We should bear in mind this choice is not evidence of 'respect of persons.'
Rather this choice is based on the will of God and whatsoever pleaseth Him He doeth.
When we refuse to acknowledge the truth of scripture concerning election we make God into a corruptible being subject to the same emotions we are. If this were true would he be subject to bribery? Would he be made a debtor to man?
This scripture is plead more often than most to attempt to prove God gave man a free will and ability to choose. First of all, man is not able to see (in the natural condition) the merits of the choice of believing God.
Next, man loves darkness, his deeds are evil and will be exposed if brought into the light. This requires a supernatural force to be exerted upon any who would come. (That force is found not on popular "reality" t.v. shows, but only through the will and purpose of God in sending forth the Holy Spirit to teach the truth to the sinner and regenerate his spirit whereby then and only then is he able to cry out for mercy for his sin.
Judgement is upon sin, it is not personal. Christ, though I have heard preachers preach differently, was not judged as a sinner, sin was judged and the elect was found in that judgement at calvary. This is biblical truth. How can the Son of God, 'declared the Son of God in power through the spirit of holiness' be viewed as having been judged as a sinner.
John the Baptist said: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." He did not say Christ was come to be judged as a sinner.
True the scripture said he became sin for us. But we also see 'for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh.' No man can do this, it required God.
The idea that 'no respecter of persons' is deeper than to open the eyes of Peter to the eternal plan, supported in the Law and Prophets of God taking for Himself peoples from all nations and tribes is just that, an idea. It is devised, delivered and utilized to build, support and edify the ego of ministers who have grown weary of preaching the Gospel to a rebellious and gainsaying people.
(example: Ministers are often more concerned about physical financial support than they are of the spiritual support from God and the prayers of God's people. In order to justify your sending a 'love offering' much labor is directed at providing evidence of the working of God through their ministries. Thus they fall into the snare of praying, preaching, talking and tracting people into the Kingdom of God. In doing so, they leave off the weighter matters of tearing down, rooting out and then building up. These latter methods are 'hard' and unpopular, they do not generate as much funds.)
I would rather declare the truth of the Gospel, have the Spirit work or not work and know that I am clean from the blood of any man.
As far as stories of buddies taking another man's wife and justifying it by predestination, all that is proven is the carnal nature of man. God is no where responsible for man choosing to add to his nature sins of personal commission. Even Adam and Eve attempted to work God in this way, and they failed. (Adam said, 'the woman thou hast given me' Eve said, the serpent beguiled me.
We listen too much to secular philosophy and devise methods of projecting causes for the nature we possess. It is no wonder when we do sin we would attempt to project that sin upon an eternal decree of God. This does not excuse us, however, we, and not God are found guilty. All this does is provide the garment of fig leaves which Adam provided, a garment which will rip, tear and rot. When given a choice apart from the "goading" of the Spirit we choose this garment rather than the eternal, seamless, uncorruptible garment of righteousness provided through Christ.
God Bless.
Bro. Dallas
