I have been discussing the idea of predestination with numerous people the past week or so which has forced me to re-examen what I believe about it. I have always been a huge advocate of "free will" and that God has a plan for us that WE can fail to accomplish. Some say that this idea shows a lack in understanding of the sovereignty of God.
So you have these two conflicting points
God creates a worthless plan for someone that never comes to pass
-or-
God creates a person, and plans for them to go to hell in order to show his glory
When Paul writes to the church in Rome, he discusses how God hardened the heart of Pharaoh for the purpose of displaying his power. This made no sense to me. Why would God, in order to show how great he is, purposefully harden someone's heart? When questioned, the response was...
19 Well then, you might say, “Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?”
20 No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? 22 In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. 23 He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory. (Romans 9:19- 23)
He seems to deal out just about everything at his will with no rhyme or reason (to our human minds); health, wealth.... salvation?
This does not make sense to me. If God has a plan for everyone (Proverbs 16:4), and he will always accomplish his plan (Isaiah 46:8-11*), than we conclude that God forces us to do what he wants against his will, even if it means hardening our hearts. To add to the confusion, I will go to Luke 7:30, where the Pharisees "rejected Gods plan".
It is as though scripture supports both ideas, any thoughts???
-Grace be with you
* This verse is also the reason I have a little issue with strict "red letter" Christians.
