Election in a Christian Family
A recent incident in my own family has got me thinking about this idea of how Christian families automatically assume that their entire family will be part of the elect. Many of them "make a decision" at a very young age (4 or 5) and then grow up in the bubble of christianity. They go to church, sunday school, youth group, have all christian friends. So what happens when they get older and decide to reject everything they have been taught? How much effort should be given towards winning them back? For how long? Until they are 18 years old? Is it worse to have them consider/call themselves a christian and yet live with obvious sin in their lives or would it be better for them to forgo the label of christian? Are we wasting our time if she is not one of the elect?
posted by Todd Paris @ 10:10 AM
3 Comments:
It is never very comforting to think that perhaps a loved one will not respond to the draw of Christ. But I know that not everyone does. There are those who for whatever reason (their exercise of free will or their non-elect status) are not of the flock. My view of unlimited atonement helps me think that it is never a waste of time to offer the gift on behalf of the Savior who died for the world (includng a rebellious, prodigal).
Keep being a great Dad -- you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Keep loving her with Christ's kind of love -- demonstrate your love while she is still sinning. Bear your heart before God, like Hezekiah spread out the letter and beg God to do His work in His timing and miraculous way. Then do your part!
After reading your post may I suggest a good sermon for you to listen to or watch.. It is called the Ten Indictments from Paul Washer. It can be found at www.tenidictments.com This is really powerful and has not only helped me with my kids but also helped my kids...
Larry, Thanks for your post. The link doesn't work but, you can find it with a google search. I had never heard Paul Washer speak before.
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