Do you believe everything happens for a reason? Just some things happen for a reason?
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Does God have a plan for each of us?
- Thread starter loreocookie
- Start date
loreocookie said:
I don't believe in a "plan". Because that would imply fate, and I believe in freewill. I do, however, believe in a purpose.
While individually our purposes may vary, as a whole God created us for fellowship with Him (as I understand it).
Like us as humans having children to fellowship and share a life with. You may even have multiple children; you love them all. Yet children have freewill and can choose something for themselves what they want. As a parent, you care only that they love you and are doing the right thing. While this is a loose mold of our relationship with God, I think it give some common sense insight.
I think everything happens for a reason. You shoot someone...they die. I don't believe God has his "puppet strings" on us. I believe, everything happens for a reason....but that reason isn't always (can't say never) God.
Remember....freewill not fate.
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Lyle
I am last minute stuff
God knows the present, past, and future (I don't know why those three always seem to be listed in that order). He ordains things to be for good, and others to bring ill (more in the form of pain). Read through Romans, it explains alot better on this topic then I ever could with words... But yes, God has a plan for everything that happens to us. For His children, all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His will.... The good is to one day be like Christ in all things...
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TheOriginalWhitehorse
Well-Known Member
Ephesians 1
1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1:5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
1:6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
1:8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
1:9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
1:10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1:5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
1:6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
1:8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
1:9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
1:10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
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"Sometimes I just think God puts people on this Earth to serve as a warning to others" - Anonymousonionring said:
No, I dont believe there are any such "plans" or "purposes" for people. I dont believe in purpose which is dicated by devine power. I believe purpose is something which can come from anyone, its not determined by origins or religious belief.
People often say "Sure, you scientists are so good at answering how questions, but you can never seem to answer why questions". Personally, I dont think everything which can be framed as a question suggests that is deserves to asked (such as "What is the color of prayer?").
People will often say things like "Why did the cancer/earthquake/accident have to happen to my kid?". This is an example of a question which seems legitimate to ask, but it really has no answer. The reason why is because there is a difference between questions which are appropriate to ask, and questions which are inappropriate to ask.
There is also a habit for people to refuse to accept that there are some thing which happen for no reason. For instance, there are 100s of deaths a year in the UK which result from people drinking and driving at the same time. People will usually accept that at face value... however, when someone famous such as Diana, Princess of Wales, dies in a crash, it just had to be a conspiracy plot to kill her to prevent her from marrying a Muslim.
To reiterate the answer my succintly: People only have a purpose in life when it comes from within theirselves.
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Whitehorse, your quote from Ephesians is great an all, but it really only says that God has a general plan for those who will be saved.
It doesn't mean He has a special, individual plan for each of us.
It doesn't mean He has a special, individual plan for each of us.
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TheOriginalWhitehorse
Well-Known Member
Vegan, if this is the case, then why do we have no control over the circumstnces of our birth, the events of our lives, and the outcome of our situation? We try to. And we do try to take comfort in feeling we're in control, but all you have to do is get a few years older to realize we *aren't* in control. How do you know God has no purpose for those deaths?
Ikaria, I encourage you to take another look at it. On the surface it may seem this way, but there is more to it if you look into it intently. There is mention of God's purposes, and I think the answer is there. God would not be able to purpose or predestine without ordaining the purposes of each. Moreover, God is extremely orderly, and organized. Nothing goes on without His plan being behind it.
I think the issue is, that when painful things happen we take comfort, however short-lived, to say God has no purpose. But this only does more damage than good. In my own experience, I have received great comfort from the Lord's hand, just in conforming myself to His will. He often brings it to pass in such a way that I'm able to see where I was leading myself until I decided His way was best. Always leaves me sighing with relief that I didn't insist on my own way.
I invite you to consider this:
Proverbs 19
9:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
Ikaria, I encourage you to take another look at it. On the surface it may seem this way, but there is more to it if you look into it intently. There is mention of God's purposes, and I think the answer is there. God would not be able to purpose or predestine without ordaining the purposes of each. Moreover, God is extremely orderly, and organized. Nothing goes on without His plan being behind it.
I think the issue is, that when painful things happen we take comfort, however short-lived, to say God has no purpose. But this only does more damage than good. In my own experience, I have received great comfort from the Lord's hand, just in conforming myself to His will. He often brings it to pass in such a way that I'm able to see where I was leading myself until I decided His way was best. Always leaves me sighing with relief that I didn't insist on my own way.
I invite you to consider this:
Proverbs 19
9:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
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Does God have a plan for each of us? I believe Yes. There are no coincidences, we chose our path daily and chose what kind of morals to have. Do we Love or Do we Hate, Do we Love or Kill, Do we Love or Steal. These are all choices, there are so many choices we make in our life daily that it is uncountable. If you really think about it, from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed. Which for most is set for them (alarms) what have you to go to work or an appointment. We deciede when to take a shower. We have a choice in ever decision "WE" make. The world "IS" cruel, and I find much more inner peace with the Lord than without. "I Know, by my personal experience". The world puts sooooooo many demands on us, there is no such thing as democracy anymore it is total cais out there. Not only that but it has been prophecied in the Bible and just like everything else this one has come to pass also!!!!!!!!!If you would like just a real quick reference read as to how the Bible relates to the times we are living in at this very moment. It is a real eye opener: Luke Chapter 21. If you read it remember where the US troops are right this very moment, has been for a while now. Plus They just had a 6.4 earthquake that killed twenty thousand people. I take heed of Gods' Word and my eyes are wide open.
also onionring, for a plan to work you have to participate in it.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are th branches; He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
onionring stated "I don't believe in a plan that would imply fate and I believe in free will:,//-- also ---, believe in a purpose.
I would simply say you are exactly right, we each have free will.
That is why I Thank God for sending us Jesus who died for all of us; that is how much Gods' Loves us and when you love Him back whole heartedly, and keep the faith, read and learn what he is trying to teach all of us, so that we may win the kingdm of heaven and live eternally in his presense.
Let Him work with you through your Holy Spirit; which you receive when you accept Jesus Christ into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior, and you would be surprised what the Lord can do; for "with God all things are possible".
When It comes down to Heaven you have two choices God our creator gives you, "you are either with Him or against Him".
John 15:6 "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are bruned".
I prefer Gods' other promise, of a new heaven and a new earth AMEN!
No more war, disease, hunger, thirst. "For man does live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
John 15:7 "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you".
Everyone is born with the knowledge of God, for he created us. I knew of Jeus and that he was up in the clouds since I was 5 and I did not have any religious upbringing. I am not saying I never strayed, we all do; for we are all born sinners. Praise the Lord for He is VERY Patient and Loves all his children. "I Love Him because He first Loved me".
For now I will end with a teaching from the Lord.
John 16:29 His disciples said unto im, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
John 16:31 Jesus answered them, "Do ye now believe?"
John 16:32 "Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, and that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me".
John 16:33 "These thing I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world".
So yes some are saved and some are not and that is because we are given free will, I choose the will of God over the will of this world everyday.
P.S. Whitehorse I loved reading your responses. So very true.
God Bless And May Peace Be With You All
Rejoice in the Lord.
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Lyle said:
I don't believe "future" exist as a legitimate object. Does the Bible support that God knows the future or every possibility, our hearts, and what the current state of our hearts will chose?
To state that future exists is to state the fate exists!
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TheOriginalWhitehorse
Well-Known Member
onionring said:
There's a difference between fate and providence. Time is God's invention, and He is outside of it, by virtue of His eternal nature. Combined with His omnipresence [everywhere present] and omniscience [all-knowing].
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arizona_sunshine
Well-Known Member
Casper40,
I completely appreciate your statement:
God has a plan for us if we choose to participate.
I'd like to take it a step further and suggest that it is our responsibility & priviledge to recognize & appreciate His hand in our walk thru life.
I completely appreciate your statement:
God has a plan for us if we choose to participate.
I'd like to take it a step further and suggest that it is our responsibility & priviledge to recognize & appreciate His hand in our walk thru life.
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TheOriginalWhitehorse
Well-Known Member
Just curious as to what everyone would say to this: If someone chooses not to participate, do you believe God's will can be thwarted?
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arizona_sunshine
Well-Known Member
Whitehorse said:
Good question.
I believe the Lord's work will go forth, and He will call able servants to complete it.
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Good question.Whitehorse said:
I believe that there is definitely a relationship between free will and destiny (by destiny, I mean God-given destiny). I believe that our free will can (and does at times) temporalily delay His plans. However, in the end, His will is going to be done.
If you haven't seen "The Matrix" (or the Matrix Reloaded or the Matrix Revolutions), go see it (them). The story line behind those movies speaks to this exact topic.
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Hi arizona_sunshine, thank you for your post to me! I appreciate it.Always take it a step further (right), always forward, never back. I do proceed daily with the Lord in my walk through life and it is comforting to have him dwell inside.
Hi WhiteHorse, "Thy will be done".
God Bless and Peace Be With Your All
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