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Today’s reading—Exodus 7–9—brings us to a theological discussion that has sparked debate within the church for centuries. It has even led to the formation of different denominations. While I do hold a particular stance, I have been blessed to be part of a church, a seminary, and a denomination that does not allow this difference in understanding to divide us. I recall a Sunday school class in the first church where I truly felt God calling me to Himself—an Evangelical Free Church. Two Seminary Professors—each holding opposing views on this very topic—taught together, discussed with mutual respect, and encouraged us as students to study Scripture for ourselves, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth. How could the Holy Spirit lead individuals to different conclusions about God’s character? Perhaps the greater lesson was not about the doctrine itself, but about humility and unity.

Throughout your Christian journey, you will encounter believers who see things differently than you do. Yet, for the sake of unity, we are called to walk in humility and love one another. In the Christian and Missionary Alliance, I have heard a principle repeated again and again: We major on the majors and minor on the minors. The “majors” are foundational, salvific truths—Jesus is God, He is perfect, He died for our sins, He is alive today, and salvation is found only through Him. Other doctrines, while important, should not be elevated to the point of division among brothers and sisters in Christ.

So, what is the theological discussion we encounter today? It revolves around the doctrine of election and God’s sovereignty in salvation. The Westminster Confession of Faith puts it this way in chapter 3, articles 3:

  1. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death.

In other words, By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestined unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death.

For some, this is a difficult teaching. The idea that God determines who will respond positively to His call can be unsettling. But in today’s reading, I see a clear example in Pharaoh. God Himself says, “I will harden his heart” (Exodus 7:3). This is the first of a back-and-forth progression in which Scripture alternates between stating that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart and Pharaoh hardened his own heart.

Paul references this in Romans 9:10–12, 17–18:

"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.’ ... For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’ So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.”

Through my study of Scripture, I have come to believe that God, in His sovereignty, elects those He chooses and rejects others according to His divine purpose. I have wrestled with the fairness of this position, but ultimately, I must acknowledge that I am the created, not the Creator. Who am I to define what is “fair” for the One who formed the heavens and the earth? Instead of questioning, I now focus on gratitude—gratitude that God, in His mercy, has chosen to extend grace to me.

If you disagree with my understanding, I respect that. My hope is that you will not allow this theological difference to divide us. My commitment as a pastor is to not use the pulpit as a battleground for this discussion. When the topic arises, I seek to present both perspectives fairly, encouraging believers to study Scripture and defend their position with humility. Ultimately, this doctrine does not determine our salvation. What does? Faith in Jesus Christ, the One who saves.

Let’s not lose sight of what unites us in Him.