Dr Paul Allen

Meeting of Isaac and Rebekah (engraving by Gustave Doré from the 1865 La Sainte Bible) (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Genesis 24:14 Abraham ’s servant did not ask for some extraordinary sign, like fire to fall from heaven. What he asked for was to see some indication of one who would make a valuable wife in that culture—one who was friendly, hospitable and hardworking.  The unusual circumstances, however, ultimately proved Rebekah was chosen by God to be Isaac ’s wife. Does this Biblical example teach a fail- proof method of knowing God’s will? No. God promises us his guidance and his presence, not necessarily external signs. He may choose to grant us events that, upon looking back, we can trace to his leading. But that should not be expected. Much of God’s will is learned in the struggle of doubt and faith. He wants us to live by the principles he’s laid down in the Bible. He is concerned about how we live as much as what we do.  That doesn’t mean that what we do...

The Reunion of Jacob and Esau (1844 painting by Francesco Hayez) (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Election is the term the Bible uses to refer to God ’s act of choosing people to salvation. Paul unpacks this meaning most clearly in Romans 9:10-13, where he sees God announcing and then carrying out his plans in the lives of Jacob and Esau .  He writes, When Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “ Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Election is a demonstration of the sovereign love of God in knowing, choosing, saving, and safeguarding particular people to be members of his family forever, apart from any merit or credentials on the part of The reconciliation of Jacob and Esau.  those chosen (see Rom...