We continue on with this notion of "all" - with William Willimon.
Martin Luther and John Wesley affirmed the universality and all-inclusiveness of the electing and reconciling work of God, though in different ways; it's all grace for all, though not all are for grace. As I have noted, Calvin taught "limited atonement"; it's all grace, but grace is not for all. Although I can appreciate Calvin's determination to guard God's sovereign freedom to say yes and to say no, I confess that I don't see where Calvin finds his "double predestination" (God predetermines some for salvation, some for damnation) in Scripture. I can understand the some for salvation and some for damnation, but it's the predetermination that seems an undue limitation upon the freedom of a sovereign, resourceful, and (in my experience) relentless Savior.
I'm often draw to a phrase in these bits of quotes from resource material. Today it was the simple note "not all are for grace." The grace is there and it is endless and it is the power to shape the day and move us into the future of God's gracious reigning will...but then...not all are for grace. Some want to be able to have a say about this saving power of God. Some want to be able to at least add a small percentage to the salvation equation (even if it is just 1%). But this "relentless Savior" remains relentless. That persistent character is the Good News that sends people out into the world with something outrageous to offer to folks. That love that will not let us go, shapes life. Love shapes love in life. Unconditional love cracks open the many ways our world cannot let go of conditions placed on all of life. There is no...if you do this or say this or walk this way, then you will be a part of the saving people. We are God's saving people - that is how the day begins and that is how it will end. Now, in the meantime, do we trust that reality or do we freely choose to follow another word about us. As you would expect, these things happen simultaneously...we are this saint/sinner. We are grasped by this love...but then again...we want to grasp onto what we think is the right way of life...even as God is holding on...relentlessly.
Connection: There is always this wonderful freedom to step into the life God has already promised and has already provided. Within that freedom is also the ability to step away. It kind of makes the day a real adventure for life.
As you hold us, O God, you continue to stand firmly on your promises...even as we turn away. Your presence is eternal and your love for us is the power to turn us around and re-view all of life. Continue to send your Spirit to be our guide and our foundation. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment