Pastor Tim Goad expounds on the doctrinal truth written here in these verses dealing with what is taught throughout GOD's word, and has been the root cause of many a controversy and reason to proclaim man's ability to choose, that being GOD's sovereignty in salvation and human responsibility. We dare not deny, or divorce, the truth and fact that GOD, in the triune GODHEAD, is sovereign in every aspect of salvation. But we too, cannot denounce mankind's responsibility as well. Here in lies the paradox and unknowing ability to harmonize the two, yet scripture plainly teaches both, and that those left in their sin and judged, will be based on their actions and unbelief. This is also known as The Divine Judicial Hardening, as we see with Pharaoh in Exodus 7-8, repeated by Paul in his declaring of GOD's sovereignty and man's responsibility in Romans 9. To deny one over the other, or to belittle both, causes a severe denial of GOD's word and will in, and for, the plan of salvation. |