I thought God gave us all free will? Is that plan thing purely a Calvinist notion? And if anything you do is only because God planned it, how do you take responsibility for your actions???
I'm confused.
2006-12-11 08:25:13 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Calvin taught that God had already predetermined the fate of every human being, that some were absolutely destined for hell, others for heaven, and that no could really do anything about it.
He was wrong.
And while there is no doubt that God's will (and his plan) will indeed ultimately prevail, simply because he is God, we are all free to make our own choices, and to deal with all the various consequences.
God takes all our free choices (good or bad) into account, and continues to bring his divine plan, to fruition.
This way, free will is able to be exercised by all, humans remain responsible for their actions, and God remains God.
2006-12-11 10:18:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is hard to explain- but of course everything is planned- and we have repsonsibility for our actions as well, for the Bible tells us that we will all have to give an account to God. God is soverign and the Bible is clear on this- See Romans 9 and Ephesians 1 and 2- for starters.
I am not saying that because I just typed these letters, it was God moving my hands...but because God is in control everything that has happened was meant to happen- and it is all to bring Glory to Him! Of course we make dumb decesions but God brings us through it- those who love Him. Here is a verse that may confuse you more- but hopefully not, and hopefully it wont make you think negative of God- only because He is God and knows what is best- and everything He does is right...Just remember that, no matter how bad things look- Those who continue to trust in the lord with all of their heart and not lean on there own understanding- will have their paths straightened- as it says in Proverbs 3:5-6
Here is the verse:
Proverbs 14:6 "God has made everything for a purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil"
2006-12-11 16:31:28 · answer #2 · answered by Mandolyn Monkey Munch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And if it had turned out differently, then that would have been His plan (or will). One theory is that God has a perfect will and a permissive will. I like the story of the fellow who sees a banner reading "whosoever will may freely come". So he decides to walk underneath it. On the other side it read, "Chosen from the foundation of the world".- Two sides of the same coin. We'll never figure it out in this life.
2006-12-11 16:32:52 · answer #3 · answered by John 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are walking with the Lord, and u pray for somthing, and it doesn't happen, and you leave it in Gods hands, then you know it wasnt in His plan, becuase you are walking with Him, living His will. If you are not with the Lord, and you try to take control of things in your life, and things do happen, that doesn't mean that it is in Gods plan, becuase you are making them happen. For example, if you want a new car, and u don't leave it in Gods hands, you can just go out and buy it and get into debt, and thats that, but if God doesn't want you to have it, and you are walking with Him, you will know that he doesnt want you to have it, becuase he has something better for you. You can either live in His plan, or outside of His plan.
2006-12-11 16:32:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more * of works: otherwise grace is no more * grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more * grace: otherwise work is no more * work.
11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
11:8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
2006-12-11 16:32:15 · answer #5 · answered by Royal Racer Hell=Grave © 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We say a lot of things to comfort each other. Accept it as the caring gesture that it is meant to be.
2006-12-11 16:29:32 · answer #6 · answered by Love Shepherd 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God told people in the bible his plan for them. If he hasn't told you a plan then he has none.
2006-12-11 16:37:13 · answer #7 · answered by Dana G 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
people say that when things go wrong and they dont know why ...
poor God gets the blame as usual
2006-12-11 16:27:29 · answer #8 · answered by Peace 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it's time consuming....
Check the link I provided on bible.org .... and browse through the questions. You'll find one you looking for.
2006-12-11 16:30:33 · answer #9 · answered by kostas the ancient priest 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's religion. It doesn't have to make sense. God doesn't exist.
2006-12-11 16:27:29 · answer #10 · answered by nondescript 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋