Gotta remember our soldiers, especially in January!
In this bleak mid-winter, I heard a sound the other night that I never hear in January. An explosion of fireworks happened to interrupt my evening – and just after I had seen an Instagram post about how proud so many folks still are to sing the national anthem! For the record, I am one of them, despite some issues with how our country operates.
The oddness of this coincidence at this time of year gave me a welcome reminder of what all of this was meant to represent as our nation fought for its independence. I suddenly was wondering once again, “What if those bombs and bullets had hit different targets and the colonists had lost?” Was the USA birthed from their will and ability, inevitably from 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.
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 supernatural being – depending on how active such a God is – can directly influence our fate…and can alter our environment and 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 a missionary or message 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 determined who is saved or not, either through foreknowing or predestining that fate for each human.
These different beliefs are much more than theological nuances. Each radically alters how these groups conduct their lives, engage their world, and share God with others. 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…and avoid all of the flaws (Click to tweet). This beautiful fusion of sharing good news, living good news, and still needing God to save us is unpacked in Healing Hereafter, and it makes so much sense! Check it out instantly and for free right here.
And if it was you who set off the fireworks the other night, try not to blow your fingers to bits. While that has made for interesting x-rays I’ve seen in the ER, it doesn’t send off that healing hereafter vibe we’re going for. 😉
