Topical Bible: Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions

◄ Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions ►

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In the biblical context, the concept of decision-making is often portrayed as a critical aspect of faith and obedience to God. The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of making decisive choices, particularly in matters of faith and allegiance to God, as opposed to wavering or being indecisive.

One of the most illustrative examples of this principle is found in the account of the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel. In 1 Kings 18:21 , Elijah confronts the Israelites, who were torn between worshiping the LORD and following Baal. Elijah challenges them, saying, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This moment underscores the necessity of making a clear and resolute decision in matters of faith, highlighting the futility and danger of spiritual indecision.

The call to decision is not merely about choosing between two options but is deeply rooted in the commitment to serve and obey God wholeheartedly. Joshua's exhortation to the Israelites in Joshua 24:15 echoes this sentiment: "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua's declaration serves as a model of decisive leadership and personal commitment to God.

The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to make firm decisions in their spiritual lives. In James 1:6-8 , the apostle James warns against being double-minded, stating, "But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." This passage highlights the instability and ineffectiveness of a wavering faith, calling believers to a steadfast and unwavering trust in God.

The call to decision is also evident in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 6:24 , Jesus teaches, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Here, Jesus emphasizes the impossibility of divided loyalties, urging His followers to make a clear choice in their devotion.

Throughout Scripture, the call to decision is a call to faithfulness and commitment. It is a call to reject the temptation to waver between competing allegiances and to choose, with conviction, to follow God. This biblical principle challenges believers to examine their own lives and to make decisions that reflect their commitment to God and His purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 18:21
And Elijah came to all the people, and said, How long halt you between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Extracts No. X.
... are wavering, and, as it were, halting between two opinions, and of ... disposed to complain
of your decision not to ... truth of which you have opposed your testimony ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no x.htm

Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... dare not move against the multitudes which are opposed to you ... time, who most justly
decree that the decision of the ... the record not only of his halting, but also ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm

A Treatise on Re-Baptism by an Anonymous Writer.
... varying in their own judgment, and somewhat halting in faith ... although we might venture,
against the decision of the ... him to have perished will be opposed by the ...
/.../a treatise of novatian concerning the trinity/a treatise on re-baptism by.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Feeble-mind and he Did love, and in opinions much agree ... would not have everybody
know it, that between this and ... and the two them made this assault upon us were ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm