theology

The last year of my life, I have really been wrestling though some parts of theology, specifically Calvinism, Arminianism, and Partially Open Theism. Now I am not going to try to explain anything on this post, so if the first sentence disinterested you, then don't fear! I won't bore you (although I think theology and philosophy is fascinating).

Through many discussions, debates, and dialogs with friends and mentors, I have come to the conclusion that I don't understand God, and I will never understand Him, even in eternity. So as much as I want to sometimes, it will never happen. It is funny. After a year of talking, thinking, and getting frustrated with all this stuff, I have arrived where I began. That God is mysterious and I will never fully know Him in His entirety. But, though all the discussion, I feel like I have learned how to think more biblically, and in that, glorify God with my mind. I think I have a relativity decent grasp on the Calvinistic, Arminean, and Partially Open Theism views. But I do not affirm any one of them in their entirety. In fact, I would not label myself as a Calvinist, or Arminiean, or Partially Open theist. I would label myself as a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Theology is great. But it is temporary. It is not eternal. As one of my good friends put it "theology is for us, not God". It helps us form our views of God and definitely does influence our lives here on Earth, but it will not dictate where we spend eternity. Only our faith in Jesus Christ as the second person of the trinity, Lord, Savior, Master, Friend, and God matters. More simply put, what we believe about Jesus matters.

I just wanna love Jesus and make disciples until He comes back. Our relationship with Jesus is more important than our systematic theology. So are people. Systematic theology is secondary.

I felt like I just wanna get all that out there. It feels good to know that God is in control, His Spirit is at work in the lives of me, and my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, and that His Son is returning. Soon.

Until He comes,

JN