Based on Acts 28:17-31 (New King James Version)
“And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: ‘Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.’ Then they said to him, ‘We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.’ So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: ‘The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, saying, ‘Go to this people and say: ‘Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.’ ’ ‘Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!’ And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.”
What determines a person’s insensitivity to the Gospel? Why do some listen and understand, and many others don’t? Is this something predetermined by God? Are we truly free to choose? Some are interested in knowing this. Others, not so much. It all depends, as we will explain and try to help understand through the Word.
There are some people that think that everything is all set, and that there is nothing else that can be done, that God has predestined or predisposed all things, even those that will or will not be saved. These are the same folks that believe this is like that because God is great, and that believing otherwise is questioning God’s sovereignty. The Word does give room to believe this, per se, that things are established already. There are places where predestination is mentioned. So then, can it be said 100% that there is no such predestination? No. It is possible that there may be certain instances of this so-called predestination and that there may be some people that exist with the sole purpose of not belonging to God, but this does not apply to everyone in general. This is something we must be very clear on, that we should not take certain parts of the Bible and forget about the rest. This is the problem with many doctrines that exist, that they take certain Bible truths, and they forget or deny the greater majority. In other words, let’s put it numerically, 5% of something cannot define the remaining 95%. That is why it is important to understand and comprehend the fulness of the Word, not just certain parts, because the Word, whether it be words printed on paper (or characters for other languages), or like we see it today, data on a screen, it is moreover the Person of Christ, as it is written: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” John 1:1-2. And also: “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7. So then, this is what the Word declares about itself: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
So then, if we understand this, that the issue of predestination does not apply to the entire world, then we should understand that the issue of being saved or not clearly depends on the person. It is true that God calls. It is true that the Holy Spirit is the One that gives us conviction of sin, something that goes beyond the conscience. But we cannot lose sight of the fact that God calls at every moment, and through all created things, for it is written: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20. And also, the Holy Spirit is operating at every moment, starting by this same point, that everything that is created speaks of God, because the Holy Spirit of God works through the Word, not through feelings, because He works in conjunction with the Father and the Son, because the Three are One. Therefore, irrefutably, the Three think and do the same. None of the Trinity says or does something different. So then, God calls at every instant, and the Holy Spirit points to everything God does, and He is always urging to turn to God, to repentance, just as the Word says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. This short verse on its own (and of course, there are many more) urges us to understand that we all have a sin problem and that we fall short of the glory of God, and I don’t know of anything that could give more conviction than this. And this also helps us understand that (God be praised!) we are not predestined beings in general, because this same thing reveals to us that our destiny, because of our sin, would be fully hell. But Christ broke that destiny as it is also written: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.
So then, what is it that finally dictates the insensitivity to the Gospel? It all depends on who or what a person decides to serve, whether God or the sin that dwells within them. As it is written: “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” Romans 6:11-16. Quite simply, if you are more focused in your own vanities and selfishness, in the end, focused on serving sin, then you will not be able to understand, no matter what the Trinity does. To be able to have life, it is necessary to submit and obey righteousness, life—Christ. So then, who or what are you choosing to obey? Lord bless! John