10/21/12 IT IS A MESS
It does not matter that Billy Graham has removed "Mormon" from a list of cults on his ministry website, he is wrong and they are still a Christless cult.
This does not mean we should not love them, but it does not mean we should embrace anti-Christian and anti-Bible beliefs of Mormonism as being Christian.
Also no one should be forced or shamed into voting or not voting. As far as this present election is concerned, it is going to end in disaster either way.
However, I know the destructive nature and philosophy of BHO and where he is taking this country. If I vote, it will not be so much a vote for Romney as it will be a vote AGAINST OBAMA. Neither choice is OPTIMAL.
When faced with such a situation it is like being asked if we would rather have our heads chopped off or be burned at the stake. Larry said he would rather have his head cut off, but Curly disagreed and said, "Hot steaks are better than cold chops." Maybe "Pick your poison" is a better phrase. Either way, I know I don't want anymore of BHO.
(In answer to why I thought it would be a disaster.)
Friend, you don't even believe that humans have a grace enhanced free will to choose Christ or reject Him. This colors your whole view of life. This is called fatalism. I am not a fatalist, but I do believe this world (including this country) is doomed because it refuses the offer of free grace and chooses against Christ. The Bible teaches this clearly, history confirms what God has foretold, current events underscore that our own society is on a downward spiral and is actually in a secularist Jehad against Christ and His Church. I believe we have a free choice, but the Scriptures tell us the outcome. God does not condemn any nation without it rejecting Christ and He does not damn anyone without them freely choosing to reject the grace of God.
I thought I had made myself clear that Romney is a better choice, but anything less than the Lordship of Christ is a formula for disaster. Actually, this country is not supposed to be ruled by any man, godly or ungodly. This is a Republic that is supposed to be under the rule of law (Judeo/Christian), not the rule of a man.
I happen to think Romney is less damaging (at the moment) than BHO, but a secular society and a cultist is hardly a promise or guarantee that things will be better in the future. I encourage people to oust the Muslim, but that does not mean the Mormon will save the country. As the fellow said, "Cheer up, things could be worse. I cheered up, and sure enough, things got worse."
Let's not forget, it is not just the man in the White House who chooses the course of this country, it is the man in the street. The man in the street puts the man in the White House. This tells us where we are as a nation. The fact that there was not even a candidate from traditional Christian background in the race tells us that we as a country are in trouble. I understand that we will be led by ungodly men from time to time. But it is disturbing that we don't even have a choice at this point. We will be led by an ungodly man, no matter who wins or who survives long enough to finish the next term.
My real objective is not political or focused on saving this present evil world, but rather it is to get people to turn to Christ, since that is an actual choice they do have, and it is a choice that will determine their eternal destiny. Unfortunately, fatalism is stuck with whatever its god predetermines, whether on a national or personal level.
Brother Wade and I recollected the religious affiliations of Presidential candidates back to the time of Truman. Not saying they were Christian, but at least traditional Christianity has been represented in every race until now. Be careful, whatever he claims to be, Obama does not belong to a traditional Christian church. (I am saying be careful in assuming Obama's supposed religious affiliation. As with everything else OBAMA, things are not always what they are said to be).
(In answer to another question concerning my post.)
My core beliefs concerning absolutes determine my entire worldview. Let me explain.
I believe humans have the God given ability and responsibility to make right choices and do the right thing. Even the unsaved make some right choices. Though right choices do not make men righteous, right choices can produce favorable results, both temporal and eternal. Fatalism denies this.
God has given man the responsibility to govern self and society. When choices are consistent with God's will, man is blessed; when contrary to God's will, DISASTER follows. The more blatant the rebellion, the fuller is the cup of iniquity for individuals and peoples. Obama has had us going in the wrong direction, in high gear. Hopefully Romney will slow it down. But Scripture foretells the ultimate failure of Christless individuals and nations. This world's systems will fail.
The disaster I was referring to is temporal with eternal implications. Wrong choices lead to suffering and pain and oppression in this life, which impact eternal destinies. Personal rejection of Christ results in eternal separation from God. You contend that God has made all eternal choices, which contradicts God's word.
I do not believe everything that happens is God's will. I believe God enables man to do His bidding and He allows man to misgovern self and society. He then judges man accordingly. Man is not a puppet or a robot without real choices or will. Though God sometimes thwarts and over rules man's choices in temporal issues, we still determine our lives and destinies.
My doctrine of free will is demonstrated in self determination (personal and national), while your belief in fatalism contradicts actual choices, especially your statement concerning the long term.
I also respect a person's right and freedom to vote or not vote. Otherwise, he may be forced to vote against his conscience. Human rights are more important than political process.
