Are Christians called before conversion?

Question

There is some evidence that all who are saved are pre-destined by God. I understand that God knows already who will and will not accept Christ as Savior. The question is whether or not we have any altering influence over who believes. The background for this question is that I adopted a five year old boy from India who was Muslim by birth but not with any understanding. I determined that he could choose Christianity or not, but prayed continuously that he would. I asked questions about Islam and tried to present both equally in order to give him a choice. His name is Ramdiguan and I love him dearly. He is now nine years old and baptised into Christ. Was he called or did I somehow influence this. Please, no assertions that I forced my beliefs upon him. I did not. In fact, I probably went too far the other way to make sure I did not create a parot of my own faith. This is a serious question and worries me sometimes.

Answer 1

Those of us who truly know the Lord is real beleive whole heartily in one true God. He has sent the Holy Spirit to live with us and help us discover the truth. If you indeed gave your adopted son the ability to choose, the opportunity to find God, he will search for the truth on his own. At age 9, he may only be choosing to be like you, but he has been exposed to both religions and he can always make a change later. I believe when we are exposed to the Lord, the truth will be revealed to all of us. He will make the right choice with the Lord's help and your support.

Answer 2

I have found this to be a very serious question too.

We do have what is called a "free will", but it isn't free, it's bound by sin. We have the freedom to do what we want . . . but we want to do evil. The Bible says "we all like sheep have gone astray, each to his own way". The fact is humanity was once perfect but now is not. We have all been radically altered by our own sinful desires. Each person.

It's interesting that your yahoo name is "reformed". Because that would seem to draw reference from the "reformation". And that was a very big issue in the reformation. I believe Martin Luther called it "the article by which the church stands or falls". I think he believed that man was incapable in and of himself to desire God or the things of God. And that if one believed that ultimatily they were the ones who choose to to go to heaven or hell (by accepting christ), then by consequence of that belief . . . they merited or earned that themselves. And heaven is not merited, it is a gift of God's grace.

In regards to your question on did you have an influence. I would refer you to these verses in romans 10:14-15. Its meaninig seems to be: How can someone be saved unless they accept the gospel and how can they accept the gospel unless they hear the gospel. "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" God sends out his workers to do His work! We get to take part in the work of God. And that's what you've done.

I do have a bad feeling about you presenting the muslim faith to him equally, when you believe Christ is the truth. Martin Luther's book "The Bondage of The Will" goes into this doctrine in depth.

Answer 3

That is a very much debated question among even The True Christian Faith... I believe parents, if they do so properly, accourding to Christs teaching, can influence the further investigation of The Christian Faith... But only those The Holy Spirit leads will come to God in The Way He proscribes... in your case where you actualy presented your son a path leading astray, you did not have much influence... if his Salvation is assured then it was sole the leading of The Holy Spirit... I much advise you to seek councel from your church as you are not in accourd with Christ and need to also be seeking God in prayer... One of The True Faith would not teach against Christ as you did with your son.

I accept email questions concerning The basics of The True Christian Faith. r, you may check out my pov and read some about The Faith at:

http://www.mikesoutreach.com

All honest seekers welcome

Answer 4

Religion isn't neccessary to raise a child. If it helps him to understand right from wrong then it's ok. But to persist in delusion is the wrong way to go about it. Before accepting religion Humans should weigh all aspects of knowledge from Science to Philosophy.
Once knowledge from all angles is aquired then he should choose his own path. Right now he doesnt know what he wants because he is so young. at 9 years old i was still asking questions as to why it rains, or why there are craters on the moon. Until he aquires a vast amount of common knowledge, just teach him morals and values. He is too young to weigh the consequences of religion.

good luck, thanks for asking!

Answer 5

You did a good job, it sounds to me, of not pressuring him. He chose Christ on his own. God wants you to have a good influence on those around you, especially your children. That is why God gave the great commission, isn't it? Just continue to pray for him and leave your worries to God. You did nothing wrong, dear.

Answer 6

all people have the choice to be saved otherwize there would be no use to having free will you planted a seed and that seed is now growing but you have to be sure that he is not one of the seeds that is planted off to the wayside or is choked by weeds. continue to guide him and help him develop a relationship with God and He will be with your child even when you cannot be
and also to answer if you had anything to do with it yes and no you did your Christian duty to bring him to Christ but no matter what we say to anyone to compel them to come to Christ
( I'm not saying you compelled him) unless Christ is revealed in them as the Truth, the Light, and the Way it is all for nothing "for not by might nor by power but by the grace of God" are we saved

Answer 7

You influenced him by you being a Christian.You take him to church ,I assume, and he wants to please his Mom.I think 9 is a little to young to think it will stick.It might but I would wait until around 13 or 14 ,you might get a surprise.
The old story goes....a aman was presented with two doors to go through,one to heaven ,one to hell.The man finally summoned up his courage and chose a door. He went through and then "BAM" the door slammed behind him.And written over it was "Chosen before the foundation of the world".See, he had to make a choice but God knew what he would choose.

Answer 8

why are you worried about it if he has chosen Christ? everyone makes their own choices...but to be able to make a cjhoice a person must be allowed to explore all possibilities... correct? of course...! and you allowed him to explore those other possiblities and then he made the choice to follow Christ. So stop spending time worrying over something that you really have no control over anyway.

Answer 9

You might consider that he was adopted in order for you to do what you have done. God had already called him to be a Christian. How could he have been a Christian in a Muslim world?. It just wouldn't have worked. You have done Gods will.

Answer 10

God is the God of ALL people who have ever lived, are alive now, and will ever be born. You don't have to worry about what "category" your dear son is in regarding his place in God's Plan, because God, being infinite and eternal, accepts ALL His children unto Himself without reference to any one person's religious beliefs or practices. God's boundless reach enfolds ALL His children, regardless of creed, within His gentle embrace. Love yourself, love your child, love all God's children, be loved by God and love Him in return; nothing more or less is expected of you.