Mankind has a choice

From a human perspective, God's power and will is often misunderstood in the world. Too often people use their power to dominate and impose their will on others. For all of humanity the power of the cross is a strange and stupid concept. The secular notion of power can have an ubiquitous impact on Christians and lead to misinterpretation of scripture and the gospel message.

“This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1. Tim 2,3-4)One might be led to believe, based on these scriptures, that God is omnipotent and that because he wants to save all people, they must follow him. He would use his power and will in such a way as to compel them to their own happiness, thus ensuring universal salvation. But that is not the divine nature!

Although God is all-powerful, his power and will must be understood within the context of his self-imposed limitations. From Genesis to Revelation, from Adam and Eve to the final judgment, there is a theme in the Bible that reveals God's will for salvation, but also humanity's God-given freedom to resist that will. From the very beginning, humanity has had the choice to accept or reject what God desires. God revealed his will to Adam and Eve when he said, "The Lord God commanded the man, 'You may freely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.'" (1. Mose 2,16-17)The incident occurred because they had the freedom to say no to his command and do their own thing. Humanity has lived with the consequences of this choice ever since. In Moses' time, Israel was encouraged to follow God's will, but the choice was theirs: "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life and live, you and your descendants." (5. Mose 30,19).

In Joshua's time, Israel was presented with another choice: "But if serving the Lord does not please you, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve: the gods your ancestors served across the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Josua 24,15)These decisions remain relevant today, and humanity can choose to go its own way, follow its own gods, and choose or reject eternal life with God. God does not insist on compliance.

God likes it and it is God's will that all people be saved, but no one is forced to accept his offer. We are free to say "yes" or "no" to God's will. Affirmation that salvation through Jesus Christ is generally available is not universalism. The gospel is good news for all people.

by Eddie Marsh