Can someone explain John 15:16? "You did not choose me but I chose you" doesn't show a God that loves all of mankind and hopes for everyone to come to him. If we do have free will, I sure ain't seeing it.
2006-12-02 05:14:19 · 7 answers · asked by ccrider 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, Jesus was talking to his disciples here. And did he not choose his disciples? Such as when he went up to James and John on thier father's boat and say, "Come follow me, and I will make you fisher's of men." And in turn did the men not choose to follow Jesus? Yes Jesus chose them first, but it was up to them to actually go foward with it. So Jesus chose them without violating their freewill whatsoever.
2006-12-02 05:19:44 · answer #1 · answered by kerri s 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are troubled about many things. God loves you. He is real. You don't have to figure it out before it is true. You don't have to know all the answers. You don't even have to know who is right and who is wrong. It doesn't matter. He loved the "good theif" on the cross next to Him , who said, "remember me when You come into Your kingdom." Jesus said, "this day you shall be with Me in paradise." This man had no theology. He just knew that Jesus was for real. That was enough.
2006-12-02 13:21:37 · answer #2 · answered by cathyhewed1946 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm no expert, but here's my take:
In the Christian religion people believe that God gave humanity a choice: choose him... or don't. If you buy into the Christian philosophy, then I'd take that to refer to the creation story... that God created us because he wanted us. Or maybe it is meant as a comfort, as in God will be waiting with infinite patience for us to choose His way (Way?)
Best of luck...
2006-12-02 13:19:44 · answer #3 · answered by Mikisew 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have entered into one of the greatest debates of Christendom. Good luck. I haven't figured it out yet, but I think it may have something to do with His foreknowledge. He calls all those who will choose Him. The call goes out to all but only the ones who come are chosen. Its pretty mind boggling.
2006-12-02 13:21:10 · answer #4 · answered by Captain America 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
15:16- Darn is it that late already
2006-12-02 13:17:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Will a metaphor work for you?
It's like a door - on one side of the door it says "welcome all who would enter" - on the other side it says "welcome I have chosen you".
2006-12-02 13:17:17 · answer #6 · answered by padwinlearner 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
he has invited us to his banquest ( heaven) but we can say no thanks and many do.
2006-12-02 13:20:05 · answer #7 · answered by Mim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋