Even my kids find the loudest booms jarring!
I often walk outside in the evenings of summer to enjoy the starlit peace and cool, gentle breeze. As I was doing so tonight, however, the serenity was interrupted several times by the loud booms and crackles of fireworks in numerous places. Although annoyed at first, they were jarring enough to remind me of the explosions and gunfire these noises were meant to represent as our nation fought for its independence. I suddenly found myself wondering, “What if those bombs and bullets had hit different targets and the colonists had lost?” Was the USA birthed from their will and ability, from an inevitable result of the climate of the times, from divine providence, or from a combination of these influences? As I realize how much this has determined the environment I’ve existed in-and very likely if I existed at all-I can’t deny the significance of such questions.
Anyone old enough to be reading this knows that only a few basic entities determine most outcomes in life. First, our environment—whether it be people or nature—obviously plays a huge role in shaping our destiny. Second, our own beliefs and choices—for better or worse—often decide the path we end up taking. Third, a superhuman/supernatural being—depending on how active such a God is—can not only directly influence our fate but can alter both our environment and our minds to indirectly affect it as well.
The extent to which these factors impact our lives becomes most significant when they decide our eternal fate, and the role that environment, ourselves, or God plays in that destiny is unfortunately a source of conflict and confusion for many. Many believe salvation is dependent on whether or not information or a missionary reaches an individual with the gospel. Many believe it is where that individual’s heart truly lies that will determine her eternal fate, regardless of exposure to Jesus. And many believe God has already or will ultimately determine who is saved or not, either through foreknowing or predestining that fate for each human.
These different beliefs are much more than theological nuances. The practical fallout of how each group differently conducts their lives, engages the world, and shares God with others is extremely obvious to those observing. The problem—and the reason for the varying positions—is there are serious flaws with all three of these beliefs, both biblically and logically. Too many in fact to discuss here, although I have no doubt you’ve already thought of a few. The good news? There is a way to biblically and logically maintain the important roles that our surroundings, our free-willed decisions, and God all play in our salvation while avoiding all of the flaws (Click to tweet). This beautiful fusion of sharing good news, trusting and living good news, and letting God save us as a result is unpacked in Healing Hereafter, and it makes so much sense! Check it out instantly and for free right here.
And this weekend, don’t you dare be one of those people I interpret x-rays for in the ER who blow their fingers to bits simulating the American revolution a little too realistically with their fireworks! Ouch.
