Known by God, Free to Choose

Known by God, Free to Choose

Somewhere along the way, parts of the Church started talking about salvation like it was a lottery ticket God handed out before anyone was born.

Names written down.
Doors locked.
Fates sealed.

And if we’re honest, that picture makes God feel distant… almost cold.

But that’s not the God I meet in Scripture.

The God I see in the Bible calls, invites, pleads, warns, and reaches.

“Choose this day.”
“Come unto Me.”
“Whosoever will.”

Those aren’t the words of a God who already decided most people never had a chance.
Those are the words of a Father holding the door open.

Love only works if it’s chosen.

Forced love isn’t love — it’s programming.

God didn’t create robots to populate heaven.
He created sons and daughters with real freedom. Freedom to walk toward Him… or away from Him.

Yes, God already knows the outcome. He’s God.

But knowing isn’t causing.

A good father might know his stubborn child is going to touch the hot stove after being warned ten times. His knowledge doesn’t cause the burn — the choice does.

In the same way, God’s foreknowledge doesn’t cancel our responsibility.

It simply means nothing surprises Him.

And honestly, this view fits the heart of the Gospel better.

Because if everything were predetermined, prayer would be pointless, preaching would be theater, and invitations would be pretend.

But they’re not.

Every conversation matters.
Every witness matters.
Every “yes” matters.

People really do decide.

That’s why we keep sharing Christ.
That’s why we keep praying for prodigals.
That’s why we don’t give up on anybody.

As long as there’s breath in their lungs, there’s still a choice on the table.

And that sounds a lot more like the Jesus I know.