Parallel Tracks – Divine Sovereignty amd Individual Responsibility

by Kevin Corbin · Published 23 February 2022 · Updated 19 June 2026

Railroad tracks running parallel towards the. horizon

Railroad tracks have always fascinated me. There is something about the romance of train travel that has an appeal, but it’s tracks that capture my interest.

I find something about two parallel lines that never come together strangely satisfying. I’m not sure what it is, but it is comforting that the two lines are running equidistantly side-by-side forever. I know some people who find that the lines never meet to be disquieting. I suspect most people have never thought about it one way or another.

A pair of themes in the Scriptures run parallel to one another. Efforts to reconcile those parallel themes inevitably damage or distort one or the other.

I am speaking of divine sovereignty and individual responsibility. Both are taught clearly in the Bible and sometimes seem to be a paradox.

God has clearly ordained those He has called to salvation. Salvation is entirely of God.

Here is a small sampling of the verses that teach that concept.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30

As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 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. Romans 9:13-18

Yet, individual responsibility is also clearly taught. Every person is accountable for what they do about Jesus.

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:12

…as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:14-16

I could cite many more verses supporting both the truth of God’s sovereignty (divine election) and personal responsibility (our choice) from old and new testaments. Whatever theological position you take on the issue, you must deal with the other track.

I have been asked, “How do you reconcile the two?” I don’t.

I have also been asked “Which is true?” They both are.

I know that without a doubt that my salvation is entirely of God and not of me. He provided even the faith I needed to be saved. I also know that there was a point at which I chose to believe, at least from my perspective.

I don’t need to resolve the seeming paradox. I couldn’t if I wanted to. The Bible teaches both, and God’s Word never lies.

I’m not responsible for solving the issue. I am responsible for trusting in God by faith and sharing the gospel with others.

Maybe God will reveal the answer to us in glory. Then again, perhaps He won’t. He is God and will always know and understand things I cannot comprehend.

I don’t know who the elect are, so I will tell anyone who will listen about Jesus. I know that God is perfect, righteous, just, holy and merciful. His plans will always be perfect. That is more than enough for me, not that God requires my understanding or approval anyway.

Praise Him for your salvation and for the opportunity to tell others about Him.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed.

Kevin.

Gleanings From The Word.

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.

Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)

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