Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear ones

It’s sure gorgeous out there. And it was so good to get out in the morning along with Becki. Yup! She took on her first long-range walk since surgery, and did very well. We didn’t push it and go the whole length. I joined her yesterday in her post-surgery follow up visit with the doctor. He gave her a full green light to do anything she wanted now—walking, swimming, driving, skydiving. Actually, he didn’t mention the last option—I just threw it in.

The only thing disappointing about the walk/jog this morning is that Dandy dog could not come up with a ball that we could take along. Here I keep telling him to find a ball, and there are a good 2 dozen of them lying around on this property, but he just looks dumb at me and thinks I’m talking nonsense.

May you and your day go well.

Love, Dad/Ray.

Quite honestly, the way some people construct a doctrine of election makes me nervous. They will pick up on some of Peter’s words as he opens this letter—“To God’s elect…who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1:1-2)—and use them in weaving together a dogma that presumes to understand something that is technically beyond our understanding—asserting that God predetermines who are to be saved (blessed) and who are to be lost (damned). I’ve met people who really believe they were safely and securely inducted into the camp of the elect (saved) back when they prayed the “sinner’s prayer” at age 11—even though they live today on a par with a “practical atheist.”

No—I won’t presume to settle the matter—or even understand Sovereign God’s omniscience any better than they do. But I will be bold to state what I believe to be the safest and soundest general position to take in regards to this critically important theme. Simply put, I believe God elects those who elect Him, chooses those who choose Him, draws nigh unto those who draw nigh to Him, particularly loves, blesses, and guides those who choose to love Him, serve Him, and seek Him—in other words, the most saved, secure, and blessed people who have ever walked this planet are those with a HEART AFTER GOD. I think I’ve suggested that idea before.

Who can argue against the fact that how we think determines how we live? Think right—live right. Think wrong—live wrong. So Peter’s practical advice is vital—“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Noteworthy is the fact the God’s amazing grace is not yet fully imparted. There is still a future factor to it all. But as we fully set our course and hope on His grace, it will be fully given when our Lord and Savior is fully revealed.