I love the RTH devotions, and they bless me every day, but on this one, I just want to say one little thing. I believe that it's not just "sometimes" that the Holy Spirit convicts non-believers, but ALL THE TIME, because I believe that unless the Holy Spirit draws a person, that they will not come to know Christ. And so, that means that we were all non-believers at some point in our lives and it was this same Holy Spirit who drew us to faith in Jesus Christ...so rather than sometimes, I like to believe that He is ALWAYS working and speaking and drawing...to believers and non-believers, but it's not until we surrender to His will and accept Christ into our lives through His prompting that we begin to hear Him more, and it's at that point that the Spirit of God becomes the guiding voice in our lives. Just a thought. God Bless, Brian.

"The Holy Spirit convicts, but you must decide....."

This is where I have a problem. We all have friends and family who have heard the same Gospel message that we have, but they are unmoved, while we "decide" for God. What made us say yes, when they say no? Are we smarter, more righteous, more worthy? Of course not. This is where I struggle with this with the idea of free will. Does grace precede faith, or does faith precede grace. I believe that Paul says that it is the former.

None of us deserve God's Grace; only his wrath. As he told Moses: I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy. It is His Soveriegn right. We all get justice. Some of us get mercy too.

I know that this is "the great debate".

In response to Grant's comment, I think it is just the 'sinful' nature of man/woman. We all hear the same message and some of us respond as our hearts are softened. Others dig in their heels and simply choose not to hear the Word. God wants us to come to Him willingly. We can only pray for our friends and family members with a Hope that will bring them to Christ.

But the question is; "why was YOUR heart softened" Jan.

Paul says that it wasn't by ANYTHING we do, lest we would boast. That seems to say that even the decision is impossible unless God gives you the grace, "chooses you" first.

I know what you are saying and sadly I don't have the answer. We all make different choices in other areas of our life as well ie I prefer pasta, my husband potatoes, and what about clothing styles, and movies, keeping the law/breaking the law etc.Do you see what I am getting at...it's all about choices and decisions. I do see what you are getting at though...can be confusing. Someone else will no doubt have some thoughts on this subject.

It's the same principal as some of our children listen & heed our warnings & others will not.

I'll put the question in theological terms. Is our Regeneration (new birth of a dead soul) "monergistic" - God alone, or is it "synergistic" - God plus our act of faith?

I know that Sanctification after Regeneration is synergistic. We strive mightyly with the help of the Holy Spirit.

I really don't expect agreement here, because it has been a point of debate since the Church began. I just think it's something we should all humbly consider.

God reveals himself to all, and he does so in such a way that we can freely choose. It's quite remarkable. He balances it on a razor's edge so that the choice we make is truly free. He does not make himself so obvious that we have no need for faith. But, he also does not hide from those that seek him. He wants fellowship with those who truly have a heart for him if given the chance to know him. He gives us just enough information that we can make a choice to turn to him, or away from him. I agree that we could not turn to him on our own. He reveals himself through nature and scripture, and uses the Holy Sprit to draw us to him. Those who respond and take a step toward him, he will take a step toward them. Those that respond to the light they receive, are given more light. That's why two people can be in the same family, hearing the same gospel, and respond differently. It is a matter of the heart.

Scripture exhorts people to seek God and obey him. God says he stands at the door and knocks, and wants us to open the door so he can have fellowship with us. He pleads with sinners to repent and be saved. He says it is not his will that any should perish. Why knock if you've made the choice for the person? Why plead if the choice is made? Why care if people are going to perish if you've made the choice for them? For that matter, why not save everyone in that case, since that is your will? Why punish people for not making the right choice if you made the choice for them? God is sovereign over all, and yet he grants us the ability to make a truly free choice to live with or without him for eternity. It is truly a beautiful thing.

Amen Rick, I aggree with you, thank you for your comment.

RickY.

Well put. That's the Armenian argument. But, it is not God's will that everyone be saved. If that were his will, then everyone would be saved.

Please don't misunderstand. I was a "card carrying" Armenenian "free will" Christian most of my life. It's just my own experience that has been leading me more toward the Monergistic, God is Sovereign, reform theology interpretation of how we are saved that has been challenging my understanding. I still believe that I made a choice, but I don't believe that I could have even made that choice without God's initiative.

Lastly, I don't think that this is an issue that divides us. It's just one of those "mysteries", that we won't truly understand this side of heaven.

These are wonderful comments. I really appreciate seeing the respectful attitude presented of the other person's opinion and belief. What a difference it makes being a Christian.