CRU Update

This term in CRU group we are trying to address questions that people have regarding the Bible and the Christian faith. Last week alone, we received 50 of such questions, so we are trying to work through some of them each Friday at CRU group. We started last week with two great questions, namely predestination and ‘When will Jesus return?’

Regarding predestination, Mr Gibson presented the definition as: “God choosing to save some before the creation of the world not based on anything he foresaw in us that was good but out of His grace.” He noted that God predestined people in love based on His purpose and will, and that this is the only way to Christ. We saw how this is a Biblical teaching as Mr Gibson pointed to verses such as Acts 13:48, Acts 16:14 and Ephesians 1:4-6. We must understand that God could have condemned everybody, but in His great mercy, He has opened our hearts to respond to His saving message. At the same time, Mr Gibson importantly mentioned that we still make real choices as even though it is God who opens our hearts, we respond. As we share the gospel, we should know that God is at work and can change anyone’s heart and draw anyone to Himself. The second seminar last week that was held involved the interesting question of ‘When will Jesus return?’ Nigel Vaux from CRU came and spoke regarding this question. While there have been a few people throughout history that have sought to answer this question (including giving an exact day and year), we were reminded that Jesus himself says that no one knows about that day or time (Mark 13:32). As a result of this, we are reminded to be watchful. In many ways, the time of Jesus’ return should not change how we live. We are to keep trusting in him and serving him in the day and context that we are facing.

Daniel Becker
9 TY4