|
April 20, 2026
Living & Loving in the Tension of Faith
First time reading? Sign up here
|
|
|
A simple note: Enjoying Faith on View Essays? Our readers' support keeps this work free and helps us publish thoughtful Christian voices. Join as a Sustaining Patron ($3, $9, or $19/mo). Become a Sustaining Patron
Essay
|
|
I am not a theologian, nor did I attend Bible college. So, while it may be presumptuous for me to tackle the question of free will vs. election, I have been reading my Bible pretty much every day since I was saved on August 6, 1978, and have formed an opinion on the subject.
Although I have leaned toward the free will (Arminianism) camp, I recently tried to better understand the election (Calvinism) perspective. I think I have arrived at a middle ground that merges the two ways of thought. I realize this question has been debated for the last 2,000 years, but see what you think.
We know that God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (I Timothy 2:4). That certainly seems like a good argument for free will. But just because God desires something doesn’t mean he will force it upon us. In fact, God knows from before he created us who would give their hearts to him and who would not. As the Apostle Paul says, “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29)....
|
|
|
|
Faith on View Resources
|
|
Beyond the passion of romantic love and the innate bond of a mother’s love, there exists a higher form of affection. This kind of love stands through trials, transcends personal desires, and brims with an enduring sense of good will. The ancients called it “agape”. The Greek word “agape” is more than just an English word or term for affection. It refers to a selfless kind of love, an unconditional love that persists regardless of circumstance.
Agape doesn’t originate from sexual desire. Nor is agape restricted to family members alone. It surpasses these limitations and circumstances, encompassing every individual, every creature with sentient life.
Agape is the highest form of love because it is rooted in choice and action. It is an act of the will, a persistent commitment to seek the well being of others regardless of whether that love is returned. In this way, agape stands apart from all other forms of love....
|
Quicklinks:
Pay What You Want Faith on View is (and always will be) free thanks to the generous support of our patrons. Join them through a one-time gift or a continuing pledge. Thank you for supporting our mission! Please Support Faith on View
Check out our Swag! You can now get Faith on View merchandise sent straight to you. This is a great way to support us and get items you will use or wear. Also, check back regularly because we have more merchandise we are planning on adding soon. Take a look at our Faith on View Merch
Daily Reflections for a Life of Faith Whispers of Grace is a series of personal reflections written by Rondall Reynoso, a long-time Christian, scholar of religion, and an artist. Each reflection begins with a Bible verse, continues with some honest thoughts about life and faith, and closes with a simple prayer. Subscribe to Whispers of Grace
 |
Share with friends, get cool stuff! |
Have friends who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome reward when they subscribe. |
[RH_REFLINK GOES HERE] |
|
PS: You have referred [RH_TOTREF GOES HERE] people so far |
| See how many referrals you have |
|
|
Disclaimers: Some links may include affiliate relationships in which Faith on View may receive a share of the profits.
|
|
|
