The Reformed, Calvinist view, is that we are unable to save ourselves even if we wanted to, which we don't, and so God works to turn the Elects hearts to Christ Himself.
Election is predetermined even as we act with our own faculties within Creation.
"God would save as many he could, if only we would let him." - not how I believe it works.
God is Sovereign and saves who He wants to, by bringing them in to Christ.
Sproul's argument here.
And the essay:
If you’re a Christian, it’s because God rescued you, not because you rescued yourself (Colossians 1:13-14).
I believe the creator gave us free will & a vessel through which to experience this gift.
I think the mistake many make is thinking that you can directly choose your actions, thoughts & words. These all flow from your actual free will & that is the ability to choose your beliefs.
Most never consciously choose their beliefs. They absorb them from their family, teachers, preachers & peers (via agreements on the nature of things).
When I turn to Christ & to God, I turn inward not outward. I do not commune with him as a seperate entity but as my higher self. In doing so I'm pointed toward love, compassion & forgiveness.
Thank you for not taking my words personally. I think there's great wisdom in the Christian teachings but that so much has been coopted to maintain centralised control. I believe you seek Truth which is why I engage.
That made me think of this...
It feels like something Watts would observe.
It very much aligns with my experience & thinking.
Taking responsibility for it All was a turning point for me.
🫂🌀
Ya I should have posted a citation.... It's from one of his recordings.
https://www.organism.earth/library/document/out-of-your-mind-2
I'm sure he wouldn't have minded.
He was such a legend!
