Did You Choose Christ; or Did He Choose You?

The Branch

When a branch is severed from a vine, and the decision to graft it into a new and living vine is made, “Does the dead branch or does the Vine dresser choose to graft it in?” Answer: The Vine dresser chooses (Jn 15:1–11; Romans 11:17–24).

The Clay

When a lump of clay is ready, and the decision to form it into a vessel is made, “Does the clay choose what design and purpose it will serve; or does the Potter choose to make the clay into a specific vessel?” Answer: The Potter chooses (Jeremiah 18:1–8; Romans 9:19–24).

The Sheep

When a sheep and a shepherd commence their relationship, is it the sheep who chooses which shepherd he or she prefers; or is it the shepherd who chooses to purchase, nurture, and protect the sheep he names and calls? Answer: The Shepherd chooses (Psalm 23; John 10).

The Slave

When a slave and slave owner commence their relationship, is it the choice of the slave which owner he or she will serve; or does the slave owner choose to purchase and employ the slave? Answer: The Slave Owner chooses (Acts 20:28; Romans 6:6; Ephesians 6:6).

The Orphan

When the relationship between the orphan and a family commences, is it the prerogative of the orphan which family he or she will choose to be a member in; or is it the parents of the family, who have chosen to adopt a particular orphan? Answer: The Parents choose (Romans 8:15, 23; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:4–5).

The Heir

When an inheritance is distributed, does the heir choose what he or she will receive from the estate; or does the testator of the will and owner of the estate choose who gets what? Answer: The Testator chooses (Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:7; Hebrews 9:16–17; James 2:5).

The Stone

When a temple is being constructed, does the stone choose where it will be placed and how it will function in the superstructure; or does the stone mason choose what will become of the stone? Answer: The Stone Mason chooses (Ephesians 2:20–22; 1 Peter 2:4–5).

The Baby

When a baby is created, body and soul, is it the choice of the baby to be conceived and birthed? Answer: No, the baby does not choose. For this reason, Jesus used this imagery to teach Nicodemus about being born again of God, born again of the Spirit (John 3:1–8). So, is it the spiritually dead man who causes himself to be born anew (1 Corinthians 2:14); or is it the Spirit of God who causes one to be born in this way? Answer: The Holy Spirit births the saint not vice-versa (1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 5:18).

The Dead Man

When a dead man is raised from death to life (John 11), does he or she choose to return from the dead; or does the One who raises the dead choose who will be resurrected to life or to judgment? Answer: It is God, who raises the dead (John 5:28–29; 1 Corinthians 15:15; Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13).

Noah

When Noah built the arc (Genesis 6–9), did everyone, everywhere have the option to enter the arc before the judgment deluge; or did God choose who would enter and how much room was provided for each one? Answer: God provided the blueprint for Noah to build the arc with the exact living space for 8 people and no more.

The Disciple of Jesus

When people became interested in Jesus’ public ministry, did those who eventually became Jesus’ disciples choose to be His followers; or did Jesus choose who would be His disciples? Answer: Jesus chose His disciples; they did not choose Him (John 15:16).

The Bride

When a King and His bride-to-be are engaged to be married, does she propose to Him or have the right of refusal; or is it the sovereign choice and decree of the King that she shall be His wife? Answer: It is the right and privilege of the sovereign to take any unmarried woman from the kingdom to be His lawfully wedded wife (see Genesis 12:19; 20:2; 24:67; Ruth 4:13; Esther 2; John 6:37; Ephesians 5:25).

Receiving Christ

When a person receives Christ unto salvation, does he or she, as a slave to sin, choose to be free by his or her own free will; or does God graciously choose a remnant to be His elect, according to His own divine free will? Answer: God chooses whom He will save; and He actually saves us without a so-called “free will decision” on our part (John 1:12–13; Romans 11:5–6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Titus 3:5; 2 Peter 1:10).

Summary: I have provided a reasonable number of illustrations from the Bible to show that people do not choose for themselves to permit Jesus Christ to save them (imagining they determine their own salvation).

Conclusion: The Bible clearly teaches that God is the Savior, not man (Titus 1:4; 2:13; 2 Peter 1:2). Scripture also teaches that God does all the work to save His chosen people from their sins (Psalm 57:2; 138:8; Isaiah 26:12; Matthew 1:21). Sinful man contributes nothing to salvation because he is unable to will or do so (Genesis 6:5; Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 1:18–32; 3:10–12; 8:7; Ephesians 2:1–3, 12).

Only God is able to save us — willing and doing so in His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). He begins this good work in every elect, redeemed, regenerate soul…and He completes His work without help from thieves desiring to steal His glory (Philippians 1:6). God’s beloved (Jude 1:1), elect from every nation (Revelation 5:9; 7:9), rejoice and give thanks to God (not themselves) for calling and choosing them unto a sure salvation (2 Peter 1:10).

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

September 11, 2024