On Election and Predestination

"Systematic Theology, be careful how you tie down the Word to fit into your set and final creeds, systems, dogmas, and organized theistic philosophies. The Word of God is not bound! It's free to say what it will to the individual, and no one can outline it into dispensations which cannot be broken. Don't get it down 'cold' but let it live, fresh, warm, and vibrant, so that the world is not binding ponderous books about it, but rather it is shackling you for having allowed it to have free course in your life. [...] And those who are arguing about foreknowledge, election, and such--read those verses 14-26 and then look how the apostle is willing to leave it a paradox (vv. 25, 26)."
(Jim Elliot, January 19 entry on 2 Timothy 2 from The Journals of Jim Elliot), p. 14

While some may give their lives to the endless glamor of gospel centered conferences, I've chosen to read the quiet reflections of a humble, flawed man who abandoned the pursuits of scholasticism to live out the power of the gospel for the salvation of all who would believe. The Journals of Jim Elliot came to me highly recommended by a dear friend--thanks Arlee. Though I've only begun reading it, I'm already impressed. I love that he never made a penny as a result of his story of obedience, faithfulness, and sacrifice.  I love that he's real and his words were written to a sole audience of Jesus, his Lord and Guide. I'm skeptical I know, and sometimes critical.  While men herald the name of John Piper and wear his face on a T-Shirt or buy coffee mugs with his inscriptions, I can't help but wonder if Jim Elliot is a more fitting teacher of what it means to be disciples of Christ.

This entry caught my attention.  I've been wounded by the pervasive arrogance of intellectual Bible scholars who would depend on their expertise in Biblical studies to "rightly" exegete texts to prove and defend to those who cannot know for themselves that God in all of his sovereign wisdom and foreknowledge alone determined and secures the destiny of those who would go to heaven and those who would go to hell.  They use big words, and their followers do their bidding against all who, in their opinion, ignorantly believe otherwise.  Paul instructed Timothy to do the very opposite: "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels" (2 Timothy 2:22-23).

Don't fall prey to the Bible college mentality of acquiring knowledge and scholasticism. I beg of you. Instead, pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace. Become men and women who present themselves as those approved, workers who do not need to be ashamed, and who correctly handle the Word of truth so as to be thoroughly equipped for every good work for the sake of the world.