Author: Sokoga Ategbe

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Chosen or Choosing? Does God Decide Our Fate, or Do We?

Ever wondered if your choices really matter? Like, are you the driver of your own destiny, or is God behind the wheel, controlling every turn?

Think about it—if God already knows who will be saved, does that mean some people are just doomed from the start? If salvation is purely God’s choice, does that mean our faith and obedience don’t matter? And if we actually have free will, does that make God less sovereign?

This question has divided Christians for centuries.

Some say, “God is in full control of salvation!”

Others respond, “But He gave us free will!”

And the crazy thing? Both seem to be in the Bible.

So, let’s wrestle with one of the most profound mysteries of faith:

Do we choose God, or did He already choose us?

1. The Case for “God Chooses” (Predestination)

Imagine you’re applying for university, but instead of you picking the school, the school picks you—before you even know what education is. That’s how some people view salvation.

Key Scriptures:

“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.”

(Ephesians 1:4)

“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”

(Romans 9:16)

“You did not choose me, but I chose you.”

(John 15:16)

This is where Calvinism (or Reformed Theology) comes in.

It teaches that:

✔️ God, in His sovereignty, has already chosen who will be saved (the elect).

✔️ No one comes to God unless He enables them (John 6:44).

✔️ If salvation depends on human effort, it’s no longer grace but works.

What About Those Who Aren’t Chosen?

This is where things get uncomfortable. If God predestines some people for salvation, does He also predestine others to be lost?

That’s called double predestination—the idea that just as God elects some to eternal life, He also passes over others, allowing them to continue in their rebellion.

Paul wrestles with this:

“Shall the thing formed say to Him who formed it, ‘Why have You made me like this?’”

(Romans 9:20-21)

This can feel unfair. But the argument goes: If God is truly sovereign, doesn’t He have the right to do as He wills?

But hold on… doesn’t that contradict other parts of the Bible?

2. The Case for “We Choose” (Free Will)

Now, let’s flip the script. Imagine a father stretching out his hand to a child. The father doesn’t force the child to take his hand—the child has to choose to grasp it.

Key Scriptures:

“Choose this day whom you will serve.”

(Joshua 24:15)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish.”

(John 3:16)

“God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

(2 Peter 3:9)

This is the Arminian (or Free Will) Perspective, which says:

✔️ Salvation is offered to everyone, but you must accept it.

✔️ God desires all people to be saved, but He won’t force them (1 Timothy 2:4).

✔️ Faith is a response to God’s grace, not an automatic result of election.

But Doesn’t That Make God Less Sovereign?

Some argue that if humans have free will, it could mean God isn’t fully in control. What if someone rejects Him? Wouldn’t that mean God’s will isn’t always done?

This leads to another big debate:

Does God predestine based on His will alone (Calvinism)?

Or does He predestine based on who He foreknows will believe (Arminianism)?

Romans 8:29 hints at this:

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined.”

Some believe this means God’s choice is based on knowing ahead of time who would choose Him.

So, which one is true?

3. Where Do Predestination and Free Will Connect?

At first glance, these two ideas seem contradictory. But what if… they actually work together?

Think of it like this:

Imagine salvation as a door. On the outside, you see a sign that says, “Whoever Will May Come.”

But once you step inside, you turn around and see another sign that says, “Chosen Before the Foundation of the World.“

God’s Sovereignty + Our Responsibility = The Mystery of Salvation

How Both Are True in Scripture:God is 100% sovereign. He knows the end from the beginning. (Isaiah 46:10)We are 100% responsible. We must choose to follow Him. (Acts 16:31)

Salvation is a gift, not earned. But a gift must be received. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Some theologians explain it like this:

🔹 From God’s perspective (eternal view): He knows exactly who will be saved and has predestined their salvation.

🔹 From our perspective (human view): We genuinely make choices that determine our eternal destiny.

This paradox isn’t something to “solve.” It’s something to trust—because the truth is, no one comes to God apart from His grace, but no one is turned away who truly seeks Him.

4. What Does This Mean for Us?

At the end of the day, this debate shouldn’t just stay in our heads—it should shape how we live.

🔥 Instead of stressing, seek Jesus! (Matthew 6:33)

🔥 Instead of debating endlessly, share the gospel boldly! (Romans 1:16)

🔥 Instead of wondering if you’re “chosen,” make sure you choose Him today! (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Because one thing is certain: No one ever got to heaven by debating theology—but plenty have by trusting in Jesus.

What Do You Think?

👉 Do you lean more towards predestination or free will?

👉 Can both be true at the same time?

👉 How does this change how you live your faith?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s wrestle with this together! 🔥😊

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Are Christians Called to Fix Society or Just Preach the Gospel?

Alright, let’s be real. If the world is falling apart—wars, corruption, poverty, oppression—should Christians be the ones fixing it, or should we just focus on telling people about Jesus and let the world burn?

I mean, let’s imagine you’re standing in front of a man drowning in a river.

Do you:

  • A) Shout “Brother, believe in Jesus, and you will be saved!” or
  • B) Jump in, drag him out, and then talk about salvation over a warm cup of tea?

Because, let’s be honest, if he drowns before hearing the message, that’s a problem.

This is where Christians are divided.

Some say, 

“Just preach! The world is doomed anyway!”

Others say, 

“Fix society! How can they hear the Gospel when they’re starving?”

So, what’s the right approach?

What Did Jesus Do?

Jesus was the ultimate evangelist, right? But let’s look at His actual ministry strategy:

  1. He preached. No argument there.
  2. He fed people. (Matthew 14:13-21 – Feeding the 5,000)
  3. He healed the sick. (Matthew 8:16 – He healed all who came to Him.)
  4. He defended the oppressed. (John 8:1-11 – Saving the woman from being stoned.)
  5. He flipped tables. (Matthew 21:12-13 – Because some “church folks” were exploiting the poor.)

Jesus did not just say, “Believe in Me and forget about your earthly problems.” He cared about people’s real struggles.

What About the Early Church?

Now, let’s talk about the original gangsters of Christianity—the apostles. Did they just preach and leave society alone? Nope.

  • The church in Acts literally shared everything (Acts 4:32-35). Imagine that—no Christian was poor because they actually helped each other.
  • They created the first welfare system—caring for widows and orphans (Acts 6:1-7).
  • They went against corrupt systems. Paul wasn’t afraid to stand up to rulers. Peter was jailed for challenging the status quo.
  • They changed the Roman Empire! Christianity spread because believers were the only ones who cared for the sick during plagues.

The early church didn’t just talk about love. They lived it.

But Isn’t Preaching the Gospel Enough?

I get it. The Gospel is the main thing. No argument there.

But the Gospel isn’t just a message—it’s a life-changing force that affects everything.

If salvation doesn’t change how we treat the poor, the oppressed, and the hurting—then what kind of Gospel are we preaching?

“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

– James 2:15-17

So, no.

Just saying “I’ll pray for you” while watching someone suffer isn’t real faith.

Faith Is Action.

Think about it:

  • If William Wilberforce had just “preached the Gospel” and ignored slavery, millions would have remained in chains.
  • If Martin Luther King Jr. had just “preached the Gospel” and ignored racism, segregation would have lasted longer.
  • If missionaries today only preached and never built schools, hospitals, or wells, many would remain in suffering.

Jesus said we are salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16).

Salt preserves, light reveals—both require engagement with the world.

A Gospel that doesn’t touch lives is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So, What’s the Answer?

  1. Preach the Gospel. It’s the foundation of everything.
  2. Engage Society. Fight corruption. Stand against injustice. Help the needy.
  3. Live the Gospel. Don’t just talk about Jesus—reflect Him.

Because, listen—if the church won’t fix society, then who will?

🔥 What do you think? Should Christians actively change society, or is evangelism enough? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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When I Gave My Life to Jesus… Did He Accept It? 😳

You know how we love to say, “I gave my life to Jesus!” like it’s this grand, noble thing? Like we just handed God a premium, limited-edition, top-tier package labeled “My Life – Handle With Care.”

But let’s pause for a second.

Did Jesus actually accept it?

I mean… if we’re being honest, what exactly did we give Him?

😳😳😳😳

  • A life full of mistakes? ✔️
  • A heart that changes its mind every five minutes? ✔️
  • A spiritual résumé with “Previously a Sinner” still listed as my current job title? ✔️✔️✔️

Not to be dramatic, but if Jesus were running a “Trade Your Life” business, I’d be that guy in line handing Him a half-eaten sandwich like, “Here, Lord, take this. It’s all I got.”

And Jesus? He actually takes it. WHAT?!

What Did I Think Was Happening?

When I “gave my life to Christ,” I thought I was making a trade.

“Here you go, Jesus. My life in exchange for eternal security, divine guidance, and a VIP pass to heaven. Deal?”

It sounded nice. Noble. A little poetic.

But here’s the thing—

that’s not how salvation works.

What Actually Happened?

Spoiler alert:

I didn’t give my life to Jesus.
He gave His life for me.

📖 “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

— 1 John 4:10

Read that again. Yeah, read it again!

I didn’t show up like a spiritual entrepreneur offering God a startup investment. No, I was drowning, and Jesus jumped in to save me while I was still flailing like a fish out of water.

He didn’t accept my life because it was valuable—He accepted it because He is merciful.

So… What Now?

If salvation isn’t about me impressing Jesus with my “offering,” then what does He actually want?

🔹 Not just a decision—A relationship. Salvation isn’t a moment; it’s a journey of walking with Christ every day.

🔹 Not just surrender—Total transformation. I don’t just “give” my life to Jesus; I receive His life in exchange for mine.

🔹 Not just religion—Radical love. Following Jesus isn’t about trying harder. It’s about resting in what He’s already done.

So, Did Jesus Accept My Life?

Nope.

Instead, He gave me His.

And between you and me? I got the better deal. 😎

🔥 Over to You!

Ever thought about this before? Have we sometimes made salvation seem more about our decision rather than His grace? Let’s chat in the comments!

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🎶 Growing Older, But Never Outgrowing His Love 🎶

Five years ago, I heard a song that changed me. It wasn’t just another melody—it was a voice straight to my heart. Ray Boltz’s “Always Be a Child” hit me deep, and to this day, every time I hear it, something inside me melts.

You see, life makes you feel like you have to grow up, toughen up, figure it out. But then Jesus whispers, “You’ll always be a child in My eyes.” And suddenly, the weight lifts.

I had a conversation with Him about it. Maybe it’s a conversation you’ve needed too:

A Conversation With Jesus: I’ll Always Be Your Child

Me: Jesus… can I talk to You for a moment?

Jesus: Always, My child. What’s on your heart?

Me: It’s funny, Lord. I’ve grown, changed, struggled… But every time I hear that song, it’s like I’m back where I started—just a child in Your arms.

I close my eyes, and suddenly, I’m not this “grown-up” trying to figure life out. I’m just… Yours.

Jesus: Because that’s exactly who you are.

Me: But Lord, I don’t always feel like Your child. Sometimes, I feel like I should have figured things out by now. That I should be stronger, braver, more put together. But then I hear the words—“When you need some love, My arms are open wide…”

And I realize how much I need that love.

Jesus: Victor,

I have loved you with an everlasting love

(Jeremiah 31:3)

You don’t outgrow My love. You don’t graduate from being My child. Even when you think you’ve wandered too far, even when your faith feels weak—My arms are still open.

Me: But what about the times I push You away? The moments I get so caught up in life that I forget You?

Jesus: Even then.

📖 “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”

— 2 Timothy 2:13

Me: So… even as I’m growing older, You’ll always see me as Your child?

Jesus: Always. You may change, but My love doesn’t. You’ll always be safe in My hands. And no matter how far you go, I’ll always be here, whispering, Come home.

Me: I’ll always be a child in Your eyes…

Jesus: And I’ll always be Your Father.

🎵 “Always Be a Child” – Ray Boltz

… I was there when you drew the breath of life

And I could hear your voice

The first time that you cried

And though you couldn’t see me

I was very near

And there’s something now

That I want you to hear…

You will always be a child in my eyes

And when you need some love

My arms are open wide

And even when you’re growing old

I hope you realize

You will always be a child in my eyes…

And I was there the first time that you prayed

And I heard all the promises you made

And when you fell before me

Crying father I have sinned

I picked you up

And held you close again…

And you will always be a child in my eyes

And when you need some love

My arms are open wide

And even when you’re growing old

I hope you realize

You will always be a child in my eyes…

You will always be a child in my eyes

And when you need some love

My arms are open wide

And even when you’re growing old

I hope you realize

You will always be a child in my eyes…

You will always be a child in my eyes

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STOP STRUGGLING—JUST SHINE! 🌞🌟🌙✨⭐💥🌞

We’ve complicated Christianity. Somewhere along the way, we turned following Jesus into a performance—a constant, exhausting effort to “be better,” “do more,” and “shine brighter.” But what if we got it all wrong?

What if shining for Christ was never about trying harder but simply turning toward Him?

1️⃣ The Moon Doesn’t Try to Shine—It Just Reflects

Ever noticed how the moon never stresses about shining? It doesn’t wake up (if it ever sleeps) and say, “Oh no! What if I’m not glowing enough tonight?” It simply faces the sun, and boom—light.

Eric Gilmour puts it this way:

🗣️ “When Christianity changes from behaving to beholding, struggling is replaced with snuggling and wrestling with nestling.”

Eric Gilmour (Sonship int’l)

Christianity isn’t about behavior modification—it’s about intimacy with Jesus. The more we behold Him, the more we reflect Him. Just like the moon, our job isn’t to generate light but to stay positioned where His light can hit us.

📖 “We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.”

— 2 Corinthians 3:18

Transformation happens not by striving, but by staring.

2️⃣ The One Thing That Can Block Your Light

But here’s the problem—sometimes, the moon doesn’t shine. Not because the sun stopped shining, but because something got in the way.

What happens during a lunar eclipse? The earth comes between the moon and the sun. The world blocks the light.

Same with us.

When the world gets between us and Jesus, our light fades. Not because His power has diminished, but because we’ve let something else steal our focus.

🔹 Sin? It dims the light.
🔹 Fear of people’s opinions? That’s an eclipse.
🔹 Busyness and distractions? They cast a shadow.
🔹 Self-effort instead of surrender? That’s wrestling instead of nestling.

Jesus warned about this:

📖 “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.”

— Matthew 5:15

Could it be that we are the ones covering our own light?

3️⃣ Stop Trying—Start Turning

Here’s where it gets real—you can’t make yourself shine. You can try harder or work more, but if you’re facing the wrong direction, no amount of effort will produce light.

Eric Gilmour again:

🗣️ “The secret to shining is not more effort—it’s more exposure to Him.”

🔥 Want to shine? Face the Son.
🔥 Want to radiate Christ? Stay in His presence.
🔥 Want effortless transformation? Shift from struggling to snuggling.

It’s not about trying to be holy—it’s about getting so close to Jesus that holiness becomes your natural glow.

4️⃣ The Question You Need to Ask

So here’s the real question:

Are you trying to shine, or are you positioned to shine?

The moon doesn’t work hard to be bright—it simply stays in the right place. The same goes for us. If we’re not shining, we don’t need more effort—we need more exposure to Jesus.

🔥 Final Thought: Are You Facing the Son?

Look at your life. Has something eclipsed your light? Are you striving instead of soaking in His presence?

💬 What’s one thing that tries to block your light? How do you stay positioned to reflect Christ? Let’s talk! 👇🔥

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