A Further Reconciliation

Most here understand that, a reconciliation of all to Creator-God will occur. Most of us would also understand that, within, at least the Protestant segment of Christianity, there is a deep and wide division between those who lean toward Calvin and those who are equally certain that Arminius was right. Calvin beheld God’s glory and sovereignty and emphasized those scriptures which describe God’s election and choice. He believed some were predestined to heaven, some to hell and nothing could change this. There are certainly many scriptures which support this view, but there are others which support Arminius who emphasized mankind’s choice. From him we get the doctrine of free will, the fact that we must choose to be saved and that our will can overcome God’s will in our own salvation. I’m not so concerned in this little essay with what the broad spectrum of Christianity believes in this matter, but rather with we to whom the golden mystery of ultimate universal reconciliation has been revealed. This same schism exists between us and, while debate and division is the farthest thing from my mind, I would like to suggest that there is a beautiful solution which fits universal reconciliation perfectly. Considering all possibilities between Calvin and Arminius we have six possible options: Calvin (predestination/sovereignty of God) Arminius (free will) 1 God predestines all mankind to destruction All mankind refuse to be saved 2 Some are predestined to salvation, others to damnation Some choose to be saved, some to be lost 3 God chooses all to be saved All choose to be saved No one, so far as I know, believes the first option within any denomination. I doubt there would be many members in the pews of such a denomination. The second option, is, of course, the great divide between the two camps. Some are predestined or choose to be saved, some to damnation. I won’t dwell on this as the debate is far too long-winded already. The third option, however, makes my heart sing which is a good thing since I can’t sing with my vocal chords. God, in infinite patience, love and wisdom knows just how to woo each of us and each of them, to the point where crying a rapturous “Yes! “is our freest and joyous response. Perhaps we can think of a persistent lover who, wishing to win the heart of his beloved, presents himself to her in as many ways as possible and with his best clothes and manners. Eventually she sees how wonderful he is and, with all misgivings shattered, she says that one fateful word. We know that the wooer is not always truthful in his attempt to win the hand of the fair maid, but this is not true of our heavenly Suitor. Saul/Paul is probably the best scriptural example I can cite. His threats are as hot as the noonday sun and foul the air around him as the dust kicked up by the weary horses hooves. Then he is struck to the ground with the heavenly vision. That vision shattered his world and he spent the next several years rebuilding a new reality which was Jesus and Him crucified. His brilliant legal mind grappled with the law and the prophets and we are the beneficiary of his wrestlings in the letters he wrote. The divine Lover knew what would break his stubbornness and win his heart. I used to wish that God would do something like that to me. I knew I would fully and constantly believe in Him for the rest of my life if He would just appear in the noonday heat and confront me. What I didn’t know what that He was fashioning my own Damascus road just for me; a longer, slower road, with little drama and fuss, but just as certain. Are we not all on our own road to Damascus? Will He not ultimately find us, woo us and win us? How glorious will be that moment when the last soul surrenders to His love song and, weeping tears of gratitude, falls at His feet in grateful surrender! Now I know that some will certainly disagree with me. I have no quarrel with you. Hit the delete button and join me in a rousing chorus of “We Are One in the Spirit.” For hair-splitting theological discussion isn’t my cup of tea. Theology isn’t studying about Him, but knowing Him. Perhaps for one, this little essay will be a squeegee clearing one more facet into the Infinite that He is. 3.2.14

I Have a Dream

I have a dream: that all nations, kindreds, tongues and peples are at peace with each other and with themselves; that all nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples are at peace with their Creator and that perfect accord and harmony reigns within families, nations, and between all races of mankind; that the one blood of which we are all partakers is recognized as that one thing which ties us all together; that the blood of humanity ties God and mankind together in an indissoluable union. I have a dream: that all humankind will one day join in bowing before Creator-Sustainer in praise, worship and awe; that all, finally and completely reconciled will know that love is His only coersion, His only power against that most stubborn of all foes, the human heart; that every heart yielded to that ever-drawing love will finally respond with joyous resonating chords of joy. I have a dream: that, ages hence, all will know that their path has continuously been directed toward Him who is love; that wanderers and rebels all, their imost desires, their deepest, their ultimate need was for Him whose love constantly shepherded their steps through the darkest of nights, the deepest of sins, the most violent of their rebellions, the farthest of wanderings. I have a dream and know it to be reality, for it is Your dream, planted in our hearts and spirits, which You nourish by Your Spirit and Your word and which You fan into a white-hot blaze of loving admiration. 3.2.14