The Arminian Election

Arminian: "I believe in Bible election. God votes for you, the devil votes against you, and you cast the deciding vote."

The evangelist (?) cackled like he had laid an egg after "refuting" the biblical doctrine of election with the above illustration. Since this is the Arminian's favorite story, several things should be pointed out.

• First, this illustration denies that God is even close to Almighty. He desperately wants to accomplish His purpose but is unable to do so.
• Second the reason that God is unable to do what His heart desires is that another being, of equal ability and power, can checkmate Him. This terrible illustration gives the devil equal power with God.
• Third, to add insult to injury, the mighty will of man comes in to break the deadlock between God and the devil.
  

How God-dishonoring can false doctrine become? The free-willer may be "unwilling" to admit these, but his theology makes man supreme, the devil second, and God is third at worst, and tied for second, at best. I wonder if these people ever read;

• But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth Job 23:13.

• Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth Romans 9:18.

• "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.... what I have planned, that I will do." Isaiah 46:10-11 (NIV)
  

• "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)
  

• "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD." Proverbs 21:30 (NIV)

• "The LORD works out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a day of disaster." Proverbs 16:4 (NIV)

• "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,.." Ephesians 1:11 (NIV)