What role did God have in our lives drawing us to Himself before salvation?

When you speak of salvation, are you referring to when you consecrated your life to the Lord for the heavenly prize or are you asking about the general redemption of mankind on the Earth? In this present evil world (Galatians 1:4), God is only dealing with people who are seeking Him and righteousness.

When Adam was created perfect in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) God wrote His law of love in Adam’s heart. Romans 2:14-15 (RSV), “When Gentiles who have not the law (covenant)  do by nature what the law requires, … They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them.” Even though parts of God’s law has been worn away in mankind’s hearts over the last 6,000 years, people still know about justice, love, etc.

Some who are discontent with and recognize the emptiness of the world, and their own sinful conditions may begin to look for God. They search for a better way. James records this promise, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded,” James 4:8 (NKJV)

How does God draw near? God may draw by overruling some of a person’s life circumstances (Proverbs 3:6), may answer some prayers (Mark 11:24), and may open a person’s eyes to the way of salvation through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8). These evidences of God’s grace are a blessing in themselves.

However, God may further choose to call a person by creating a heavenly desire to come out of the world and to consecrate his life and to run for the prize of the High Calling. (See Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 22:14; Hebrews 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 2:7.)  God’s call, His choosing (Matthew 22:14) and acceptance of one’s decision to accept Jesus and to consecrate his life is followed by God begetting a new life in him through the Holy Spirit. Those who are faithful will become the church (Revelation 17:14).

Please be cautioned that the New Testament scriptures do not teach that people will see visions, hear voices, or experience miracles which will draw them to Jesus. The pull toward God is the response of an honest heart to God’s wonderful righteous love. (Luke 8:15)

The rest of the world of mankind, God leaves to their own devices. They are learning valuable lessons of the consequences of sin – pain, suffering, death. When the church class is complete,  then the times of restoration of all things will occur. (Acts 3:20-21.)  “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now;… 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God,” Romans 8:22, 19 (RSV).

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