People get so caught up in ideas and subject matter that will forever remain a mystery but yet, they will argue, debate, give personal opinions and beliefs anyhow. In the end, some things will always be a mystery because God wants things to be unknown by us. We couldn't handle it anyway. Only He is in control of everything and has all the answers, that's why He's a sovereign God! It's human nature to be controlling and insist on being right, even though we aren't so much of the time. It's called pride. There is a saying that goes like this; "What we wish, we readily believe." There are those who believe what they want to, not necessarily because it's correct. It's being stubborn and hard headed. But the fact is, this is not Biblical. The Bible teaches that we are to be humble which is to be able to admit that we don't always have the answers and may never find them out in this life time. Does it really matter which came first...the chicken or the egg?

One of the most confusing subjects in the Bible is very much like the chicken and the egg concept. It's just one of those mysteries that we either accept and believe or we don't. In the end only God knows the answers. I'm talking about salvation. When you start to really sink your teeth into this one, it can make the mind reel. Does God choose us or do we choose Him out our own free will? Remember, God is sovereign which means He controls everything...and we can't control anything. So, do we really have free will or not?

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways, My ways, says the Lord." Is.55:8 (Amplified)

It's not really worth arguing over whether we choose God or if He chooses us, what does matter is we can be saved into eternal life, because it's God's plan. God gives justice and mercy according to His own righteousness. God does what pleases Him to accomplish His purpose.

"For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) us as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]." Eph.1:5 (Amplified)

The bottom line is that God "choses" us, "elects" us, and "predestines" us because it is His pleasure and His kind and loving nature. That should be sufficient. This is the truth, and any other way of thinking will not help us. If we depart from this truth we will be walking in sin. All our personal opinions, stubborness or unwillingness to accept the truth will not make one bit of difference, it is what it is!

Charles Spurgeon once put it like this; On the outside written over the gates of Heaven are the words: "Whosoever will may come." Then on the inside written over the gates of Heaven are these words: "Chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, predestined to adoption as the good pleasure of His will."

There is no cut and dry answer. We either accept it or we don't. If we try to over analyze it, we will go insane and if we deny it altogether, we will go to hell.

I've heard about people living life to their pleasure, ignoring Christ and even after being afflicted with illness they have the self righeous attitude that they can ask for forgiveness on their death bed. This is not a personal choice to control the appointed time. God desires that we live a life dedicated to Him while on this earth. We shouldn't expect to live like hell and then expect God's forgiveness when we knowingly denied Christ all the while. If we ignored Him, why should we expect Him to welcome us into His kingom with open arms? God doesn't want anyone to perish but we must be willing to confess our sins and accept Christ when He comes to call.

If someone slammed the door in your face without hearing what you had to say, how apt would you be to welcome them when it was convenient for them? My guess is, not very. We mustn't forget that God created us for a relationship. He gives and we receive. Like any working relationship, it works both ways. God expects those of us whom He chooses to do all that he asks. He tells us in His Word what He demands from us because He knows it's for our own good. These commandments are our guidelines for living a happy, healthy, whole spiritual life. These guidelines can be found in Deuteronomy.

"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you but (reverently) FEAR the Lord your God, (that is) to WALK in all His ways and to LOVE Him, and to SERVE the Lord your God with all your (mind and) heart and with your entire being. To KEEP the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?" Deu.10:12-13 (Amplified)

God also tells us that the beginning of wisdom is fearing Him. He doesn't mean we are to be afraid of Him so that we can't approach Him, but to be in reverance of Him, obeying His sovereignty. If we fear God in reverence, we will love Him and serve Him by desiring to keep His commandments, because it's for our own good.

"Behold, the heavens and the heaven of heavens belong to the Lord your God, the earth also, with all that is in it and on it." Deu.10:14 (Amplified)

This is a claim that not even Bill Gates or Donald Trump can own up to. In fact, they have what they have because God chose to give it to them. They would be wise in fearing Him. Even all their money can't buy their eternal salvation. God wants willing hearts.

What it all boils down to is our faith and trust and obedience in Christ Jesus. We only have to have expectant hope in His return so we will one day have eternal glory with Him.

"But if we hope for what is still uneen by us we wait for it with patience and composure." Rom.8:25

Don't trust in yourself for salvation or having all the answers for that matter. The idol of self is a sorry substitute for God.