Thursday, August 29, 2024

To begin with, we must acknowledge that we are fundamentally incapable of believing on our own. This creates a paradox, as we start from a position that seems impossible—the way the natural human mind approaches the idea of obtaining something that is being offered to them. Typically, the prevailing logic in discussions surrounding worldly success hinges on the idea of action and proof of worthiness. If we accept that equality is the cornerstone of God's love for humanity, then our response to His love becomes a determining factor in our standing with Him. Some argue that both beliefs and actions hold equal significance; however, I contend that they are akin to two parallel lines that will never intersect. It’s similar to claiming that there is an electric current when the positive and negative terminals are never connected to the power source. What we are asserting is that God's gift is inherently complete and preordained; it is bestowed upon us simply because we cannot earn it through our efforts. In fact, we are so spiritually lifeless that we cannot even summon the will to make decisions. Therefore, we receive something of profound worth that others may find incomprehensible. This is where the concept of grace becomes essential to our faith. We do not attempt to rationalize why some receive this gift while others do not, as it is ultimately given unmerited by the grace of God. To be saved is to acknowledge that we do not belong to ourselves. This understanding compels us to transcend the notion of human will as the basis of our faith and accept salvation as being entirely rooted in God’s actions rather than our own. As we delve deeper, we encounter even more conflicting ideas. Our inclination is to pursue something that holds little value in the eyes of the world. In this search, we recognize that we cannot depend on our own strength or willpower. We make bold assertions regarding our relationship with God. How can God favor someone who does not act in accordance with what is typically expected? We challenge the notion of placing our will in a position of power. By adhering to the world’s definition of success, we inadvertently position God as merely an instrument of our achievements. If we fail to recognize our own inadequacies as the foundation of our trust in the Christian experience, we risk becoming fractured in our beliefs. The author argues that individuals do not possess an inherent right to be freed from sin. Essentially, this perspective posits that it is a matter of "survival of the fittest," as the opportunity for salvation is extended to everyone, but only under the condition that they fulfill the necessary requirements of that offer. This assertion leads to the conclusion that, for us to genuinely perceive the Christian experience as something real and tangible, we must start from the belief that God loves every individual equally. However, it is only those who consciously choose to accept and embrace God's love who will truly embody the essence of what God cherishes. The core of this belief rests on a faith that has been tested through action, yet there exists an inherent contradiction within this premise.

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