There is much conflict
Between Armenians and Calvinists
And there is clearly a major point
That both of them miss.
That point being, of course,
God’s ways are past finding out
And that man’s enormous deficit
Is surely without doubt.
For every one who is saved
It was an act of the will,
Concerning what Calvinists hold
This is the bitter pill.
The elect chooses to be saved
By a definite act of the will,
Thus, the “whosoever will” may come
We hear the invitation still.
There is clearly no doubt
That choice is a factor,
Those who come will not be denied
Who don’t, is another matter.
God is God
And He is definitely in charge,
He was and is and always will be
Though often disparaged.
His sovereignty is intact
Despite giving man a choice,
That is to accept His invitation
Or ignore His voice.
In the acceptance of grace
Neither is compromised:
God’s sovereignty and our choice
Work side by side.
On this wise we ought to pray
Even when I don’t understand
Lord, let me never wander away
From your sovereign hand.
The elect is the elect
Because they’re chosen of God,
Is it any wonder, therefore,
They answered His call.
They were given to Christ
As is outlined in the Word
And to think Satan can snatch them
Is to be absurd.
Having said yes to His call
They are held by His hand
And nothing can pluck them out:
No creature or no man.
For by an act of their will
They show they are the elect
And seeing the footsteps of Jesus
They fell in step.
Prevenient grace or total depravity
Is not the critical issue
But having heard Christ call,
What will you do?
Christians argue technicalities
While sinners are lost and undone,
It is for such sinners the Saviour died
And now he bids them come.
A simple act of the will
Expressed in an act of faith,
God’s sovereignty and our free will
Meeting in wonderful grace.
Stewart Russell © March 21, 2024
