Question
Shawn, in recently countering Calvinism, you mentioned man has the “ability to believe or not believe”. I agree with this, however it conflicts with GES’ normal position that “believing is passive”. Bob often says “one either believes or he does not” and this not by decision of his will. If man does not “decide to believe”, then how does one get saved unless it’s by an irresistible granting of faith by God? Thus you are right back to Calvinism as far as I can tell. What say you?
Answer
Thanks for the question.
In saying we having the ability to believe or not to believe, I mean there is nothing inherent in our nature that prevents us from believing the saving message. We are not totally unable to believe. We do not need to be regenerate before we can come to faith.
To be more specific, when I say we are free to believe, I mean two things—
First, everyone is persuadable. The Calvinist (and the Lutheran) would say only the elect are persuadable (because of Total Inability). There’s no use presenting evidence to the non-elect. Nothing could persuade them. Their depraved natures prevent it. I think everyone is persuadable. God loves all (John 3:16), gives light to all (John 1:9), and draws all (John 12:32).
Second, everyone can seek the truth, pursue more evidence, better arguments, and otherwise “grope after God” (Acts 17:27). Calvinists would deny that unbelievers can do that without being regenerated first—or at least without God predestining them to grope in that way.
However, the act of faith itself—that ‘aha’ moment of coming to believe in Jesus—is not a decision of the will. It comes when you become persuaded. It makes no sense to me to say that we choose our beliefs. I can’t just choose to believe that I’m a dinosaur. I can imagine that (as I do, when playing with my son), but I can’t choose to believe it, and then choose to believe I’m sitting here typing at this computer. Those beliefs are passive. They come when we are persuaded of the evidence. That is passive. But being open to the evidence, and seeking out the truth, is active.
I hope that helps.
~Shawn
Phil
Very clear. Very reasonable. Thanks.
Jo Ann
Shawn, you make the truth so clear.
KEN TAMASHIRO
Thanks, Pastor Shawn,
This is my evidence that all men are aware of God and have the ability to believe. God has made himself known to all mankind. All are accountable to Him. Not the Elect.
Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who [d]suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is [e]manifest [f]in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and [g]Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Grace and Peace,
Ken Tamashiro,
Alvin
Acts 28:24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
Speaking of Abraham: Romans 4:21-22 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Matthew 13:19 “When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is He who received the seed by the wayside.
John 4:10. Jesus answered and said to her, “If you KNEW the gift of God, and who it is who said to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
KEN TAMASHIRO
In my opinion here,….The word Elect (Special in Gods Eyes) in the New Testament usually refers to those who are believers in Christ.
Colossians 3:12 [ Character of the New Man ] Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
Jerry Collins
I believe I agree with your assessment. Faith is an Inevitable and unavoidable decision to trust what one understands to be true. In this sense no one chooses to believe. When one garners enough evidence they can be persuaded by that about the truth. That understanding of what’s true inevitably leads to belief.
Faith is the caboose and understanding is the engine. What one understands to be true they will inevitably believe. What they don’t understand to be true they inevitably will not believe.
Faith is connected to understanding not truth. In general faith is an unavoidable decision to trust what one understands to be true. New Testament faith is persuasion that leads to an inevitable decision to trust the truth itself. Change one’s understanding, and you change what they believe.
Ray Mitchell
Except for one item, I agree with this article. The one thing I disagree with is that believing in Jesus “is not a decision of the will”. I agree it is not totally a decision of the will usually, however I believe it is a mixture of “being persuaded” and a “decision of the will”. We are not just simple computers where once we reach a certain amount of evidence we will automatically believe in Jesus or something. Many people refuse to believe in Jesus because of their pride. They ignore the evidence and they choose to reject the evidence which causes them to actually not believe. Here are some verses that state this: John 12:37 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. Acts 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were disposed themselves for eternal life believed. John 5:40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. 2 Thes. 2:10 They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
Belief Cognitive Phenomenon
Belief as a Cognitive Phenomenon, Especially in Regard to Salvation
https://faithalone.org/journal-articles/belief-as-a-cognitive-phenomenon-especially-in-regard-to-salvation/
Ray Mitchell
Also, many people saw the same miracles and evidence that Jesus, Apostles, and Moses did but some believed in Jesus or God and some did not (while seeing the exact same evidence). Here are some other verses:John 10:25-26 25 Jesus answered, “I told you already, but you did not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name show who I am. 26 But you don’t believe, because you are not my sheep. John 10:32, 37-38 32 Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good miracles from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” 37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the works/miracles, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” So these Jews saw the great miracles and works Jesus did but still refused to believe, but Jesus was urging them to believe based on the miracles and evidence they had already seen and it should have made them believe (it was enough evidence to be persuaded but they refused).
Ray Mitchell
So those Jews who should have been persuaded by an overwhelming amount of evidence refused to believe in Jesus by a decision of their will. So our will is a big part of choosing whether we believe in Jesus for eternal life or not, but I agree a huge part is the amount of evidence we see also.
Timothy Grady
Thanks Ray .
Similarly , Atheist Evolutionists see the same data as Creationists .
Same result .
All evidence is merely preparatory , and involves activated volition .
Everyone is persuaded differently . However , all are being convinced by the Holy Spirit .
The mechanic of how one believes in Jesus for eternal life (John 6:47) is free from human effort .
This truth is propositional . It is also objective .
It does not come with the kitchen sink .
Timothy Grady
Appreciate it Ray .
Could it also be that Satan is blinding at crucial moments- obscuring along the pathway – confusing when it matters most ?
That could certainly throw off a potential “aha” moment .
Leo Z
Thanks Pastor Shawn. Great post! People should ask these questions. If people do not have the ability to believe, then why does God command people to believe? Why does Jesus draw “all” men, (John 12:32) if they can’t respond. God commands people to believe in His Son Jesus for eternal life (1 John 3:23a). This command can be obeyed or disobeyed (John 3:36, “he who does not believe” literally means “he who does not obey”). Hence, to believe is to obey. Obedience is an active work. When asked about the works of God, Jesus answered that the only work that matters to God is to “believe” in Him whom He sent (John 6:28-29). Hence, since believing is an act, it is a work, in one sense.
However, in the salvific transaction, and as the God-ordained means of receiving eternal life, to believe (faith) in Jesus (John 3:16; Eph 2:8-9) is deemed a passive activity. In this context, it is differentiated from other active acts (works) of obedience in response to any of the many other commands of God (i.e. “repent”; “love one another”; “pray without ceasing”).
In prayer for you and GES!
Timothy Grady
Thanks Leo .
This article by Brad McCoy deals with obedience : https://faithalone.org/magazine/y1994/94E2.html
Leo Z
Thanks Timothy. Good article by McCoy on “obedience and believing” in John 3:36.
Though the premise that “to believe is to obey” may seem paradoxical at first glance, the analogy of faith principle demands that it be viewed and treated differently. Obedience (believing/faith) in the context of believing the gospel saving message is a non-meritorious passive work akin to “a beggar extending an empty hand to receive a gift” as the Reformers framed it.
Thanks be to God for the gift of life everlasting in Jesus which is given “absolutely free” to those who believe!
Ephesians 2:8-9; Roman’s 4:5; 11:6
Timothy Grady
Blessings to you Leo .
So grateful for your input .
Leo Z
The feeling is mutual Timothy. I so much appreciate your astuteness and kindness.
Ed Campbell
Shawn: “….everyone can seek the truth, pursue more evidence, better arguments, and otherwise “grope after God” (Acts 17:27).”
OK, I would agree, but are there not people who are persuaded, but do not wish to become Christians such as the Pharisees watching Jesus cast out demons? Or, are some not fully persuaded, but yet wish they were, such as the ones you mention above. Are they hopelessly lost until full assurance/persuasion descends on them? If so, there is no practical difference from Calvinism.