he created the world and I also believe that I have to choose to follow Jesus. I recognize the tension, but I don’t allow it to make me crazy. Also, I don’t do like so many do and believe one but explain the other away.
My mind is limited. God’s mind in unlimited. I can live with that.
Consider the crucifixion of Jesus. Was it the worst day ever or the best day ever? It was both. It was the worst day because it was the greatest injustice that has ever been or ever will be. It was the best because Jesus made it possible for sinners to be reconciled to God.
When you take communion, should you feel happy or sad? Both. Sad because you remember what Jesus endured on the cross and happy because he saved you.
At least there is no conflict with the resurrection of Jesus; With it there is only one thing to feel – The most overwhelming joy imaginable!
Happy Easter and God bless you all, my wonderful church family!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
