Kolo, this was a beautfil reply. Unfortunately, some of our Protestant counterparts see God's omnipotences as micormanagement. We see God as a loving Father who allows His children freedom to choose in order to give each and every human a chance to come to Him on his own when called. Calvinists apparently see that as God not being in control.
In our faith, God is doing everything for us; in theirs, God is doing everything for Himself and His own Glory. In ours we are His children; in theirs, we are His tools and toys, like little lead soldiers.
Everying hinges on the phronema or mindset. A glass can be half full or half empty. The two will never agree.
" In our faith, God is doing everything for us; in theirs, God is doing everything for Himself and His own Glory. In ours we are His children; in theirs, we are His tools and toys, like little lead soldiers.
Everying hinges on the phronema or mindset."
Indeed it does, my Balkan brother, indeed it does. "Do this and you will become like God" vs. "Do this or you will go to hell".
What is God doing for you when you choose against Him permanently? Nothing, right? He just steps out of the way. In our belief, God actively steps in and prevents that from ever happening for His elect. That's DOING something, and it's not only for Himself, it is out of His love for His elect.
How does God treat His beloved children under your view? He lets them walk straight off a cliff because He loves them so much, right? I would never do that to my children, and I don't think God would ever do that to His elect. I would infinitely prefer to be a little lead soldier in heaven, than left to my own devices (even with help) and wind up in hell.