Life, Events and Destiny

What happens to us in this lifetime is not entirely predetermined. If the omnipotent God were in total control of every tiny aspect of what we do, e would be incedibly boing/bored.

Is He even interested? I say probably. But I am not totally convinced that He sets up events in specific ways for us to have to deal wth them. It makes no sense. Yes Job had to go through 'hell', but I still think that story is metaphorical rather than literal.

If we live our lives with the knowledge that we are saved, and salvation began when Jesus Christ took over, then the everyday situations we face are insignificant in the big scheme of things.

I'm thinking that maybe alot of what we do doesn't matter at the end of the day. And the stuff that we may think doesn;t matter, actually has long lasting impact on both ourselves and on others as well.

it is quite a paradoxical situation and condition.

But then again, what do I know?

Rest

Does living with the knowledge that salvation is secure remove or lower the responsibility of the believer in regards to their behavior?

Romans 7 and 8 clearly deals with this issue. Paul states emphatically - no.

BUT - the believer must also be able to live in 'the rest'. It doesn't have to be hard!

This is the area where I always struggled, and often this brought on bouts of depression and made my failings into a viscous circle.

I now am at rest and am peaceful about my life. I am not struggling with bad feelings or constantly keeping an eye out for the judge. Neither do I spend each day wondering amourous thoughts about God. I am just not that kind of person.

What I do do is - live my life. What else is there? Take it easy, kicj back and enjoy life - because that is what it is for.

If life is one constant drama and you keep jumping from one batllefield to another - whats te point? Chill out, read the bible as it is written, and just rest.

God, Salvation and Life

If Calivin is right, and all men are saved forever at the point of salvation - how does that affect life from then on?

Life has more purpose and more value when seen from the viewpoint that no matter what I cannot be lost, and even if I sin or fall - it doesn't matter. One thing I have always stuggled with is depressio which was usually brought on by a feeling of not measuraing up, making mistakes and the loss of love/salvation from God.

What sort of God does that? I fail - then get punished forever? Fear is not healthy, and detracts from the message of God rather than spread and improve it.

No - God does NOT love everyone. But rather He has chosen those whom He will save. I am assured of my salvation and nothing can take that away.