Thy Will Be Done

Martin Luther provides a devotional challenge applicable to Calvinists today:

With reference to the elect we might distinguish between three classes.  First, there are those who are satisfied with God’s will, as it is, and do not murmur against God, but rather believe that they are elected.  They do not want to be damned.  Secondly, there are those who submit to God’s will and are satisfied with it in their hearts.  At least they desire to be satisfied, if God does not wish to save, but reject them.  Thirdly, there are those who really are ready to be condemned if God should will this.  These are cleansed most of all of their own will and carnal wisdom.  (Martin Luther.  Commentary on Romans.  Kregel Publishing. 1976 p 132)
Would you be satisfied with God not electing you?  Should you be?  One the one hand, I can see a certain selflessness in what Luther calling for.  Whatever may happen to me, Thy will be Done!  But being reprobate entails your being an unrepentant sinner and perishing for your sins.  God hates sin and has no pleasure in the death of the wicked.  So there’s also a lawlessness to what Luther suggests here.  This tension stems for the “two wills of God” and the practical reality of having to back one of God's wills at the expense of the other.

Comments

Pumice said…
Maybe it is a lack of context but just about every quote I read from Luther and Calvin makes me thank God for Arminius and Wesley.

Grace and peace.
October 29, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Godismyjudge said…
They were fairly open about their views on predestination. I find it refreshing; today most C's use softer lingo or skip over their harsher views.

But Luther & Calvin were not all bad. Had to throw that in, cause it's reformation day.

God be with you,
Dan
October 31, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Toilet of God said…
Taking a shot at the Reformers. Nice one. They need more humility and thoughtful exegesis.
November 18, 2011 at 1:05 PM
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