Ahhh, the famous story of Zacchaeus - the Chief Tax Collector who climbed a Sycamore tree in order to see the approaching Jesus.Of the questions we touched on tonight in my care-group, one of them is: WHY did Jesus call (save) Zacchaeus?
To me, Zacchaeus is an excellent example for the doctrine of Election. Simply put, God chose Zacchaeus for salvation SOLELY out of His own will, for His own purpose, for His own pleasure, and for His own glory (Eph 1:3-6, 11; Romans 9:11).
It was a 100% God thingy. There was NOTHING on Zacchaeus' part that influenced or affected God's decision. It was God's absolute sovereignty at work.
IF God chose Zacchaeus cuz of his "good heart" or "good intention" or "good curiosity" or "potential good deeds coming forth"...then Zacchaeus' salvation was, at the least, partially influenced by his OWN self, or POTENTIAL good deeds. This to me would be absolute heresy.
Bible teaches we are saved by Grace thru Faith. And that NOT of ourselves. And NOT of works. SO THAT NO ONE COULD BOAST!
Can u imagine "proud" Zacchaeus now boasting in heaven: "That day when Jesus was passing by Jericho...in my heart...deep deep down my heart...despite all the sins and corruption on the surface...somewhere deep deep deep down...I still had some good left in me...and though that some good flared for just a second but it was good enough to attrack Jesus' attention...and thus He called me...and I responded by choosing Him...Waaa, lucky me, man."
I think not.
And just like the accounts of creation...just like the mighty storm that had to cease...just like dead Lazarus who had to come forth...when the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, CALLED - heaven & earth will have NO OPTIONS but to kneel & obey. And so did Zacchaeus.
4 comments:
Good observation. Am re-thinking this more and more on the other areas in the bible as well.
I also have thought over this subject after reading this post. something else i learned...(or wonder) is in the very begining. Genesis 1:1-2 it says that there was nothing and that it was darkness and void right? then it says that the Spirit of God hovered over the waters...so was there nothing but darkness, or was there water?
i would appreciate if u replied.
thanx.
@Soldier
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (Gen 1:1-2)
From the plain reading of verse 1 & 2, heavens and earth were made...but the earth was "w/o form & void"...so it wasn't "nothing".
The Spirit was hovering over "the face of the waters"...so clearly there was water...
Hope it helps :)
thanx for replying...i am going to post on my blog at a point this week and i would love for you to check it out. thank u.
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