Posted by
ValiantForTruth on Thursday, August 16, 2007 12:31:43 PM
If we define paradox as an apparently contradictory assertion opposed to common sense, yet nevertheless true, then how are the following examples to be answered?
The claim that repentance and faith are gifts of grace and the claim that they are universal duties are not mutually exclusive. The Bible teaches both. At Mars Hill Paul said, ‘God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent’ [Acts 17:30]. Repentance is clearly a duty required. But it is also the gift of God. As Peter says, ‘He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins’ [Acts 5:31 & 11:18].
It is also the duty of people to believe the Gospel. Paul and Silas commanded the Philippian jailor, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ’ [Acts 16:31 & Matthew 11:28]. But faith is also the gift of God. As Paul says, ‘For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. [Philippians 1:29].