Joshua 11:20 For it was the LORD himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Over and over the Bible tells us about God hardening hearts, from Pharoh to the people in the Promised Land, to those who listened to Jesus...is it just human pride that insists on believing that we are the ones in control, not God?
Consider this prayer that is prayed a lot: "Lord, please change his(or her) heart so that he(or she) will accept you." If we really believe in "free will", how can we pray that God violate that person's free will by changing he or her heart?
michele
Wow, you really get into it don't you. Infant bapism, free will, what will you do next? Justification? (It is sad that this has become such an area of dispute among Protestants).
Amanda
Hi Momma 😀
Ellen
Nope, just don't get it 😉
amanda: (Hi, baby)
Dave
Hmmm, that is a good, no very good question! I've given it a little thought and decided you are right.
I'm going to stop praying for those whom I used to be concerned with about salvation, and in my seeker sensitive church when the purpose driven powerpoint worship band sings "change my heart oh God" the church will ring with my protestations!
Seriously though, your simple question drives me to give great thought to this. I think of Deut 30:19 (...choose this day whom you will serve) and other verses like that.
Also, I'm driven to ponder what a Christian worldview of what the will really is. Can a Christian definition (not necessarily the Kantian/Schopenhauer stuff although it may be helpful) of man's will stand alone from the impact of freedom/domination?
Hmmm - must make another pot of coffee and ponder....
Ellen
Dave, don't stop praying - if it is God that opens our eyes, then it is a very good thing to pray for just that.