Part 3 – Chosen or Free to Choose?

About traditions and election

In part 1 we read what Jesus says about placing traditions above God’s law. In part 2 of this study we read what election is in the Bible. God’s sovereignty and our freedom to choose. God has the highest authority; He sometimes chooses people. In addition, He calls on us to choose, because He does not want anyone to be lost (2 Peter 3:9). The prophets in the Bible were certainly not all eager to do what was asked of them.

What can be done personally?

In this part the focus is on what can be done personally. This does not mean that someone can come to God by “good works” alone; it is a change that a person must go through inwardly. Everyone is free to choose whether to come to Jesus or not.

A warning against allowing sin

Care must be taken not to allow sin.

Genesis 4:7 says: “… but if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

Cain allowed sin. When he speaks with God, Cain says: “My iniquity is too great to bear,” or it can also be: “My punishment is too heavy to bear.” In this Cain shows that he has no remorse for his actions and even feels sorry for himself. In verse 14 he indicates that he is afraid of being killed. Yet God protects him, which testifies to His love and patience.

Had Cain wanted to, he could have turned back and shown remorse. Sins are never too great; there is always a way back.

Choosing again every day

Sin creates a gap between human beings and God. Everyone sins, no matter how hard one tries. Yet every day there is the choice to return to God. By praying and reading the Bible, the connection with Him remains. Every day again a choice must be made for Jesus. This is not always easy. Fortunately, God can be trusted every day. His grace is sufficient, His power helps in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

There are things in the world that can stand in the way of going to God. Sin can be allowed in, as Cain did, perhaps without even realizing it. Prayer and asking God for deliverance help to draw near to Him. Satan works hard to keep people away from God. He does not want attention to be focused on Jesus. Satan and his army know the time; they know it is short, so he goes around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Security can be found in Jesus; He cares. By taking in His Word and continuing in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), faith grows.

Hope and trust