Christianity Final Paper for “What is election (or) predestination?
What
does it mean to become a Christian?”
Introduction
In Christianity, there are three important ideas: election, predestination, and
becoming a Christian. These ideas are crucial in Christian beliefs and have been talked
about a lot in Christian history. Election means that God chooses specific people to be
saved. Predestination is God's big plan for what will happen to these chosen people.
Becoming a Christian is when someone decides to follow Jesus, asks for forgiveness
for their mistakes, and feels like they are starting fresh spiritually. This paper will look at
what the Bible says about election and predestination, different ways people think about
these ideas, and what it means to become a Christian."
Election
Election in Christianity is like God choosing certain people for a special purpose,
like being saved and going to heaven. It's based on the idea that God knows everything
and has a plan for everyone. So, God picks specific individuals for His special plan. In
the Bible, there are verses that talk about this idea. For example, in Romans 8:29-30,
the apostle Paul mentions that God had a plan from the beginning. He says that God
knew certain people would believe in Him, and He chose them, made them right in His
eyes, and will make them perfect.
Predestination
Now, predestination is a bit like election, but it's more about God knowing what
will happen to people in the future and having a plan for them. For instance, in
Ephesians 1:4-5, it talks about how God had a plan long ago to adopt people into His
family through Jesus Christ. So, even before everything happened, God already knew
and had a plan.
These ideas might seem complicated, but they are important in Christian beliefs
because they show how God is in control of everything and has a special plan for those
who believe in Him.
Bible teaching on election
The idea of election comes from Paul's writings in the Bible, especially in the
book of Romans chapters 9 to 11. Paul uses the story of two brothers, Jacob and Esau,
to explain how God makes His choices. He tells us in Romans 9:14-18 that God's
choices are not because of what we do, but because God is kind and merciful. So,
when we talk about election, it means God chooses people to be a part of something
special because He loves them, not because they did something to earn it.
Another important part is in Ephesians 1:11, where it says that God had a plan
from a long time ago, and everything happens the way He wants. This makes the idea
of election stronger, showing that God has plans for everyone.
But here's something interesting: the Bible also says that people have a role in all
of this. It's not only about God choosing; it's also about people saying 'yes' to God's love
and offer of salvation. So, the Bible talks about this balance between what God plans
and what we choose. Some people find it like a 'tug of war' between God being in
control and us having the freedom to make choices.
"Predestination is a big idea in the Bible, and it's closely related to election. In
Romans 8:29, it talks about how believers are predestined to become more like Jesus.
It's like saying God already planned that those who believe in Him will become better
people, like Jesus.
Ephesians 1:5 also talks about predestination, saying that God planned for us to
be part of His family. This shows that God had a plan from a long time ago for people to
become His children.
Two perspectives on election or predestination
Now, this idea of predestination tells us that God knows what's going to happen
in the future and has a plan for it. It's about God being in charge. But, it also makes us
wonder about something important: our own choices. How do our choices fit into God's
plan? This is a big question, and it can be a little tricky to understand. Some people
think of it like a puzzle, trying to fit together how God's plan and our choices work
together."
"Calvinism and Arminianism are two different ways that people think about how
God chooses who will be saved.
Calvinism, which comes from the ideas of John Calvin, says that God is totally in
charge when it comes to picking who goes to heaven. This is called 'unconditional
election,' meaning God chooses without any conditions or reasons based on what
people do.
Arminianism, on the other hand, comes from the thinking of Jacob Arminius. It
says that people have a say in their own salvation because they can make choices. God
knows what people will choose, so His choice is based on what He knows they will do.
Now, these two ways of thinking about it make a big difference in how people see
God's role and what people are responsible for when it comes to getting into heaven.
Some say it's like a big debate where people try to figure out how much of it is God's
decision and how much of it is up to us."
How to Become a Christian
Becoming a Christian is a significant decision in a person's life, and it involves
several important elements.
Effective Calling:
Effective calling is often seen as the moment when someone truly becomes a
Christian. It's a powerful and strong message from God, inviting us to believe in Him.
This calling is compelling, and we should not ignore it when we feel it in our hearts. It's
like God knocking on the door of our lives, asking us to welcome Him in.
General Calling
General calling is like a message that is shared with everyone, regardless of
whether we respond to it or choose to ignore it. It's like a bright light that is shining to
bring brightness into our lives. This calling is God's invitation to the world, and it's up to
each of us to decide how we will respond to it.
Gospel Callin
Gospel calling is often referred to as a "Special Message for Someone Special."
It's an invitation to embrace faith and believe in God. It's also an acknowledgment that
we all have made mistakes, or sinned, in our lives. Understanding salvation is a crucial
part of this calling. We recognize that the penalty for our sins is death, but Jesus Christ
died to pay the penalty for our sins.
Elements of Gospel Calling
● Understanding salvation
We all have sinned. The penalty for our sin is death. Jesus Christ died to pay the
penalty for our sins.
● Personal Response:
When we respond to God's message, we do so by acknowledging our mistakes
and choosing to follow God's Son, Jesus, with faith. It's a personal decision to
turn away from our old ways and embrace a new life in Christ.
● Promise of Forgiveness
Through Gospel calling, we receive the promise of forgiveness. All our sins are
forgiven, and God assures us of His everlasting care. This means that we are
provided with a meaningful life guided by God's grace and love.
In summary, becoming a Christian involves responding to God's calling, whether it's a
powerful and direct call (Effective Calling), a universal invitation (General Calling), or the
special message of the Gospel. It's a personal decision to acknowledge our sins, have
faith in Jesus Christ, and accept the promise of forgiveness and eternal life.
My personal reflection
After taking the Christian education course, what I gained is a basic knowledge of
the history and teachings of the Bible. Christianity is a religion that is based on the life
and teachings of Jesus Christ. A Bible is a collection of books which have been written
over a period of several centuries by a number of different authors. Jesus' life,
teachings, and miracles are recounted in this book, along with instructions on how to
follow these teachings as they are explained in it.
Reference
Christian Belief by Wayne Grudem
