That's the thing about the bible, it will stir you up and convict and confront you. When I read 1 Corinthians chapter 1, verse 18, I am struck, convicted and confronted in that short but poignant verse.
1 Corinthians 1:18 English Standard Version (ESV)
Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
"18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Why do only some believe?
If the Word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, meaning non-believers, then why must we tell them the Gospel truth? More directly, if they do not believe, is it also that they "cannot believe"? Is this like Pharaoh, where God hardens their hearts? And if so how are the people accountable for their own failure to believe?
This is all so large it seems beyond me, and yet I stand firmly in confidence that God will make a way for all people, IF they desire it. Why? Because it is written, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)
Therefore, I reject the idea that God callously closes our hearts to his call, thereby forcing us by his power to become non-believers. Rather, I submit to you, that God's offer of sonship is open to all, BUT to be God's son is to be subservient to His glory, rule and command, and so sadly, many will reject him. Those who reject Christ prefer to follow Satan, choosing prideful disobedience, never accepting His loving invitation, because they prefer to call themselves king... at least until judgement comes.
For when judgement comes, we will all stand before King Jesus, and he will rightly judge all humanity alike. Knowing all our thoughts, deeds, intentions and accomplishments he will in his infinite wisdom, righteousness and love, say to some, "well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:23), and others "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:23)
In "love" you say?
In love he will say to some, "depart from me"?!
Why of course, because despite God's will for our lives, and his desire for reconciliation, he will not by power or will, force his creation to walk in his ways. In God's infinite wisdom he made us in his image: creative, independent, and free, and in that freedom, we have one choice that weighs more heavily than any other, whom do you say I am?
He is a Good father, the source of all joy and love, and he will not force us to love him, even to our own detriment. Why? Because love cannot be forced, love compelled by power is no love at all, and God knew this, so in his infinite wisdom enabled us to freely choose, so choose: Who do you say Christ is? Liar, lunatic or Lord?
Despite his love for you, despite his hope for your voluntary surrender, he will grant that which many desire most, if we choose to deny him, he will grant our acquiesce to our petulant insistence, to be left alone.
Those who seek find... | Will you seek?
“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, in the end, "Thy will be done." All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. Those who knock it is opened.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce
Choose wisely
Make no mistake, Hell is a choice. Every day in a million ways we are either move toward the Lord, His will, His call, and work for His Kingdom & Glory, or we move away from Him, and turn inward, seeking self-importance, self-esteem, & selfish aims.
There is no third option, either we desire Him, or we desire He leave us alone.
My Prayer:
Lord help me to hear your voice and come running. Break down all walls I build up to keep you out, tear down all pride and lies that hold me back from all that you ask of me. Help me to become the man you intended, and Jesus do not stop till your work in me is done.
Thank you, God, that you love us enough to give us choice. Lord do everything possible to ensure we make the right choice.