If the Lord Be God

One of the seeming dichotomies in Scripture revolves around the word choose. Throughout the Scriptures we see the words choose, chose, and chosen—all in relation to the sovereign work of God in salvation. For example, in the Gospel of John Jesus said: You did not choose me, I chose you. And Paul writing to the Ephesian church reminded them that they were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. Yet we also see in Scripture the clear call for us to choose. "Choose for yourselves whether it is right for us to obey God or men." "Choose this day whom you will serve." "Choose life so that you may live." Time and again we see God figuratively drawing a line in the sand, commanding us to choose. Dr. D. James Kennedy unfolds an epic drama of choosing—choosing between life and death in his message: “If the Lord be God.”